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Chapter Text

Alistair finally woke after the rays of the afternoon sunlight filtered through the windows of his room. He stretched and yawned. Wow, I slept almost the whole day! But I have never felt more relaxed and content… He turned and realized he was alone. I wonder where Bethany went? I guess she couldn’t stay; she must have had other things she needed to do. Can’t expect to keep her here in my bed all day! He grinned. Oh, Maker... I want to see her again! What we did last night was... He laughed as he saw his cock go from relaxed to iron-hard. Well, my body sure wants her again! He lay back on the bed and began slowly stroking his member, sighing in pleasure.

Picturing her lovely face contorting with passion as he had taken her five times last night; he wondered if this new addiction would be sated any time soon! He stroked himself faster. This was much better than trying to drink himself stupid.

FUCK ME, ALI! He heard her breathless cries in his mind and he dug his heels into the mattress. He felt his balls tightening as his orgasm drew closer… closer...

“AH! YES!” he bellowed. Cum landed on his stomach and chest in hot white spurts. When the stars had cleared and Alistair slowly came back to his senses, he sighed. While this self-pleasure had indeed felt nice, it was nothing compared to being inside of her. He felt his cock twitch in anticipation and he chuckled.

“Oy, c’mon now! I can’t keep stroking your ego… Warden stamina or no! I have to bathe and eat too!” Besides, he thought. She may come by the pub tonight! I should clean up and look nicer for her. I’ll spend a few extra sovereigns and get my bath heated. 

He slowly got up, then pinkened with embarrassment when he realized the sheets were practically stiff from all the cum and slick from their sexual marathon. He stripped the bed and threw the sheets and bed cover into the shallow stone tub, then pumped it full of cold water, making sure they were covered. He took a washing cloth, wet it, and wiped the sticky mess off his chest. Then he pulled on some clean smalls and breeches.

He headed for the door of his room and then pulled a string. A bell rang outside of his door. Within moments, there was a quick, sharp knock and the door was opened by the matron.

“You need something, ser?” she asked.  

“Um, yes. I need clean sheets for my bed… and I’d like some heated water for my bath? Please.”

The matron looked at the bed. “Where’r the covers that were already here, then?”

“I… ah… thought I’d... help? They are soaking in the tub,” Alistair said quietly.

“What? Now, why’n Thedas would you go and do somethin’ so stupid! Now I gotta lug heavy, wet sheets downstairs! Gonna get water all over t’floor!” She heaved a sigh. “Men… always bargin’ ahead! Never think to ask before they do things!”

“Sorry,” he mumbled. “Can I… help you?” 

“Yev done enuff, ser!” She sighed again. “Lemme get this load outta here and then I’ll bring yer damned hot water!” She hefted the soggy sheets out of the stone tub and continued muttering as she left the room, water trailing behind her.

Well, here is hoping she won’t notice the other mess on the sheets… with them being all wet now. Alistair let out a soft breath then pulled the waxed cork out of the tub to let the cold, dirty water drain out. Several moments later, there was another rap at the door. This time Alistair opened it. The Matron walked back in, followed by three elf servants. They all carried buckets of hot water.

After the water was poured into the tub, the Matron turned and asked with a smirk, “Anythin’ else you need… yer highness?” 

Red-faced, Alistair barely managed to mutter out, “No…” before the Matron held out her hand. 

“Five sovereigns.”

Alistair grabbed his money pouch and took out the coins. He handed them to her, and without a further word she spun around and left the room. The three elves followed her silently.

Alistair looked into his money pouch. Not as much left as I was thinking, he thought grimly. Teagan had given him five hundred sovereigns to help him flee Ferelden. He turned the pouch over on the bed and poured out the remaining coins. 

Only ninety left? This isn’t good. I may just have to get a job here. Don’t want Eamon or Teagan to have to bail me out of this situation… or worse yet, drag me back to Ferelden. I can’t really call it home anymore. Not with… him in charge. He put the coins back into the leather pouch. At least my room is already paid for until the end of the month - another ten days. Surely I can find something to do here to earn some money. Maybe Bethany will have some ideas? I’ll ask her tonight!

Feeling happier, Alistair stripped off his clothing. The water was still extremely hot, so he pumped in some cold. Once at a temperature that was pleasantly warm, Alistair got into the water. He washed thoroughly, then took out his grooming kit and shaved. 

Looking (and smelling) much better than he had over the last several days, Alistair got dressed in his cleanest clothes - he’d have to get them all washed… soon - he headed down from his room and into the main pub of The Hanged Man.

While waiting to see if Bethany would be stopping by tonight, he ordered himself a meal of roasted chicken and root vegetables. Sadly, what passed for chicken in Lowtown was stringy and dry, the vegetables were mushy and drowned in a greasy gravy, but Alistair ate anyway.

“No wine for you tonight, yer highness?” Corff had the same mocking tone as the matron, but this time Alistair ignored it.

“No, thanks.”

“Hoping yer lady friend comes back? Gonna keep me up again all night with yer racket?” Corff was clearly trying to get a rise out of Alistair.

Keeping his temper in check, he replied curtly, “Yes, I am hoping she will be here… eventually. And if we kept you up all night… was it because you were jealously listening in?”

There were suddenly several “Ooohs” murmured around the pub at that jab.

Corff turned as red as a beet but apparently couldn’t think of anything to say in response. Bitterly, he muttered, “Ah, you ain’t worth my time,” before stalking off to the far end of the bar… away from the former prince.

“Hmm, thought so,” Alistair smirked. He then sat back and waited.

Hours passed and no Bethany. Alistair could swear Corff was grinning gleefully at Alistair’s disappointment. Sighing, he shrugged and got up from his table. She must have been busy elsewhere tonight. None of the people she had been with have shown up tonight either… Isabela included. He headed up the stairs and went to his room for some sleep. I’m sure she’ll be back… soon.

By night three with no Bethany, Alistair was holding a forced smile. He still refused to drink any booze, instead having dinner each night while he waited for her… or any of the people she had been with that first night. His coin purse was getting lighter, though the worst case, he should hopefully have enough to renew his room here for at least another few weeks. After that, he would definitely need to find some way to earn more gold.

He could swear Corff was silently laughing at him when he wasn’t looking… but maybe he was being paranoid.

Seven days. No Bethany. Alistair was feeling very depressed and a bit angry now. She said I could trust her! But it seems she has abandoned me just like everyone else! I am a fool! He stared morosely into his bowl of stew.

“Yer whore still ain’t here, huh loverboy?” Corff grinned maliciously at Alistair. “Guess she chose someone else to fuck ‘er, ‘nstead of you!”

Now Alistair had had enough of the barkeep’s taunting and insults. He sputtered, “Y-you…”

“Oy? His Majesty ‘as somethin’ to say?”

“You take that back, arsewipe… or you will regret it.”

“Like your scrawny ass could take me in a fight?” While Alistair was 192 cm and a good seventeen stone, most of it still muscle, Corff had probably another five stone and another nine cm of height. He was a burly, beefy man. 

When Alistair didn’t respond to that, Corff gave a gruff laugh. “Pathetic.” He then eyed the stew on the table and grinned. “Oh, my.” Corff clasped his hands and fluttered his eyelids pretending to look like a fop. “Seems yer stew ain’t seasoned correctly, yer highness! I’ll fix it fer ya!” He then leaned over and spat a big wad of phlegm into the bowl. He laughed cruelly as he began walking away.

For the first time in his life, Alistair was truly furious. Not only had that shite-for-brains arse insulted Bethany, but then he had to deliberately ruin Alistair’s meal. He immediately stood up, picked up the bowl of fouled stew, and threw it at Corff. It hit him in the back of his head; the flimsy bowl shattered and greasy stew and spit dribbled down Corff’s back.

Corff turned around slowly, his face red and contorted with rage. He stomped back over to Alistair and bellowed, “THAT’S IT! YER OUTTA HERE, PRINCE!” He whistled and three other huge men came over. One of them punched Alistair in the face. It stunned him to the point that the three men were able to lift him off the ground. They carried him to the door, Corff leading the way. He opened the door to the pub and the three men threw Alistair into the street. He landed in a filthy puddle and the wind was knocked from his lungs.

“IF’N YOU KNOW WHAT’S GOOD, YE BETTER NOT SHOW YER FACE ‘ROUND HERE EVER AGAIN!” Corff screamed. He then slammed the door.

Alistair lay in the street huffing painfully, trying to breathe. Minutes passed and the pain lessened. He took in a lungful of air, then let it out slowly. His nose felt like it might be broken and his right eye was swelling shut. Humiliation washed over him.

Now I’ve gone and done it! I have nothing but the clothes on my person! All the rest of my belongings are in my room! He desperately felt his waist and breathed a sigh of relief when he found his money pouch was still attached to his belt loop. At least I still have some coin… but not nearly enough. This was one of the cheapest places in Kirkwall! The only other place that might be cheaper is… Darktown. But that place is full of thugs and criminals!

Just then it started to rain. Perfect… just fucking perfect! Well, with nowhere else I can go... He slowly got up and began trudging towards Darktown.

He had barely taken a few steps into the poorest section of Kirkwall when his night went from bad to worse. Something hard hit him on the back of his head. Stumbling, Alistair fell to his knees. He was lifted by his arms as he was dragged to an alleyway. He was then thrown to the ground unceremoniously.

“Yer money. Now.” a voice said from his left.

“N-no… please,” Alistair begged. “I hardly have anything! I was just looking for an inn…”

Vicious laughter filled the alleyway. “An inn? Get this lads… Mr. Fancy-Pants here was looking for an inn!” 

A sudden hard kick was delivered to Alistair’s stomach, knocking the wind out of him for a second time that night.

“Darktown ain’t fer the likes of ye! We don’t need Hightown royalty comin’ here flauntin’ that yous gots coin and we don’t!” Another kick and the voice shouted to someone nearby, “Take his purse!”

“N-no!” Alistair wheezed. “Swear I have nothing…”

He felt his coin purse torn from his belt. Coins clinked.

“Bastard tryin’ to lie! He’s loaded!”

“Take his fancy shirt and boots! They’ll fetch a price!”

As the thugs removed his clothing they continued to punch and kick him. Alistair curled up into a tight ball praying to the Maker that he would black out before they killed him… because he felt that was his likely fate at this point.

After they had taken just about everything from him, the voice on the right muttered, “We should kill him… don’t need him crawling back to the guards!”

Thankfully, before a knife was stabbed, a sudden piercing whistle sounded and torches and men could be seen in the distance. 

“Shit! The bitch n’ her guards! Let’s get outta here!” The thugs fled down the alleyway leaving a broken, beaten, and nearly naked Alistair lying in filth.

“Told ya I saw a fancy man coming ‘ere, I did!” an elderly lady spoke to Aveline. “‘E was too rich lookin’ for Darktown… I figured there’d be trouble!”

“All right,” she said. “Thank you. We will take it from here.”

“Why would he come to Darktown? If he was in trouble, why didn’t he just head towards the harbor? Surely he had enough to book passage back to Ferelden!”

“I don’t know ser,” Aveline spoke as her men fanned the area. “All I heard was there was a scuffle at The Hanged Man… and that your nephew was involved.”

“I FOUND HIM!” one of Aveline’s men shouted. She ran towards the guard who had called out. “He’s been beaten pretty badly… and they took his clothes too.”

Teagan looked down in pity. “Oh, Alistair… What happened to you?”

A barely conscious Alistair turned to the sound. “Teagan?” he croaked out. “How?”

“I’ve been here a week already… looking for you! Come now. Let’s get you out of here before more trouble stirs.” As Aveline and the guard carefully helped Alistair to his feet, Teagan replied softly, “Let’s go home.”

Chapter Text

Bethany, Hawke, Anders, Isabela, and Varric were all heading from the Hanged Man up towards Hightown. Beth gazed back momentarily at the windows that she knew were Alistair’s and smiled. Once they got to Hightown they would meet up with Varric’s brother, Bartrand, and several others who would be joining the expedition. As they walked, Isabela caught Bethany’s stare and sigh of longing. 

She chuckled, “And how long did you ride the beast last night, dear? I’ve had my share of sexual marathons in the past, but Beth, love... I think you may have outdone me! You’re limping!”

Bethany grinned then whispered, “He was a very quick learner, I’ll give him that! And his stamina! Who else do you know who could fuck five times in one night?!”

“Five!” Isabela’s eyes gave a predatory gleam, “Oh, sweet thing, no wonder you are glowing so! Makes me wish to rethink my ‘one and done’ policy!”

“Too late for you, honey… I’ve got my claim on him now!” Bethany laughed. 

Isabela made cat-claws at Bethany. “Rowr…”

Garrett walked up to his sister and friend. “And what has got you two gals giggling about this afternoon? Care to share?”

Isabela cocked an eyebrow? “Oh? You plan on telling us all the naughty things that you and Anders got up to last night? Hmm?”

