Outgrown

Anders nervously looked behind him as he quickly walked down the halls of Denerim palace. As the guards greeted him as he passed, he simply inclined his head and prayed that no one noticed how anxious he appeared to be. Luckily, the palace staff were busy preparing for the upcoming merriment that day…after all, the declaration of a new heir does not happen often.

As he approached the double doors to Wynne's personal study, he glanced around to make sure no one was following him. He quickly entered the chambers without a knock and closed the doors quietly behind him.

Wynne was sitting at her desk, reading the latest letter she had received from First Enchanter Irving from the Tower. She calmly glanced up and smiled at her visitor. "Why hello, Anders. My word…why do you look so pale and uneasy?"

Anders let out the breath he was holding in and wiped his sweaty forehead with the back of his hand. "It's impossible to feel anything but nerves when you carry the great secret of Ferelden in your robes."

Wynne immediately set her correspondence aside and stood up. "You have them with you?"

Anders nodded and reached into his potion pack. He pulled out three small crystal vials, each slightly different in shape, all three filled with dark red liquid. Anders quickly handed them to Wynne, glad to have the bottles of blood off his person. "The round one belongs to the King. The skinnier one belongs to Nathaniel…" He explained. "The smaller one belongs to…the Commander."

Wynne carefully observed each vial to make sure there were no leaks. She carefully set them on the desk and drummed her fingers against her chin. "Did anyone suspect you of anything?"

He shook his head. "Not in the slightest. Everything went according to our plan."

Wynne smiled gently. "Good job, Anders. Thank you. With this, I believe Ferelden's legacy has been saved."

"I'll keep telling myself I did it for the Legacy." He muttered. "Right. That'll make me feel less guilty."

On the very night that they discovered the Warden Commander was carrying, Wynne immediately began plans to secure Alistair's throne. At first, Anders was reluctant to become involved with the plot. However, the Senior Mage had convinced him that it was the best they could do…without having to resort to blood magic.

She also brought up Neria to guilt me into all this, that sneaky woman. Anders eyed the old mage with caution. The little old lady act was just a cover up. He ended up doing most of the labor himself.

The older mage rubbed his arm amicably. "It had to be done. It was the best we could do."

Anders heavily sighed in response. He accepted the fact that what was done was done. "The sad thing is, I feel much more remorse over Nathaniel's request."

"Oh? He made a request? You never told me that." Wynne raised an eyebrow.

"Right before I left for Highever. Nathaniel made me swear that if the birthright ritual proved him to be the father, to immediately switch his vial with the King's." Anders gazed at the bottles of blood on the table. "What a noble fool. Would have saved us both a lot of trouble if he had just told us sooner."

"Quite an honorable man…" Wynne softly agreed. "I believe we should be grateful that everyone did not realize we had no intentions of doing the blood magic spell to begin with."

"We were very lucky." Anders admit. "Nobody even wanted to see how the spell was even done. I was left alone with the baby for several moments to get it done. Felt like an idiot just standing around with the child, pretending to do some dastardly evil ritual."

Wynne laughed at the image Anders painted for her in her head. "Quite convenient, I must say. Perhaps it's the Maker's way of telling us that what we did was right."

"Or maybe we're just lucky we didn't get caught." Anders replied, frowning. He remembered cradling the newborn child for the first time and the moment the baby's eyes opened and looked at him with eyes as blue as the sky. "That child is a spitting image of the Commander. How difficult would it have been to lie if the child came out looking just like Nathaniel?"

"Stop berating yourself." Wynne commanded. "You have done a great service for Ferelden. The King remains on the throne and the country has an heir."

"I'll try to get over it…but it's not something that is easily done. Everyone is right…I'm terrible with secrets." He sighed and then nodded his head towards the vials of blood. "May I ask what you will be planning to do with those?"

"I am going to keep them safe." Wynne picked up a vial and swirled it lightly between her fingers. "Something may happen in the future in which these would be necessary. It is always best to be prepared for the worst, don't you agree?"

Anders crossed his arms and furrowed his brow. "Wynne, something has been tormenting me for the past few nights. I…believe the child is Nathaniel's." He watched Wynne reach into her desk to retrieve a small chest. "What do you think?"

"Do you mean to ask who I believe the true father is?" Wynne asked, half- amused as she delicately placed the bottles within the velvet lining of the case.

"Yes. Just between us…and please tell me truthfully." Anders requested. "Your intuition always seems to be right."

