Anders and Cullen will return next chapter! Thank you all once again for your wonderful reviews! They really mean a lot to me.

Thank you again to my dear friend Jen for another top-notch Beta job! :D

O~~~~~~~~~O

The ever-growing group of travellers made camp at the edge of a wood as night fell. After helping to prepare the encampment, Allis motioned for Alistair to follow him into the woods. Once they were out of sight, Allis stopped and turned to face Alistair.

"Alistair," he said contritely, "I owe you an apology."

"No, you don't," replied the Templar. "I know how much of a shock that news must have been to you. I…I had prepared myself for your reaction."

"It was a shock," Allis agreed, "but that was no excuse for the way I acted. You must have been dreading telling us, and I should have been more supportive. It's just that…" he sighed and fell silent.

"Tell me," Alistair pleaded softly.

"Well," Allis replied, rubbing the back of his neck, "I know we haven't known each other for very long, but when you told me that one day you might become King…"

Alistair interrupted. "I have no intention of ever taking the throne, let me say that once and for all," he said firmly.

"Alistair, I know you don't want to hear this, but one day you may have to," Allis said quietly. "If anything happens to Eamon…and Queen Anora has no heir. You are next in line to the throne, after her. In fact, you have a more legitimate claim to the throne than she does."

"That may be so," Alistair replied, "but Anora is a fine Queen. I have no intention of rocking the boat. I will not be King – ever. Now, what were you saying before?"

Allis sighed and took Alistair's hands in his. "Well," he muttered, looking at the forest floor, "like I said, we haven't known each other for long, but when you told me the news, I thought of the future. If and when you took the throne…well, there would be no place for me, would there? You'd be expected to marry a woman and produce an heir. Not to mention the fact I'm an elf, and a mage."

Alistair's mouth fell open. "I…I had no idea you felt like that, Allis," he whispered.

"Look," said Allis, straightening up and affecting a jovial expression, "I'm not some kind of obsessed weirdo. As I said, we've only been acquainted for a short while…it's just that…well, I really like you Alistair, and I hope that we may have some kind of future together."

Alistair's eyes twinkled as a shy grin came to his lips. "I feel the same, Allis," he said simply.

"Really?" Allis replied, as he looked up, rooted to the spot as their eyes met.

"Really," the Templar whispered, bringing his hands up to softly stroke Allis' face. He dropped to one knee, pulling Allis close. Allis sat on his knee and leaned down, running his fingers through Alistair's hair as he took his bottom lip in his mouth and gently tugged. Alistair groaned, wrapped his arms around Allis' waist and gently pulled the mage down to lie on the ground with him, where their height difference didn't matter.

Their lips met as their limbs became entangled. Alistair propped himself on one elbow, leaning over Allis, but taking care not to put his full weight onto the elf. He grasped Allis' face and hungrily probed his mouth with his tongue. Allis grabbed Alistair's hips and pulled the Templar onto him, taking his full weight, emitting a muffled cry as Alistair claimed his lips once more.

Allis soon felt Alistair's erection pressing against his belly, and reached down, stroking him through his leggings. Alistair pulled away, panting. "I, um…Allis…I don't know if I'm ready for that yet," he gulped.

"So," teased Allis. "You drag me into a secluded wood, throw me to the ground, kiss me like that, and now you tell me you're not ready?"

Alistair chuckled. "I didn't drag you anywhere!" He protested. "You were the one who…"

He stopped as Allis sat up and pushed him onto his back. "You don't have to be ready for anything, Alistair," Allis purred. "Just lie back, relax, and let me be ready for both of us."

"But I…" Alistair protested weakly, his words cut off by Allis' kiss. Alistair whimpered as Allis' hand delved into his leggings and under his smallclothes, finding his prize.

"I wasn't wrong when I called you big fella, was I?" Allis grinned, causing Alistair to laugh and blush, then close his eyes and furrow his brow as Allis rained kisses down his neck, while rhythmically stroking Alistair's length. Allis drew up to his ear and whispered "do you like that, my naughty little Templar?"

"Yes!" Alistair gasped, as he grabbed Allis' hair and pulled him down hard against his lips.

