Chapter 16

"All the things I know right now, if I only knew back then
There's no gettin' over, no gettin' over, there's just no gettin' over you

Wish I could spin my world into reverse, just to have you back again
There's no gettin' over, there's no gettin' over, there's just no gettin' over you"

Getting' Over You by David Guetta featuring Fergie

Sabrina and the Wardens slowly made their way into the courtyard of the Keep. They had been gone a month in the Blackmarsh and she had never felt so bone weary. She slid down from her horse and immediately Tristen was at her side with his arm around her as they made their way into the Keep. She went to her study so that Varel could bring her up to date on the activities of the Keep, while Tristen asked one of the servants for a bath to be brought up to the Commander's rooms.

What seemed like hours later, Sabrina finally made it to her chambers. When she entered, her room was lit by dozens of candles and smelled like Highever Jasmine. Tristen must have added some of the perfumed oil Fergus had given her to the water. He was already in the tub, completely relaxed.

He smiled at her as she walked over to him, "You are way to overdressed for a soak, my Love."

She quickly got undressed and climbed in, turning around and easing herself down so she could lean her back against his chest.

"Mmm, now that is a very stimulating view," Tristen groaned.

"Don't get any ideas. I'm too tired to remember my name let alone participate in any extracurricular activities," Sabrina warned.

Tristen laughed. "Who said you needed to participate? You my sweet, just need to lay back, relax and enjoy."

For the next hour they soaked in the bath together as they affectionately and gently cleaned each other. Tristen helped her unwind several times and she was nearly asleep before he got out of the tub. He dried himself off before pulling her up, wrapped a towel around her and dried her. She was barely able to stand as he scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bed where he lovingly wrapped himself around her and they fell asleep wrapped in each others' arms.

The following morning the bells from the guard tower woke her as they sounded the approach of the Teyrn. Sabrina scrambled out of bed, threw on a robe and headed for the courtyard. Her brother dismounted and smiled brightly as she swiftly moved toward him.

"Bloody hell, Fergus, don't you think a little notice that you were planning a visit would have been nice?" Sabrina asked sternly.

"What? I can't surprise my sister with a visit and is that anyway to greet your brother?" Fergus questioned as he winked at Tristen who had approached from behind.

"Your Grace, it's good to see you again," Tristen said.

"Well, I'm glad someone is happy to see me. If I didn't know any better, Bean, I would say you're disappointed I'm here," Fergus said.

"Oh you know that isn't true," Sabrina said as she hugged her brother. "It's just that we only arrived back from the Blackmarsh yesterday and I have a lot to catch up on."

"The Blackmarsh! You don't say. Well, let's go have some breakfast and you can tell me all about it," Fergus said.

"What are you doing here, Fergus?"

"What you think I have ulterior motives for being here?"

Sabrina nodded. "Well, if you must know I am meeting with Lord Eddelbrek to discuss lending him some of Highever's soldiers to help defend the farm lands."

Sabrina stopped dead in her tracks. "And you're just now getting around to telling me this? Don't you think that this will undermine my authority since I decreed that the trade routes were the most important thing that needed to be defended."

Fergus rested his hand on her shoulder. "That is why I'm here, Bean. I agree with your choice. The city can't survive without trade flowing freely, but the farmers provide food throughout the Teyrnir. I know you are short on men so I am here to offer assistance. Now, let's go inside and discuss everything."

The three of them headed into Sabrina's study where the servants brought them breakfast as they brought each other up to date on news. After Sabrina told him about their trip to the Blackmarsh, the Baroness and the Fade, Fergus sat back astonished.

Fergus shook his head, "The life you lead, my dear sister, is amazing and frightening. I hope you are being careful. After your last close call, I don't know if my heart can take much more."

"You have my word, Fergus, I am keeping a close eye on her," Tristen said.

Fergus smiled at him. "Yes, of that I have no doubt. So Tristen, when are you going to make an honest woman of my dear sister."

Both Tristen and Sabrina began to choke and Sabrina nearly spit out her tea. "F-Fergus, that is none of your concern!" She exclaimed as she looked over at Tristen who was now three shades of red.

