The title says it all. This is the height of their relationship. It doesn't get any better than this. Now the spiralling descent. As Jen4306 suggests...onto some Nate!

I would like to give a special thanks to Enaid Aderyn. Her words were greatly appreciated. Also, check out her story "Perspective." It will change how you feel about Goldanna. Also, a special thank you to Jen4306, Zeeji and Linette23 for your support as well.

Thank you, most of all, those of you who have put me on their ff favs and alerts. Without you, I probably would have given up writing this.

Hoping that you ALL had a safe and happy 4th. We are truly blessed to live in a country like this.

God Bless! Galesgong

Chapter 11

Actions Speak Louder than Words

I closed my eyes and leaned against Alistair. The back of my head was cradled just below his chin. His warm breath stirred the disheveled hairs on top my head. I let my body slack into the surety of his embrace, "Alistair…"

He silenced me with a kiss. It seemed like forever since I had felt his lips pressed against mine. I reminded myself that I was the cause of my own hurt and his.

He covered me with his cloak. It was a thoughtful and noble gesture. I could not keep my eyes from his. I wondered what he was thinking, for the fool was I. It was as if some undeclared understanding had passed between us. He kept his back turned as I quietly dressed. Then we silently walked back to Sten and Zev stealing looks and sidelong glances.

"I cannot imagine what you begin to see in him," I heard the sarcasm pour from Morrigan's husky voice.

I pressed my lips together and garnered my expression, "He is not so terrible, is he?"

It was very late, when we made it back to camp. The ashes were firmly anchored in my pack. I was hoping to secure them in my tent before heading back to the fire to eat. I knew better than to pass by Morrigan's without some exchange. Too late, I turned to face her.

"If you have to ask yourself, then he is…obviously not worth it."

"Worth it?" I chewed on the words and savored their taste, "Yes, he is worth it."

"Lucky for him that someone is willing to claim him, then," she clicked her tongue, "He must be pleasant enough in bed. At least he takes your mind from our…situation."

"I have never done…I mean…we have never done that," I cleared my throat, "Is there anything wrong? You seem more pensive than usual these days."

"No nothing is wrong. It is a little embarrassing to admit, in fact." I eyed her speculatively, "I am reminded of our first meeting in the wilds. I was intrigued to see such a formidable woman and…"

"There's nothing to say," I cut her off. I was referring to killing her mother, Flemmeth, of course.

"No, that is not necessary," I watched as she struggled with her pride, "Thank you for helping me. No one has ever…thank you."

"You're welcome," I started back to my tent, then had a second thought and turned, "Morrigan, You're not a complete bitch."

"Well, don't let that get around. After all, I have a reputation to uphold."

"Of that I have no doubt."

"Tis good we both understand each other, then."

It felt good to have the air cleared between Morrigan and me. Now I had only to contend with the elf. One had only to look into his aqua-green eyes to know that I had wounded him deeply. The rift was between us would not be easily rectified. I had only wished to free him of his debt. I did not want to lose his friendship in the process.

I looked down at myself and shook my head, "That will have to wait until I get cleaned up."

I ducked into my tent and found the small chest I had hidden under my bedroll. I opened it up and smiled to myself. I reached into my pack and retrieved the small sack containing Andraste's ashes. I carefully placed them into the small chest next to the dried petals of Alistair's rose.

I rummaged through another pack, "leather breaches, linen shirt...He's already seen me in these," I tossed them aside. "Oh look! My robe from the circle," I shuddered, "That's not even an option. In fact, I'll just put this out of its misery." I flexed my fingers and summoned a small blue flame, "That's should do it," I watched the hateful garment burn.

"Hot-hot… (Blow)…Ouch, hot!" I tossed my robe from one hand to the other. The blue flame had quickly been replaced for a red-hot one instead. I kicked open the flap of the tent and tossed the burning garment outside.

"Andraste's burning knickers!" I heard Alistair stomp out the fire.

I squeezed my eyes shut, "I can't believe this happening," I stuck my head out, "Sorry, now go away!"

"Can I come in? I brought you could use something to eat," Alistair smiled one of his beguiling wonky smiles.

"Thank you," I dipped my head slightly and batted my lashes, "No, you can't…I'm naked."

"Oh, really?" Alistair squared off his shoulders and straightened himself up, "I might like to see that….umm…you naked."

I gave him the once-over, "You already have," He was quite handsome in his simple leather pants and own linen shirt, "Now go away." It just wouldn't do for him to see me in this sorry state.

Alistair shifted awkwardly, "I'll just be waiting over there," He scratched his head and pointed, "…by the fire." It was hard not to miss the flush creeping up his neck into his yummy face.

I smiled as he sauntered away, "Alistair?"

"Yeesss," he turned.

"Can you send Leliana over?"

"Your wish is my command," he turned and whistled. I had hoped to get the bard.