Allis began to squeeze as he stroked, and moved his hand closer to the sensitive head. Alistair's breathing became erratic and he felt a familiar warm sensation pervade his lower body. He had experienced the feeling many times before, when alone, but never like this. His whole body throbbed; his every nerve ending felt aflame, and his stomach lurched over and over again.

"Are you sure you're ready for this, Alistair?" Allis mischievously whispered into his ear.

All that came out of his mouth was an incoherent cry as he thrust involuntarily against Allis' hand, who furiously grasped and pulled him into a frenzy. Alistair cried out with each breath, and, as Allis squeezed hard one last time, he unloaded himself into Allis' hand and threw his arms above his head, panting heavily and groaning.

Allis withdrew his hand and wiped it on the grass, nestled into the crook of Alistair's arm and laid his arm across the Templar's broad chest. After a few moments, Alistair sat up and leaned on his elbow again, looking down on Allis. "Let me…" he whispered, moving his hand down to lift Allis' robe.

"Oh, no," Allis teased, slapping his hand away. "You're not ready for that yet. That one was on me. You let me know when you're ready, big man."

Alistair watched, red-faced and open-mouthed, as Allis sprang to his feet and offered his hand. Alistair stood up and grinned down at him. "I'm ready now, Allis," he mumbled, advancing closer.

"I don't think so!" Allis chirped as he ran back to the camp.

"Hey, come back!" Alistair called, laughing.

Blythe watched with relief as Allis returned from the wood. She was making supper and had spent most of her time fending off Zevran's chat-up lines and double entendres. "Allis!" she called loudly. "Come and help me with supper!"

"Hang on!" he called over. "I just need to wash my hands first!"

She looked at him, confused; then, on spotting a crimson-faced Alistair emerge from the wood and duck into his tent, all became clear. She bent at the waist, creased up with laughter.

"Oh!" exclaimed Zevran. "What has tickled you, my dear Warden?"

"Oh, nothing," she sighed, wiping a tear from her eye. "Aren't you supposed to be chopping those carrots?"

Zevran put his knife down and sighed, a pained expression crossing his face. "These hands," he said, holding them up for effect, "were not made for such banal tasks as chopping vegetables!" he moved closer to her and whispered, "they were made for holding, stroking…caressing."

"Will you leave me alone?" she chuckled. Although Zevran had pestered her relentlessly since they'd met mere hours ago, she didn't feel irritated by him, and found him witty and charming. The rest of the group had given him a wide berth, and Sten sat next to the campfire glowering in their direction, watching for any sign of impropriety from the Antivan.

Allis finally sauntered over, his eyes shining. He grabbed Blythe's hands and leaned up to kiss her cheek. Blythe recoiled and drew her hands back. "You did wash your hands, didn't you!" she exclaimed.

"Of course I did! There was a lot of dirt to wash off!"

"Ohhhh…!" Blythe groaned, handing her knife to him. "Take over here for a minute. I need to speak to Morrigan."

"Give her my love!" Allis chirped and watched as she walked away.

O~O

Blythe approached Morrigan's firepit. "May I sit down, Morrigan?" she asked politely.

"'Tis a free country," Morrigan replied. "'Tis not for me to say where anyone may sit."

"Thank you," Blythe replied and sat down opposite Morrigan, crossing her legs. "I've wanted to say something to you, Morrigan, since we were in Lothering, but there hasn't been a chance."

"Oh?" said Morrigan cautiously, wondering if she was in for another tongue-lashing.

"I wanted to say thank you. For following Jowan and bringing him to our attention," Blythe replied.

"I did not seek thanks or favour," Morrigan replied haughtily.

"Well, you're getting it whether you want it or not," said Blythe with a grin. "Even though we all got off on the wrong foot, you looked out for the rest of us that day. Jowan is a very dangerous and cunning man. I know you didn't agree with us turning him over to the Templars, but you don't know what he did to me and others at the Tower."

This intrigued Morrigan. "Pray, tell," she asked.

Blythe proceeded to recount the tale of what happened at the Tower. Morrigan listened patiently and impassively, only interrupting when Blythe mentioned Cullen.