"Of course it is. I have to look out for your reputation, Bean. After all you are the sister of a Teryn," Fergus said.

"Oh please, since when have you cared about my reputation?"

"Since I am now responsible for you," Fergus said jovially.

"Oh for the love of Andraste's sweet arse, you haven't been responsible for…" her voice trailed off as she looked at Fergus and realized he was just giving her a hard time on purpose. She picked up a scone and lobbed it at his head; Fergus ducked and it hit the floor behind him.

Fegus chuckled, "Your aim isn't what it used to be."

"If I had a blade in my hand it would be a different story," Sabrina said sardonically.

Fergus' eyes lit up, "Speaking of blades, dear sister…" Fergus paused as he grabbed his pack and rummaged through it. He found what he was looking for and with drew the matching dagger that her father had given her.

Fergus handed it to her, "The dagger was much more damaged then the sword and it took the smithy much longer to repair, but I do believe that he was able to bring it back its former beauty."

Sabrina just stared at the dagger in shock and joy, lovingly running her hand over it. She leapt to her feet and enthusiastically hugged him. "Thank you, Fergus, thank you so much."

Fergus wholeheartedly returned the hug. "Anything for you, Beanie, you know that."

There was a knock at the door and Sabrina got up to answer it. "Commander, there is a visitor waiting for you and Warden Tristen in your office."

"Thank you, Tyson," Sabrina said as she handed the boy two silver coins. She turned back toward the table and noticed Tristen and Fergus discussing something animatedly in hushed tones. When they noticed her approach they quickly changed the subject.

Sabrina raised an eye brow, "Whatever you two are scheming it needs to stop right now."

They both looked at her with feigned innocence. "Who? Us? Scheme? Never!" Tristen exclaimed as he gave her that sexy wicked grin of his that always made her knees wobble just a little.

"That grin of yours won't work on me, Tristen Theirin. I'm on to your games," Sabrina retorted.

"Oh really, 'cause I'm pretty sure I just saw you tremble ever so slightly. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe it was just the light in here playing tricks with my eyes. Was I wrong Fergus?" Tristen asked as his grin grew even wider.

"No, no you weren't. There was definitely a faint quiver," Fergus replied, enjoying playing along.

"Men!" Sabrina said exasperated and she spun on her heels to leave. Both of them burst into laughter.

Sabrina stopped and looked at Tristen. "By the way, there is someone in my office here to see the two of us. Get ready and meet me there in fifteen minutes."

Then she swiftly exited the room, but she heard Fergus say, "Giving a command always makes her feel better when she gets backed into a corner." Sabrina rolled her eyes and headed for her room to change.

xxXxx

Tristen was running late as he made his way to Sabrina's office, he hoped that Sabrina was running a little behind too, but as he approached the door he heard her unmistakable laughter.

He entered the room and noticed a small woman sitting in the chair in front of Sabrina's desk. Upon hearing his approach, the woman twisted around to look. Tristen's eyes widened as a huge smile spread across his face.

"Mom…you're here! Maker it's good to see you!" He exclaimed as he picked his mother up and hugged her fiercely.

"You're a sight for sore eyes, my boy. Now put me down so that I can get a good look at you," Fiona said tenderly.

Tristen set the tiny elf down. She only came up to the middle of his chest as she had ever since he hit a growth spurt in his early teens, he knelt down in front of her so that she could examine him. Tristen felt the warmth of the magic wash over him as his mother magically inspected him. She paused when her hands were over his heart; she paused and then smiled at him before she continued the rest of her examination.

Once satisfied that her boy was healthy, she turned towards Sabrina, "Commander, I see you have been taking good care of my boy. I appreciate that."

Sabrina smiled warmly at her. "Of course, although at times he hasn't made it easy for me," Sabrina said as she winked at Tristen.

"I would expect nothing less from this one," Fiona replied with a grin. Fiona then leveled a serious look at Sabrina before she continued. "And Commander would you be the one that has stolen my dear son's heart?"

Tristen watched as Sabrina's face briefly registered shock before she reined in her emotions. What the bloody hell was going on today with family members intruding on their private lives?

