I related as many of the details as I could remember about what had happened, the highway, the bodies, everything. Even seeing who I had realized was my husband laying lifeless a few feet away from me, being unable to help him or even get to him. I shook off the emotions that were creeping up and went into a quick description of my life post accident.

My neighbor and slowly becoming my BFF Elissa had offered to keep an eye on me but Caden felt that family should take care of family so he had moved in with me. Then one day, out of the blue I asked him where our parents were. I didn't understand why they hadn't checked up on me, but then I realized I couldn't remember them at all. I started to panic so he tried to calm me down and sat me next to him on the couch, going head first into the story of our childhood.

The short version: our mother passed from an illness when we were young and he had no idea who our father was, nor did our grandmother who had raised us. She had died the previous year so we were basically on our own.

As one could imagine I was lonely and bored so I bought a book called Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne that I found at a flea market. Leaving out the video game, not wanting to explain the technology, I explained briefly that the book was somehow linked to Thedas, what had happened in the past, what was going on right now and what would happen in the immediate future. It was how I knew a few things about the Wardens.

I then went into detail with Duncan about the morning of my fall, everything from the bash in the head from the low beam to the moment we walked into the large tent we sat in. He sat back in his chair as he picked at something in his teeth with one of his daggers thoughtfully. He was taking in all I had divulged and probably sizing me up at the same time to see if I was telling the truth. After all of the events I had just gone through in front of him I was left emotionally and physically spent. I sat back in my chair and closed my eyes, trying to steady my breathing and center myself. Feeling calmer and more in control, I opened my eyes and sat upright in the chair. Duncan put his dagger back in its sheath and leaned forward resting his elbows on the table.

"I believe you." That statement from him meant the world to me. I couldn't hide my happiness if I wanted to, grinning from ear to ear. He laughed, returning the smile then taking one of my hands in his. He looked at me with kind and appreciative eyes, then said, "So tell me, what are these things you think you know about the Wardens?" I decided only pertinent information was truly necessary so I sat back down in my chair and started with the basics.

I proceeded to go into the Grey Wardens' secrets first, mainly the secret joining ritual and the necessity of a Warden being the one to strike the killing blow to the Archdemon. Then I went into Alistair's, his father, his TRUE mother, things that I expressed a wish to divulge to him but I promised Duncan I would not unless he approved. Then I hit a brick wall. Who had he recruited?

"What I have to tell you next greatly depends on the answer to a question I must ask you," I waited until he nodded for me to continue, "Who did you recently recruit and bring here to Ostagar?" He looked at me thoughtfully, pulling at his beard slightly as he weighed his decision to tell me. He then sat up and rested his fore arms on the table.

"Elissa Cousland." I nodded my head and broke into her story, her home in Highever, Howe's betrayal, everything right down to her Father and Mother being left in the larder to die. I spoke with sympathy and respect, hoping he would not take offense to my knowledge of the situation. He didn't. In fact he seemed pleased that someone beside himself knew of her situation. Perhaps to help her through it, I thought. I sighed and continued.

"There truly is so much more to tell, but I need to know… do you really believe me? I know it's a LOT to ask but so many things can be changed and for the better." This was the defining moment, the moment I would know whether or not I could change the fate of Ferelden and hopefully save who knows how many lives. He made me wait for it too, the cheeky bastard.

"I do," he said softly.

I couldn't help it, I practically tackled him in a bear hug. I had just met this man and already I was attached. Catching my breath, I suddenly realized what came next. The betrayal…

And Duncan's death.

"How much time do we have before the battle?" I asked as I felt my throat tighten up. This man who could see through anyone's lies or deceit and yet said that he trusted me after meeting me only a few hours before… I really and truly cared about his fate. I have to save him, I thought, if he will let me.

"Maybe a few hours, the horde seems to have slowed a bit," he said as he pulled at his beard again thoughtfully, "Why?" I put on my best puppy-dog eyes and silently prayed he would listen and let me help him. After a deep breath I dove into the betrayal.

"I know I have no proof but I know it will happen. Please let me help you, in any way I can, please?" I begged. Suddenly we heard someone enter the tent behind us and we both turned to greet the visitor.

My jaw hit the deep roads.

"I'm sorry Duncan, am I interrupting?" This sandy blonde haired, well built man in light armor walked into the tent attentively. He must have been 6'2", close to 200 lbs of solid muscle. Broad shoulders, very well proportioned, I swear I felt myself swoon, but luckily stood up straight before making a complete ass out of myself. Duncan shot me a look that I caught out of the corner of my eye and smiled at the man.

"No Alistair, I assume you have returned with our recruits?" he asked as he rose to meet himshaking his hand firmly. I could tell there was a lot of affection there, from both men.

"All set and ready to go," Alistair said solemnly as he released Duncan's hand. He then turned that solemn gaze on me. "Another? I don't think there will be time…"

"No, not a recruit," Duncan said as he crossed the room to me, resting his right hand on the back of my chair. "Alistair, meet Lady Kora. Lady Kora, this is Alistair." I smiled dreamily as he crossed the room to greet me, taking my hand gently as I offered it, planting a light kiss on one knuckle with a warm smile across his face. I swear I blushed for the first time in my life.

"A pleasure my lady," he said softly. Shit, I thought, did I just giggle? And did he call me my lady? Control, deep breaths!

"The pleasure is mine, ser Alistair. Duncan?" I said as I released Alistair's hand and, barely regaining control of myself, turned to Duncan. "I know you have much to do. Please speak to me when you are finished? Oh!" I exclaimed as I glanced at Alistair, "And I would greatly appreciate your discretion with regard to our conversation. Some may see fit to use some of the information in the wrong way." I glanced at Alistair again and I think Duncan got my hint. Alistair would lay down his life for Duncan and the Warden Commander knew it. No sense in trying to lay plans if Alistair may go off half cocked.

"Of course, Lady Kora, please feel free to stay here and finish your meal. I shall return shortly." And with that he and Alistair walked out of the tent, but not before Alistair shot me another warm smile that seemed to linger and make me feel that all too familiar flutter in my lower stomach. Focus, woman! I chastised myself as I tried to brush away the scorching thoughts that engulfed my mind. Elissa is going to be the one he will need before the end, not you. You don't factor in, you're not important, I sighed as I finally gave in to my demons.

You'd just get him killed too.