Garrett turned red. “Wh-what? We never… I mean I never…”

“Sweet, don’t lie to lil’ ole Isabela. I know you have the hots for the sexy mage healer. After all, he does have magic hands…”

Hawke sputtered and walked away. Beth then whispered to Isabela, “You really think my brother has a thing for Anders?”

Isabela nodded. “Anders is patient. He is also still grieving for Karl. But yes, I think the attraction is mutual. Just give it time.”

“Hmm. I am happy, but I know mum was expecting grandkids. With Carver gone, and my brother playing for the other team, guess it’ll be up to me and Alistair…”

Isabela gave Bethany an incredulous look. “Planning wedding bells already? Maker’s Breath you just fucked the guy last night!”

“I know, I know! It sounds ludicrous! But he and I talked a lot in-between. There is just something so… right… about him… us. I really think he’s the one!”

Isabela shrugged. “Well, if it is truly meant to be, I wish you the best of luck, sweet thing.”

They finally got to Hightown. Varric and Bartrand argued for a bit, but when Garrett handed over the gold and the maps, Bartrand became slightly less irritated at his brother. He rather reluctantly agreed on a three-way split of anything of value that they found. Isabela wished them luck and bid them farewell. 

Before they could get going, however, Leandra approached the group. 

“What is it now? Who invited the old woman?” Bartrand scowled. 

Leandra bowed slightly to Bartrand. “Please excuse me, ser dwarf. But I’d like to speak to my children for a moment.”

“Mother,” Bethany sighed, “I told you not to get involved with this!”

“Why? Beth… why are you doing this?” Leandra pleaded. “Your brother, I can understand… but you can’t both go! Wh-what if something were to happen? I’ve already lost Carver! Please don’t go, my daughter!” She turned to Garrett. “Please… leave your sister here! I beg you!”

“I can’t leave Beth behind… I need her,” Garrett spoke softly to his mother. “Anders is our healer… so I need another mage who can take down large groups of enemies. Bethany’s spells are perfect for this.”

“It’s the Templars… or the darkspawn. At least I am allowed to fight darkspawn,” Beth agreed. She gave her mother a hug. “I’ll be fine. This will all work out for the best. You’ll see.”

Eventually, Leandra relented… seeing there was no changing her children’s minds. She slowly walked away, head hanging.

Bartrand sauntered up. “Personal drama over with? Good. Then let’s get underway!” He turned to the whole group assembled for the expedition and spoke loud enough for all to hear. “All right, listen up, because I will not repeat myself! I’ve chosen one of the more hidden entrances. The Deep Roads there will be nice and virginal.” He smirked. “Ready for a good ‘deflowering’.”

Varric rolled his eyes. “Now there’s an interesting image.”

Hawke choked back a laugh.

Meanwhile, Bartrand continued. “It’ll take ‘bout a week to get to the depths we need and there are bound to be leftover darkspawn from the Blight. Big risks… big rewards!”

A week or more? Beth bit her lip anxiously. Oh, I hope Ali gets my letter! I don’t want him to think I have left him behind!

As they began heading out of Hightown, Varric smiled at his brother. “Been a long time coming, ‘eh brother?”

Batrand’s expression was unreadable. “That it has…” he muttered. Then in a louder voice, “The Deep Roads await!”

The expedition was finally underway!

A week later and the expedition had not been going well. There was the cave-in...which they had to find a way around. Then Bodhan’s boy decided to wander off. Thankfully they found him, relatively unscathed, surrounded by dead darkspawn. Apparently, the boy Sandal had some tricks up his sleeves that had been… unexpected - like freezing a huge ogre in place! All he could say when asked how he’d done it was…

“Not enchantment!” 

The worst moment came when Bartrand decided to betray them when they’d found the primeval thaig! They - Garrett, Varric, Anders, and herself - had found a strange idol carved from lyrium… but unlike the blue lyrium she was familiar with, this was red. Looking at it made her feel queasy. It felt wrong. Anders also muttered that it was not a good kind of magic.

Varric tossed the idol to his brother and while commenting to Hawke that there may be other loot further in… the door shut, sealing them in the thaig!

Varric ran to the door and pounded on it. “Bartrand! The door! It shut behind you! Open it and let us out!” 

His heart plummeted when he heard Bartrand give a cruel chuckle. “You always did notice everything, Varric.”

“Are you joking?! You’re going to screw over your own brother for a lousy idol?!”

“It’s not just the idol,” Bartrand spat. “The location of this thaig alone is worth a fortune… and I’m not splitting it three ways! Sorry… brother!”

“Bartrand!” Varric pounded on the door again! “BARTRAND!” When it was clear that his brother was not coming back, Varric growled. “I swear when I find that son of a bitch… I will kill him!”

Hawke sighed. “Surely there must be another way out. The Deep Roads are full of passages! We found our way around the cave-in. We can find another way out of here! We must work together, Varric,” Hawke put a hand on his friend’s shoulder. 

Varric looked grim but nodded. “All right. Let’s get going.”

No sooner had they found a way out of the room that had housed the lyrium idol when they were surrounded by Shade Demons. Not much to worry about one-on-one as they were some of the weakest demons in their hierarchy… but they didn’t have the luxury of fighting them one at a time. The room was filled with them! When they managed to clear out the room, even more appeared behind them!

Garrett watched with appreciation as his sister took down groups of ten or more at a time. Thank the Maker for her spells! We’d quickly be overwhelmed if it weren’t for her!

Once they had killed them and no more were appearing, Bethany, Hawke, Anders, and Varric moved on. More Shades were ahead. Then they saw something strange. The Shade Demons were merging with crumbling stone golems left in the thaig. The group now began battling these profane creatures as they pushed forward.

Suddenly, they heard a booming voice. “Enough!” Another rock golem came to life, but the demon within was something… else. “You have proved your mettle. I would not see these creatures harmed without need.”

“They attacked us first!” Hawke growled. “We were simply defending ourselves! Keep your distance!”

“They will not assault you further,” the creature spoke. “Not without my permission.”

“What are these… things?” Varric asked. “I’ve never heard of a demon possessing a golem before.”

“They hunger.” The demon/golem then explained, “The Profane have lingered in this place for ages beyond memory; they feed on the magic stones here until the need is all they know.”

“This red lyrium? That is what sustains them?” Bethany asked.

“I am not as they are.” The demon replied. “I am… a visitor.”

Hawke shook his head. “You look like them. How are you… different?”

The creature raised its voice. “I am of the Fade, lured by their hunger. It is a feast that sustains me well… and I would not see its end.” It was silent for a moment, then said in a sinister tone, “I sense your desire. You seek to leave this place… but you will need my aid to do so.”

Anders gripped Hawke’s arm. “Don’t. Don’t do it. Demons will trip you up every time.”

“Do we have any other options?” Varric asked.

“Sure we do.” Bethany grinned. “We fight!”

The creature growled. “Most unwise.” It then summoned more Profane and began attacking. 

However, for all its boasting, the abomination fell quickly to spells, blades, and bolts. With their ‘master’ gone, more Profound and Shades came out and attacked, but Hawke and his friends managed to kill them all.

Once they left that area, they found themselves in a large room. “What is this place?” Hawke asked.

Varric stroked his chin. “It looks like an ancient dwarven vault… which means security features.” 

“Security features like… that?” Bethany said as she pointed behind the two men. Another rock golem was coming to life, but this one was easily twice the size of the abomination they fought before. Red lyrium pulsed inside of it, making Beth feel nauseous again. What is it about this strange lyrium? I don’t see Anders getting sick. I mean… I know Alistair and I fucked a lot last week… but I couldn’t possibly be pregnant! Could I? I was so into what we were doing that night, that I let him come inside of me... five times! I know I should have been more careful... but it just felt so damn good! Mum also told me that she was sick when she was having me and Carver… but she said it was months after she found out… not just a week! The huge rock monster had finished assembling itself and Beth got her staff ready to attack. If I get the chance later, I’ll see if I can discreetly ask Anders.

They all began attacking, trying to find any weak points… but this thing was solid rock. What made matters worse is that every once and a while it would summon more Profound. The golem would also blast out huge rays of red lyrium energy which burned if you got too close to them. Anders was having to pull double-duty, not only healing the injuries the golem and its minions were causing, but also the burns caused by the energy beams. Beth could see him flagging.

“Anders! Here!” She tossed him one of her few remaining lyrium potions.

“Thanks!” He caught it, uncorked it with a flick of his thumb, and quickly swallowed the potion.

Renewed, he cast a shield on Hawke. Her brother then leaped off some nearby debris and thrust his daggers into a seam in the rock. Prying hard, he managed to gouge out a rather large hole. He backed off just in time as the golem blasted out more energy. 

Fortunately, the hole Hawke had made proved to help them greatly. Varric concentrated firing bolts from Bianca into the hole. Once Beth had killed off the latest group of Profound, she too then began blasting spells into that same hole.

Eventually, they weakened it enough that Hawke was able to finish it off. The golem crumbled into a pile of stone. Garrett toed some of the rocks… to make sure the thing was truly dead. 

Anders made healing rounds and then as Hawke and Varric moved away from them, Beth mentioned her concern to Anders.

“Please, keep this quiet, Anders… but I need to know. Is it the red lyrium that is making me feel sick… or am I… pregnant?”

“Pregnant?” he whispered. “Who?”

“A man I met by the name of Alistair. Remember? He was the drunk at the Hanged Man who was claiming to be the Prince of Ferelden.”

“You… had sex with him? I see.” Anders looked thoughtful. “It is unlikely you are pregnant. He was a Grey Warden once… and from what I learned by becoming one myself… is that they are typically infertile.”

“Oh.” Bethany looked a bit crushed. “But you said ‘typically’. Does that mean there might still be a chance?”

“I… suppose so.” Anders brought his hand to her lower abdomen. “Let me see if I can sense anything.” Waves of warm magic washed over her for a moment, then Anders shook his head. “I don’t sense any life. I suspect you are just having a hypersensitive reaction to this strange lyrium.”

“Oh, okay.” Bethany sighed. “Just… promise you won’t say anything to Garrett about it.”

“Patient confidentiality. I won’t say anything to your brother.”

“Thanks, Anders.”

Just then they heard a shout from Varric. “Whew! You both should come and see what that golem was guarding! Forget that idol! Here is your fortune!” 

Bethany and Anders both ran up to see Varric pointing at a huge amount of gold, jewels, and other treasures.

“Gar! This should be more than enough to get mum’s old estate back! Plus more for us all!” Beth and Garrett hugged each other tightly.

After the initial excitement wore down, Hawke asked if Varric could possibly pick out the most valuable pieces for them to pack up and take back to the surface… assuming they found a way out, of course. Varric nodded and started appraising the different gems, while Garrett, Bethany, and Anders packed up some gold.

An hour later - after taking as much gold and gems as they could carry - they found a passage that clearly led out of the ancient thaig and back to the main thoroughfare of the Deep Roads.

“Well, looks like this is our best chance for a way out,” Varric softly said.

“How long do you think it might take?” Bethany asked. She was anxious to get back and tell Alistair all about their adventure and good fortune.

Varric shrugged. “If we’re unlucky… maybe a week?”

“And if we are lucky?” 

“We stumble over Bartrand’s corpse on the way,” Varric muttered.

Hawke chuckled.

They had only been walking for what seemed a few hours when Anders stopped. 

“What is it?” Garrett asked, but Anders held up his hand for silence. 

“No…” he then muttered. “It can’t be… I thought we destroyed all of them a year ago along with that vile Mother.” He listened for a moment longer and now the rest of the party could hear it. Chittering, screeching noises coming up behind them… fast.

“What is that awful sound?” Bethany shuddered.

“Children.” Anders grabbed his staff. “These are not like any darkspawn you have ever seen or fought before. They are fast… and their poison is virulent. We need to kill them quickly… but be very careful!”

The first of the monstrosities appeared crawling along the wall. More quickly appeared and Bethany screamed. If Anders hadn’t told them that these things were darkspawn, she would never have known. They didn’t resemble the humanoid-looking hurlocks or the shorter, dwarven-looking genlocks. These creatures looked more like gigantic fleas, with their insectoid-looking torso and many skinny, long, barbed arms. Their many glowing red eyes were also placed irregularly on their squashed faces. The big ones ran along on spindly insect legs, while smaller ones scurried along the ground like huge grubs.

One of the grub-like ones opened its pincers and spat out a wad of green, viscous poison. Anders yanked Beth out of the path and the spittle landed on the stone walkway of the Deep Roads. It sizzled and Beth could see it dissolving the rock!

“Keep on your feet! Do not let them get that poison on you!” Anders shouted as he cast a barrier spell. He crackled and glowed as Justice began to battle for control. “If that stuff gets on you, kiss your ass goodbye!”

Hawke stabbed and swiped out with his daggers. One of them pierced an adult Childer. The thing backed up, screeched, and used one of its long pincer-like arms to pull the dagger out. It then threw it onto the ground far from Hawke’s reach.

“Shit, that was one of my better daggers!”