"Mom, that is a completely inappropriate thing to ask of a woman you just…" he started.

Sabrina raised her hand to silence him. "No, Tristen it is a completely reasonable question for a mother to ask. Fiona, I can only hope that I have captured your son's heart as completely as he as ensnared mine."

Fiona beamed at her. "After what I just felt, of that my dear child you should never doubt."

Sabrina smiled at both of them and asked, "You could tell he was in love when you examined him?"

Fiona nodded. "Yes, a heart in love, a heart in pain, a heart filled with regret they all beat differently. My son's heart beats so strongly with love I felt it before I even examined him and that makes this old woman's heart extremely happy."

Tristen spent the rest of the day showing his mother around the Keep and introducing her to everyone while Sabrina and Varel caught up on the Arling business. When Tristen introduced her to Fergus his eyes flickered to Tristen and then to Fiona as huge smirk spread across his face.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Fiona," Fergus purred.

Tristen raised an eyebrow. He had never known Fergus to be prejudiced against mages or elves, but his behavior was a bit peculiar. Fergus could see his anxiousness and hastily explained his reaction. "I'm sorry, I hope I didn't give you the impression that I'm intolerant, it couldn't be further from the truth. I just envisioned the faces of the nobles when they find out that the last two men of the Theirin line have both elven and mage blood. Oh that's rich!"

Fiona giggled a bit, but then became serious. "As much as I would love to see that too, I don't believe it's wise to announce who their mother is. It will cause instability in a nation that is still struggling to recover and it will make it even more difficult for Alistair to rule."

"Very true and wisely spoken, Fiona," Fergus said in agreement.

"I don't know if you will be able to convince Alistair to deny who his mother is when he has spent his life having his father deny his existence. Family means too much to him. I get the impression he would tell the nobles they can stick the Theirin throne where the sun doesn't shine before he would deny the existence of his mother," Tristen stated matter-of-factly.

Both Fergus and Fiona laughed. "Yes, I could see that; he definitely has some of Maric in him and he can be very stubborn. We will need to convince him that this is in everyone's best interests if he doesn't public acknowledge you. Privately is fine, but not in front of the nobles," Fergus stated.

"It's still going to be a tough sell, but we can try," Tristen replied.

That evening at dinner Sabrina introduced Fiona to her fellow Wardens and with the mage's permission Sabrina told them of Fiona's encounter with the Architect. By the end of the tale, every pair of eyes were on the tiny elf amazed and astounded at her story.

Oghren was the first to react. He walked up to her, took out a bottle and poured her a glass, "This is Mackay's Epic Single Malt. This whiskey is older than the Maker, smoother than an Elven baby's butt and packs more of a wallop than an Antivan whore. You have earned it."

Zevran quickly countered. "Packs more of a wallop the an Antivan whore? Well my friend I must say, that is really saying something coming from a dwarf like you. Didn't Felsi knock you on your ass a few times? She does pack a surprising wallop."

Oghren just laughed and said. "Not as hard as Branka but with her, it was usually accompanied by a foot up the arse."

Sabrina laughed as Tristen replied, "That's high praise coming from a dwarf."

Fiona nodded at Oghren. She took a sip and smiled. "You are definitely right about the Elven baby butt. That is extremely smooth. Thank you, my friend."

For the first…ever Tristen saw Oghren blush at the compliment. He had to smile, his mother had that effect on everyone.

"I want to hear another story!" Anders exclaimed like a little kid. He turned to Sabrina, "Commander, you never have told us a firsthand account of how the Archdemon was slain."

Tristen noticed her shift uncomfortably in her chair. She didn't like to talk about the battle on top of Fort Drakon. As a matter of fact she had never even told him the complete story.

"Yes, I believe we would all be honored if you told the tale," Fergus said.

Sabrina smiled uneasily, "Well, I think Zev should tell the tale. He always makes it sound so much more glamorous then it really was."

"One of my favorite stories of how the beautiful Grey Warden and her handsome assassin killed the Archdemon…"

Oghren smacked Zev on the back, "Brother, need I remind you that I was there as was Wynne and that so called Hero Loghain."

