Chapter Twelve: Redcliffe

"Are you sure you'll be alright?" asked Leandra as she passed Yvaine a bundle of food. "You have enough blankets? Did you get enough from your uncle's workshop?" Yvaine and the others were preparing to leave for Redcliffe, the Hawke family was also to leave that morning but at a later hour when they were sure the templars were out of the village.

Yvaine shook her head and smiled as she put the food in Bodhan's wagon. "Yes, Aunt Leandra, we've got a surplus of supplies and plenty of blankets. What about you lot? Will that be enough money for passage to Kirkwall?"

Leandra nodded. "More than enough, someday we'll be able to repay you."

"We're family, there's no need to pay me back, unless you plan on baking a huge blackberry pie," chuckled Yvaine, turning to face her aunt. "I hope we'll see each other again, Aunt Leandra, have a safe journey."

Leandra pulled her niece into a bone breaking hug. "When all of this is over, I'll bake you the biggest blackberry pie you've ever seen!"

Yvaine smiled as she held onto her aunt. "I'll hold you to that, Aunt Leandra." She released her hold and fought back the tears as her aunt pulled away, her spot was then filled by Amalthea.

"Is this good bye, Yvaine?" asked Amalthea, her voice thick with emotion and her beautiful sea colored eyes were clouded with unshed tears.

"For now," sighed Yvaine, trying her best to stay upbeat about the whole situation. "I'm sure the next time we meet, we'll both have stories to tell, these we won't have to make up."

Amalthea chuckled. "Remember the one where we imagined ourselves as Knights of Andraste? Fighting dragons and overcoming impossible odds?"

"I do," said Yvaine brightly. "Who'd have thought I'd actually be off to do those tasks?"

"I always knew you were special, Yvaine," said Amalthea happily, "who knows, maybe I'll be the one to bring freedom to some oppressed group of people."

They laughed together before embracing each other, holding onto each other as if this would surely be the last time they saw each other alive. Finally they released the tight grip they had on each other and stood there for a few moments in silence, Yvaine dared a glance at Alistair whom was speaking with Bethany. She had hoped after their talk last night there was actually something between them but looking at the way he acted around Bethany, it was hard for her to believe that anymore.

Amalthea followed her cousin's gaze and sighed. "You shouldn't worry about that, Yvaine, I don't think Alistair's all that interested in Bethany," she whispered so only Yvaine could hear her.

Yvaine wanted to believe what Amalthea said but it was hard to see the situation any other way. "You might be right, Mal, but I'll take actions over words any day."

"Same old Yvaine," sighed Amalthea and she handed her cousin a small package. "I found this in the stable loft, I thought you might like it back."

She gave her a curious look as she unwrapped the package, surprised when she saw a tiny gold locket encrusted with pearls. "Father gave me this locket when I was ten! I thought I had lost it forever."

"I think we were using it as the dragon's treasure we were trying to find and either we forgot where we hid it or we got caught up playing something else," said Amalthea as she watched her cousin put the locket on. "Take care, Yvaine, may your blade be swift and true."

"And may your shield never break," finished Yvaine as she got onto her horse, she looked down at her remaining family, as much as she wanted to stay with them she knew they would tell her not to.

She raised her hand to them and then started riding away, not trusting herself to look back at them, instead she focused on turning her horse west pointed towards Redcliffe.

"Do you think they'll be alright?" asked Fergus as he rode up beside her.

Yvaine nodded. "I don't see why they shouldn't be, if they come across any trouble Mal and Bethany are more than capable of looking out for Aunt Leandra."

"What about Carver?" asked Fergus slyly, he knew his little sister had never really liked their youngest cousin.

Yvaine gave him a wry look. "You of all people should know how I feel about Carver, Fergus, so don't even broach that subject. Was it my imagination or was Morrigan all doe eyed around him?"

Fergus let out a hearty laugh. "Oh, it wasn't your imagination, Sister, though she did more than just make doe eyes."

"What do you mean?" asked Yvaine with a raised eyebrow.

He glanced around to make sure Morrigan was not within hearing range. "She took Carver out to Uncle Malcolm's workshop and made him a man."

Yvaine's eyes went wide at the news, this was certainly the last thing she had expected to happen during their brief stay at her aunt's house. "She . . . they . . . Maker!"

"I know, I can hardly believe it myself, Carver's actually into women!" exclaimed Fergus. Yvaine reached across and landed a punch on his shoulder.

"Fergus, that's terrible!" she shouted, though the mirth in her eyes was only increased. She looked back at Leliana who was walking beside Bodhan's wagon, outfitted in Leandra's old rogue armor. "What about you and Leliana?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Fergus looked back and blushed. "She's pleasant enough."

"And very pretty," goaded Yvaine. "You always did have a thing for red heads, Brother."

"She has red hair? I hardly noticed," said Fergus coyly. He looked away from her and gazed at the rising sun. "Yvaine, you know I'm still mourning Oriana and Oren, don't think I'm going to just throw them over for a sweet young woman with red hair."