“You need something with a longer reach! Use that sword we found in the vault!” Beth yelled.

Hawke nodded and grabbed the hilt of the sword strapped to his belt loop. He pulled out the weapon and began swiping at the smaller grub-like Children. 

Justice/Anders was concentrating on keeping the barrier on them as Varric used Bianca to shoot the Children that were keeping out of reach. Bethany began to charge up her chain-lightning spell. It took a moment, then she aimed for a group of the beasts huddled close to each other. Lightning arced between about ten of the creatures, paralyzing them. Varric switched to explosive bolts and shot them all, killing them quickly.

Soon, it was all over; the group was surrounded by puddles of disgusting goo and twitching limbs. Anders collapsed on the ground, exhausted from having to keep the barrier spell up for so long. Bethany handed her brother a lyrium potion to give to Anders. At first, he looked a bit bewildered at her, but she nodded and gestured for him to give it to his love. Hawke then smiled and knelt down next to the exhausted mage, placing his arm around him as he handed him the potion. Seeing the tender moment between her brother and Anders made Bethany feel even more anxious to get back to her own lover as soon as possible. She hoped he was doing all right.

Beth then got up and went to go look for her brother’s missing dagger. She found it some ten meters away, but sadly, it looked as though the acidic blood of the Childer had dissolved some of the metal, making the blade useless now. She sighed and turned to head back to the group.

Just then, she felt something scratch her leg. Apparently, she had gotten a little too close to one of the creature’s bladed pincers and it had cut her. It wasn’t bleeding too badly, so she tore off a small portion of her overdress and tied it over the cut to staunch the bleeding.

As she rejoined everyone, she heard Anders ask, “Is anyone injured? If so, we need to take care of it immediately.” Beth was about to mention her scratch, but then Varric interrupted.

“What the fuck were those things? No dwarf I know has ever mentioned seeing darkspawn like those before.”

Anders sighed. “Last year, I was conscripted into the Wardens when I was found in Amaranthine. I served under Aedan Cousland and we were investigating reports of talking darkspawn.” He held up his hands as Varric, Hawke, and Bethany all were about to ask questions. “I can answer questions later. The point is, there was this intelligent darkspawn called ‘The Architect’ and he had been stealing Grey Warden blood to try and ‘free’ the darkspawn. He ended up creating this abomination called ‘The Mother’... and the change drove her insane. It also somehow mutated her… offspring - if that is even the correct term.” He made a disgusted face. “These ‘Children’ are the result.”

“I heard you say before we were attacked that you thought you had killed them all?” Hawke asked.

“Yeah… Aedan sliced off the head of that insane broodmother... and we thought that was the end of it. Apparently, we were wrong. Some of her Children obviously survived… but at least once they are all killed off, there should be no more as ‘Mother’ is very dead.” He got up from the ground where he’d been resting. “Nevertheless, we should get out of here as quickly as possible. Normal darkspawn are easy compared to Children… and it is likely there could be more down here. I hate the Deep Roads.”

A week later they were seeing signs that the surface was close. They could see sunlight through cracks in the ceiling above. Everyone was happy… except for Bethany. Over the last two days, she had found herself feverish and her vision blurring. Early this morning she woke up nauseous and quickly ran off to vomit. Not wanting to worry anyone before that, she had kept silent… but now?

“Can we… slow down? I don’t feel so well.”

“Must’ve been those Deep Mushrooms your brother cooked last night,” Varic joked. 

“No… I…” Bethany collapsed to the ground.

“Bethany!” Garret rushed to his sister’s side. He could see her eyes were cloudy and her skin had a greenish tint. Anders and Varric rushed to join him.

“No... “ Anders muttered, “she has the Blight! I can sense it.” He knelt down and cradled her along with her brother. “Beth? Why didn’t you say anything?!”

“Was… just a scratch. Didn’t think… it was serious.”

“Where?” Anders asked.

“Left leg.”

Anders picked up the edge of her dress. The makeshift bandage she had tied on was now black and the smell coming from the wound was terrible.

“Oh… Bethany!” Garrett sobbed. “I swore to mum I’d keep you safe! Why didn't you say something?”

“What could you have done?” Beth tried to smile. “Swoop to my rescue?” Tears then formed in her eyes. “I’m going to end up just like Aveline’s husband… aren’t I?”

“No! We’ll get you to the surface quickly! We…”

She shook her head. “I’m not going to make it to the surface. It is like Anders warned, the sickness… it is spreading fast.”

Anders was clearly troubled, but then quietly said, “There is something we can do… if we can find him quickly.”

“What?” Garrett asked. “Find who?”

“The Warden I stole the maps from. If we can find him, it may be Beth’s only chance. She will have to become a Grey Warden.”

“How does one become a Grey Warden?”

“I can’t tell you. But if she survives it, she’ll be forever changed.”

“Me?” Bethany frowned. “A Grey Warden? I don’t think…”

“I don’t want you to die, Beth. Not if this can possibly save you!” Garrett picked her up into his strong arms. He turned to Anders, “Now where do we find this Warden?”

It took two more days of scouting the Deep Roads before Anders sensed the Wardens were close. By then, Beth was nearly comatose.

They rounded a corner and there they were. Six Wardens - all from Orlais. Their leader stood as Anders walked up to him. 

“Anders?” The leader had a gruff voice. “What are you doing here? I thought you were finished fighting darkspawn.”

“I have been helping some friends here in Kirkwall, Stroud. We were betrayed and stranded down here. But there is something more important…” Garrett carried Bethany up to Stroud.

“You mean you want me to take the girl as a recruit? Hmm… Of course, you do.” Stroud looked her over. He peeled back an eyelid on the unconscious Bethany. “She’s pretty far gone already. I don’t think- ”

“Please… Warden Stroud, was it?” Garrett spoke up. “Please. If becoming a Warden can save my sister…” 

Stroud shook his head. “I’m sorry. I know this comes as no comfort to you, but we do not recruit Wardens out of pity. It is no kindness.”

“You think it will be kinder to let my sister die from the Blight?” Garrett was angry.

“Sometimes it is… yes,” Stroud explained defensively.

Anders took a step closer. “Look, with the Blight over, you don’t exactly have recruits lining up to join. Bethany… She is an amazing, talented mage. You want to just throw this away?”

Stroud didn’t answer.

“She’s going to die anyway!” Anders pleaded. “Just… take her and try. That is all we are asking.”

“I still think she is too far gone,” Stroud muttered. “Fine. I will try Anders. But we are now even.” He looked sternly at Garrett. “If she survives… you will never see her again. Is this understood? Being a Grey Warden is not a ‘cure’... It is a calling. A duty.”

“Are you sure about this?” Varric asked. 

Garrett handed Bethany gently to Stroud. “I wish this hadn’t happened. I don’t know what I am going to tell mum.”

“Let’s go!” Stroud loudly spoke to the Wardens with him. “We need to get to the surface immediately!” They turned and marched off quickly.

Against all odds, Bethany did survive the Joining. Over the next two years, she traveled with Stroud and his Wardens. In the beginning, he was very strict with her… but as time passed, Bethany’s charm softened the old veteran, and he became more like a friendly uncle to her. She often thought about Alistair and felt horrible that he had no idea what had become of her. She could only hope that her brother, Anders, or Isabela may have told him… something.

Even though it was technically not allowed, Stroud secretly let Beth send the occasional, brief letter home. She was not allowed to say anything of what she was doing as a Warden, but at least Garrett and Leandra knew she was alive.

After a month in Amaranthine, where Stroud recruited Nathaniel, Velanna, and Sigrun for their next mission, he told her they would be returning to Kirkwall briefly to pick up yet another recruit. Afterward, they would all be heading to Orlais. 

Bethany was both terrified and overjoyed. After nearly dying to the Blight, the memories of her terrible Joining, and two years fighting as a Warden… she was finally going home.

Chapter Text

9:34 Dragon

Bethany’s return to Kirkwall wasn’t what she had expected. Garrett and Anders met her at the pier. At first, she was overjoyed to see her older brother… but when she saw the devastated look on his face, she immediately grew worried. Garrett tearfully told Bethany of their mother’s death. What made it a thousand times worse was that she had been cruelly murdered.

When Stroud noticed the three of them and saw their tears, he came over to find out what was going on.

Beth hugged Stroud, crying into his armor. “M-my mum! Stroud… she was murdered about a week before we got here!”

“I am so very sorry to hear this.” He looked at Garrett. “My sympathies to you and your sister. But, Bethany, we can’t stay here.” 

“Please, Stroud,” she wiped at her tears. “I know our mission is important… but can’t we delay just one day? Surely there is another boat leaving for Jader tomorrow! I want to see my mum’s grave… and go to the Chantry.”

Stroud softened at her pleas. “Very well. I will give you one day. But that is all I can spare. Meet me back here at the pier tomorrow morning.” He then nodded crisply at Anders and turned to address the other Wardens that they would be staying for one day.

Bethany briefly saw her new Warden friends Sigrun and Nathaniel give her sorrowful looks when they heard why they were staying. She gave them a soft wave goodbye and then headed off with her brother and Anders.

Much to her surprise, Garrett had gotten Grand Cleric Elthina to postpone Leandra’s memorial until today.

“I got your letter saying you were briefly stopping in Kirkwall the day after it had happened,” he explained as they entered the Chantry. “I had no idea if you were going to be able to attend, but I asked if Elthina would be willing to wait… and she said that she would. Mother has already been cremated. I have her ashes at our home in Hightown.”

“Ashes?” Bethany was surprised. “I thought they only did that for the nobility. While we have money now… we still aren’t noble-born, even if our mother was.”

“Apparently, the ground outside of the city is unsuitable for graves, so they tend to cremate here. We can scatter her ashes wherever we wish… so I was thinking near the top of Sundermount.”

“I always thought she would be buried next to Father.”

“I did too… but we aren’t in Ferelden anymore. We can keep some of her ashes… and someday if we ever find ourselves back there, we can place some at Father’s grave.”

“I think she’d like that. Pity we weren’t able to do the same for Carver.”

Garrett only nodded. In just four years their family had gone through so much. It still was a shock that it was just him and Bethany now. Seeing the raw look on his lover’s face, Anders held Garrett in a tight hug.

Garrett then went to speak to Elthina, to let her know that they could now hold their private ceremony. While he was doing that, Bethany got to meet others that had joined her brother’s ‘gang’. There was a quiet Dalish elf mage, Merrill. A very striking-looking elf warrior named Fenris. She noticed he grumbled a lot and seemed to not like mages - the way he kept flicking his eyes at Anders - though he was semi-polite to Bethany. Lastly, there was a man with stunning blue eyes and a rich accent that made Beth’s toes curl. Sebastian knelt down in front of her and expressed his deep sorrow for her loss. She thanked him.

Before the service began, she got to speak to Sebastian a bit more. She found out he was originally from Starkhaven - which explained his rich accent - and that he was an exiled prince as well as being a brother of the Chantry. When she asked how he could be both, he simply said he was still deciding on which path to take. 

The mention of Sebastian being an exiled prince made her briefly think of her own ex-prince and love, Alistair. It has been over two years and I still think about him. I wonder if he still thinks of me? Or has he moved on? Could he possibly still be in Kirkwall? I will probably never find out. She sighed quietly.  

The service then began. It was beautiful and touching. Elthina quoted some of her mother’s favorite Chants and they all sang some of her favorite hymns - except for Merrill, who didn’t know the words… and Fenris, who didn’t seem comfortable in the Chantry. 

During the hymns, Bethany heard Sebastian's rich tenor voice over everyone else's. She wasn’t sure if it was because of his accent, which was beautiful to listen to, or because he truly seemed at home in the Chantry. Either way, listening to him made her heart feel less heavy with loss. She would remember to thank him again once the service was over.

At the end, Garrett and Beth both went up to the altar to light a memorial candle for their mother. With that done, the service was concluded.

Back at Hawke’s Hightown estate - which Bethany was just now getting to see what their riches from the Deep Roads had gotten them - they had a few drinks to try and help them to relax.

Beth stared at the silver urn that held her mother’s remains and cried silent tears. Her brother came up and embraced her. 

“I wish I could go with you to scatter her ashes, but I was lucky enough that Stroud was willing to even give me today. We’re on a timetable…” she trailed off, knowing the rules. She couldn’t say any more.

“How have you been coping, Beth?” Garrett asked. “I know this has been hard on you.”

“Do you really?” her voice became angry, bitter. “I have the darkspawn taint forever in my veins barely held in check by the Warden’s ritual.”

“Bethany, I couldn’t let you die back then... I- ”

“You made the choice for me!”

“You were already unconscious! I couldn’t exactly ask you!” Garrett sputtered. “You are alive, Beth! Does that count for nothing?!”

“Alive? Barely! And this life? I am constantly fighting! I didn’t get the pleasure of our Deep Roads rewards! You get to live here! In a fucking mansion! I get to live in tents or caves! You have a soft, warm bed with someone to hold you and love you! I sleep on the cold, hard ground! Do you want the truth, brother?! I hate this life! I hate being a Grey Warden!” she sobbed. “You should have just let me die!”