At the mention of Loghain's name Fiona snorted and Oghren chuckled. "So I take it you're not a fan of the infamous general either and not upset over his death?"

Fiona grunted, "I am only upset that the man had the nerve to die before I had a chance to add his balls as an ornament to my staff."

The whole room burst into laughter. "Oh Tristen, I like her. We must keep her around," Zev insisted.

Tristen winked at his mother and replied, "Oh, I'll do my best."

Zev looked over at Oghren, "So you want me to tell the real version of the story."

Oghren nodded, "And don't be adding the ending where you get the pretty girl. We all know that it didn't happen like that."

Zev let out a long sigh. "But that version really has the best ending, but if you insist, I will tell the correct and boring version." Zev then launched into a much more dramatic tale of how they battled their way through to the top of the Fort to confront the Archdemon. Tristen's heart had been racing as Zev worked his way through the tale, even though he had already known the outcome. It frightened him down to his bones how close he had come to never meeting Sabrina. When Zev had finished, all eyes were on Sabrina as if she was the reincarnation of Andraste herself. Tristen squeezed her hand reassuringly.

Fergus leaned over and whispered, "Bean, was it really that bad or was Zev just exaggerating?"

Sabrina's face was sad as she murmured gravely, "It was worse." Tristen's heart nearly stopped at those three little words and Fergus' face went completely pale at the realization of how terrible that final battle had really been, and how close he had come to losing his sister.

Sabrina composed herself and feigned a superficial smile, she turned to Fiona and warmly asked, "Fiona would you honor us with tales of the Orlesian Wardens."

Fiona realized that Zev's tale had brought up unpleasant memories and she quickly nodded and began to tell them about the Wardens in Orlais. They drank and told stories late into the night and as they made their way up the backstairs to the Commander's chambers, Tristen pushed Sabrina against the wall and pressed against her. He ran his fingers through her hair as he drew her face to his.

"I can't believe how close I came to losing you, before I ever met you," he breathed against her lips.

"But you didn't and here I am," she sighed breathlessly.

"Yes, here you are," and he groaned as his mouth captured and hungrily devoured hers. He ran his hands down her back to her firm bottom and he gasped as he pulled her up against him. She wrapped her legs around his waist and with her firmly secured, he got them to her rooms where he passionately and vigorously showed her how glad he was that she survived the final battle.

The following morning Tristen, Sabrina, Fiona and Fergus met in the stables for a day of hunting in the surrounding forest. They were just about to mount up when a messenger frantically ran up to them and announced that the City of Amaranthine was under attack by darkspawn.

"When did these attacks start?" Sabrina demanded.

"Just about two hours before dawn," the messenger replied.

Sabrina turned to Tristen, "Wake up Nate, Oghren, Tess, Sigrun, and Anders. They will accompany you and I into the City. Justice and Velanna will remain here with Zev and he is in charge of the Wardens during our absence. Fergus you must wake your men and get ready to leave immediately. You can ride with us till we reach the North Road."

"I'm not going anywhere, Bean. My men and I can stay here in case you need reinforcements in the City," Fergus said stubbornly.

"NO!" She exclaimed, then she drew in a deep breath to calm herself. "You need to head back to Highever Castle immediately, Fergus. What if the darkspawn attack there? Your people need their Teyrn with them," Sabrina argued and Fergus reluctantly nodded, conceding her point.

"Good, I need everyone ready to leave within the hour," Sabrina commanded as she spun on her heels and ran back into the Keep.

Tristen and Fiona watched her departure. Fiona had a slight grin on her face, "I like her. I really do. The girl's got spunk, and she is very level headed. I can see why you love her, my son," she said.

Tristen hugged his mom and the two of them hurried into the Keep.

xxXxx

Alistair stood on top of the hill that overlooked Vigil's Keep. It looked as if the Keep had taken serious damage and from the sounds of it there was still a battle raging. He pulled his sword and shield and gave the order for his guard to charge forward.