"A Templar? You went with a Templar?" she asked in disbelief.

"No, I didn't go with him, if you mean what I think you mean," Blythe replied. "But we were…close."

"It matters not what you care to name it!" Morrigan exclaimed. "These men seek to keep you in bondage because they believe you to be corrupt and evil! Ever they watch you for the merest hint of you straying outside their rules governing your life! And, should you stray, they will slay you without a moment's hesitation or regret!" Morrigan shook her head. "How could you even think…"

"It's not as black and white as you think, Morrigan," Blythe interrupted. "You weren't brought up in the Tower. I see things differently than you. Some mages are dangerous, and I believe the Templars are needed. I expect you have a very different view of Templars than I, as you and your mother have probably been hunted by them your entire lives. Some of them are truly decent people."

Morrigan scoffed. "You are a naïve fool, blinded by your infatuation with this man you mention. You are correct in your assessment that Mother and I were constantly hunted by the Templars; however, very few of them had the wit to find us, and those who did were slain. Does that offend you?"

"Not really," shrugged Blythe. "No doubt I would have done the same in your position."

Morrigan regarded Blythe cautiously, really not knowing what to make of her.

"Your upbringing is just as strange to me, Morrigan," Blythe continued. "Living out in the Wilds, with only your Mother for company – although I'm sure you saw others from time to time – seems very odd to me. I'm used to being surrounded by others at all times. I'm used to routine and structure. Even now, I sometimes wake up and think I'm going to be late for my lessons! I'm used to constantly having to mind what I say and do. This new life is still very strange to me.

You and I are very different, Morrigan, and there are many things we will disagree on, and I agree with Allis in that I think you're hiding something from us. However, I think there's more to you than meets the eye, and on that day in Lothering you acted as one of us. I just wanted to thank you, and to tell you that you are always welcome to join us at the fire for supper. That's all I wanted to say."

Blythe stood up and walked away, watched curiously by Morrigan.

O~O

Allis waited until Blythe had walked over to Morrigan, then turned to Zevran. "Let's get a few things straight, Zevran," he said firmly.

Zevran raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Very well! I love a good dressing down, especially from a handsome man such as yourself!"

Allis gave him an icy glare. "You needn't bother using your lines on me. And you needn't use them on Blythe, either," he said coldly.

"Oh, why is that?" asked Zevran. "Is she yours?"

Allis folded his arms. "No, she's not 'mine'", he stated flatly. "She doesn't belong to anybody. But she is a good friend of mine, and frankly, you're not good enough for her. So I'm telling you now to back off gracefully. There won't be any trouble that way."

"I see," Zevran replied caustically. "So, the lady is not allowed to have thoughts of her own, then? And who are you to decide who is good enough for her? Her father?"

"I have no intention of explaining myself to you," he said quietly. "She's not for you. You would do well to remember that." He glared at Zevran then walked away.

Zevran watched him coolly as he departed. Not for me? He thought. We shall see about that. I simply must have her!

O~~~~~~~~~O

Leliana and Morrigan took first watch that night, joined by Reaper. Although a fearsome killer in battle, Reaper was a hopeless watchdog, and usually fell asleep in front of the fire, as he had done tonight.

All three failed to notice the large figure that crept silently along the row of tents, occasionally ducking into the woods for cover where two tents were spaced far apart.

The intruder slowly made his way toward the group leader's tent, squatting behind a tree as he waited for the two ladies' attention to be turned away from his location. He saw his chance and made a break for it, ducking down again as he reached his destination. He caught his breath and approached the tent, quietly pulling back the tent flap and entering.

"Who's that?" whispered Allis.

"It's me," said the intruder as he slid under the covers. "You can't run away this time, my naughty little mage."

O~~~~~~~~~O

The night passed without incident, and the group continued on their journey to Redcliffe. Allis could sense Alistair's growing tension as they drew nearer. "Are you alright, Alistair?" he asked gently, squeezing his hand.

Alistair sighed and stopped, waiting for the others to walk a little distance away. "I have mixed memories of Redcliffe," he answered. "Some good, some…not so good…"

"What do you mean?" asked Allis. "I thought Arl Eamon raised you? You said he was a good man?"