Wynne chuckled. "Well then, I will answer you as honestly as I can. The child is Alistair's." She stated simply and shut the top of the box, hearing the lock snap in place. "And that is that."

Anders rolled his eyes at Wynne's short answer. He felt a small feeling of regret for Nathaniel's loss…but it was just as Wynne said, he was an honorable man. To give up everything for the sake of his love, Anders couldn't even comprehend how Nathaniel was able to take it so well.

Anders stepped towards the nearby window and gazed out. The winter snow was slowly melting away to spring and hints of green were already showing on the budding flower beds of the courtyard. He noticed Teyrn Cousland and Chancellor Eamon discussing something while walking along the paths below.

"That is that…indeed." Anders murmured and turned away from the window.

"I am glad you have accepted Elissa's child as heir to the throne so easily, Eamon." Fergus told the old Chancellor as he walked alongside him.

They both walked slowly along the winding path of the large palace courtyard, admiring the small signs of spring that surrounded them. Eamon had his hands clasped behind his back as he chuckled. "Why wouldn't I? It is Alistair's child after all…and thus carries the Theirin blood. Ferelden is now secure with an heir and the bann will no longer have to concern themselves with arguing over a new Queen to provide a successor."

Fergus gave an inward sigh of relief. He was glad that everyone had agreed to keep the ritual of birthright a secret from the Chancellor and the bann. Even if Anders had announced the father to be Alistair, he could already see the sinister seeds of doubt that would sprout in the minds of the nobles, too ready to discard any new claim to the throne that wasn't of their own blood.

Eamon continued as if he could read Fergus' line of thought. "Of course…some of the bannorn are a bit upset at the circumstances. But you cannot blame them for being a bit selfish…they were all arguing in hopes to place one of their own relatives on the throne as Queen."

"Maker help us if they want to challenge the King's newborn child." Fergus mused.

"Ah…In my opinion, I believe it has worked out for the best. The Couslands are the most respected of all nobles in Ferelden. With the child being both Theirin and Cousland, nobody in the bann can argue the nobility in the bloodline." Eamon chuckled.

"If you believe it so, Eamon. Although I do admit, I am very glad I will no longer have to deal with such awful long meets discussing the King's future bride. Maybe now we may be able to argue over things of much larger relevance that do not make my stomach churn."

Eamon let out a hearty laugh and laid his hand on Fergus' shoulder. "You remind me so much of your father, young Teyrn. It's good to see that same intense passion to someone as old as I."

"It is just as good to see the same enthusiasm in you as well, Eamon." Fergus replied, smiling at the Chancellor's compliment.

Their stroll was cut short as they saw Leliana quickly approaching and waving them forward. "Chancellor! I'm afraid I have some bad news."

"Oh? What is going on?"

"I'm afraid there has been another mishap involving Bann Vaughan and Velanna again. You may want to go over and settle some ruffled feathers before she really decides to burn the rest of him as she did with his hair." Leliana suggested.

"Oh dear." Eamon shook his head and turned to Fergus. "I will see you a little later. I am getting tired of these stupid insignificant fights. They're nobles, not children for Andraste's sake. Excuse me."

Fergus bowed his head at Eamon as he hurried off into the palace. Leliana let out a sigh as soon as the Chancellor disappeared from sight. "I really hope she does burn him to a crisp. Maker only knows how much I have been wanting to stab that man in the back myself."

The Teyrn laughed at Leliana's comment. "Well, I'm glad to know that the women find Vaughan as repulsive as the men do."

Leliana turned to Fergus and gave him a supportive smile. "How have you been? I apologize that I have not gotten the chance to speak with you since you arrived back from Highever."

Fergus rubbed the stiffness in his neck. "It has been a bit lonely, is all. I didn't realize how much I have missed having Elissa's voice around me."

"Do you miss your sister?" She asked.

"I do, yes." Fergus confessed and turned to Leliana. "Did you not miss her when she had to become Warden Commander and left you all back in Denerim?"

Leliana tilted her head while she pondered over her answer. "I loved her very much…of course I missed her. It was quite difficult for me to stay behind while she continued her battle."

"Loved, eh?" Fergus raised an eyebrow. "I guess the bonds between two women are very strong."