As they entered the courtyard, Alistair felt the veil ripple as a very powerful mage battled at least half a dozen darkspawn on her own. There were already countless darkspawn bodies scattered at her feet. Alistair saw Zev fighting numerous foes on the battlements and he felt several Wardens in the midst of combat. Alistair charged towards the mage as he fought through a wave. As he drew closer he saw that not only was the mage casting spell after spell, but she wielded a sword as well as any one of his guards. She was very impressive to watch.

When she had disposed of the last darkspawn she turned toward Alistair, he grinned at her. "Did you kill all of those by yourself? That's very impressive."

"What did you think I was going to do, invite them for cigars and brandy?" Fiona asked.

Alistair laughed. "No, the Commander would be very upset if you shared her brandy with darkspawn."

Alistair removed his helm and he heard the woman gasp and was concerned as she rocked back on her heels.

"Are you okay?" Alistair asked.

Before she could answer the bell in the tower sounded, signaling the arrival of another Warden. Seconds later Sigrun rode hard through the gates. She didn't even acknowledge that she saw Alistair. She looked directly at the mage, "Tristen has been gravely injured. He won't make it to the Keep, I need you to come with me immediately."

Alistair felt fear stir through him. "What do you mean he was gravely injured? How?"

"Your majesty, I didn't see you there."

Alistair just waved her off. "That isn't important just quickly give us your report."

"We were attacked by a darkspawn scouting party on our way back from the city. They outnumbered us three to one; we were already exhausted from the assault on the city and they just overpowered us. Tess is with him now, but we need a mage immediately."

"Where is the Commander?" Alistair asked.

"She took Nate, Oghren and Anders with her to fight the Mother and the Architect. She sent Tristen, Tess and I back here to help defend the Keep." Alistair felt panic begin to seep in. The two most important people in his life were in mortal peril. He looked over at the mage who looked visibly shaken.

She turned to Alistair, "Can you help me mount behind Sigrun?"

Alistair nodded as he assisted her up and he called for his horse, fully intending to go with them. Sigrun glared at him "You know the Commander would have a fit, Your Majesty, you are needed here" she stated implacably. Alistair opened his mouth to argue and shut it again with a snap and nodded.

He heard the mage say, "Take me to my son."

Sigrun expertly got the horse turned and raced out of the Keep. Her son…bloody hell that was Fiona.

For the next two hours Alistair kept himself busy helping with the wounded or clearing debris as he waited for Fiona to return with Tristen. Finally the bell in the tower rang out as three horses galloped into the quadrant. Tess had Tristen in her arms. He looked pale from the loss of blood and his head just lolled lifelessly back and forth. Alistair ran over while ordering a stretcher be brought, and Tess eased Tristen down into his arms, then he gently lowered him to the ground.

Once the stretcher arrived, Tristen was moved on to it gently and when the men picked him up, they asked where he should be taken.

"To the Commander's chambers," Zev said as he approached from behind. "Don't you agree your Majesty," He asked dryly.

"Yes, that is where he belongs," Alistair replied matter of factly.

Alistair watched as Fiona tirelessly worked on Tristen for hours. Finally she fell into a chair completely exhausted.

Alistair quietly approached her. "Is he going to make it?"

Fiona looked at him with such sadness, "I don't know. Several vital organs were injured. I've done my best to heal them, but I can't get the bleeding to stop. All I can do is regain my strength and continue to work on him."

"Do you need me to get you more lyrium?" Alistair asked.

"No, thank you Alistair, I have plenty," she replied.

Alistair had to suppress a smile. Now was not the time for enjoyment, but he loved how his mother said his name. It wasn't because of her accent. It was because it was said with such love and affection. He looked over at the tiny elf and found that she was watching him. She had a slight grin on her face.

"I have dreamed of the day that I would lay eyes on you again, my son," Fiona said.

"I am just sorry it's under these circumstances," Alistair replied.

"So am I," she said as she clasped his hands and squeezed. They held hands for a very long time until she had gathered her strength and began casting healing spells again.

This went on for days with little improvement. Alistair had pulled two large chairs together in the corner and had just fallen asleep when he heard the door slam open.

