Author's note: I don't own Dragon Age as Bioware/EA, just my character! More flashback takes place 7 months prior to Em's arrival in Kirkwall.

Chapter 2

Morrigan knew the reason for Emily's illness, but decided not to tell her until after the battle was over, as the witch knew that the Archdemon would most likely be slain by Emily's hand. Most except Wynne had become worried as they noticed since returning to Redcliffe; Emily became the woman she was when their journey first started. She seemed somber and lost once again; no doubt the dimwitted fool had or hadn't said something to cause the change. Morrigan had researched her mother's grimore and was saddened to learn the fate of the warden knowing that Eamon was now controlling the male warden, thus Emily would be sacrificed. That was something the witch wasn't going to let happen, as her "sister" had done and gone beyond duty for everyone. She didn't deserve the sentence the Grey Wardens and the two fools were handing her, as apparently this Duncan saved her only to have her die a year later. Morrigan knew of a way for her to live, she just had to convince or threaten Alistair to go along with it. Emily deserved better and unbeknownst to the brown headed warden, she did indeed something to live for and Morrigan owed her for her freedom as well. Emily could've easily turned her over to the templars or taken her back to her mother's hut when Flemeth was slain, but Em's friendship and loyalty never faltered, and it was time Morrigan did the same for her. The witch hoped that Alistair's love for Emily remained and that if Em ever found out that she would understand as what she was about to propose. If he truly loved Emily like he said they would both survive and he would have what he never had and Ferelden's stability would be secure for many years to come.

Alistair returned to the now empty room, he once shared with his love and her faithful mabari. He saw the golden rose lying on the pillow and started to realize what he did earlier with Eamon was the worst thing he could ever do. He wondered if she now considered him on the same level as Howe, Loghain, and even Eamon. He remembered her saying being of noble blood sometimes brings out the worst in people as once you have power; you become addicted craving more at any and all cost. He then looked at the notes and noticed her group had those she considered most loyal excluding him. He sat on the bed, unfolded the letter and began to read.

Alistair,

I had accepted that there was a chance we wouldn't be married or together if we survived the battle. I at least was hoping to be made Teryna of my ancestral home to where I could rebuild and live out my remaining years. What do I find Eamon and you talking about my future without any respect or input from me? I knew he'd get me back somehow for Isolde, but to expect me to live where the man who betrayed my family and rule over people who may want me dead for killing him. I will not! After tomorrow I'll still have the taint, but I'll no longer be a grey warden. I will lead my group and you will lead yours, so don't expect me to meet with you for any reason. Your group will cover the lower half, and we'll take the higher half. Morrigan is not much of a healer, but she does have some healing abilities and can fight. Incidentally, Leliana knows everything that occurred in Eamon's study. She made me promise that she would be in my group, that's why Zevran is with you.

I don't know what happened to the man I fell in love with, but you've changed into being Eamon's little puppet. Had I known this little bit of information, I would've pushed for Anora to rule alone as without her father's influence maybe she would've changed. I 'm thankful that Connor seems to be nothing like his parents and will be away from Eamon's influence, which clearly you're fully under. Don't count on me being here for your coronation, celebrations or wedding; if I know Eamon he's already picked out several noblewomen lined up to be your betrothed. He sees me as a risk to his authority for some reason that's why he chose the coldest place in Ferelden symbolically to send me and you agreed. Did anyone even ask me if I wanted to be queen, I was quite content to be your wife and let you rule alone. If we win, Draco and I will be leaving as soon as the Archdemon is slain whether I'm injured or uninjured. I'm honoring my father's wishes of doing my duty until the battle. Then I'll be honoring my mother's wish for me to live what years I have left, I have family in the Free Marches, so I may start a new life there. I can leave you and Ferelden behind. I expect Wynne and or Eamon have tried to convince you that you weren't my first, but you were. When we first started this journey, I had just celebrated my 17th nameday two weeks prior. I was more into weaponry then boys