Anders came up to the unhappy siblings. “Look, I know tensions are high… we just came from a funeral. But is this really the time and place to-”

Bethany cut him off. She seethed. “You’re just as much to blame as my brother, Anders! You both forced this pathetic half-life on me! You got to quit being a Warden… but me? Noooo! I am stuck in this horrid existence!” She punched the wall near the fireplace mantle. “I should never have come back to Kirkwall…” She began walking away from them.

“Where are you going?” Garrett asked. “Your ship leaves tomorrow…”

“I know! I just… need to get some fresh air.” She headed up to the bedrooms.

Aveline approached them. “This is a very emotional time for you both. I know being a Grey Warden can’t be easy… and then she has to come home to this? Your mother’s murder? Just give Beth some time. I am sure things will get better eventually.”

“Maybe she was right though,” Garrett sighed. “I did force this on her.”

Anders hugged him. “But I couldn’t watch her die any more than you, my love. “We both did this to her; she has every right to be angry at us. I know Stroud is strict, but he seems to have developed a soft spot for her. I don’t think he’s been too tough on her. She also seems to have made friends with some of the younger Wardens. I saw her wave at two of them at the pier. Hopefully, she will forgive us… in time.”

“I hope so too. She is all I have left of my family now.”

Upstairs, Beth went into one of the spare rooms of the mansion. It was tastefully decorated, but not what she would have considered her brother’s “style”. When she opened the closet, it was filled with feminine garments. Her brother was with Anders, so who were all these for?

“Sometimes I stay here,” a voice softly spoke. “Though I have my own home in the Alienage…” It was the elf mage.

“Merrill? Is that right?” Beth asked.

She nodded. “Would you like to borrow a dress? I heard you arguing with Hawke earlier… and I heard you say you wanted fresh air?”

“I was just going to go out in my Warden gear.”

“But I heard you say you hated being a Warden? If so, then why wear your armor if it reminds you of that life? You are here for the rest of the day, yes? So be someone else for a little while. I am sure something in there will fit you.” She smiled. “Put on something nice and at least enjoy your time here.”

I suppose she has a point. “You really don’t mind?”

“I wouldn’t have offered it if I did.”

“Thank you, Merrill. I’ll do just that.”

Merrill nodded and then left the room. Bethany went through some of the dresses until she found one that was a pretty maroon color with tiny golden flowers and gold trim. Not too gaudy… and best of all it fit her. She tied a red bandana around her neck and put a small red flower in her hair. After looking at herself in a mirror, she smiled. It was nice to feel… feminine again.

Guess I’ll wander around Hightown… and if nothing interests me, I can always head to the old standby… The Hanged Man.

She had been wandering around Hightown for about an hour browsing the marketplace when a tall, masculine figure caught the corner of her vision. She turned slowly, thinking it was impossible yet hoping and praying at the same time. 

Heart thumping in her chest, she couldn’t believe it was Alistair! Her love from two years ago was now only standing a few meters apart from her. He had filled out with more muscle; the black and silver outfit he had on fit him like a glove, hugging all the right places. His orangey-blond hair was neatly trimmed and he now sported a short mustache and goatee. 

How is it that he has gotten even more handsome than before! It was all Bethany could do to not start drooling. She desperately wanted to run up to him and throw herself into his arms. The only thing that kept her from doing just that was she wanted to make sure he wasn’t with someone else. It had been two years after all. So she waited… perhaps even wishing that he’d notice her first.

When it was clear that he was too occupied with his own shopping - and Beth felt she had waited long enough for another woman to show up - she decided to just go all in. She quietly walked up behind him and gave him a hug, her hands roaming up his chest and squeezing his pectoral muscles. 

“Hey there, stranger,” she purred. “Long time, no see.”

“What? Hey! Let go!” Alistair sputtered out. After prying Bethany’s hands off, he whirled around. “Who do you think - ” His eyes bugged out. “Bethany?”

At first, she’d been a little hurt at being manhandled in such a manner, but she quickly recovered. She batted her eyelashes. “Oh, Alistair! I can’t even begin to tell you how much I have longed for this moment! I have been thinking about you a lot these past two years!”

Alistair frowned. “Wouldn’t know it from my end.”

Now Bethany was confused. One, because she had left him a letter, so at the very least he should have known that she had only left him because of the Deep Roads mission. Two, his whole demeanor was almost… hostile. What had happened to the sweet, loving man she had known? Has he changed so much in two years?

“Look, I know this must come as a complete surprise to you… but I - ”

He cut her off. “I thought we had something that night. I trusted you. I poured my heart and soul out to you… and what happened? You left me!”

“But Alistair…” Bethany tried again. “If you would just let me - ” 

He put up his hand and stopped her again. “Oh, at first I figured that you had somewhere to go… so I was patient. I waited… and waited… and waited! A whole Maker-damned week I waited for you… and you never came back! I had Corff and the whole damned pub laughing at me! Then, when he went too far - calling you a whore - I stood up for you! And what did I get for my trouble? I was thrown out of The Hanged Man! Then, while trying to find somewhere else I could go, I was beaten by a bunch of thugs for what little coin I had left on me! Had it not been for Aveline and my uncle Teagan finding me, I probably would have been murdered!”

His whole story shocked her. He’d been thrown out of the pub? He had been beaten? While that was awful, she knew he had no idea of the pain and suffering she had gone through. She needed him to calm down so she could explain. She put a hand on his arm and tried again.

“Look, Alistair. I am terribly sorry about what happened to you… but if you will just let me explain! You will understand!”

But he was having none of it. “Oh, you’re sorry now? And where in the void were you two years ago when it happened?! I should have known better! My whole fucking life should have taught me that I will never be respected or loved. I am just a fucking joke to everyone!”

His ranting and cursing were catching looks from the nobles in the market. Bethany saw a few of them flagging down the guards.

“Alistair, please. Let’s keep things civil. Can’t we go somewhere quiet and talk?”

He jerked his arm away from her violently. “Go somewhere with you? Are you fucking kidding me? I have zero respect for you now. You used me, Bethany! Just like all the rest of my so-called ‘friends’!” He smirked. “I can at the very least say, you did show me a good time, so I suppose I can thank you for that. You were a good fuck… but I am done trusting anything with you now! So, you go on your own way, bitch, and I will go on mine. I want nothing more to do with you!” With that, he stormed off before the guards could arrest him for being a public nuisance.  

Bethany just stood there in complete and utter shock; her mouth hanging open in surprise. 

What in the void had just happened?! That can’t have been the man she knew from back then! Sure, he may look like Alistair… but her Alistair would have been patient, kind… understanding! Especially once she had explained the absolute torture the past two years had been for her! But this man? Rude, arrogant, and downright nasty! He called me a bitch!

Tears welled up in her eyes for what seemed the umpteenth time today. Her day had gone from bad to worse to absolute misery. As she trudged back to her brother’s estate, she just wanted tomorrow to get here as fast as possible so she could get out of this Maker-forsaken city and hope to never return.

After a completely sleepless night, she had on her Warden armor and was making her way back to the pier where Stroud and the rest would be waiting. Her brother and Anders were accompanying her… both of them trying to apologize again for what they had put her through by making her a Grey Warden. Bethany was tired and just waved off their attempt.

“You gave me this life. Now I’m just doing the best I can to live it,” she muttered.

Within moments, they were at the pier. She gave her brother and Anders a feeble hug and bade them goodbye. Then she turned and walked onto the ship that would be leaving for Jader.

Once onboard, Stroud called her over. Nathaniel, Velanna, and Sigrun were already waiting, along with the other two Orlesian Wardens.

“Ah, good. We are all here then,” Stroud announced. “Let me all introduce you to the final Warden that we picked up here for our mission.”

Bethany looked up with red-rimmed, bleary eyes from the crate on which she had been sitting. 

Her eyes grew wide with disbelief and her mouth gaped open.

Alistair was standing about two meters away… looking just as stunned as her.

Before Stroud could even say his name and introduce him, Bethany was on her feet striding towards him. If her boots had been made of fire, the ship would have been burning.

“YOU!” she yelled in anger. She slapped his face. “THAT is for not listening to me yesterday!” She then slapped it again with her other hand. “And THAT is for calling me a bitch, you asshole!”

Alistair couldn’t speak. He held up his hands as Bethany tried to hit him again. Nathaniel gently grabbed her and held her back. He murmured something in her ear and she calmed down… slightly. Her eyes were still glaring daggers at Alistair, however.

Stroud just stood there blinking at what had just happened. “Is, ah…” he sputtered. “Is there going to be a problem here?”

Bethany took a deep breath. “No,” she answered hesitantly. “No, ser. There will not be any problems… so long as he stays far away from me.” She pointed an accusatory finger at Alistair. 

Stroud looked a bit confused but then nodded. “I think we can arrange that. Alistair, was it?” Alistair gave the barest of nods at Stroud, his cheeks burning with hurt and humiliation. “As the lowest ranking Warden here, you will be confined to your cabin below for the rest of the boat journey to Jader. Understood?”

Alistair nodded again, then with his head hanging in shame, he made his way below deck to the cabin he’d been assigned to.

It was going to be a long trip.

Chapter Text

Great way to make a first impression, Alistair. He moaned and held the waste pot in his lap, fully expecting to vomit again. Sea travel had never been a favorite of his… and sadly his cabin was in the bow. The constant up and down movement of the ship plus the gigantic breakfast he had treated himself to before boarding had been a huge mistake.

Then he ended up humiliating himself in front of the new Wardens and being confined to his cabin here until they reached Jader. Six hours, if they were lucky… ten if the storm they were traveling through kept up. Another massive lurch of the ship and Alistair was puking again. The waste pot was already half-full… if he couldn’t get his stomach under control soon, he’d have an even bigger mess to deal with. He had heard footsteps outside his cabin door and wondered if whoever it had been could hear his misery.

Even if they did, they probably figured he deserved it. He had no doubt by now that Bethany had probably told them everything.

Bethany! She was a Grey Warden! When did it happen?! How had he not sensed it the other day! He wanted to slap himself but figured the nausea he was currently suffering was punishment fit for his actions yesterday. She had obviously been trying to tell him what had happened… how she had gotten the Taint… and the stupid, stubborn idiot he was hadn’t listened!

Not only did I not listen… I insulted her by calling her a bitch and telling her I wanted nothing more to do with her! He moaned, stomach heaving yet again. Tears welled up in his eyes. She will never speak to me after that! I have now lost the one person who did actually like me. I really am a fool.

“So, lemme get this straight…” Sigrun raised her eyebrows at Bethany. “That man was the one you were absolutely gushing over a month ago when you were in Amaranthine?”

Bethany sniffled. “Yes. The one I was madly in love with.”

“You knew him only one night and thought you’d spend your lives all ‘happily ever after’? Time changes people.” Velanna rolled her eyes and scoffed. “You seriously thought he’d be all lovey-dovey after two years of him not knowing where you had gone?” She then mumbled, “And they called me naïve!”

Nathaniel put a hand on Bethany’s arm. “I am so sorry you had to go through all of that. First, your mother’s death, and then that bastard had to insult you! I should go down there and - ”

Beth shook her head. “Believe me, he is suffering enough right now. Apparently, the sea voyage doesn't agree with his wittle tum-tum.”

Sigrun snorted and laughed.

She had meant it to sound insulting as she was still extremely angry with him, but after saying it, Bethany sighed inwardly. From the sounds she’d heard below deck, Alistair was very, very sick. She had almost knocked on his door to see if there was anything she could do to help… but then that spark of fury came back and she left him to his suffering and discomfort. 

He doesn’t deserve my forgiveness! In fact, he should be on his knees begging me to forgive him! Velanna was right. I was naïve to think we’d still have the same relationship after two years apart! We had sex… great sex if I have to admit anything about it… and that was all. There was nothing else. I am an idiot to think there was more between us.

She looked up to see Nathaniel staring at her and she shifted a bit uncomfortably. He was nice and treated her with respect, but it was clear he was also interested in her. However, Bethany didn’t share his feelings. He was attractive, in a rough-cut, classic way, and he was still trying to redeem his family’s name through his hard work and dedication to the Wardens… but when she looked at him, she felt no spark. Instead, even now, all she could see was Alistair’s handsome face in her mind and she hated herself for feeling anything for him at this moment.

“Bethany, you look troubled,” Nathaniel spoke quietly to her. “Is there anything I can do to help you?”

She gave him a feeble smile. “No thank you. I just have a lot going through my mind right now.”

“Of course. Just let me know if you need anything.” He got up from the deck where he had been sitting with her, Velanna, and Sigrun. “Anyone want anything to eat? I’m feeling a bit peckish.”

“I’ll join you,” Velanna replied. “Damn, but I am surprised at how much I eat now. Before this, I ate like a bird. I suppose I should be lucky that this Warden appetite doesn’t come with a Warden's waist!”