Leliana flashed the Teyrn a bright grin. "Indeed. I remember how enigmatic she was while we prepared for our battles. I could barely take my eyes off her." She wistfully sighed. "Unfortunately, if Alistair hadn't gotten to her first…"

Fergus' head snapped towards Leliana with wide eyes. "Wait…do you mean to tell me you loved my sister…in that way?"

Leliana gave him a coy smile. "Is that a shock? Your sister was so captivating, courageous, and full of heart…much like you, Teyrn Cousland. Apparently it runs in the family, doesn't it?"

Fergus felt himself fumble at the surprising compliment. "I…er…well…Thank you, I suppose. You do realize that I am a man, do you not?"

"Of course, I do. How could I not be aware? You are not as nearly as soft as your sister." She teased and delicately held out her hand. "Shall we go prepare for the upcoming celebrations, Teyrn Cousland?"

Fergus laughed and took hold of her offered hand, giving it a lavish kiss. "Only if you stop your terrible jests. Then I will have to show you there is nothing soft about the Couslands."

Zevran and Oghren were enjoying a rare sociable moment, both sneaking drinks from the bottles of ale and wine that were set out for the commemoration. From the sides, they watched Teyrn Cousland and Leliana enter the halls together arm in arm.

"Would you look at that?" Oghren slurred, drinking down his fifteenth mug for the day. "Nice to see Little Red isn't as frigid as I always say she is."

Zevran laughed in response as he sipped at his goblet. "I always had my suspicions that she was partial to our Commander. I suppose a male version of our lovely Elissa is sufficient enough, yes?"

"I hope he gives her what she's been needing for the longest sodding time." Oghren snorted as he refilled his mug. "Besides, if anyone was partial to the Commander, it was you."

"Ah, yes…" Zevran hummed. "But to be fair, I also found the King to be very striking as well."

Oghren choked on his ale. "Wait, what?"

Zevran casually nodded, gently swishing the goblet he held in his hand. "Oh yes, I remember well. Elissa and her stunning beauty with Alistair's fascinating allure. How many times did I try to get those two to include me in their intimate…"

"By the tits of my ancestors!" Oghren yelled and cringed. "Don't sodding tell me things like this when I'm not completely drunk!"

"Oh? My apologies, friend. I thought you were asking."

"Gah! Why would I ask about things like that, you fruity little nug-licker?"

Zevran took another sip from his wine. "I would like to think of myself as an all-opportunist lover. Come one, come all, as they say…ah, but do not worry. I have absolutely no attraction towards you, so there is no need to be uncomfortable."

Oghren stomped his foot. "Good! Because there's no sodding way…wait. What about me don't you find attractive?"

Zevran's reply was interrupted as Sigrun ran up to them both. "You two! Have you seen the King? We can't seem to find him anywhere…the Chantry mother has been going crazy trying to find him. The ceremony can't start without his participation."

"Where else would he be?" Zevran shrugged. "He is probably in the baby's chambers again. I saw him headed that way just a few moments ago."

"Again?" Sigrun let out an exasperated breath. "He's a King, not a nursemaid!"

"Hah!" Oghren grunted with laughter. "Apparently you haven't known the boy as long as we have…isn't that right, you knife-eared pipe-cleaner?"

"Absolutely, my foul-smelling drunkard." Zevran good-naturedly agreed and clinked his goblet against Oghren's mug.

Alistair leaned over the intricately carved railings of the cradle. He felt a warm feeling of pleasure as the baby cooed and grabbed at his fingers. Alistair could never find enough time to marvel and indulge his newborn child. Born with soft brown curls and clear blue eyes, the baby resembled Elissa so perfectly it was uncanny. The baby let out another gurgle of delight as Alistair made his amusing faces.

"You know, you're just going to end up spoiling her if you keep that up."

Alistair spun around at the voice at the doorway, smiling guiltily. "I can't help it. Look how beautiful she is…can you really blame me?"

"The little princess will have her father wrapped around her little finger, just you watch."

"I can't help it…I'm a slave to beautiful women…and she is the second most beautiful girl in the world." Alistair quickly made long strides towards the door and kissed his visitor deeply. He wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her close against his chest. "You being the first, my lovely Elissa."

Elissa laughed and slapped her hand against Alistair's royal armor. "Oh stop, you flatterer. I am feeling far from beautiful at the moment."

"Flatterer? You look like a vision sent by the Maker Himself and you claim that I'm simply flattering you?" Alistair trailed kisses along her neck, making her laugh in response.