Emily R. Cousland

Alistair reread her letter several times, with more tears each reading. He remembered every moment they shared from their first kiss; giving her the rose which she cherished that she had it preserved in gold on their first trip to Orzammarr. The first night they made love which was indeed new to both as they were quite nervous and inexperienced. The night he found her near the stream, washing her arms intensely trying to get unseen blood off of her. Earlier that day he admitted who he truly was to her, that night Leliana confessed who she was before becoming a laysister. Emily gathered Wynne, Leliana, Zev, and he by the fire speaking with her native Highever accent, instead of the Antivan they had grown accustomed to. She told them her true identity. Em apologized for deceiving them, but she was afraid they'd turn on her once they found out. After everyone turned in, he went to look for them as she and Draco weren't in her tent. He found her near the river in what was a common position when she was worried or scared. She had tears running down her face, Draco allowed him to sit by her. She finally told him everything about her family; friends including her five year old nephew being slaughtered; by someone that was supposed to be a family friend. That her father agreed to let Duncan recruit her with the promise, that she could tell the king what happened and Howe would be punished. Lastly, he remembered three months ago after obtaining the aid of the dwarves, elves, and templars.

They headed to Haven, a village no one had heard of. After completing all the trials and seeing Andraste's resting place. Emily brought back a pinch of the ashes for Eamon's recovery. He wondered if she regretted obtaining the ashes as that changed their lives for the worst. His thoughts drifted back to that night as he suggested everyone find their own rooms in the temple, as the cultists had been dealt with. They found a room away from the others and made love many times not noticing a light enclosing them. Every time they stopped the slightest touch caused them to want each other. Finally falling asleep wrapped up in each other. That morning instead of hungry for food, it seemed their need was each other and they repeated the activities from last night. They got dressed, retrieved their things and their companions venturing to Redcliffe hand and hand. That seemed centuries ago, as now he had lost her to his own stupidity and allowing Eamon to decide his fate. He knew his dying wasn't in Eamon's plans, but he owed it to Emily and Duncan. He realized that Eamon would really rule Ferelden not him, Alistair knew his death put Ferelden in political chaos. He wouldn't be forced into a political marriage or producing an heir in sake of it either. His body, heart and soul belonged to one woman, and it always would be hers. All of a sudden he got a vision of the Archdemon, and knew the battle was drawing near. He wrote on a piece of parchment that in the event of his death that Anora would retake the throne if he was chosen at the Landsmeet.

Alistair was in his room when he heard a knock, hoping it was Emily and that he could make things right between them, but instead Morrigan was there. She told him she knew how an Archdemon is slain and at what cost. She told him that she had a way for the Archdemon to die, and for Emily to live. Morrigan went on that they knew she'd take the final blow not realizing it would be fatal for her, but she would accept it. Em feels she has no reason to live and she could rejoin her family. Alistair listened uncertain how Morrigan knew about the Archdemon's death. He knew Em was selfless putting everyone's life above hers. If it meant they lived and she didn't, she'd welcome death. He remembered her saying earlier in the study that she wished she died at Highever, and like an idiot he said nothing. Alistair knew if it hadn't been for Duncan, she would've been violated again and again and then killed. He also knew part of her always felt like she deserted everyone at Highever. He knew he was going to regret it, but for Emily he would. Alistair asked I agree to whatever, but under one condition; why Morrigan was doing this. She replied that Emily didn't earn the destiny planned for her; by your grey wardens and Eamon, and inadvertently yourself. She deserves a fate better than being saved from what she endured only to die a year later.

Morrigan looked at him kindly, and said," for I know if you remain true to one another and hold only each other in your hearts, you will find one another again, as you have a greater purpose together."He then asked what was required as if Morrigan knew about the Archdemon, then hope is not lost and he and his Em would be together. He just hoped what was about to happen would be quick, which thankfully it was as he imagined he was with his love and not Morrigan. He woke up and was unsure if something occurred or not. Alistair did remember Morrigan's words about staying true to and that they'd a purpose together. He swore he would make it up to her for the rest of his life all the pain she's been though by others, including Eamon and himself. He went back to sleep and dreamed of his love, he knew that some way they would find their way back to each other and never part.