I had this wonderful thought to write another section in one large chapter. Problem is...I had a melt-down. Life on the homefront sucks. So, I thought it best to post what I had. I am sorry that it is short and maybe not so great. I am working on the last part of this chapter as we speak. I knew this transition stuff was going to be hard. I just didn't realize how hard.

An special appreciation goes out of my intimate fan base who have stayed with me up to the end. You are awesome. I pray God blesses you in everything that you do.

Please hang in there we are there...soon it will be about Nate!

Chapter 17

Finding My Way

(Chandra)

"You had me so afraid," Alistair leaned across the bed and gently kissed my forehead, "How do you feel?"

"Quite naked," I let the covers slip to my waist.

"Heyyy! Not fair," Alistair dropped his gaze lower, "You're in no condition to…"

I cupped my breasts and gave them a gentle squeeze, "Do you find them to your liking?"

I smiled winsomely as Alistair's hands squeezed spasmodically at his sides, "I-I….um…yes," he scratched the back of his head, "Are you sure?"

"Positive," I flung the covers aside.

Alistair' hands flew to the straps on his armor, his chest piece dropped to floor in a twang, "What about the…"

"Don't be such a worry-wart," I chided.

I put my hand over my mouth to suppress a giggle as I watched Alistair jump around like a nug, "Andraste's flaming knickers, these greaves are made for war not making love to my wife."

"Wife! Are you…proposing," I faltered, stumbling over the word, "To me, Alistair Theirin?"

"Why wouldn't I want to marry the lady of my heart?" Alistair dove into bed beside me completely in the buff, "Is that a yes," he questioned, his lips quirked in that lopsided smile I was so fond of.

"Yes!" I threw my arms around his neck, "A thousand times, yes," I cried as I planted kisses on his handsome face.

"I love you, Chandra," he caressed the side of my face with the back of his hand then kissed me long and hard.

"Oh, Alistair," I wept, "I love you so much."

"I know," he murmured in the hollow my neck. His thumbs made tiny swirling motions as they traveled down my body causing me to arch against him. They came to rest on my sensitive breasts. He cupped each one with his hands and tested their weight, "Perfect."

"Mmm," I wound my hands in his hair, "I never thought loving you could hurt so much, but be so wonderful."

He looked up and smiled wistfully, "I could never hurt you, my love…you're everything to me." He bent back down to place tender kisses across my swollen abdomen, "After all you carry my child," his hands rested tentatively on my pregnant belly.

"Alistair," I screamed as the bed gave way and I fell back.

Bolts of arcane lightening exploded around me as my world spun wildly out of control.

(Alistair)

"Alistair," Chandra screamed my name as she rose up out of bed.

I was instantly at her side, "You're awake!"

Her body arced upward as lightening detonated from within her, the room exploded with streams of electricity. Her head whipped forward then back as it scended through her body.

"Chandra," I caught her before she fell and cradled her to my chest, "I'm hear, my love."

"Alistair, the physician is…," Leliana jumped back to escape the forked thunderbolt of light as she entered the room, "What's happening to…"

I clenched my teeth against the pain as a charge of electricity surged through my body, "Get Morrigan!"

(Chandra)

Earth and sky encroached on each other at an accelerated state, pressing down upon me. I rose from my crouched position to stand stationary in the hallow chasm. Bioluminescence light highlighted the razor sharp edges of the adjoining cliffs that rose above me.

The Archedemon's large scaly head snaked around until it faced me, "You are one of us now," its gnarled through jutted knifelike teeth. She was perched on a jagged ledge high above me. Her coriaceous wings were folded back, shrouding her in villainy.

"I would rather die," I lifted my chin defiantly, "than become one of your vile abominations."

"It's too late for that," the dragon almost jeered as her black eyes skimmed over me.

"No," I cried as I lifted both of my arms, staring at them incongruously. I turned them this way and that. They were covered with brown leathery patches of skin that started at my wrists, running the full length of my arms.

"They belong to us as well," its forked tongue flickered near my rounded belly.