Sigrun laughed out loud at that and Beth smiled a bit. She had noticed that too, shortly after recovering from her Joining. While she had always had a hearty appetite she was easily now packing away twice, sometimes even three times the amount she used to eat! She supposed if she had to give the Joining one positive benefit, it would be that she could eat like a druffalo, but not be the size of one!

After they left, Sigrun nudged Bethany. “So, since things have fallen apart with you and whats-his-name, how about giving Nate a chance? I can see he really likes you.”

Beth shook her head gently. “I know he likes me… but…”

“You don’t like him? Why not? He’s pretty hot. He hasn’t bothered looking at anyone else at all… until you showed up.”

 “I don’t know. He is good-looking, but at the same time not really my type. There is also the age difference. I am twenty and two. He’s thirty and three. You are closer to his age Sigrun… and you seem to really like him.”

Sigrun bit her lip. “But he doesn’t see me… even after three years of us working together. I guess I am more like a ‘little sister’ to him... someone he wants to protect, rather than romance.” Changing the subject, she perked up and asked, “By the way, that was Anders I saw at the pier both yesterday and today, wasn’t it? What has he been up to since he left us?”

“He’s been running a clinic in Darktown, providing help to all who need it. In Kirkwall, before he was there, you had to pay to see a healer… which means, no money? No help. So many of the poor in Lowtown and Darktown were sick. Anders came and healed everyone, no questions asked.”

“That is super nice of him! He was always an amazing mage when he was with the Wardens at Vigil’s Keep. Until Velanna was recruited, he was pulling double-duty as a fighter and a healer. Afterward, he was just our healer… but no matter how serious the injury we received, he healed it quickly! I had a Hurlock break my leg once and thought I was a goner for sure in that fight. But Anders healed in mere moments and I was back up and fighting in no time at all!” Sigrun glanced down at her hands in her lap. “He has been sorely missed by us these last few years.” She sighed. “He looked happy though.”

“He and my brother have been together for a while.”

“Do they… you know,” Sigrun whispered, “have… sex?”

“I assume so. I haven’t been there for that.” Bethany chuckled. “Why do you ask?”

“Oh, after he was made into a Warden, Anders was always running off and having sex with the maids of Vigil's Keep! It made Seneschal Varel furious! When we would go into Amaranthine, he would spend hours at the whorehouse with the women there! And now… he’s with a man! Your brother!” She gave a grin. “Don’t you think that’s… weird?”

“When I first met him, he always gave me the impression he loved both men and women. He hit on me and Isabela both… but somehow, once he and my brother worked together on a mission to save a fellow mage Anders knew, something changed in him. He only had eyes for my brother ever since. Gar? He took a bit longer to come around… but they seem to really care for each other.”

“What happened to the mage they tried to save? And why would a mage need saving anyway?”

“The Templars in Kirkwall are much crueler against mages than anywhere else I have ever known. They were always going around and accusing this mage of using blood magic… and that mage was summoning demons… even without any proof! I had to hide my abilities while living there, or they would have dragged me off to The Gallows.”

“They would have hung you?!”

“No, not that type of gallows. The Gallows is what they call their ‘Circle’ in Kirkwall. Templars have the right there to make any mage tranquil at any time!” Beth sighed. “That was what they did with Anders friend, Karl. They made him… Tranquil.”

“How terrible!” Sigrun bit her bottom lip again. “Anders mentioned that Tranquility thing a few times when he was with us. He was on the run from the Circle in Ferelden when Aedan recruited him into the Wardens. He was always going on about how mages are suppressed and how they should be free. He had long discussions about it with the Spirit of Justice.”

“Justice?”

“Yeah, he was a spirit we encountered in Blackmarsh. We were tricked into the Fade by a spell The Mother gave to The First – you remember me telling you about those crazy talking darkspawn, right?” Beth nodded. “Anyways, when we got back from the Fade, Justice got pulled into the corpse of a recently killed Warden by the name of Kristoff. Despite being a rotting corpse, Anders and Justice became friends, spending long nights talking together.” Sigrun looked confused at the strange look Beth was giving her. “What?” she asked.

“It’s just that… Anders has a spirit in him now. A spirit who also calls himself ‘Justice’. Could they be one and the same?”

“What do you mean in him?”

“I mean inside of him! Whenever Anders gets angry… he gets all glowy and speaks in a different voice. After a while, the spirit goes… away, leaving Anders weak and almost powerless.”

“Wow. Really?” Sigrun looked thoughtful. “Well, Justice – when he was in Kristoff’s body – kept saying that he wasn’t going to last long. So… what if Anders offered his body to house Justice after giving Kristoff’s wife his corpse back?”

Beth made a face. “Ew.” She scratched her head and then said, “That must be what happened though. Your Justice and the one cohabiting with Anders must be the same spirit. But something my brother said to me in a letter that managed to reach me once worries me. He said that lately, Justice has been changing. He isn’t so much for mage rights now. When the spirit has been coming out now, he’s been speaking of vengeance for the mages.”

“That doesn’t sound good,” Sigrun muttered.

“No, it doesn’t.”

They were interrupted when Nate and Velanna suddenly reappeared from below deck. “Hey there, gorgeous,” he said to Beth. She blushed and Sigrun sighed. “Did you miss us?”

Velanna piped up. “I don’t know about you all, but I need to get to sleep. We should be in Jader by the morning.” She yawned. “My problem though is that my room is next to… that new guy. The one who’s been puking since we left Kirkwall? The smell coming from his cabin is noxious!”

“My room is in the back, Velanna,” Beth said. “Do you want to switch?”

She looked grateful. “You’d do that? Why?”

“I don’t mind. Really.”

“Thanks, Bethany. I mean that,” Velanna replied.

“But what about me, Beth?”

“What about you, Nate?”

“Oh, I was hoping that you might let me sneak into your room tonight and let me have my wicked way with you.” At her shocked expression, he laughed. “I was kidding! I am a gentleman. I will court you first. A beautiful lady, such as yourself, deserves nothing less.” He took her hand into his and kissed her wrist. “Goodnight, sweet lady.”

“Night, Nate.”

After he and Velanna left again, Sigrun sighed again. “Man, you are SO lucky! Why can’t he see me in that way?”

Staring off at the horizon, Beth murmured, “Maybe you should sneak into his room and give him a blowjob.”

“What?!”

Coming back to herself, Beth blushed furiously. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to be so crass!”

But when she looked at Sigrun, she didn’t seem the least bit offended. “Do you really think that might work?” There was a predatory gleam in her green eyes.

“Look, Sig. Don’t do anything that might get you into trouble. You know Nate better than I do. If you think he’d be open to the idea, then try it sometime. But only if you think he won’t get upset.”

“Hmm… Maybe I will wait for a bit.”

“Just try and do some nice things for him for now, flirt a bit… as long as you also think Stroud won’t mind.”

“What about you then?”

“What about me what?” Bethany asked.

“You are okay with me trying to move in on Nate?”

“Go ahead. I already told you, I am fine by myself. I’ve been fine for the past two years alone.”

Now Sigrun smirked. “That is the first lie I’ve heard you tell. You know you had it bad for that new guy.”

“Well, what’s done is done. He insulted me and doesn’t even deserve me now. Not even as a friend.” But even as she said it, Beth could feel her cheeks warming as she remembered what she and Ali had back then.

“Mm-hm. Keep telling yourself that, honey.” Sigrun chuckled. “Night, Beth.”

“G’night, Sig.”

Below deck, as she was about to enter Velanna’s old cabin, Beth paused and listened. There seemed to be no noise coming from the cabin Alistair currently occupied, but Velanna had been right about the smell. It was pretty bad.

Beth glanced up and down the corridor of the ship. No one was around. She heard snoring coming from Stroud’s room, but that was it. She sighed quietly and crept up to Ali’s cabin door.

Listening again, there was nothing. She opened the door slowly and then peered in. In the oil lantern lit space, she saw Alistair lying face-down on the floor of the cabin and there was vomit all around him. Beth made a face and held her nose with her fingers. She shook her head and was about to leave when she heard him groan out.

Sympathy filled her. Even as angry as she still was with him, no one – not even him – deserved to be that miserable. Muttering a quiet spell under her breath, she made the sick vanish from the floor, the pot, and his clothing, hair, and skin.

With that, the smell left as well. Beth then sighed and shut the door to his cabin and went to her new room to get some sleep.

Morning arrived as morning always does. The sky was grey and it was a bit chilly for Bloomingtide. Beth stood on the deck of the ship and watched as the crew were maneuvering their boat into the Jader harbor. This wasn’t her first visit to the Orlesian city. It sat right on the border of Ferelden, so a lot of her own countrymen called this town home, just as many Orlesian people did. She hoped Stroud would let them pick up a quick coffee at the pastry shop near the pier before they set off on their journey to Montsimmard. She missed daily luxuries like a hot coffee and a decent breakfast… but they were already a day behind, so she wasn’t sure if he’d allow them the time today. Her stomach rumbled at the thought of having to eat travel rations for the next two weeks. Bleah. Being a Warden sometimes really does suck.

Below deck, a sudden banging noise woke Alistair with a jolt. He sat up slowly, his head still throbbing and gut churning… but less so as he realized the ship was no longer in motion.

Must be in Jader, he thought. Oh, I’ve got such a mess that I… He trailed off.

He looked at his armor and the floor of the cabin.

It was clean!

How? he wondered. It can’t have been the crew… that would have woken me up. So then how? He thought for a moment. Magic? That would be the only other explanation. It can’t have been the elf Warden… so… Bethany? Does this mean she may still care? Oh, I hope so. Maybe we will never have what we had before… but I’d still be happy if she wants to stay as… friends. I could use a friend right now. Doubtful any of these other Wardens want to be one to me. He sighed and slowly got up from the floor.

After collecting his shield and sword, he made his way up to the deck of the ship.

“Ah, he finally decides to join us?” Nate scoffed as an exhausted Alistair stumbled onto the deck. “We’ve been waiting for ages. Wardens must be punctual. Next time, we may just leave your sorry ass behind.”

“I am in charge here, Nathaniel Howe, not you,” Stroud growled. Nate turned red with embarrassment. “Still, this is a poor showing, Alistair. Nathaniel was at least right about that.” A bit of smugness returned to Nate’s face.

Facing the group as a whole, Stroud then addressed them all. “We have a long journey ahead to Montsimmard… and we are already a day behind.” He softened at Bethany’s anxious expression. “I am not blaming you, Bethany. It was an abnormal situation.” Stroud cleared his throat. “Still, I expect you all to keep up as we make our journey. Understood?”

Everyone but Alistair replied with a loud, “Yes, ser!”

“Now, as I was unable to make proper introductions yesterday, I’d like to do so now.”

“May I, ser?” Bethany asked, a hint of a smile on her face.

Stroud was a bit surprised but nodded. “You may.”

“So… Alistair.” The way she said his name did not give him a good feeling. Beth continued. “These are the two Orlesian Wardens, Cardin Tourneur and Audouin Rochefort.” Both men simply nodded once. Bethany then moved on, “And over here, I’d like to introduce, Nathaniel Howe, Velanna Ashirill, and Sigrun Kolmason. They are Wardens from Vigil’s Keep… trained under Aedan Cousland when he was Warden-Commander.”

Her naming Aedan had the effect she was expecting. She saw Alistair flinch and shuffle uncomfortably.

“Everyone,” she said, now addressing the Wardens, “This is Alistair Theirin. Ex-Prince of Ferelden…”

“Oh, that’s right!” Nathaniel grinned. “I heard all about you from Warden-Commander Aedan! You wanted to take the crown away from Anora Mac Tir because you believed it was your birthright! You, try to rule our nation? When you couldn’t even lead as senior Warden back then? Man, if you had taken the crown, Ferelden would really be in deep - ”

“That’s enough, Nathaniel,” Stroud admonished. “What is in the past is just that. The past. What is here and now is that we are all Wardens… and we all have a job to do. So let us get moving, please.”

Nathaniel still sniggered quietly at the defeated look on Alistair’s face. Beth suddenly felt a bit sorry at what she had done. Maybe she had gone too far… especially knowing his full past history with Cousland. But it was too late to take it back now.

She turned and followed the rest of the group as they exited the ship via the gangway. Alistair brought up the rear.

Everyone was now on the dock as Alistair put his foot on the narrow gangway. There was nothing for him to hold onto… and as he hadn’t quite regained the use of his “land-legs” yet. Two steps on the narrow ramp and he suddenly stumbled, falling the rest of the way to the dock. The air was knocked from his lungs and he felt splinters dig into his palms as they scraped the wooden dock.

Raucous laughter erupted from Nathaniel and Velanna. Sigrun was trying to not giggle. Stroud and the two other Orlesian Wardens just shook their heads slowly. Tears of shame burned behind Alistair’s eyelids, but he held them in. He wasn’t about to give them more reasons to laugh at him.