"Chandra," Leliana called soon after.

I reached out, grabbed her arm and yanked her into the tent, "I'm in here," I answered, "I need your help. I know we haven't been close…."

"Is this about, Alistair?" Leliana piped in excitedly, "Oh my, this won't do. I'll be right back...umm…never mind. Come with me." She grabbed my arm and hauled me off in the direction of her tent.

"What do you think?" Leli stood back and examined her creation.

"Desperate," I tried to smash my breasts back into the low-cut dress, "One wrong move and this dress is going to explode. It's way too small for me."

"One look from Alistair and he'll explode," she giggled.

"I can't believe you just said that," I tried to look serious then gave into a girlish giggle of my own.

"Well it's true. This color is positively fabulous on you…with your dark hair and pale skin."

"Fabulous," I looked down at the emerald green dress that accentuated my bumps and curves, "You don't think this dress screams…Let's have sex?"

"Well, that is the plan. Now here drink this…You really need to relax," she handed me the flask.

I took a gulp and choked, "Where did you get this."

"I borrowed it from Oghren."

"You've seen what that stuff does to me," I complained.

"Now try to look alluring," she ignored me.

I watched Leli's forehead crease in a frown, "I'm a virgin," I smirked, "This is about as good as it gets."

Leliana made a few more adjustments before she set off to get Alistair. She had found quite the spot for my little seduction. The cozy nook was hidden behind a peninsula of jutting trees. The green curtain of plant growth was perfect in its obscurity. It blocked the wind and prying eyes. There even was a fallen log for us to sit on. Of course, she piled that with furs.

I stared at the glowing embers of the intimate fire and waited. Time slowly ticked by. I tried lounging across the log in a provocative manner; unfortunately, I kept slipping off. Then I practiced sitting up straight and sticking out my chest. When I was tired of that, I scraped the dirt from my nails. After exhausting all my other choices, I finally succumbed to shooting blue flames at the dying fire. Flame on. Flame off. The fire grew hotter. Flame on. Flame off. Hotter still.

"A pretty little bird told me that I might find you here," Alistair placed his arm casually over a low branch.

Flame on, "Pretty little bird?" I stiffened, "You think Leliana is pretty?"

"Ouch, hot!" Alistair flapped his arm like a chicken, "Of course, Leliana is pretty…No! I mean...not as pretty…Look, can you put this fire out, before I..."

"Hold still," as I tried to aim the blue orb .

"I'm trying," he grimmaced.

"There, that should do it," I looked at my handiwork.

"Don't you think this is a little over-kill," he chattered.

"The fire is out and you're only half froze," I walked over and stood before him, "Don't worry, I'll take care of it." I snapped my fingers and the blue flame appeared.

"I know I'm quite hot, but I can do without the fire," he smiled smugly.

I narrowed my eyes until they were small slits, "I'll show you hot," I turned to walk away, "You think the bard is so pretty…maybe she'll sing you a song."

Alistair reached out with his free arm and pulled me to him, "This is not about Leliana," his eyes held mine his voice gruff, "This is about us."

"You can be so obtuse at times," I pulled away, "Why do you think I'm dressed like this?"

"All right," he growled, "I really don't know how to ask you this." I watched the crystal shards of ice drop away with a simple flexing of his muscles.

"Ask me what?" I stepped back warily.

"Oh, how do I say this?" he ran a frustrated hand through his hair, "You'd think it would be easier, but every time I'm around you, I feel as if my head's about to explode. I-I can't think straight."

"Oh? That sounds like a personal problem," I stated.

"I don't mean it like that. I mean…All right, let me start over," He blocked my escape, "Here's the thing…being with you makes me crazy, but I can't imagine being without you. Not ever."

"I don't know how to say this another way," he cupped the sides of my face with his calloused hands, "I want to spend the night with you. I've…never done this before. You know that. I want it to be with you…"

"No need to say anything else, I agree," I interrupted.

"What? You're not going to fight me on this?" He arched his brow and motioned with his chin. He didn't wait for me to answer. He kissed me instead.

My voice took on a new octave, "I can always get Leli…if you want?"

He held himself above me with all the intensity and willpower of a thoughtful lover. I stared up into his perfect face. It attested to his strength and tenderness. Light sandy hair fell across his worried brow in an imperfect mess. His eyes were liquid pools of amber as they reassured mine, "Are you sure?"

The ragged emotion of his voice caused my heart to skip a beat. I reached up and let my hands linger on the sides of his uncertain face, "How can I not be?"

Then he smiled that lopsided smile, but it was not a boyish grin. It was beautifully masculine.

"I love you," he said in a husky uneven voice and then he entered me.

His mouth closed around mine as a small cry escaped. He touched my tears with his lips. I was his and he was mine. There was no turning back and nothing would be the same.