Yvaine reached out and took his hand. "I know, Fergus, and I'm not trying to push you into anything you don't want. I'm just teasing you a little, like old times."

He squeezed her hand gently and gave her a soft smile. "Thank, Y-paine, I'm glad I have you. When this is over, do you think you'll come back home with me? To Highever?"

She cast her eyes down as she released his hand. "I haven't really thought about what I'll be doing after the Blight's over, maybe I'll help Alistair rebuild the Wardens, perhaps I'll just travel all over Thedas."

"Well, whatever you do Yvaine, just make sure to come back for a visit every now and then," said Fergus sadly. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Yvaine. I don't think I could've made it this far without you by my side, you're the best sister in all of Thedas."

His words surprised her greatly, she had never heard him speak with such sincerity even when he would address Oriana. "What's got you all sentimental?" teased Yvaine, trying to lighten the mood, she had a feeling Alistair had told him about their chat last night.

Fergus shrugged. "I've just been thinking about that last night in Highever and how I never got to tell those I loved so much some things I should've said on a regular basis. I thought you deserved to hear your older brother tell you at least once that you're not always a pain in the ass."

"And the moment's gone," laughed Yvaine as she rubbed his shoulder. "Do you think I'll ever find someone, like how you found Oriana?"

"I thought you already had, Yvaine," said Fergus, a mischievous gleam in his eye. "I saw Alistair go into your room last night."

Blood instantly rushed to Yvaine's face. "Nothing happened, Fergus, believe me! He was comforting me after I had a nightmare."

"I didn't know you had a nightmare," said Fergus, a little shocked. "What was it about?"

Yvaine considered telling him about her dream, but she thought better to spare him the pain of imagining their mother's bloodied corpse. "Nothing in particular, just hordes of darkspawn."

He sent her a sympathetic look. "I've been having similar dreams, mostly about that ogre." He gave an involuntary shudder. "I've been thinking."

"Uh-oh, that's dangerous," sniggered Yvaine, ducking when he reached over to pop her in the back of the head.

"You're lucky I missed," said Fergus with a smirk. "Anyway, I was thinking now might be a good chance for you to get to know your party members. Normally camp might be a good place but since we probably won't be camping until we reach Redcliffe, now's just as good a time."

Yvaine nodded in agreement. "That sounds like a great idea, I think I might speak to Sten first, I've never met a Qunari before this might prove to be interesting."

She pulled her horse out of line and walked him to the back where Sten was walking in silence.

Sten barely glanced up as she arrived.

"Hello, Sten," said Yvaine politely, remembering her lessons in manners.

"What are you doing here?" asked Sten, his voice like gravel on glass. The cold look he was giving her chilled Yvaine to the soul but she ignored his less than friendly demeanor and pressed on.

"I thought now might be a good time to speak with you," replied Yvaine, giving a brief smile.

Sten growled in his throat. "We should be on the look out for darkspawn. Is this delay necessary?"

Yvaine ignored his growl. "You were in a cage for several days, are you alright?"

"You are concerned," said Sten with a hint of surprise in his voice. "There is no need, I am fit to fight."

"Good to know," said Yvaine cheerfully. "I don't imagine Qunari often end up in Ferelden by accident, what are you doing here?"

"I am a soldier," replied Sten, almost sounding proud. "I was sent here by the antaam to survey this land and record any information I found relevant."

Yvaine was a little confused. "Doesn't only recording relevant information exclude a great deal of what you've learned? Wouldn't that give your people a skewed view of Ferelden and how it operates?"

"Isn't there a skewed view of the people you call Orlesians in your land?" retorted Sten.

"Good point, I hadn't considered that," conceded Yvaine thoughtfully. "You certainly know a great deal more about Ferelden than most natives."

Sten was silent for a few moments. "That was a compliment, was it not?" he asked sounding hopeful.

"It was indeed," replied Yvaine, happy to have chipped away some of the Qunari's gruff attitude. "You know, Bodhan has some armor that would fit you, and perhaps a sword you could use. If you're going to fight darkspawn with us, you'll need proper equipment."

"I'll accept the armor, but the sword will not do me any good," said Sten flatly.

Yvaine blinked. "Then how'll you fight? We can't have you defenseless."

"You misunderstand me," said Sten. "I did not say I would not fight with a sword, I said it would not do me any good. The only sword that would bring balance to my skills is my own personal blade."

"Where is it? I didn't see one with you in the cage," replied Yvaine.

Sten snorted. "You wouldn't. It was stolen from me, and I intend to find it."

"We'll help you," said Yvaine seriously. "We can't have you without your sword, can we? I'll ask around when we're in Redcliffe, see if I turn up any leads, don't worry, Sten, we'll find it before we face the archdemon."

Alistair watched as she moved with grace on top of her horse, he was a little disappointed that she was speaking with Sten instead of coming over to talk to him but he figured she was trying to get to know him a little better.

"What do you think they're talking about?" asked Alistair to no one in particular.

Morrigan looked up from her seat on the back of Bodhan's wagon, a predatory glint in her animal eyes. "'Tis likely they are commenting on the most peculiar sight in all of Ferelden."