The laughing faded and he realized that they were all walking away from him, leaving him alone on the dock. He quietly cursed. He wanted to just get back on the boat and sail off to anywhere but where he was right now.

Then he noticed a small, pale hand in his side-view. It was extended and waiting patiently. Slowly, Alistair picked himself up, then gingerly took Bethany’s hand. She helped to pull him up.

Before he could say ‘Thanks’, she muttered, “Don’t think this means I’ve forgiven you. I’m only helping you because no one else did… and we do need to get moving. It is a long two-weeks to Montsimmard… If we don’t get held up anymore. Now, let’s go.”

She then turned and walked off.

She had sounded harsh, but Alistair wondered at the softness in her eyes. Maybe? He could only dare to hope.

Chapter Text

As Bethany walked (still wishing she could have bought a coffee before they hit the road) she was deep in thought.Did I imagine it or did Alistair actually look ashamed of himself for what he’d said to me the other day, once he realized I am now Tainted as he is? Beth shook her head. Stop, stop… STOP thinking about him! That part of my life is over and done!

As she was admonishing herself, she risked a quick glance behind her. Alistair was following. She did wonder why he was stopping every five meters or so to fiddle with his hands. Even with these frequent stops of his, once he got moving again, his long legs made quick work in catching up.

Half an hour later, he was still stopping, messing with his hands, then quickly walking to catch up. Curiosity finally got the better of her. She stopped and waited for him to catch up again.

“What are you doing?”

“My hands,” Alistair grumbled. “They got splinters in them when I fell on the dock. They hurt. I’ve been trying to get them out.”

“Let me see,” Beth sighed. When Alistair didn’t immediately show her, she grabbed the closest one. She could see loose bits of skin where he had managed to successfully pull out some splinters, but others were embedded pretty deep. She shook her head. “You won’t be able to get those deeper ones out by picking. Besides, your fingernails are filthy.”

“So? Why does that matter?”

“You want your hands to get infected?”

“No,” Alistair mumbled.

Bethany reached into her pack and pulled out a jar with pale green cream in it. She handed it to Alistair. He looked at it, then at her with confusion.

“Elfroot ointment. Anders taught me to make it… and he is the best healer I know. Rub it on your hands… after you wash them. We’ll be passing by a small stream just before we get to Gherlan’s Pass. Wash your hands and then put the ointment on, morning and night. Eventually, the splinters will work their way out or dissolve on their own.”

He was about to thank her when Nate stalked up to them. “What are you doing, talking to her?”

“I - ”

“After what you did to her the other day?” he growled. “She deserves better than the likes of you!” Turning to Bethany, he said in a more gentle tone, “Stroud wants to speak with you.”

“Oh,” Beth replied. “I’ll go see what he wants.” She grabbed her pack and staff and ran up to the head of the group where Stroud was.

After she left, Nate poked Alistair in the chest. “Listen well, ex-Prince. You stay the void away from her. I catch you trying to talk to her again and I will make you regret it. You stay back here in the rear… where you belong!”

“But - ”

“No ‘buts’. I mean it!” Nate spat. He then turned and ran up to Bethany and the rest of the other Wardens.

Alistair sighed deeply and placed the ointment Bethany had given him in his belt pouch.

Bethany caught up to Stroud. “You wanted to see me, ser? Is there a problem?”

“No, not as such. I am just a little concerned as to what is actually going on between you and the new recruit.”

“Oh… Um, well we sort of had a thing together a while back…” Bethany fumbled.

“A… thing?” Stroud looked momentarily confused, but then quickly replied, “Ah, I see. No need to go further.”

“It was before I became a Warden. When I saw him in Kirkwall the other day, I was hoping he’d be happy to see me… But instead… he hurt me.”

Now Stroud frowned. “Physically?”

“No!” Bethany clarified. “He just said some unpleasant things… that’s all.”

“You seemed adamant that I keep you apart yesterday, so that is what I will recommend. Until I know he is willing to work with us all the way as Wardens should, you will stay up front with us. He will be under supervision by me and the other senior Wardens.”

As she watched, she saw Audouin slow down until he was walking next to Alistair. She saw a look of confusion pass on Alistair’s face, but he said nothing. Apparently, Audouin didn’t tell him what was going on, either. They just continued on in silence.

“I don’t think having him under supervision is really necessary, ser.”

“I will be the judge on that matter. For now, this is what is best.”

Bethany could think of nothing else to say, so she quietly replied, “As you command, ser.”

Alistair had no idea why he was suddenly being accompanied by one of the two gruff Orlesian Wardens, but he had to assume Nathaniel had something to do with it. It made his heart ache with sadness when he saw Beth walking up front with him. When he saw her smile and laugh at whatever he was telling her, that made him feel even worse.

Maker, I hope they aren’t talking about me. I know I did a horrible thing by not listening to her the other day… But that doesn’t justify them cracking jokes at my expense. If only I could just…

He turned to the grey-haired Warden next to him. “Hey. Do you think I can go up and speak to Bethany? I won’t take long.”

“Non tu ne peux pas.”

“Huh?”

Audouin gave a grunt. “No, you may not. You stay with me.”

“But - ”

“No. Stroud’s orders.”

So it was Stroud who had issued this order, not Nathaniel. This news made him feel a tiny bit better. So all I need to do is prove I can do my job as a Warden and that I intend Bethany no harm. Maybe then I…

Alistair saw Nathaniel place his arm around Bethany’s shoulders and a spark of jealousy shot through him, then sadness. Are they a couple now? Have I truly lost my chance?

He stared at the ground morosely and stewed in his thoughts.

He never saw Bethany shrug herself out of Nathaniel’s embrace.

The stream that Bethany had mentioned was where they ended up setting camp that evening. When Stroud asked for volunteers to gather up firewood, Alistair quickly shouted that he would do it. He thought he saw a hint of a smile on Bethany’s face at the same time he saw Nathaniel scowl.

Other orders were then given and the group all split up to take care of what they’d been assigned to do.

Velanna ended up accompanying Alistair to gather the firewood. He could see she wasn’t happy about it, but she kept her mouth shut. He looked for good, dry wood, and then handed the branches and logs to her. When her arms were full, she ran back to the camp, deposited the load, and then returned.

When she came back a final time, she saw Alistair crouched by the stream with his hands extended.

“What are you- ”

“Just a moment…” Alistair whispered. He then lunged forward and grabbed a large fish from the stream, holding it by its gills.

Velanna looked surprised. “How did you do that? I’ve only ever seen our Dalish hunters pull off a trick like that.”

“Oh, I used to do this as a kid when I was living with Arl Eamon. I called it ‘tickle-fishing’ back then. Good to see I haven’t lost my touch.” He smiled. “You think the others would like fresh fish for dinner?”

Velanna shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe?” She didn’t want to admit that fresh fish sounded very appetizing… and would surely be appreciated.

“Would you look for a long, thin, yet sturdy stick? This stream is quite full of fish. I am sure I can get enough for everyone.”

“What do you need the stick for?”

Alistair smiled. “To carry all of the fish. You don’t want to carry them in your arms, do you?”

“Ugh, no.” She walked off to look for the stick.

Several minutes passed and when Velanna returned with the appropriate stick, she was stunned to see Alistair had caught over ten fish! They were all flopping weakly on the rocky ground.

“This is perfect,” he said, taking the stick from her. He speared each fish onto the stick through its gills and out through its mouth. Once all were secured, Alistair took one end of the long, heavy bundle, while Velanna took the other. They carried it back to where the campfire was now burning.

As they approached the fire, Stroud looked up in surprise. “Fish? Where did you get these, Velanna?”

At first, Alistair was hurt by Stroud thinking that Velanna had caught them and wondered if she would take the credit. To his surprise, however, Velanna pointed at him and said, “He caught them all, ser. Grabbed them out of the stream just like a Dalish hunter would.” She gave a hint of a smile. “Never seen a human pull that off before. I was impressed.”

Stroud beamed. “Well, this is most generous of you, Alistair. A fresh meal would be rather more filling than our rations. Thank you.”

Alistair smiled. “The least I could do, ser. I just thought I should make up for my poor behavior from yesterday.” He stole a glance at Bethany, but she wasn’t looking in his direction. Alistair hid his disappointment.

“How shall we cook them, then?” Stroud asked.

Bethany then spoke quietly. “I saw some salt-lichen growing on some nearby rocks. We can rub it on the fish to give it a nice flavor.”

“Ooh,” Sigrun licked her lips. “On those very rare days when I could get a hot meal in Orzammar, salt-lichen was used often as a seasoning. I would love some on my fish!”

Velanna then spoke up. “There were some large ferns growing near the stream. We could wrap the fish up in the leaves and bake them on the coals.”

“Those both sound like grand ideas,” Stroud smiled. “Would the two of you go and gather those items?” Bethany and Velanna both nodded and left.

Just then, Nathaniel came into the firelight. He held a thin rabbit in one hand. “Sorry ser, there weren’t many animals I could find to- ” His mouth fell open in surprise when he saw Alistair holding the stick full of fish.

“Oh, that is all right, Nathaniel,” Stroud said. “Young Alistair here has already found us some food to eat.”

“How did you?” He trailed off, then frowned. “I can’t eat fish. They make me sick.”

“Well, you did manage to catch that… rabbit.” Stroud pointed at it. “You may eat that.”

Nathaniel glowered. He then stalked off with his game; he took out his knife and began skinning the critter. While doing so, he muttered incoherently under his breath.

Alistair held in a secret grin.

Once Beth and Velanna returned, Stroud – with Alistair’s help – had already cleaned and gutted the fish. They had also raked some hot coals from their main campfire into a small pit in the dirt to cook the fish on. The fish were quickly seasoned, wrapped, and then placed on the hot coals to bake. The smell was making everyone salivate.

Bethany noticed Nate sitting off by himself by a small campfire he had made on his own. He had skewered his rabbit and was holding it over the fire to cook. She sat down next to him.

“Why are you over here by yourself, Nate? Aren’t you going to eat the fish Alistair caught? Surely it would be more appetizing than a scrawny, burnt rabbit.”

“My rabbit will be just fine,” he huffed. “Besides, I don’t eat fish.”

Beth did a double-take. “Since when? You ate plenty at the pub in Amaranthine.”

“Uh…” Realizing he’d been caught in a lie, he stumbled out, “That was salt-water fish. I don’t eat that… other kind.”

Bethany sat back, silent for a moment, then said, “That’s a load of druffalo dung. Velanna told me she saw you fish often in the lake by Vigil’s Keep and eat what you caught afterward.” She sighed. “You know what I think?”

Nate rolled his eyes. “What?”

“I think you are jealous that Alistair managed to out-do you in something. I know this because ever since I met you at Vigil’s Keep… that you have been constantly trying to impress Stroud.”

“I am not jealous.”

“Riiight…”

“Just… leave me alone, Bethany,” Nate mumbled. “I don’t want company right now.

She shrugged. “Fine. I’ll leave you.” She got up.

“Beth?” he suddenly called out.

“Yes?”

“Do you still like him?”

“What? Why are you asking me this?” Red-faced, she shook her head. “No! What I had for him was gone when he called me a ‘bitch’ and ‘a good fuck’! How could I even respect him now?”

“Then why eat his meal? You could share in my rabbit,” Nate said softly.

“I thought you didn’t want company.”

“I… didn’t mean that. You are always welcome to stay with me.”

Beth was torn. She had been looking forward to eating the fish… but Nate’s melancholy voice tugged at her heart. She may not love him, but he was still her friend. “All right, Nate. I’ll stay and share your rabbit.” She sat back down next to him.

From the other fire, Alistair gazed longingly at Bethany, who was now sharing the rabbit Nate had caught. He’d thought for sure that his fish would have been one way for him to earn back her trust… and maybe some affection. But apparently, he’d been wrong.

The rest of the Wardens did compliment him on the fish meal, but Alistair could only smile feebly at each remark. His heart felt heavy in his chest. He slowly got up from the fire. “I… think I’ll get some sleep now.”

“But you haven’t finished your fish yet,” Sigrun called out.

“That’s okay. Not really hungry.” He actually was still hungry, but he couldn’t stand to see Bethany and Nathaniel together any further.

“Really? Can I eat it then?” she asked.

“No, Sigrun,” Stroud replied gently. “We will wrap it, and the leftovers, up tonight so we can take it with us on the road.”

Alistair barely heard her mutter, “Oh, all right.” He took his bedroll from his pack and set it up far from the light of the camp.

As he lay down, he thought, Maker, please. I know I really fuc- er, messed up my relationship with her, but I really want her back! I don’t know what I must do to earn her forgiveness, but I will try anything!

There was no response. Honestly, if he had heard The Maker reply, he probably would have run screaming into the woods. Instead, his mind played back a conversation he’d once had with Wynne at camp.

“Alistair, if you really want people to like and respect you, you need to stand for what you believe in.”

“And what would that be?”