To Alistair, it was unbelievable…unimaginable. The day his daughter was born, he was completely unprepared for the possibility of losing the one he loved.

He had felt completely useless as Elissa fell limp in his arms and then Anders ordered the midwife to cut the baby from her womb. He had took look away from all the blood that followed, squeezing Elissa's lifeless hand as he thanked Andraste for her reprieve from such pain.

A small wail had brought him back from his despair and he had turned his gaze back to the midwife who held his child in her hands. "It's a girl!" The woman announced as she hectically waved Alistair over. "Please, hurry over here and assist me with your daughter!"

Alistair numbly obeyed the midwife and kneeled on the floor beside her. Anders was over Elissa's motionless body, muttering his healing spells with rapid succession. The midwife was instructing him on how to hold his child while she assisted in cleaning the blood off of her.

Alistair stared down at the baby who cried in his arms, flailing her little fists and feet into the air as he tried to keep her wrapped in the soft linens that were tinged with red. Her skin was a dark pink as the midwife gently washed her skin while he held her. He could see his daughter already had a sparse amount of hair, matted and curled against her head from the blood.

He did not think it was possible…but he found himself in love with the little girl in his arms. Barely a few moments old…he found himself pledging that he would do anything for her…to fight for her…and to die for her. His daughter, Elissa's daughter…she was so perfect!

He did not know how much time had passed but he broke out of his trance as soon as he heard Leliana's shocked cry of relief. He whipped his head around to see Fergus and Leliana clutching at Elissa's hands. Anders was kneeling at the foot of the bed, covered in blood, and looking exhausted.

Alistair, still holding his daughter, slowly rose to his feet and looked at Elissa's face. Her expression was peaceful, as if she were sleeping. He looked down and saw what caused Leliana's gasp of disbelief.

Elissa's fingers, which were completely unresponsive before, were gently gripping Leliana's hand. A sign so simple and plain, brought Alistair back to his knees…weeping with tears of joy.

The young King recalled how Anders was incredulous at Elissa's survival through such an ordeal. Apparently the Warden Neria had died so quickly during the birth that the mages were unable to save her in time. Anders stated that perhaps it was the Commander's sheer streak of stubbornness kept her from falling into the fade for her eternal rest. Alistair couldn't help to think it was something so much more.

Whatever it was, it was truly a miracle that Elissa was with him…and he swore that he would thank the Maker every day for the blessing.

Alistair smiled softly at the woman who stood before him. She wore a heavily ordained ivory dress, with a long train of silk that trailed behind her. Her lower arms were gloved and her hair was pinned up in an array of curls.

"I must say…that is a lovely gown you are wearing, Lady Cousland." Alistair praised, his eyebrows wiggling teasingly.

"I'm sure it looks lovely…but to tell you the truth…" Elissa tried to scratch at her neck, annoyed at her gloves. "The lace on this dress is driving me mad. It itches terribly!"

Alistair let out a laugh and kissed her again. "Well, try to keep this on for just a little while longer. I swear that the wedding and the coronation will be done in record time…and before you know it, we'll be calling you Queen before sundown."

Elissa beamed at him, lightly caressing his cheek. "Speaking of which…I heard the Chantry mother was searching for you. You'd best hurry and see her before she decides to renounce the whole thing."

Alistair bashfully scratched at his head. "Well…we definitely don't want that to happen. I'll go to her right now."

Elissa looked around. "Where is the nanny?"

"Ah, I asked her to allow me a few moments with our daughter. She is used to it by now…I'm sure she'll be heading back up here at any moment. Would you like me to stay here a bit longer until she comes back?"

Elissa shook her head and waved Alistair off. "Don't worry, I'll stay with her until the nanny comes back. Off with you or else you'll be receiving the Chantry mother's wrath to no end."

"You would think somebody would mellow out with such old age, don't you think?" Alistair joked and then gave Elissa a kiss on her forehead. "I will be right back, my love."

Alistair quickly left the nursery and shut the door quietly behind him. Elissa went to the cradle to check on her daughter. The baby instantly recognized her mother with a toothless smile and raised her arms as if requesting to be held.

"You are getting quite smart, aren't you?" Elissa cooed and lifted her daughter up into her arms.

Even Elissa couldn't help but to be astonished at the similarities between herself and her daughter. When Anders had declared Alistair to be the father after the ritual, she wondered why her daughter didn't receive any physical traits from her father. Deep in her heart, she couldn't help being curious if Morrigan's child resembled Alistair more than her own.