"What's that? Your outfit?" quipped Alistair, looking rather pleased with himself when she glared at him.

"No," she said with an irritated tone. "I meant the sight of a horse with two rear ends."

Alistair narrowed his eyes. "I'm guessing that's directed at me?"

"'Tis indeed, do you see any other horse with two rear ends?" asked Morrigan politely.

"No, but I do see an old harpy on a wagon that has her mother's nose," replied Alistair with a smug grin as he pulled his horse up closer to Leliana.

"I see you and Morrigan are playing nice," sighed Leliana as she adjusted her gauntlets.

"You could say that," said Alistair as he turned to look at Yvaine, she was still talking with Sten and seemed to be enjoying herself. "How are you this fine morning, Leliana? Not too tired I hope."

"I'm quite fine, Alistair, thank you for asking," said Leliana kindly. "How are you doing? I can't imagine it was easy for you to leave Lothering."

Alistair looked at her as if she had sprouted two heads. "What makes you say that? It wasn't my family we left behind."

"Oh, well I thought you might be sad to leave Bethany behind," replied Leliana, secretly happy with how this conversation was going. "You two were rather close, I just thought . . ."

"No!" exclaimed Alistair using his hands to emphasize the point. "Bethany and me?! No, not at all! I thought she might've liked me in that way but I never . . . I wouldn't . . . no!"

"But didn't you accept a favor from her?" asked Leliana innocently.

"Just a handkerchief, and I gave it to Sandal," sighed Alistair, running his fingers through his hair.

Leliana's blue eyes sparkled. "So you didn't fancy Bethany? Then why'd you kiss her hand when we left?"

Alistair groaned. "I was just being polite, I was raised to be chivalrous to women and part of that includes kissing their hand whenever I meet them or say good bye."

"Then why didn't you kiss Amalthea's hand?" asked Leliana slyly.

"Did Amalthea strike you as the type of woman who would want her hand kissed? Besides, she hugged me, which is just as good," sighed Alistair turning again to glance at Yvaine, she was now talking with Morrigan, and to his surprise was smiling.

"Maybe you should tell Yvaine this," said Leliana when she saw where he was looking.

"Why?" asked Alistair, confused. "Surely she knows that Amalthea would prefer a hug over her hand being kissed."

Leliana sighed and shook her head. "Oh, just forget I said anything, Alistair."

Alistair shrugged and started looking around, admiring how lovely Ferelden looked this time of year.

"Hello, Yvaine," said Leliana brightly as she rode up behind her.

The mention of Yvaine's name shook Alistair from his musings, he turned to her and smiled.

Yvaine ignored him. "Hello to you, Leli, I trust you're doing well this morning."

Leliana nodded. "Indeed I am, I was just forming a ballad about the beauty of summer in Ferelden."

"A ballad?" repeated Yvaine. "Are you a bard?"

"I used to be before I went to the Chantry," said Leliana. "Sometimes I wish I still was, I traveled quite a bit and I have volumes of stories to tell."

"Perhaps you could share some with us in camp," offered Yvaine. "I love a good story."

Leliana smiled. "Then we shall get along like perfect friends."

Yvaine returned her smile. "I've been meaning to ask, Leli, where are you from? You have an accent that sounds Orlesian though I might be wrong."

"You're not wrong, Isolde has the same accent," said Alistair but she again did not look at him.

"Alistair and you are both right," replied Leliana gently. "I did live in Orlais for a time, before I came to Ferelden, though I was born here and my mother was from Denerim."

"Why'd you and your mother leave?" asked Yvaine, permitting herself a brief glance at Alistair.

"My mother was a serving girl for an Orlesian woman, Lady Cecile, and after the Ferelden rebellion she left Ferelden taking my mother and I with her," said Leliana softly, Yvaine saw a sad look cross her sapphire blue eyes.

Yvaine reached down as best she could and brushed her fingers over Leliana's shoulder. "I'm so sorry, Leli."

Leliana looked up and blinked. "How did you . . ."

"I lost mine, too," whispered Yvaine, a brief smile ghosting her pink lips. They shared a look that only daughters whom have lost their mothers would recognize, it was one of sympathy and understanding. "I miss her and my father everyday."

"I never knew my father," sighed Leliana sadly, "he died before I was born, I'm named for his little sister actually."

"That's incredibly lovely," said Yvaine brightly, trying to cheer her new friend up. "So you mentioned earlier that the Maker sent you to us, care to elaborate on that?"

"Yes, I've been wondering the same thing," remarked Alistair, giving Yvaine a small smile.

Leliana's sad frown turned into a wistful smile, she suddenly had an extra spring in her step. "Of course! I've been waiting for you to ask me since you recruited me." She paused a moment, looking expectantly at Yvaine and Alistair, when they remained silent she pressed on with her story. "One night, I was dreaming I was standing on the highest mountain peak in all of Ferelden, I could see all over the land. I watched as a darkness crept over the horizon, engulfing everything in its path, leaving nothing spared and I could feel it pressing all around me, suffocating me. Soon I was falling into the darkness, whether I was pushed or I jumped I'm not sure, but when I fell I woke up."