“Justice, fairness, faith, strength, honesty… and most of all, love. You have a good heart, young man, and I hate that you let Aedan walk all over you. You should stand up for yourself. You are the senior Grey Warden, not him. Duncan put his faith in you.”

“But…”

“But nothing. Aedan Cousland may have been a teyrn's son, but he is far too arrogant, in my opinion. You are far nobler than he. It hurts me that you can’t see this in yourself.” She paused her knitting for a moment, then said, *“The most amazing people I have known… are those that have known defeat, suffering, loss, and have still managed to find their way out of those depths. You have an appreciation, sensitivity, an understanding that fills you with compassion, gentleness, and a deep, loving concern for everything and everyone around you.”

He stared into the campfire. Seconds passed in silence, then she placed her hand softly on his head. **“Let go of what was… and have faith in what will be.”

Wynne. How he missed her. He wiped a tear from his cheek. He had no idea where she was now, but he hoped she was safe. He remembered the shocked and sad expression on her face when Anora had called for his execution… and he’d run out of the throne room before the guards could restrain him.

He thought about those words she had said to him again. Let go of what was. He’d made a mistake – a horrible one, this was true – but rather than constantly beat himself up over it, he needed to let go of it and move on. Have faith in what will be. If things were truly meant to work out between him and Bethany… I just need to try harder and have faith in myself that I am doing the right thing.

With this new determination in his heart, he slowly drifted off to sleep.

Alistair woke early before the sun had even risen and quickly got up. His stomach growled. He was really hungry now because he hadn’t finished his meal last night. Determined to get some nourishment, he again headed back to the stream.

There should be leftover fish, so maybe I can find some eggs? He knew of a large, ornery, waterfowl that would fly up north to make nests and lay eggs at this time of year. Looking up and down the banks of the stream, he spotted what appeared to be nests.

Getting closer, he could see several of the nests had the brown, black, and white marked birds on them. Taking his shield and sword in hand, he approached the first nest. The bird raised its neck and began hissing at the stranger approaching its nest. Alistair banged his sword against his shield. The ruckus frightened the bird and it flew off the nest.

As he had chased her off so easily, he knew the eggs should still be edible. If she had plumped her feathers and refused to leave despite the noise he had made, that would have meant to eggs were too far along to safely consume. Paying attention to the farmhands on Eamon’s lands had had its benefits!

To his delight, there were six large eggs in the nest. He lay his bedroll down and took four. With luck, after he was gone, she would return to the nest and continue mothering her remaining eggs.

The next two birds wouldn’t leave, so Alistair left them. The last one he came across, he again managed to successfully scare mama away. She had eight eggs! Alistair took another four. There were eight of them in the group and these were much larger than chicken eggs. With the leftover fish, it should be more than enough for breakfast.

With all the eggs safely wrapped in his bedroll, he made his way back to the camp as the sun was just now coming up. Fortunately, someone had banked the fire last night. He stoked it, added a few more logs and sticks, and got it burning once again. Then once the coals were hot, he lay the eggs around the perimeter of the fire to slowly cook; too close to the fire itself and they would rupture.

The people closest to the fire woke first. Stroud rubbed his eyes as Alistair slowly turned the eggs to keep them cooking evenly.

“What is this? Eggs? Where did you find those, Alistair?” Stroud asked as he sat up.

“Waterfowl nests along the banks of the stream, ser.”

“First you get us delicious fish for dinner, and now eggs for breakfast? You are going to end up spoiling this old veteran!”

“Wardens march on their stomachs, ser. It was something Duncan once told me.”

Stroud laughed. “Sounds like something he would have said!” As the rest of the group began to rise, he then said, “I have never heard of anyone cooking eggs like this… on an open fire. Did Duncan teach you this as well?”

“Yes, ser. He did.” Alistair smiled at the memory. “He was a great mentor.”

Stroud nodded. “He was, at that. It was a real pity what happened at Ostagar.”

Alistair tried not to frown. One of the rumors he had heard after he had fled Denerim was that Aedan had planned on making Loghain into a Warden as his ‘penance’ for what had been done at Ostagar.

That bastard! In our ranks? He shouldn’t have that honor! Alistair hated thinking about it. He pushed it out of his mind and quietly replied, “Yes, ser. It was a tragedy.”

Sensing the change in mood, Stroud changed the subject. “How long until the eggs are ready?”

“Maybe another five minutes for soft yolks, eight for firmer ones.”

“I’ll get the leftover fish then,” he replied.

Soon everyone was up and seated around the campfire – all except Nathaniel again – though he did reluctantly accept the egg that Bethany handed him. He’d been sore to find out that once again, the ex-prince had beaten him at impressing Stroud. Also, despite her reassurances, and staying with him last night for dinner, he was annoyed that Bethany seemed to be slowly warming up to Alistair, due to his good deeds for the group.

Despite what Aedan had told him, even he was beginning to find it hard to hate Alistair. When he smiled there was a certain charm to him, and his genial good nature was even making Stroud and the other Orlesian Wardens like him. Perhaps Aedan hadn’t been entirely truthful about his days spent traveling with Alistair. If it weren’t for Bethany and his jealous streak, he thought that perhaps he too could even come around and befriend the former prince. As it was, he just decided to keep these thoughts to himself.

After they had eaten their fill, Stroud announced to the group, “All right, listen up. From here, we will be entering Gherlan’s Pass. The terrain will be hard and rocky as we pass through the northernmost peaks of the Frostbacks. Now, while we have had two nice meals, thanks to Alistair here, once we get into the Pass food will likely be scarce, as will water. So fill your water bladders here and be stringent with your rations. Is this understood?” Everyone nodded, so he continued. “Let’s get packed up and move out!”

Three days into Gherlan’s Pass, the weather abruptly shifted and it began to sleet. Everyone was cold and shivering, but they kept moving. It was the only thing that kept them slightly warm.

As night began to fall and the temperature plummeted, Alistair got to be the savior of the Wardens once again. He managed to find a small cave that had a large overhanging of rock covering its entrance. As the cave was on the southern side of the pass, the sleet – blowing south to north – did not come in.

There was no wood to burn, but both Bethany and Velanna were able to cast veilfire. It didn’t burn as hot as normal fire, but it still was enough to warm the space and dry their damp armor.

Each evening when they had stopped for the night, Alistair had tried to speak to Bethany. However, she still wouldn’t come near him. She instead spent her evenings at camp with Sigrun, Velanna, and to his dismay, Nate, more often than not. He was starting to think that maybe he should just give up… but his mind kept whispering to him in Wynne’s voice, No. Not yet. Have patience.

By morning, the sleet had stopped, much to everyone’s relief. It was still bitterly cold as they left the cave, but the sun promised that the day should warm significantly.

Alistair had a small breakthrough with Bethany that morning as well. She accidentally stepped on a patch of ice and began to slip. Alistair, with his long legs, managed to quickly run up and catch her before she fell.

“Are you all right?” he asked, his breath puffing in the cold air.

Her face was red with what looked like embarrassment to the rest, but internally, her heart was racing with excitement. Having those muscular arms of his holding her as she regained her footing had been… thrilling. She remembered his strength… and his stamina.

She managed to mumble out, “I’m good now. Thanks,” then she quickly walked away from him.

Even though she had brushed him off, Alistair couldn’t help but smile slightly.

Later that afternoon, Velanna, who had been near the front of the group, abruptly stopped. Stroud noticed.

“Velanna? What is it?”

“Seranni? It can’t be.”

Stroud scratched his chin. “Who is Seranni?” he asked.

“My sister. Last time I saw her was in the Deep Roads with The Architect!”

Everyone had gathered around Velanna now. They all tried to look where she was pointing, but they saw nothing.

“M’dear, you must be seeing things. There is no one there,” Cardin said.

“No! No, I know it is her! She needs me! Why else would she be up here?!” Velanna suddenly ran off from the group. “Seranni! I am coming! Wait!”

“Velanna!” Stroud shouted after her. “Velanna, come back! There isn’t anyone there! VELANNA!”

Everyone was struck dumb by Velanna’s disappearance. No one knew what to do or say.

“We can’t lose her,” Stroud growled. “Someone needs to go after her, and bring her back quickly!”

“I’ll do it, ser!” Bethany replied firmly. “She is my friend. I am sure I can find her on my own and convince her to return.”

“Bethany, as noble as that is, I can’t let you go alone - ”

“I’ll go with her, ser,” Alistair quickly interjected. “Together we will find Velanna.”

“What? Hey, no!” Nate complained. “You know what he did to her! We can’t send Alistair with her! I’ll go!”

Stroud shook his head. “Alistair has already volunteered, Nathaniel, and he has in these last few days prove that he is a loyal Warden. We must all learn to work with each other. There can be no in-fighting amongst us.” Turning to Alistair, he pulled a map out of his pack. “Here is a map of the area. If you continue on this road here,” he pointed to a dotted line on the map, “that will lead you to Montsimmard.”

“Thank you, ser.”

“Please,” Stroud said, “find Velanna and return to us as soon as you can. And stay safe, the both of you!”

Bethany had already started walking away, so Alistair nodded again and replied, “We will. Thank you for your trust.” He then took off after Bethany.

Chapter Text

Alistair quickly caught up to Bethany. She didn’t say anything when he slowed slightly to walk side-by-side with her. He glanced over at her. Her expression seemed to be one of annoyance, but it could also have been concern for Velanna.

“Why do you think she ran off like this?” he asked. “I didn’t see anyone where she pointed.”

Bethany didn’t answer and Alistair shrugged. I guess she’ll talk when she feels like it. I’ll be patient.

They had left the path of the pass and were now slowly climbing up into the mountains. Every time they got to an area where the rocks leveled out somewhat, Alistair stopped for a moment. Using his height as an advantage he scanned the area, trying to see if he could spot the blue and silver of a Grey Warden uniform… so far there was nothing. They continued pressing on.

Eventually, Alistair spotted a crevice in a cliff not too far off.

“With no other options, we should go and see if that crack in the rock leads anywhere. What do you think, Bethany?”

Again, she said nothing. She immediately began making her way to the crevice. Alistair was starting to get a bit frustrated. He had been trying to make small talk all afternoon and she still kept silent.

Once they got to the crack, they saw a sharp piece of rock near the entrance. Several blonde hairs had been caught on it.

“She was here. At least we know that much.”

Instead of answering, Bethany was already wriggling her way into the crevice. She then vanished.

“Bethany!”

Finally, he heard, “In here! I’m okay.”

It was tougher for Alistair to get his much larger build into the small entrance. He scraped his cheek and forehead against the rock face and felt it cut into his skin uncomfortably. Eventually, he managed to get inside. What he saw then made his mouth open in surprise.

Bethany had made a veilfire charm in her left hand. The small opening had belied how big the cavern was on the inside. It was easily twice as tall as Alistair and probably a good five meters across.

Alistair felt moisture running down his forehead and grabbed his handkerchief from a pouch on his belt loop and swiped it across his forehead. In the dim light that Bethany had created, it came back red. Fortunately, the cuts weren’t deep and stopped bleeding fairly quickly.

Alistair then saw the brittle remains of a skeleton along with some tattered cloth on the dirt floor. He picked up the large leg bone, wrapped some cloth around it, then asked Bethany, “Do you have a grease spell?”

She stayed silent, but touched the cloth on the bone, then nodded at Alistair. He tilted the makeshift torch into the veilfire and it ignited. As the torch burned much brighter than the spell, Beth extinguished the veilfire. The cave they were in had only one passage leading further in. They moved into the darkness; the torch lighting their way.

They had been walking for about an hour; the tunnel twisting and turning deeper into the mountain. Alistair had once again, tried talking to her, but she refused to respond. Finally, he stopped. He stuck his torch into a crack in the wall, grabbed Bethany’s arm gently, and guided her to sit down on a large rock.

Incensed, she finally uttered, “What?!”

“We need to talk.”

“We can’t! We’ll lose her trail.”

“No, we won’t. I can sense the Taint. She did go this way,” Alistair responded.

“How? I can’t sense it.”

“I’ve been a Warden longer than you. It is an ability you gain over time.”

Bethany smirked. “How do you know it is hers… and not mine?”

“Because what I feel is coming from the direction we’ve been heading… not next to me. I can tell the difference.”

“Yet you couldn’t sense the Taint when you were standing in front of me in the Hightown market,” Bethany frowned.

Alistair sighed deeply. “You are right. I didn’t. I had been surprised by you… and I was hurt and angry that I had heard nothing from you in two years.” He paused and knelt down to face her. “I was aggravated because I thought we had made a connection that night… that it hadn’t just been about sex… but I guess I was wrong.”

Bethany was quiet for a moment, then murmured, “You weren’t wrong.” She bit her lip, then, “It was more than just sex. I…” she faltered a bit. “It started off that way, but when we talked that night… and I got to know you, I realized you were someone special. You have a good soul, Alistair… and I had decided that I wanted to…”

“You wanted to what?” he asked gently.