I clutched at my stomach that was swollen with pregnancy. A spasm rippled through my body bringing me to my knees, "Never!"

(Alistair)

"Hold her hands down, fool," Morrigan snapped, "Before she brings down the whole manner."

"What can I do?" her body rocked against me with another spasm, "I'll do anything."

Her thinly arched brow rose in conjecture, "Anything?"

"Anything," I murmured, "You have my word. Just save her."

The marsh witch crossed her arms and looked down her nose, "I presume you still know how to be the templar you once were?"

(Chandra)

I awoke to a cool hand pressing down on my forehead, my eyes fluttered open, "Wynne?"

"Yes, child," she smiled tenderly.

I looked around furtively, "Where's Alistair?"

"I sent him away…he needed to get some rest," she continued to watch me with that patient knowing look, "Just like you still do, dear."

"No, you don't understand," I sat up and flung my feet over the edge of the bed, "I have to tell him…"

"Whatever it is, I'm sure it can wait," she pushed me down and placed the covers back over me.

"No!" I clutched at her hands, "It can't…you don't understand."

"I'm sure I do," she forced a smile, "I am worried about you both."

"You know nothing of us," I spoke out angrily, "Now let me up, old woman."

"I know there is great potential for tragedy here," she said solemnly.

"I assume she's improved," questioned Eamon. His voice sounded short and strained, even behind the closed doors of his library.

I pressed my body closer to the wall. I had hoped to avoid detection as I listened in on Alistair's conversation with his uncle. Pangs of sadness stabbed at my heart when I heard Alistair's uneasiness, "She's alive, if that's what you're asking?"

There was a rustling of papers then a pause, "I can't say that I don't have my doubts about her."

"Is this more about your son or the current circumstances?" Alistair's voice sounded tired and withdrawn.

"What she's done, of course. She's left us with quite a mess to cleanup, killing Rendan like she did."

"Don't forget he held and tortured people against their will," Alistair maintained.

Eamon cleared his throat then continued, "He was still a noble and deserved a trial." I covered my mouth to keep from speaking out in my defense against the old fool.

"He deserved what he got," Alistair shot back.

"She has made a mockery of you, Alistair. It will be a wonder, if we can salvage the Landsmeet."

"I say let Anora keep her crown, I didn't sign up for this any way," Alistair spoke out angrily and then there was the heavy footfall of steps.

(Alistair)

I threw up my hands in exasperation and stormed out the door of my uncle's study. I had had enough of his ranting and wanted nothing more than to see Chandra, but Wynne had ordered me to bed. I should have listened to her. I turned the corner and nearly mowed over the one I longed to see, "Chandra…" I picked her up and twirled her around, "You're awake! Wait one minute…you should be in bed resting."

She wrapped her arms around my neck, "I-I didn't want you to worry. I'm really quite better."

I hugged her tightly to me before I let her feet touch the ground, "You and I know better than that," I cocked my head to the side and smiled down at her, "When are you going to start trusting me?"

"As soon as you kiss me," she tilted her head back and waited.

I ran my hand up her spine until it rested on the back of her head, "I wish it were that easy," my lips slashed across hers, knowing and needing, "Promise that you'll never leave me like that again."

She rested her hands atop my shoulders, "You know that's not possible."

"I can't do this again," her hands clutched at my forearms as I shook her, "I can loose you again."

"But..you haven't lost me," she insisted, "I won't leave you. As long as you have need of me…I'll be here for you."

"Are you still out there, Alistair?" I heard the doorknob turn on my uncle's study.

I held her at my side ad stepped forward, "Let's get out of here," I suggested as she stumbled and fell, "You're not ok," I picked her up and carried her back to her chamber.

She wound one arm around my neck for support and touched the side of my face with the other, "I'm just a little tired," she admitted wryly, "Perhaps, if you tuck me in…"

I touched my lips to the top of her head and gently kissed her, "I don't want to be king, Chandra," my voice cracked, "Especially, if it means losing you."

"But you must," she smiled for encouragement, "Ferelden is counting on us…on you, Alistair."