- Master Bedroom -

"Looks like you get along well with everyone, sis." said Fergus as he hugged me tight. "F-Fergus... Too... Tight..." I coughed, as he released his tight grip around me. Doing this, I observed a light tear drop from his right eye and roll down his check. Wiping it I whispered, "Fergus... I know how you feel. But many people were lost in the war and we have to accept that."

Fergus brought a soft smile across his lips, "I know. That is why I wish there was some way I could protect you. To make up for not being there when- you know." The expression in his eyes showed everything he was feeling at that moment. The feeling of worry, of being unable to help the situation.

"Anyway... Your husband did not send me just to return you. Here are some documents that he needs signed and looked over. I think they are self explanatory, at least that's what Alistair said." As he brings out the documents from the satchel around his shoulder, I notice a familiar seal.

"The Orlesian seal? What matter do they have with us?" "The Orlesians are questioning the Ferelden wardens. Alistair said they were asking how you survived. He also mentioned that it was not a matter that could be spoken openly. He requests your discretion." At the last comment Fergus made, my eyes started glowing red with anger. "DISCRETION?! Why would he think I would betray him?! I am his wife!"

"Ny, calm down. He does not think you will betray him. He thinks that if something were to happen to me that there wouldn't be much information to gather, we all have enemies. In reality, he wanted to be here to escort you but Eamon wouldn't let him. Apparently Eamon said that if you could defeat an Archdemon then you could be safely escorted back without the need of the King's army. No matter how Alistair disputed against this, Eamon did have a point." I calmed myself and sat down in one of the arm chairs, sighing as I thought of Alistair.

"...smelly cheese."
"Sorry, what?"
"Oh, was just something Alistair would always say..."

I hugged Fergus and said, "Let us prepare for the journey so we can leave at first light. I would like to be rid of this place for a while." "As you wish, dear sister." At that, I gathered my belongings and then went to bed. I wonder what the next day will bring us, ay?

- Leaving the Vigil -

I have gathered all the men and women serving in the Vigil to say a word before I leave. "Men, women, knights and grey wardens. It has been an honor so far to lead you as your Commander of the Grey and Arlessa of Amarantine. But as you all have duties, I have one to the crown. As the Queen of Ferelden, King Alistair's wife, and the leader of many of his armies, I must return to Denerim. I will be back soon, so don't get slack off while I'm gone. Ohgren will head up the main force along with Anders leading the mages and Nathaniel Howe, the archers." Fergus whispered into my ear before I could continue my speach any further, "Sister, a small escort has arrived and a messenger wishes to speak with you." I pause for a moment and conclude my speech. "Take care of yourselves men! And remember, news to the capital travels fast!" Lowering my tone, so as to speak to Fergus, "Where is he?" Fergus led the way to the messenger. As his face came to view my feet stopped.

"Z-Zevran?!" I ran to him for the rest of the way and hugged him tight.

"Ah, dear Queen. Has been a while, 'as it not?" He smiled gently at me then pulled a huge grin as the escort came up in the distance behind him.

"Oh no... I know that grin all too well. Stop, please! For the Maker's sake!" My words must have been amusing because the laugh he gave me then was so scary it looked like he was crying. "Haha...ha... Ah, has been too long since we last met, my dear. I have brought the escort with me on behalf of his 'Cheesiness'. When I brought up the fact that the Crows would want revenge he seemed to be very worried so I said I would accompany you myself, not that your brother, the Teyrn could not bring you back safely. But... precautions must be taken to protect our beloved Queen and Hero of Ferelden."

I breathed a heavy sigh and proceeded to my chambers to gather my stuff. A loud knock was placed on my door as I was putting on my armor. "One moment." I quickly shoved on my breastplate and answered the door.

"Ma'am!"

"Wha- What is it, soldier?"

"His-"

"I can speak for myself." Zevran proclaimed as he strode into the room, stopping to sit on the bed.

"Zevran." I sighed heavily but was also relieved that it was him. Maybe we could talk about the 'Warden' days; the days of us adventuring to defeat the arch demon.

"Beautiful, we should leave now if we are to escape the coming storm." A storm? This was a surprise. The last time I had seen a storm fall over any part of Ferelden was when I was just a 'pup', as father called it.

Chuckling lightly, I said: "Very well. Let us depart."

- The journey -

"Halt!" Fergus yelled to the loyal troops escorting me. Walking over towards me and putting a hand on my shoulder he inquired, "Would you like to rest now?" It might have been that he noticed my weariness because usually we would continue for another hour or two.

Hesitantly I spoke, "Ah... Only if the troops need to. The more ground me make today, the earlier we can get back to Denerim and I to Alistair." Alistair... A calming thought to my already fatigued body. I guess those secret midnight training sessions that only the guarding soldiers new about had been a mistake. Although I hardly suspect that Varel didn't know about it. Maybe he was just being polite and didn't think it was worth mentioning, not that I would have listened anyway.

Mind full of worry, Fergus relayed his Queen's message. "We will be traveling for a bit longer so we can make more ground and arrive earlier. Move out!" The faces on the men and women who recieved this order was emotionless but for a flicker of a moment you could see the tiredness in their eyes.

Had I made a bad choice? But I wanted to get there sooner...

- An hour later, making camp -

"Make camp!" Fergus looked like he was enjoying himself leading the escort for Zevran who had been stealthily trailing behind in case of surprises.

My knees buckled, feeling an intense weight over my whole body I fell to the hard dirt ground. Lying there motionless, my eyes drifted to the night sky, bright with a moon looming overhead. Faint screams could be heard all around me as my vision faded rapidly. It felt calming, like I could be at peace. Closing my eyes, I let my mind rest.

"Your highness!" The escort resounded in horror.

"Sister!" Fergus yelled in shock while running to my motionless body.

"Nymeria?!" Zevran ran in surprise out of his hiding spot.

"Send a messanger to the King! Tell him to prepare a doctor! I will ride the Queen back as fast as I can." In protest to the Teyrn's decision, Zevran spoke up. "Shouldn't she rest? If her body is that tired then it would be better if she rested."

"I won't take any risks, Zevran! Not with my sister and definitely not with the Queen!"

"Very well, but let me take the message back to your King." Giving a reluctant nod in reply, Fergus agreed to let Zevran go. Hopping onto a horse, Zevran rode out for Denerim in haste.

"Captain!"

"Yes, sir!" the man replied with a salute.

"You are to take the escort back to Denerim as soon as they have rested. I shall take her highness back tonight. Any questions?"

"No, sir! Travel safely!"

"Very well, Maker watch over us all." At that, Fergus jumped onto the horse that had been carrying her highness's personal effects and placed her between him and the mane of the horse. Holding her tight with one arm, his other held the reign and he departed. Making great haste he knew he could reach Denerim in a few hours, thanks to her decision to continue that extra bit longer.

"I just hope we make it in time..."