"There is something exceptionally beautiful about a woman cradling her child."

Elissa quickly turned to the voice that came from the window. Nathaniel was perched on the sill, smiling softly at her. He was in his noble's clothing, his dark hair was tied up in the back to make himself more presentable.

"Nathaniel." Elissa whispered in surprise. "How did you get up here? How were the guards unable see you in broad daylight?"

Nathaniel clicked his tongue at her. "You should know by now that you should stop underestimating my skills, Elissa."

She let out a laugh. "I suppose I should."

Nathaniel's eyes softened as a smile played upon his lips. "You look well, Elissa. I'm glad."

"You as well…" She replied. "I guess I should be congratulating you on your most recent promotion…as the new Commander of forces in Amaranthine."

"Promotion, you say. You are still the Warden Commander of Ferelden. I am still your loyal soldier to the end, my dear." He bowed his head with a grin.

Elissa had missed Nathaniel's playfulness. She couldn't resist joking back with him. "Fine words you say, but you sure have been doing quite a good job hiding yourself since I saw you last."

He jumped into the room, landing gracefully on his feet. "I presumed you'd be busy with your newest duty…being a new mother and all." He hesitated before continuing. "They haven't announced her formally yet…what is her name?"

Elissa gently cradled her daughter in her arms. "Her name is Fiona Eleanor Theirin."

Nathaniel blinked. "Fiona? Quite an unconventional name for a human girl. Why didn't you name her Eleanor first?"

Elissa shook her head with smile. "When Oren was born, Fergus had intended to name him Bryce the Second. My mother absolutely refused the idea, stating that a child deserves her own name. So I named her after Fiona, a Grey Warden in a book I was reading. I think my mother will not be too upset that the first name does not belong to her grandparent."

He nodded in agreement. "Fiona is a beautiful name. I'm sure your mother is pleased."

"Thank you." Elissa replied and then gave a brief pause. "Would you…would you like to hold her?"

Nathaniel was taken aback by her question. "I…um…if you do not mind. She's so small."

"Of course I don't mind. Just hold her gently…here." Elissa gingerly passed her daughter into Nathaniel's arms.

As Nathaniel held the baby girl in his arms, Fiona looked up and let out a happy squeal of glee. He was already enchanted by the child, who seemed to already trust and accept him completely. Her eyes were the same sky blue as her mother's…her brown hair even curled at the ends.

He intentionally avoided asking Anders who the true father was. He did not want to know the outcome of the ritual because he had given up his claim for Elissa's happiness with the King. But as he cradled the baby and saw her smile up at him, he could not help to think, Are you my daughter? Are you the child between Elissa and I?

After a few moments, Nathaniel handed Fiona back to Elissa. "She's a beauty, all right. I can already predict her breaking many hearts when she grows older."

A small expression of hurt ran across Elissa's face at Nathaniel's comment. He saw her reaction and held his hands up in protest. "No, no…I didn't mean it like that. Uh…I meant…"

Elissa shook her head with a sad smile. "It's all right. I understand." She walked back to the cradle to place Fiona back into the blankets.

Nathaniel took a deep breath. He had come with a full speech in mind, to tell Elissa not to concern herself over him any longer…that he was fine and would move on. However, his carefully prepared words have dissipated into the air like smoke as soon as he saw her face.

He reached over and tentatively took her gloved hand. "Elissa…" He started awkwardly. "I…I want you to know that I am very happy for you. I wish you nothing but the best."

Elissa felt tears spring into her eyes. "Nathaniel…I'm so sorry I…"

He held his hand up to interrupt her. "Allow me to finish." He gave her a remorseful smile "I want you to know that I still love you quite deeply. If the King does not treasure you like the jewel that you are…I will personally come back and snatch you away."

Tears rolled down her face at his words, Nathaniel quickly wiped them away with his thumb. "I told you that I vow to do whatever makes you happy, Elissa. If this is what makes you happy, I am content…so do not cry for me."

"I…love you, Nathaniel." Elissa whispered, her voice cracking.

"As I love you." He responded affectionately. His head snapped up as he heard sounds of footsteps approaching the nursery. "It sounds like somebody is coming back. I will have to take my leave."

He rushed over to the window and Elissa followed him. "Will you be all right? We are very high up from the ground."