Alistair's eyes flew open. Silhouetted in the doorway, dirty and covered head to toe in dried blood was Sabrina. She gasped when she saw Tristen's lifeless body on her bed.

With a low cry of despair, she ran to him, hovering next to the bed, not knowing whether she could touch him, desperately needing to. She turned to Fiona who was sitting on the edge of the bed, her head bowed with exhaustion and gently rested her hand on the mage's shoulder, "How is he Fiona?"

Fiona stirred weakly and spoke softly, "I have been able to heal all of his injuries and was able to get bleeding to stop. He should have woken up by now, but he hasn't. The only thing I can conclude is that he lost a lot more blood than I assumed and it is taking his body longer to heal and replenish it."

Alistair stood and helped Fiona from the bed, gently persuading her that she needed to rest and they would fetch her immediately if Tristen needed her.

Sabrina nodded her agreement. "Thank you," she whispered as she gently crawled up on the bed next to Tristen, curling up beside him and resting her head on his chest.

As Alistair quietly made his way out of the room with Fiona, he heard her hushed sobs as she softly begged him to come back to her. Just when he thought he was over the pain, the sight of seeing her so emotionally distraught over his brother's well being, sent a new wave of anguish through him. As much as he wanted to believe that Tristen was just a passing fling, he could no longer deny that she loved him after witnessing such a raw display of grief.

He knew the heartache she was feeling and what she was going through. He had felt the exact same way when he stood vigil over her for two weeks after she had battled the Archdemon. Although for him, those two weeks were filled with a lot of emotional ups and downs as his anger towards her continued to grow, but his need for her live remained strong.

Once he had seen Fiona comfortable in bed, Alistair made his way to his own room, he crawled on the bed and he was asleep before his head even touched the pillow.

Alistair stood in an open field. He turned around and saw that the Keep was behind him. There was a path that led to a grove of oak trees and he headed down towards it. Standing under a tree was Tristen and Alistair quickly made his way over to his brother.

"Tristen, what are you doing here?"

Tristen looked at him for a moment and a confused look settled across his face, "Who are you?"

Alistair felt like someone had just slapped him in the face. "What do you mean who am I? I'm your brother, Alistair."

Tristen pondered this for a moment, "Then who am I?"

"You're Tristen Theirin, son to Fiona, you're my twin brother, you're a Grey Warden and your S-Sabrina's love," Alistair answered.

"Who's Sabrina?"

"Oh bloody hell," Alistair grasped Tristen's hand. He thought really hard of the room he had left and the image of Sabrina sobbing into Tristen's chest.

The scene changed and they were in Sabrina's chamber. She was curled up beside Tristen as she pleaded with him to come back.

Tristen looked at the scene, but no recognition registered on his face. "She's very pretty. Why is she so sad?"

Un-fucking-believable! Alistair couldn't believe this was happening. Had he lost so much blood that it caused complete memory loss?

"That, my brother, is Sabrina, and she l-loves you very much. She is sad because you were seriously injured during a battle and she is afraid you are going to die."

"She's so sad. It's heartbreaking to watch. Can we go somewhere else?"

Alistair nodded. He concentrated on the dream that had taken place on the bluffs and the scene changed. The two brothers watched the playful scene between Tristen and Sabrina unfold before them as the two young lovers lightheartedly teased each other.

"They seem very happy," Tristen said.

Alistair nodded sadly. "Yes, they do."

Tristen had just grabbed Sabrina's foot, she had fallen down beside him and Tristen rolled on top of her.

His brother beside him laughed, "He is definitely good with the ladies."

Alistair just groaned.

"This is vaguely familiar. Can you show me something else?"

Andraste's arse on a cracker, he was beginning to feel like one of the ghosts from that Twelfth Night story. He was beginning to run out of the clean dreams and he sure as hell didn't want to visit the dirty ones. He recalled a recent dream that he'd shared with Tristen and Alistair concentrated on the bonfire.

Tristen took her hand and began to twirl her around the fire.

Alistair heard his brother gasp, "She's breathtaking."

Alistair looked at her and ached to hold her on last time. "Yes, she is."