Yvaine contemplated Leliana's words carefully. "Sounds like you dreamt of the Blight, Leli, isn't it said that darkness and despair follow wherever the darkspawn tread?"

"I believe that's what the Chantry says," replied Leliana. "Anyway, that wasn't all of my vision. After I woke up, I went out to the gardens like I often did whenever I was troubled, only this time was different. This old, gnarled, ugly bush of brambles had flowered. For ages that bush had appeared dead, never sprouting flowers no matter what any of the sisters did, but that morning there was a single bright red rose growing within the thorns. It was as if the Maker Himself was reaching out telling me that even in all of the darkness and despair of the Blight there was still hope and beauty to be found."

"And that's why you went looking for Yvaine?" asked Alistair, more than a little skeptical at the bard's words. "Seems like a stretch of the imagination, if you ask me."

"No one was asking you, Alistair," sighed Yvaine, irritated, giving him a pointed look before turning back to Leliana. "Why would this vision compel you leave the sheltered life of a lay sister to fight alongside Grey Wardens?"

"I would do anything to stop the Blight, and Grey Wardens are famous for being the only ones who can, logic dictated I seek you out," said Leliana sternly. "I'm glad I found you both, and can be of assistance to such upstanding Wardens."

"Now you're just blowing smoke," laughed Alistair. "Yvaine's the upstanding Warden, not me."

Yvaine rolled her eyes. "If you say so, Alistair. Now if you'll excuse me, I think I'll ask Morrigan if she's planning on marrying my cousin." She pulled her horse away from Alistair and Leliana, trotting up ahead to where Bodhan's wagon was, fighting the urge to pull Alistair from his horse and kiss him.

Alistair let out a low groan. "Maker, that woman is impossible."

Leliana sighed and shook her head, maybe now was the time to let Alistair in on what he had done that was so very wrong. "She's not impossible, Alistair, she's upset."

"Why? Did something happen to her that I don't know about?" asked Alistair, suddenly very concerned for Yvaine's well being.

"To a certain extent, yes," said Leliana sharply. He frowned at her, showing her he still could not grasp what had happened. "You flirted with her cousin and she's jealous!"

Alistair opened and closed his mouth a couple of times, slightly overwhelmed by the news that Yvaine was jealous though still thrilled that he knew now she had feelings for him. "Is that all?" remarked Alistair, a smug smirk plastered on his lips. "I'm used to that happening, women fall all over themselves whenever I'm around, and they often get jealous when I give affection to others."

Leliana reached up and punched him in the leg, which was the only place she could reach with him on a horse.

He nearly fell off of his horse in surprise. "Ow! What was that for?!"

"If that's how you're going to treat Yvaine and her affections, then she's certainly better off without you!" exclaimed Leliana, surprised and angry with him.

"I'm sorry, but all I'm doing is trying to make me look like less of an idiot!" snapped Alistair, resisting the urge to kick her back.

Leliana glared up at him. "You're not doing a very good job at it."

Again he groaned, dropping his bravado act, covering his face with his hands in despair. "I know, I know, I'm not very good at this at all."

"That much is painfully obvious," said Leliana gently, seeing now that he actually had no idea what he was doing when it came to women. "Did you know you were flirting with Bethany?"

He shook his head firmly. "No, I was just being a gentleman. If Bethany took it as flirting then that was completely imagined by her, if you hadn't noticed I spent a majority of that night trying to get close to Yvaine but Amalthea kept me at bay."

"Of course she did," sighed Leliana. "She knew what it looked like you were doing and was trying to protect you and her cousin, mostly you from her cousin. That's also why Yvaine left before dessert."

"How do you know that?" asked Alistair, mentally kicking himself for the way he had behaved in Lothering.

"Woman's intuition," said Leliana simply. "Now, you're going to have to make this up to her somehow, no? I think you should buy her something nice, what sorts of things does she like?"

Alistair thought for a moment and then sighed heavily. "I'm not sure, we haven't really spoken much about likes and dislikes. We've had far more pressing things to deal with like the Blight and gathering an army, you know?"

"Ah, I see," said Leliana with an understanding look. "Perhaps you could give her something poetic."

"What, like write her a poem?" asked Alistair. "I've never been very good with words, as you well know."

Leliana softly giggled. "Alright, Alistair, let's put our heads together and come up with something nice you can do for her as a way of letting her know how you feel."

"Maker bless you, Leliana," sighed a very relieved Alistair.

"Don't be too quick with your blessings, I might make you prance around in tights," warned Leliana.

"How do you find the Qunari?" asked Morrigan as she danced little balls of magic between her fingers.

Yvaine shrugged. "He seems good enough, a little on the quiet, serious side but otherwise he's fine. I promised him we'd look for his sword, apparently he won't be able to fight well without it."

Morrigan's attention was focused on the magic around her fingers but she gave a lazy nod in Yvaine's direction, searching for the Qunari's sword was the furthest thing from her thoughts at the moment. "You mentioned we're going to the Circle of Magi, yes?"

