Queen Luana: Part two.

He would have followed her anywhere. This he knew. If she'd said go, he would've gone; if she'd told him to ride North, he would've done so; if she'd ask him to follow her to the end of the world, to the end of all things, he would've taken her hand and followed her blindly.

This was the closest he'd ever come to doing as she bade him to. She led the way through the plains and woods, along mountains and through valleys. Many roads looked familiar, roads he'd walked alone or with her, then there were roads he'd never taken, past old abandoned Dalish camps, through swamps and across stone. He did this without questioning, knowing she would guide them to Orzammar using the shortest route she knew. It would take them several days but they walked on steadily, often through the night if they still felt fit. Only the necessary words were spoken: warning about the presence of predators or bandits, requesting a stop to drink and rest a moment. They moved quicker than he'd ever moved in his life; it was as if the Blight itself was at their heels.

Three days they rushed through the land of Ferelden, before at last Lale came to a halt and said: "We'll set up camp here."

He knew why. Beyond those green hills at the horizon rested Lake Calenhad and its Tower. This area had always been a difficult one for Lale to cross so when she asked for rest, he gladly threw down his weapon and shield and started gathering firewood. Meanwhile Lale scanned the perimeter, blade in one hand. As he picked up dead branches from the earth he watched the way she moved, carefully, silently almost. The way she placed one foot next to the other seemed familiar.

When darkness fell he settled down by the fire, across from her, and watched her quietly. She watched the fire, every now and then closing her eyes for a few seconds as if she were thinking something through. Part of him prayed she'd tell him her story, another part found it rude to pry. If these really were their last days together, he'd need to cherish what they had and not waste time on the past.

When she closed her eyes once more, longer this time, she finally spoke. "How old is he now?"

He frowned and so she clarified, eyes still shut. "Your son."

"Twelve," he said, and wondered how long she'd been meaning to ask him.

"What did you name him?"

He turned his attention to the fire. "Duncan."

She smiled now and opened her eyes. "Of course you did." She brought her fingers to her lips and chuckled quietly.

"What's so amusing?"

"Oh, nothing, nothing at all," she said. He continued to stare at her however so finally she said: "I just think it's funny how you turned out exactly the way I thought you would."

"Oh really?" he demanded. "And exactly what way is that?"

She looked at him and in her eyes he caught an emotion he could not put his finger on. "You remember when we met?"

He was taken aback by this question, not having expected it.

"At Ostagar?" She stared ahead dreamily. "Late at night when I can't sleep I think back of that day. I think of Daveth and Sir Jory. I think of how so much tragedy could take place in a single day. For years I've thought about that one faithful day, not knowing what to think or feel. But everytime I find myself falling, spiralling down into a sadness big enough to consume my entire being, I think of you. I remember the first thing you said to me. You know, you said, one good thing about the Blight is how it brings people together." She rubbed her hands, grinning. "How right you were," she spoke softly.

"You hated me from the start," he pointed out and she threw her head back and laughed.

"Another tyrant," she said. "And a Templar! The epitome of everything I hated and feared."

"I'll never forget that nasty look you gave me when I asked you if you were a mage. I was certain the second I dropped my guard you'd turn me into a toad."

"I probably would've if it weren't for Duncan," she admitted.

"Why?"

She shrugged. "Duncan was different. He was the first non-mage I trusted. I guess part of it was because he saved me from that tower. I don't know how many years I would've spent in that dreadful place had he not taken me. I don't know. He struck me as kind and just. He spoke of you so fondly. When he died, I couldn't bring myself to hate you. For me, part of him has always lived on through you."

A tiny smile adorned his face. "You never told me that."

She studied his face. "There are many things I never told you."

"Like what?"

She got up. "I'll take the first shift. Get some rest."

Alistair had trouble falling asleep. It was nice and warm this close by the fire, but his mind would not rest. All they'd talked about was him. Even though she'd done most of the talking, all she'd done was give him more questions. What had she expected him to become? Balancing on the thin line between alertness and slumber he heard singing. He opened one eye carefully and saw Lale sitting by the fire, poking at the scorched wood with one of her daggers and quietly singing. It was Elven so he didn't understand a word she was saying, but he saw her eyes were glazed.

"So what was it like traveling with Leliana?" he asked.

She wasn't startled at seeing him awake; instead she calmly finished her song and then smiled. "It was an adventure." She looked at him and he looked back attentively. She sighed and leaned back against the log. "We went east, to Orlais. It's beautiful in spring. When you wander its cities you are greeted by the smell of roast lamb and sweet perfumes and the dresses are colorful and extravagant. We drank wine every night and she'd sing, or tell tales. There are hill sides yellow with flowers and rivers so clear and tranquil you can watch the fish swim." She tossed a rock at the flames of the fire. "It all must sound very dull compared to a life of royalty."

"It sounds wonderful," he spoke softly.

"It was."

And then finally. "I wish I could've seen it all at your side."

Her face went stern and cold in a flick. She forced her blade into the log and rose to her feet. "We have a long way to go still. Get some rest. We'll reach Orzammar tomorrow."

"You should rest," he said and got up, "I'll stand guard for the rest of the night."

"I want to enjoy the sky while I can," she said coldly. "Sleep."

He watched her disappear between the trees and knew it was pointless to go after her. She was a stubborn little thing, always had been, and she'd talk to him when she wanted to. He felt like a fool nonetheless, lying on the cold ground by himself and gazing up at the sky. He'd refrained from asking too many questions, or mentioning whatever they once had, but had pushed it too far already. Clearly it was still a sensitive topic to her in some way, even though she'd been the one that had left him and had thus given up on what they were, or could have been. Even now he couldn't really tell what had really been between them back then. Companionship, passion, love… All these things, certainly, but had it been something that could've lasted? That would've been worth pursuing? He assumed that the two of them differed in the amount of faith they'd had in any of this lasting. Maybe that's why she'd left. Anyhow, it was pointless asking her now. Never stir an angry elf well capable of setting your clothes on fire.

Queen Luana: As I see it now, I expect one more chapter plus an epilogue.