Oh the Maker has a real sense of humor if he was making him go through this as part of his atonement.

"I was beginning to think you didn't know how to dance," Sabrina said.

"Oh I just wanted all those poor sobs to believe that they actually had a shot with you," Tristen chortled.

"He loves her too…he loves her deeply," his brother observed.

"Not he…that's you! You love her deeply," Alistair corrected.

Sabrina giggled. "Oh and you think you do?"

"I know I do," Tristen sighed into her ear and he felt a tremor pass through her.

"Did your body react like that when those other men held you in their arms?"

"And she loves him…I mean me," Tristen replied.

Alistair felt the tears prickle at his eyes. He pinched the bridge of his nose as he fought them off. "Yes, as I said earlier. She loves you very much, Tristen. You have to fight your way out of this and back to her.

Tristen took Sabrina's hand to lead her away from the crowd into the woods nearby.

Alistair felt his brother begin to follow the couple down the path, but Alistair grabbed his arm. He had no desire to relive that part of the dream. "We don't need to follow them. Let's give them their privacy."

Tristen watched them and then whispered, "Oooo."

Alistair was about to lead them to another memory when he felt the pull and Tristen brought them back to the tree in the field, but this time they weren't alone. This was a new memory and obviously one that meant a great deal to him since this was where Alistair had found him.

Alistair and his brother watched the couple underneath the tree.

Sabrina slid onto his lap and straddled him, she cupped his face in her hands and looked directly into his eyes, "You used your dreams to save me. You came after me to get me away from Denerim. You used the knowledge from your dreams to try and help me heal from all the pain. You used the information from your dreams to love me like no man has ever loved me. I know you didn't betray me, Tristen because I know your heart. You're a good man, a good man that I want to spend the rest of my life loving."

"W-what are you saying, Brin?"

Alistair felt his heart stop as pain tore through it and rippled through his body. He leaned against the tree as he tried to support himself.

His brother was oblivious to Alistair's struggle to remain on his feet. Tristen circled the couple and then a smile began to spread across his face, "Yes, this is familiar. This is good. My heart is beating with anticipation of what she is about to say, even though I know what she will say, yet I yearn to hear it again."

Hell, Alistair had a pretty good idea what was coming and it was the last thing he wanted to hear.

Sabrina smiled and leaned in so that her lips were only inches from his as she whispered, "I'm telling you Tristen Theirin that I love you. I love you with every fiber of my being and I want to spend the rest of my life loving you."

Alistair felt his knees give out and he went down painfully. Alistair had started to come to terms with the fact that she would never be a part of his life again…not like this. He had begun to accept that he would spend the rest of his life loving her from afar. He had accepted that Anora was his wife, his Queen and now his future. But hearing her speak those words felt like someone was slowly driving a dagger through his heart.

Before Alistair even realized what was happening the scene shifted and they were back in Sabrina's chambers as she wept against his brother's chest.

"Tristen, my Love, you have to come back to me. I need you. I can't do this without you. Please, I've lost too much. My heart can't take losing you too. Please, please," she heartbreakingly begged.

Alistair heard his brother beside him gasp as he cried out, "Oh Brin, I'm so sorry. The last thing I ever wanted to do was cause you pain."

Alistair looked at him, "You remember."

Tristen smiled at him, "Yes!"

The room faded and Alistair jerked awake. He leapt out of bed and raced down the hall to Sabrina's room and as he dashed into the room he saw Sabrina crying, but they were tears of joy as she hugged Tristen.

Alistair walked over to the bed, Tristen looked up at him weakly and smiled. "Thank you, Brother. I know that couldn't have been easy for you."

Alistair smiled, feeling an odd mixture of joy to see his brother awake and the pain of what he had just had to go through, to bring him back, "You have no idea. You owe me big time!"

A/N - I wanted to thank everyone for your reviews and for adding this story to your alert and favs list. Please continue to share your thoughts with me. It's wonderful hearing your thoughts and comments.

*I want to thank RandomWittering and Jinx1983 for their Beta awesomeness. I appreciate all of your help and insight. You ladies are the best!