Chapter 16

Tristan felt his heart race as Leliana made her way slowly toward him. She was as beautiful as ever. Her red hair framed her face perfectly and her blue eyes shone elegantly in the dim light off the window. She still sent a tingle down his spine. He didn't know what to expect from her. Many women had described Tristan as a charmer, able to win over a woman with words alone – if his handsome face didn't make them swoon first. But now, he was at a loss for words. This beautiful, confident woman, he had hurt her deeply. There was no amount, no combination of words that could set everything to right.

"So you found Morrigan." Leliana halted in front of him. It was not a question, but a statement.

Tristan inclined his head. "How much did you hear?"

"Enough." Leliana replied, gazing at him intently. She looked a little sad.

"Leliana…" Tristan whispered. "I am sorry…"

Leliana turned away swiftly. "I did not come here to see you hoping for an apology." She walked over to the window and made a show of looking out of it, though Tristan doubted she was actually paying attention to the outside. "I have thought about this long and hard. What I would say to you, what I would do. I know you are sorry, Tristan, but for what? For getting caught? Or for the act of betrayal itself?"

Tristan took a deep breath. He had to admit, she had a point. On the one hand, he was sorry he ever told her what had happened with Morrigan, but on the other hand he was sorry that he betrayed her. He wasn't sorry, though, that he, Alistair, and Melisende were alive, as a result of that betrayal. There was another thing he was certain about. "I am sorry that I hurt you."

Leliana sighed. That was not the answer she was looking for. He realized that to her, it was probably just more filth coming out of his mouth. Though, honestly, he couldn't really tell anymore what she was thinking. They had been so long apart now.

"I don't want to spend this time arguing with you." Leliana said, walking back toward him.

"Are you going somewhere?" Tristan asked.

Leliana nodded.

"Where?" Tristan pushed his luck. She was leaving… he wasn't sure how he felt about that.

"It doesn't matter, does it?" she quickly held up a hand to stifle any answer he came up with, "Don't answer that. What we had, it was special. But it was never meant to last. I see now, that the Maker left us with only two possible outcomes – either you died or you betrayed me."

"Leliana, it doesn't have to be that way…"

"I tell you now, that I forgive you. I see why you did what you did. I understand. But… you hid it from me for so long. You never bothered to tell me. I can't trust you anymore. Too much has happened. Too much has changed between us for me to come back to you. I am sorry Tristan, we cannot be together anymore." Leliana truly did look sorry.

That was no comfort to Tristan though. He should have expected this. Maybe he had even hoped she would release him. But it still hurt. He had only brought it upon himself though.

"If that is truly what you want, Leliana, then I will not object." Tristan stated, looking at Leliana for clear confirmation.

"It is what I want." Leliana replied, her voice tinged with sadness. "Thank you, Tristan."

"Will I ever see you again?" he asked as she turned around, heading for the doorway. She paused and then turned around slightly.

"I should think so. I love Ferelden too much to stay away on your account." She was about to step forward again, but hesitated.

"Will it always be so bitter between us?" Tristan inquired.

"We shall see, won't we?" With those words, Leliana continued to the door. She paused before passing through it and looked back at Tristan. It felt like his heart broke at that moment.

"Farewell, Leliana." Tristan said.

"I hope you know what you've done." Leliana said wistfully. "Morrigan's intentions… they are about as good as a hired assassin's."

With those words and without looking back, Leliana left the room.

Tristan stood alone in the room. He felt… relieved. He would always love Leliana, he was certain of that. But it was a weight off his shoulders. He wished her the best, he truly did. If he could go back in time, he probably would still go through with the ritual, but he would have told Leliana everything from the start. However, try as he might, he could not warp time. It had turned out alright, after all… for now. He shuddered involuntarily as an image of his son flashed through his mind. Only time would tell of Morrigan's true intentions. He pushed the dark thoughts out of his mind.

For the moment, he only hoped things would also turn out alright for his mother.