"As far as I know," replied Yvaine, eyeing Morrigan suspiciously. "Why do you ask?"

"Since you're so keen on locating missing items, I have a proposal," said Morrigan, closing her hand against the magic. "Some years ago before I was born, Flemeth was divested of a particular grimoire by a persistent and annoying templar. Though it happened long ago, Flemeth still rages something terrible about its loss, 'tis quite a sight indeed. To the point, I'm fairly certain the grimoire ended up in the Circle's possession and while we're there, I would like time to search for it."

Yvaine raised an eyebrow, this sounded a little too convenient for her liking, a book of spells from the infamous Witch of the Wilds put so close within their reach, there had to be more to it than Morrigan was saying. "What's contained in this grimoire, exactly?"

"'Tis a book of spells," replied Morrigan slowly, "of the sort that my mother has dabbled in for eons. These spells would be useless to the common mage, as they are taught a path to controlling magic to prevent demonic possession, but I was taught by my mother. I would be the only mage who could decipher the tome and find use in it, and I would certainly use what I learn to benefit you and our cause."

There it was, the angle that would make Yvaine feel like she had to give into Morrigan, while the witch might be right, there was still something off about this whole situation. Despite her better judgement, Yvaine thought it would be best to keep an eye out for the grimoire, besides there was a chance the tome did not even exist anymore. "Alright, I'll let you search for it while we're there."

Morrigan's eyes went wide in surprise but she was quick to recover. "Thank you, Yvaine, 'tis very wise of you to accept my offer."

"You're welcome, Morrigan," said Yvaine stiffly. "If that's all, then I think I'll head back to the front of the group with Fergus. Let me know if there's anything more you need, Morrigan."

Morrigan nodded as Yvaine pulled her horse away from the group and rode beside them until she was back in the lead with Fergus, her horse in a gentle canter to match his pace.

"I can see the turrets of Redcliffe Castle, we're almost to Redcliffe," said Fergus when he saw his little sister beside him. "So, how's our little group?"

Yvaine gave a small smile. "You know something Fergus, they're actually not half bad; alright, Sten's a little on the quiet, dark side of life and Morrigan's a sneak, not to mention Leliana might be a little touched but overall, there's potential."

Fergus was about to speak when he heard a noise behind them, turning his head he saw Alistair trying to catch up with them. "Speaking of potential," said Fergus with an evil glint in his eyes. "Look who's riding up now."

She turned around and groaned when she saw Alistair. "Maybe I should ride ahead, get away from him."

"I have a feeling he'd follow you to the ends of Thedas," teased Fergus. "I'll ride ahead, give you two some alone time." He ducked his head, missing Yvaine's fist, and laughed as he rode ahead of the rest.

Yvaine set her jaw, she was going to get back at Fergus for this if it was the last thing she did.

"Yvaine!" called Alistair as he neared her position, he sounded a little breathless. "Yvaine, I need to talk to you about something . . . and I probably should've mentioned this earlier."

"What is it, Alistair?" asked Yvaine, her voice strained. "Did you lose your bag of cheese cubes?" She flicked her reins and the horse sped up a little, she desperately wanted to get away from him, she could not bear it if what he wanted to talk about involved Bethany.

He reached over and pulled the reins, stopping her horse, then he stopped his. "Yvaine, this is serious."

She forced herself to look him in the eye and was surprised, he actually looked quite serious. "Alright, Alistair, what's on your mind?"

Alistair looked like he was in pain, or like he was about to be when he told her what he was about to. "Remember how Arl Eamon took me in and raised me, right? That my mother was a serving girl in the castle?"

Yvaine nodded, still well aware of his history.

"Well, the reason he did was . . . well, because . . . my father was King Maric," said Alistair, he sounded gloomy and a little ashamed of himself, as if he were responsible for his heritage. "Which made Cailan my half-brother, so to speak."

She sat there and stared at him for a few moments, not really knowing what to say or how she should react. While she was still very angry at him for her own reasons, that was not an excuse to throw what he had just told her back in his face, he obviously trusted her enough with the truth so that already was something. "So . . . you're not just a bastard, you're a royal bastard?" she quipped, relieved when she saw his lips quiver, he was trying to remain serious but her comment had almost broken his resolve.

"You know, I might have to start using that line more often," sighed Alistair, very glad that she was not angry. "I would've told you sooner, but my heritage never really meant anything to me. I was more or less an inconvenience, a threat to Cailan's rule, so I was hidden away and kept secret . . . I've never really spoken about this to anyone else. Everyone who did know either resented me or coddled me, even Duncan kept me out of the fighting because of who I am!" He sounded upset, almost angry but he managed not to lose his temper completely. "I didn't want you to know, Yvaine, for as long as possible. I'm so sorry."

Yvaine saw the hurt and vulnerability on his face, either now was the time to destroy him or reassure him that she was not going to be like all of the others. "I think I understand, Alistair, really."