"He was," sighed Alistair. "His wife was a different story, though. I can't say I'm looking forward to seeing her again. She despised me."

"Despised you?" Allis asked, feeling himself getting angry. "Whatever for?"

"Well," said Alistair quietly. "My mother was a serving girl at Redcliffe castle. Apparently Maric had a fondness for elves…"

"Your Mother was an elf?" Allis interrupted.

"Yes," Alistair grinned. "Well, the King was staying at the castle and took a fancy to her. You can guess the rest. A few months later, she was with child, and Eamon, who knew of Maric's reputation with the ladies, put two and two together. He made sure my Mother was well looked after. When she died during my birth, Eamon took me in and raised me as his own. There were rumours that I was Eamon's bastard, but he didn't care. Then he met Isolde and fell in love with her. They married, and unfortunately for me, shebelieved the rumours and resented my presence. She made things very difficult for me, and eventually I was packed off to the Chantry at the age of 10. Eamon came to visit, but I blamed him for sending me away and eventually he stopped coming. I have no doubt that was her doing, as well."

"That's awful!" Allis cried. "I'm so sorry, Alistair," he said softly, stroking his face. Allis knew that Alistair had a vulnerable side, and could now see why. He swallowed down the anger that was building inside him. I'll never let anyone hurt you again, Alistair. I swear it, he resolved.

They all stopped to have a drink and a snack as they approached Redcliffe Village. Allis had been so preoccupied with Alistair he'd failed to notice that Zevran had resumed his flirting with Blythe, ignoring his warning.

Blythe stood laughing as Zev and Leliana played with her hair and braided it. Zev's arm occasionally slipped down to Blythe's waist and lingered there.

Sten walked over towards Al and Al – as Blythe called them – and scowled. "I do not approve of the assassin's familiar behaviour toward the mage," he stated bluntly.

"Neither do I, Sten," Allis replied.

"It's not even as if he liked her from the start," Alistair added. "He's propositioned everybody here – with the exception of Reaper – and he's only stuck to Blythe because she's too polite to tell him to piss off."

"He did not proposition me," said Sten fiercely. "He would not have lived to see the dawn, had he done so."

"Well I don't like it," Allis muttered. "For all we know this could be part of his plan. Get close to the Wardens, then bam! A dagger in the back. Well, he's not getting close to me."

"Nor I," Alistair concurred.

"And Blythe is vulnerable at the moment," Allis added. "She hasn't gotten over Cullen yet. I still hear her cry sometimes when she thinks no one is around. I'm not going to let that smooth-talking bastard worm his way into her affections. I've already warned him off, but he's obviously not taking a blind bit of notice."

"He will take notice of me," Sten stated threateningly. "I shall speak with him when the time is right."

"That could certainly work!" chirped Alistair, looking up at Sten, who stood nearly 7 feet tall.

"Alright, Sten," said Allis quietly. "But I don't want Blythe to know about our scheming. I don't think she'd take too kindly to it."

"As you wish," Sten replied as he walked away.

Having taken refreshments, and after a brief rest, they entered the village of Redcliffe, which sat in a small valley on the southern shore of Lake Calenhad. It was a clear day, and from their high vantage point, the Circle Tower could just about be seen on the northern shore of the lake.

Allis and Blythe stood looking across at the Tower, with Blythe's gaze lingering for a little longer. They're so near, she thought sadly. Allis took her hand and led her to the edge of a precipice overlooking the Village. They looked down upon Redcliffe and smiled. "It's beautiful!" Blythe said with emotion in her voice.

"'Tis but a village like any other," stated Morrigan.

"You don't understand, Morrigan," Allis replied. "Blythe and I spent most of our lives in the Tower. I get the same feeling here as I did at Ostagar – it's so open wide, and the air is so clear – it makes us feel…free."

Blythe nodded in agreement as they took in their surroundings and breathed deeply. Morrigan raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.

"Someone's trying to attract our attention," said Alistair, pointing at a lone man stood on a bridge not far away.

The two mages gathered themselves and joined the others as they approached the man, who was now waving to them frantically.

A little wink to Shakespira for coining 'Al & Al' ;)