Nathaniel lifted himself into the sill. "Don't worry…I was able to get myself up, I will just as easily find my way back down." He paused and turned back to Elissa, who gazed at him with wet eyes. "Forgive me, Elissa. Grant me my one last selfish wish."

Nathaniel bent down and pressed his lips onto Elissa's. She did not swat him away or draw him closer. She accepted his kiss as a finality…knowing that they would never share such a moment ever again.

He pulled away and gave her small smile. "Goodbye, Elissa." With those parting words, he leapt from the window and disappeared from her sight.

"Goodbye, Nathaniel." She replied softly, as tears dropped from her eyes.

The door swung open and the old elven nanny stepped into the room. "Oh, My Lady! I'm sorry that I was gone for so long. The King requested I leave him alone with his daughter."

Elissa turned around to face her. "No, it's okay. He just left…I wanted to spend some time with Fiona too."

"Are you okay, My Lady? You seem to be crying."

"Oh." Elissa quickly dabbed away her tears with her gloved hand. "I apologize. I'm just…very happy at the moment."

The nanny laughed. "It is to be expected, after all. It is your wedding day. You are free to cry all you want."

Elissa shook her head and smiled in response. "Crying is not very ladylike. I will need to stop immediately or else Fiona will learn my bad habits. I would hate for her to grow up thinking that this is acceptable behavior for a woman."

"Now, now, My Lady…that is still a long ways off." The elf wagged her finger at Elissa, going over to the cradle to check on the baby. "The Princess is still young and she will undoubtedly pick up many things, good and bad. She should only be so lucky to become such a lovely lady as yourself."

At those words, Elissa recalled the day back in Redcliffe when she was a child, wearing that horribly scratchy gown as Nan fussed and nagged at her about how a proper young lady should act. She couldn't help laughing at the remembrance of that scene in her childhood. The day she met her knight in shining armor.

A small knock at the door interrupted her thoughts and both Elissa and the nanny turned to see Alistair return to the nursery, with a sheepish expression on his face. "The Chantry mother scolded me for being unable to memorize the decorum of the marriage ceremony."

Elissa stifled a smile. "As you should be. It is quite an important formal procedure, Your Majesty."

The young King turned to the nanny. "The Chantry mother would like to speak to you in regards to bringing Fiona out during her official coronation."

"Oh bother." The nanny huffed. "Servant to the Maker or no, that woman is unbearable with her nit-picking. How many times can we go over such details?" She bowed to them both before taking her leave. "I will be back shortly. Pardon me."

As soon as the nanny disappeared, Alistair let out the deep sigh of exhaustion he had been holding in. He immediately went to the cradle and picked Fiona up, cuddling her to his chest. "You would think that all this wouldn't be so complicated! Marry the girl, announce the daughter, merriment all around...how can it be so difficult?"

Elissa lovingly reached up to hold Alistair's head in her hands. "Do you think this is more difficult than what we went through to slay the archdemon and save Ferelden from the darkspawn?"

"Yes." Alistair replied flatly, holding Fiona gently in his arms. "I would much rather face that archdemon a million times over than to deal with the Chantry mother. The monster breathed less fire and brimstone…and didn't badger me as much."

Elissa laughed and touched her forehead to his. "You know…we could run away for a bit. Just hide from our troubles for a little while?"

Alistair gave a huge grin at Elissa's suggestion. "This is why I love you. This day is about us after all…the ceremony can't start without us."

Fiona let out a small giggle as if she were in agreement with their thoughts. Elissa hitched up her skirts with one hand and grabbed Alistair's hand with the other. "Shall we go then?"

"We shall." Alistair bent down to nuzzle his daughter for a brief moment. "Maker help us, Fiona. Let's hope that you turn out to be much more of an adult than we are. I would have thought we've outgrown all this."

The family ran out from the nursery, the peals of their laughter trailing behind them, just as they did when they were both children in Redcliffe all those years ago.

A/N: Thank you for bearing with me for so long! =D I had no intention of having the story get so long, so I apologize for all those who stuck with it in the long haul!

As you can see, I am a bit of a wussy and I couldn't kill off Elissa. But as for the baby's real parentage, I'll leave that up to your assumptions...I may write a sequel to follow up on it, but for now, I'm happy with being evil and keeping that fact to myself =S

I hope some DA fans caught the small joke in regards to Fiona's name XD

Thanks again to everyone who reviewed and gave me such great support and constructive criticism! I really appreciated each one! I promise that the next story will not be as long ^^