"Oh good," sighed Alistair, obviously relieved. "It's not like I got special treatment for it anyhow. At any rate, that's all I wanted to tell you, I thought you deserved to know the truth."

He made a move to leave but Yvaine reached out and took his hand. "Thank you, Alistair, for trusting me with this. I know it must've been difficult for you to tell me."

"I'm glad I did tell you, Yvaine, I didn't like keeping this from you," said Alistair kindly, moving his hand so he was holding hers.

Yvaine glanced down at their joined hands, a small smile spreading across her lips. "So is there anything else I should know about you?"

"Besides my unholy love of fine cheeses and a minor obsession with my hair, no. Just the prince thing," replied Alistair, a grin replacing the frown from earlier.

"You're a prince," said Yvaine coyly, "somehow I find that very . . . thrilling."

Alistair's eyes went wide, of everything she could have said that was certainly the last on the list. "Well . . . um . . . not that I would want someone like you to only like me for that reason. But if you find that, thrilling as you put it, there are worse fates." He paused a moment and the smile on his grew larger. "Did I just find the one damn decent thing about my birthright? I think I did. Now, can we pretend that I'm not a prince and just some nobody who was too lucky not to die with the other Grey Wardens?"

Yvaine shook her head and smiled, she pulled him closer as best she could, their hands still linked together. "Not a chance, you're here with me, so I think I might be the lucky one in this deal." Her words surprised her, mostly because she was still angry at him for flirting with Bethany, now here she was telling him she was lucky to have him. What was wrong with her?

Suddenly Alistair looked very ashamed of himself. "I can't believe I was worried about telling you this, I feel very unworthy of such a compliment."

"If you feel that way, I'll make sure any compliments directed at you are few and far between," said Yvaine lightly, then she pulled her hand away. "So what compelled you to tell me this in the first place?"

Alistair looked down at his empty hand, missing the feel of hers. "With us being in Redcliffe, I thought the arl might bring it up and I didn't want it to take you by surprise, I figured that might be the worst possible way to find out."

Yvaine thought about what he said, there was some logic to it. "I suppose you're right, Alistair. Anyway, we should be in Redcliffe in a few minutes, spread the word."

"As you say, Yvaine," said Alistair quietly. He turned his horse around and started trotting back to the others, he glanced behind him and saw Yvaine with her head slightly down, he wanted to rush and embrace her but thought better of his impulse. There would be time for that later, after he gave her the gift Leliana had suggested.

Yvaine flicked her reins again and brought her horse up to Fergus, she was still a little upset with Alistair but more for how he acted with Bethany than the fact he had hidden his lineage, admittedly if it had been her she probably would have done the same thing. What upset her more was the fact she was falling in love with the Maric's second son, now his only heir, who would more than likely be king. 'Not only is he my superior, he's also my sovereign. Andraste, why'd I have to fall in love with him?' she thought to herself as she watched the view of Redcliffe become clearer and clearer.

Fergus glanced over at his sister and saw that her brow was crinkled and her pink lips were drawn in a slight frown. "I know that look, Yvaine," he said, "you're thinking again, what'd Alistair tell you?"

"I think that's something Alistair should tell you on his own, it's his business," replied Yvaine sternly.

"Alright," said Fergus cautiously, "remind me to ask him later when we're back in camp."

"Believe me, I will," sighed Yvaine.

Fergus took her tone as the end of the conversation, while he was concerned that it was something serious, he could not bring himself to ask anymore about the subject. 'She'll tell me on her own time, it's clearly something she wasn't prepared to hear,' he thought.

They neared the bridge that would take them into Redcliffe, from her horse Yvaine could see the village down below, that was something she had always like about Redcliffe, the scenery. When they were closer, she could see a man standing in the middle of the stone bridge, blocking their progression into the village. He ran towards them, a panicked looked on his face, something had him very scared and it was not their party.

"I thought I saw some travelers on the path, but I didn't dare believe it," he said breathless when he stopped just short of Yvaine's horse. "Thank the Maker you're here!"

"What's wrong, good ser?" asked Yvaine sternly.

The man held the stitch in his side, trying to catch his breath before speaking. "You don't know? Has no one said anything?"

Yvaine shared a concerned look with Alistair, neither one knew how to properly respond to the man's words.

"No," said Yvaine sadly, "we were actually on our way to see Arl Eamon."

The man snorted. "He could be dead or gone for all we know, there hasn't been any movement in the castle for days, but that's not the villagers' concern right now."

"What do you mean you don't know?!" demanded Alistair. "Your arl might be dead and you don't even bloody know? What kind of subjects are you?!"

The man was about to argue when Yvaine made a gesture to Alistair and him to both be silent. "Alistair, there's obviously more going on in Redcliffe," said Yvaine firmly, "I have a feeling that if we help the village, we'll find out what's happened to Eamon, there's obviously more going on here than what Carver told us."

Alistair gave a grunt in response, he was not happy about being told off but he was not about to argue with her over this situation.

Yvaine turned her attention back to the man. "What's been going on, ser?"

"We've been under attack for days," replied the man, "monsters of an unholy sort come out from the castle and attack us from dark until dawn. We've all been fighting . . . and dying. So many of us are dead . . ."

Yvaine dismounted from her horse and put her hand on the man's shoulder. "Don't worry, good ser, we're here to help you and the others."

"You can't be serious," scoffed Morrigan getting out from behind the wagon, "we're here to see this Arl Eamon and get on with our quest to stop the Blight, not play hero to everyone who comes crying. 'Tis a waste of our time and resources."

"And it's statements like that that show why you won't make leader any time soon," muttered Alistair, receiving a glare from the witch.

"Thank you, m'lady," said the man, looking quite relieved now. "My name is Tomas, by the way."

"I'm Yvaine Cousland, of the Grey Wardens," said Yvaine kindly, "this is my brother Fergus, Teyrn of Highever, my Mabari hound Gawain, Alistair my fellow Warden, you met Morrigan, over there's Leliana, and the quiet one in the back is Sten."

Tomas observed the group. "Quite the companions you have there, Lady Cousland. Anyway, I was told to send any and all help to Bann Teagan, I can escort you and a few of your companions to him. The rest can feel free to roam around the village, though there isn't much to do besides drinking at the tavern, I'm afraid."

Yvaine nodded. "I'll accompany you momentarily, I just need to speak with my companions first."

"Of course," said Tomas, "I'll be waiting on the other side of the bridge when you're ready." He ran away from the group leaving the group alone.

"I want to go with you, Yvaine," said Alistair before she had a chance to speak.

"That's fine, Alistair," said Yvaine flatly. "Leliana, you and Gawain will also be accompanying us. Fergus, you, Morrigan and Sten will go around the village and figure out what more we can do for these poor people. We'll rendezvous at the tavern Tomas mentioned in about an hour and exchange notes on what we've learned, then we'll come up with an attack plan."

"Sounds like a good plan, Yvaine," said Fergus, glancing over at Alistair. "I'll try to keep the peace if necessary, this situation seems rather tense."

"Then if no one has any objections," said Yvaine, eyeing Morrigan directly, "Alistair, Leli and I will be on our way. Come on, Gawain!"

They followed Tomas into the village, Fergus and his group breaking away before they reached Bann Teagan, heading off towards the shops. The others continued on with Tomas who lead them to Redcliffe's Chantry, this was apparently where Bann Teagan was staying since no one could get to the castle, at least that is what Tomas said. When they entered the Chantry, Yvaine was immediately reminded of Lothering: people huddled in corners, some in the pews on their knees praying, the injured being tended to by those who knew even the smallest fact about healing. At the front of the Chantry where the Revered Mother would normally be, there stood a man in armor, several people were going up to him and speaking with him before rushing out of the building.

"Bann Teagan," called Tomas when they were close enough. "I've brought some help."

Teagan turned around and surveyed the group, his eyes resting briefly on Yvaine before he addressed Tomas again. "It seems you did, Tomas. Thank you for bringing them here, now resume your post."

"Yes, ser," said Tomas proudly and then he rushed out of the Chantry.

"Greetings, friends," said Teagan kindly, "it's good you're here, we are in desperate need of help."

Yvaine stepped forward. "Then I'm glad we're here, ser."

His eyes roamed over her again. "Have we met before? You seem awfully familiar to me."

"I don't know if we have," replied Yvaine shyly, "but you might've known my father, Teyrn Bryce Cousland?"

"Ah, yes," said Teagan, a smile stretching across his lips, "you're his youngest child, Yvaine, am I right? The daughter he was always so proud of."

"Yes, ser," said Yvaine, blushing under Teagan's gaze.

Behind her Alistair glared at Teagan, he was not happy to see Yvaine being flirted with, especially by a smooth talking, good looking, charming bann who could have any woman he wanted. 'You better stop looking at her like that, Teagan before I slap the charm right off of your face,' he thought, trying not to pull Yvaine away from him.

"Well, Yvaine," said Teagan, putting emphasis on her first name, "it's good to see you again, though I wish it was under better circumstances. The village has been under attack every night for several weeks now, no one knows where these monsters are coming from, not only that but we haven't heard anything from the castle since they started appearing."

"That is troubling news," said Leliana, she sounded worried but her eyes shone with determination.

"Is your family safe, Teagan?" asked Yvaine, not knowing if the Bann was married or not, she was just trying to be kind.

Teagan's cheeks were flushed a ruddy color. "You mean am I married? No, m'lady, I have yet to wed. Though if I were to marry, I would hope my intended would be as beautiful and kind as you, Lady Yvaine."

Alistair tensed up, this conversation had taken a turn he did not like at all, what was worse was Yvaine was smiling at him as he openly, unabashedly flirted with her.

Yvaine saw Alistair's reaction out of the corner of her eye, this was probably the only opportunity she would get to give him a taste of his own medicine. "Flatterer," she said coyly, with a bright smile.

Teagan's lips formed a smug smirk. "If I might be so bold, m'lady, are you married yet? I heard something about a possible marriage between you and Bann Loren's son Dairren?"

'Oh damn, she might already be married!' thought Alistair, panic coursing through his body.

"Oh that," scoffed Yvaine, "that was just something my father was discussing with me, I made it very clear to him I had no interest in Dairren. And to answer your original question, no, I'm not married yet."

Alistair relaxed. 'Thank you, Maker! I still have a chance, unless Bann Charming has something to say about that. Wait, did she say yet? What does that mean?'

"Surely that is a crime somewhere," replied Teagan, "how a lovely woman like you is not married yet is beyond me."

Yvaine tossed her hair a little and batted her eyelashes. "Flatterer, though in the best way. No, it is by my own choice, believe it or not, I have decided to not yet be married."

"If I might continue in my boldness, Yvaine," continued Teagan, ignoring the glare from Alistair, "why have you chosen this path?"

"Many years ago, my heart was stolen from me I'm afraid," said Yvaine softly, the most beautiful smile Alistair had ever seen gracing her lips, lighting up her entire face.

"By who, dear lady?" asked Teagan, the look telling her he thought it was him.

"A young stable boy from Redcliffe I knew as a child," replied Yvaine, "he saved my life and stole my heart, my hope someday is to meet him again and tell him."

'I think you just did, Yvaine,' thought Alistair, unable to stop the huge smile that broke out on his face.

Teagan smiled though he looked a little crestfallen. "He certainly is a lucky man to have won your heart. Hopefully after we deal with these monsters you might be able to find out what happened to him."

"Speaking of monsters, what kind are we dealing with here?" asked Yvaine, steering the conversation back to their original purpose.

A dark look crossed Teagan's eyes as he started pacing. "They're walking corpses, reanimated by some kind of magic would be my guess, they pour out of the castle each night with a renewed hunger for human flesh. We've had no help from anyone outside of the village, with Cailan dead and Loghain starting a war for the throne, I might as well be trying to get water from a stone." He paused a moment in his pacing, looking like he was going to hit something. "Damn, Loghain! If he hadn't betrayed Cailan, none of this would have happened!"

This statement startled Yvaine, she had thought Loghain would have managed to convince all of the nobles in Ferelden that the Grey Wardens were the traitors. "You mean, you don't believe what he's been saying?" asked Yvaine, unable to keep the surprise out of her voice.

"Of course not!" snapped Teagan. "Cailan was many things, but reckless and stupid was not one of them! Besides that, the Grey Wardens had nothing to gain in defeat, and now they're lost too."

Yvaine smiled brightly. "Actually, Teagan, not all of them are gone."

Teagan looked up at her with interest. "Are you telling me that there are still Grey Wardens? Where are they?"

"They're standing right in front of you," replied Yvaine sheepishly, not sure if this was a good idea or not. "My friend and I are the last of the Wardens."

Teagan's face fell. "Do you know . . . ? No, you probably don't, it'd be too much to hope for."

"Do we know what, Teagan?" asked Yvaine, raising an eyebrow.

"I . . . there was a young man I knew who recently joined the Wardens," said Teagan slowly, for a brief second he looked like a man who was grieving for more than just his lost nephew. "He was at Ostagar, last I heard anyway, and I was just wondering if you knew what happened to him."

"What was the man's name?" asked Alistair, suddenly not as angry at Teagan as he was a few minutes ago.

"His name was Alistair," replied Teagan and Yvaine spun around to face the man in question. "He was never really related to me, but I saw him as my nephew, he was such a good lad."

Alistair stepped forward, standing beside Yvaine. "I'm not sure you remember me, Bann Teagan, but I remember you. The last time we met was just when you were first returning back from the Free Marches, I was much younger then, and completely covered in mud."

Yvaine almost fell over, she had been there the day Teagan had arrived back in Redcliffe, and the only other person besides her that had been covered in mud that day had been the stable boy. 'Alistair's the stable boy!' thought Yvaine. 'And I just confessed that I was in love with him! Oh, Maker, he must think I'm an idiot!'

"Alistair!" exclaimed Teagan, rushing forward and embracing him. "Thank the Maker! When I heard about Ostagar, I had hoped . . . I'm just glad you're alive."

Alistair returned his surrogate uncle's enthusiastic gesture. "So am I, Teagan. I just can't believe the arl's ill, we had come to him for help against the Blight."

Teagan released Alistair and then took a step back. "I know, I was in shock when I was first told, I've been trying like crazy to get in the castle but nothing I've done has worked."

"Don't worry, Teagan, we'll save him," said Alistair firmly.

"I thank you, Alistair," said Teagan gratefully. "I'm glad you won't forsake us, either of you."

Yvaine stepped forward next to Alistair and placed her fingers in such a way they were touching but appeared not to be. "Fear not, Teagan, we'll be at your side tonight in battle. Now, if you'll excuse us we have to go meet back up with the rest of our group. I'll also be speaking with several other people about how to best prepare for tonight, good day, Bann Teagan."

Teagan nodded and they turned to leave, Alistair laced his fingers through Yvaine's, smiling proudly. He could feel Teagan's glare on his back the whole way out.