“I didn’t want what we had to be just a fling. I had wanted us to be together. But then you ruined it with your accusations.” She wiped a tear away. “You called me a bitch!” Another tear ran down her cheek. “That really hurt me…”

“I… am sorry. I don’t know what else I can do but apologize to you. I shouldn’t have called you that… or… said the… other thing.”

More tears fell. “That I was nothing more to you than ‘a good fuck’?”

Alistair winced. “Yes.” He reached out and brushed the tears from Bethany’s cheeks. “I have never acted in such a manner… and I never will again to you.” A moment passed. “But I need to know this. Why did I not hear from you for so long?” There was pain in his eyes. “Why did you lead me to believe you had abandoned me… like everyone else had?”

“I left you a letter!”

“No one gave me a letter.” Alistair’s voice was flat.

“I left it with Corff. He promised me he would give it to you!” Bethany pounded her fist against her knee. “That slimy bastard!”

“When I went to dinner the first night after you had left, he complained that the noise we made had kept him up all night.”

She scoffed. “What? Did he listen in or something?”

Alistair gave a rueful chuckle, “Well, you weren’t exactly the quiet sort.”

Bethany’s eyes went wide… and then she laughed. “No,” she said in between giggles, “I guess I wasn’t!”

After she calmed a bit, he asked, “What was in the letter?”

“I don’t remember everything I wrote back then, but I remember writing that I was going on an expedition to the Deep Roads with my brother and his friends and that I would be gone for a while. We were looking to see if we could discover some ancient treasure to help us get our mother’s mansion in Hightown back…”

“You are nobility?”

“No. My mother was. But she married an apostate and left her fortune behind when she fled to Ferelden with him. When we had to leave Lothering because of the Blight, we ended up in Kirkwall… only to find my uncle had spent all of the family fortune and lost the ancestral home. Our mission was with the Tethras brothers, Varric and Bartrand. My brother helped to finance it and it was going to be a three-way split of anything we found.”

“And it was on this mission where you contracted the Blight?”

“Yes.” Her voice dropped in pitch and tone. “My brother and Anders took me to Stroud and he gave me The Joining. It was what ended up saving my life… but it was a life I hadn’t wanted. I spent the next two years traveling with Stroud and his Wardens. Then when we finally returned to Kirkwall… I find out my mother had… been murdered.”

“Maker’s Breath! Murdered? Oh… Bethany.” Alistair bowed his head. “I’m so sorry, Bethany. I truly am. I shouldn’t have been such a bastard to you when we met that day in the market. Not only were you going through that awful situation, but I now realize you had been trying to tell me what happened with you getting the Taint, and I didn’t listen. I truly hope that someday I can earn your forgiveness for my abhorrent behavior.” He paused, then asked, “Did you say anything else in your letter?”

“I…” she stopped herself. “No. That was pretty much it.”

“I see.” Alistair then stood back up and pulled Bethany up as well. He grabbed the torch from the wall. “I am glad that we were finally able to sort things out. I… hope we can be friends again… at the very least.”

“Maybe, Alistair. You… seem to be sincere with your apology. So… I am willing to give it a chance.”

He smiled. “That is good to hear.” He began heading down the cave’s passage again. “We need to get going, Velanna’s signal is getting fainter. We need to catch up.”

Bethany nodded and followed him.

About an hour later, their original passage in the cave began branching off. Beth was getting nervous about getting lost, but Alistair reassured her that they would be fine.

Whenever they came to a new fork, he would stop and close his eyes for a brief time, then grab her hand and lead her where he felt the Taint from Velanna was the strongest.

“It isn’t finding her that I am worried about, Alistair. We’ve made so many turns now, I don’t know which way is out.” She shook her head. “How did she manage to get so far ahead of us?” Bethany wondered.

“I am just glad we haven’t had to fight anything in here… and I have been making a mental note in my head whenever we have made a turn. When we leave I just need to reverse everything.”

“You make it sound easy. I hope you are right.”

“Don’t worry,” he reassured her again. “I…” he trailed off as the tunnel they were in finally ended. “Oh… shit.”

Bethany’s mouth opened. What lay before them now, was apparently a massive abandoned Thaig. There were tunnels going everywhere. “Now what?” she muttered.

“Hmm. Just a moment.” Alistair studied the whole area. “Best thing I can think of here is we leave the torch in the wall. At least it will mark where we came in. We can use your veilfire from here. That, plus the glowing lyrium deposits here, should be enough for us to see.”

“Maker, I hope you are right. This area is so huge!” Her voice echoed all around, “so huge… huge… uge… ge…”

“We are going to need to be a lot quieter now. We’ve been lucky so far… but in here? I wouldn’t be surprised if we end up running into darkspawn.”

Together, they walked deeper into the Thaig, following Velanna’s Taint. All the could be heard was the muffled crackle of Bethany’s veilfire spell and their boots echoing dully on the stone walkway.

Bethany looked behind her. She could barely see the torch Alistair had stuck into the wall where they had emerged and she was starting to worry again. Turning back to face forward again, she suddenly bumped into Alistair’s back.

“Oh, sorry,” she whispered.

“Shit,” he muttered.

Then she felt what Alistair had already noticed.

Darkspawn.

They were surrounded.

Bethany got her staff from her back as Alistair pulled out his sword. She wondered how many they could take out before they were overwhelmed. The odds were not good.

A minute ticked by… and the darkspawn had yet to make a move. What were they doing?

Finally, one shuffled forward… and spoke!

“Be not attacking us,” it asked. The voice was guttural but not harsh. “No harm we mean to you.”

“Talking darkspawn?” Alistair was clearly baffled.

Bethany murmured, “Velanna, Nate, Sigrun, and Anders have all told me of this. It was in Amaranthine. They came across an intelligent darkspawn who called himself The Architect.”

“Yes, yes!” the darkspawn nodded. “He sends us… to find you.”

“Why? What does he want with us?” Bethany asked.

“The Ashen is me. Architect told, ‘Fetch the other Wardens… who have come for their friend’.”

“You know where Velanna is?”

“Safe. She is. She is with sister.” The Ashen beckoned. “Follow. Take you to them, we will.”

“Why should we trust you?” Alistair frowned.

“We did not come to hurt, just to fetch.”

“He is right Alistair, they could have easily overwhelmed us, but they haven’t.”

Still skeptical, Alistair asked, “How do we know this isn’t a trap?”

“Trap? No. No trap.” The Ashen replied. “Architect has message for the Wardens.”

“Message? What kind of message?”

“Alistair, we can’t stand here all day debating this. We came to find Velanna and they know the way. I am going to trust them.” As proof, she placed her staff back on her back.

Alistair muttered, “Maker, I hope you are right.” He sheathed his sword. “All right, please take us to Velanna and this… Architect.”

“Follow,” The Ashen said, then he and the other darkspawn shuffled off.

They had no concept of how much time had passed and Alistair was growing increasingly uncomfortable as they followed the darkspawn into the dark. Yet, he could feel the Taint in Velanna growing stronger… so they must be headed in the right direction.

The Ashen led them around a corner and they came into a room that had some braziers burning. Velanna was there, talking to an elf who had clearly been turned by the Taint into a ghoul.

“Velanna!” Bethany shouted.

Velanna turned at the sound of her name. “Beth? What in the Creators' names are you doing here?”

“We came to find you! Stroud was really worried!”

“We?” Velanna then saw Alistair. “Why is he with you?”

“I volunteered to go with Bethany. Stroud didn’t want her to go alone.”

“Why didn’t Nate, or someone else, volunteer?”

“Because I did first. Why is this a problem?” Alistair asked.

“Vel, it’s okay. Alistair and I have had a long talk. He apologized for hurting me the way he did.”

“And that makes it all better?”

“Yes,” Bethany replied.

“Well, it’s your life. I can’t tell you how to live it.” Velanna shrugged.

Bethany changed the subject. “So this is… your sister?”

The ghoul-elf nodded. “I am Seranni.” Her voice was raspy as if she had something stuck in her throat.

“What happened to you?” Beth asked.

“I was taken by darkspawn when they raided our camp. Velanna wasn’t there when it happened. She thought the humans had taken me. I was trapped in the nearby mines, but then The Architect came and saved me from the ones who are not free. He took me in and cared for me, so I agreed to stay and help him. I have been with him ever since.”

“You are tainted,” Beth murmured.

“Yes, by the darkspawn that had captured me. The Architect, he stopped it from corrupting me all the way.”

“That explains why you haven’t degenerated into a full ghoul.”

“Yes.”

“So this is all fascinating,” Alistair interjected, “but what did you mean by ‘the ones who are not free’?”

“I can answer that,” a soft voice spoke from behind them.

Alistair whirled around to see the strangest looking darkspawn he had ever encountered. He was exceedingly tall and it looked as if his ribs were outside of his body… but Alistair realized it was just part of his odd-looking robe. His skin was a pale purplish-grey, he wore large woven leather shoulder guards, and he had some kind of tall hat that had a mask attached. There were no holes in the mask, so Alistair wondered how he could see. He was accompanied by a female dwarf with a shaved head. She too was tainted into an almost ghoul-like state, by the decay on her skin and her filmy eyes. What surprised Alistair the most about her was that she wore a Grey Warden uniform!

“Who?” was all he managed to utter.

“I am The Architect… and this is Utha.” Utha glared at Alistair and began to draw her sword.

“Not the friendly sort, is she?” Alistair mumbled.

“Utha, no.” The Architect shook his head. Utha gazed up at the tall darkspawn, then back at Alistair, and reluctantly put her sword away. “I apologize. She is very protective of me.”

“She doesn’t talk much, does she?”

Seranni answered, “In her other life, Utha was a Silent Sister before she became a Warden. She can’t speak.”

“Can’t? Or won’t?” Alistair asked.

“Can’t. As female warriors that serve the Paragon Astyth the Grey, the Silent Sisters cut their tongues out.”

Utha nodded.

Bethany was shocked. “Maker’s Mercy, why?”

Utha signed something to Seranni. “She says it isn’t important now. You must listen to ‘father’.”

“Father?”

“It is what she calls The Architect.”

Utha nodded again.

“Very well,” Alistair said. “The Ashen did say you had something to tell us, so go on.” A sharp look from Utha and Alistair added, “Please.”

“First, I must explain some things to you. As Wardens, you already are aware that my kind have ever been driven to seek out the Old Gods. This is our nature. When we find one, a Blight begins. Each time, we attack your surface lands and you fight back until we are defeated. I have been wanting to break this cycle; I have been attempting to free my brethren from this… compulsion… this need to find the Old Gods.”

“You…” Alistair was stunned. “You’re trying to stop the Blights?”

The Architect nodded. “Hundreds of thousands of my kind are slaughtered before each Blight is ended. It is a plague on our race. We obey the call of the Old Gods without choice.”

“And how are you ‘freeing’ your people?” Bethany asked.

“When your people become Grey Wardens, you drink the blood of my kind to take in our power… to change. I have created my own version of your Joining, by giving your blood to my brethren.”

“Wait! You what?!” Alistair sputtered in anger. “And just where have you been getting Grey Warden blood?!”

The Architect placed one of his long, thin hands on Utha’s shoulder. “Utha was the first. She gave me her blood willingly.” Utha looked up at him with pride. “After a while, however, her blood was no longer able to work. When the darkspawn attacked Amaranthine and killed the Orlesian Wardens, I saw the opportunity to continue my work. I sent some of my freed people to collect the dead Wardens. They brought them to me and I was able to work again.”

“You took our dead Wardens? Just so you could continue to experiment?! That is unholy, unethical!” Alistair shouted. Utha drew her sword again, clearly agitated at what seemed to be a threat to her ‘father’.

“Alistair,” Bethany put her hand on his arm. “Please, calm down. You are upsetting Utha again. Also, the Wardens were already dead. It isn’t like he took them alive and bled them dry!”

Alistair took several deep breaths to focus again. “Still, that was wrong,” he muttered. “They should have been given a proper burial.”

“So this… experiment. It has been working?” Bethany asked.

“Not all that I used my Joining on have taken it well. One such failed attempt was The Mother. The change drove her… insane.”

Beth’s eyes went wide. “I remember Anders mentioning that! He was there when Ae- ah, the Warden-Commander killed her.”

“I was there too,” Velanna spoke up. “She was… unpleasant.”

“It was one of her… offspring… that I got the Blight from,” Bethany sadly recalled.

“But… you said you got it from the Deep Roads in The Free Marches,” Velanna replied. “The Children were in Ferelden… in Amaranthine. We killed them all.”

Bethany shook her head. “Apparently some survived and managed to infect the Deep Roads in Kirkwall. We killed a lot of them there. Anders did say that since The Mother is dead though, she thankfully can’t make any more of them.”

“That is true,” Velanna said. She then looked at The Architect. “There were other changed darkspawn that followed The Mother. I guess they were also failed experiments of yours?”

“Yes,” The Architect answered. “She did have a way of persuading them to her side. But now that she is gone, almost all of my newly freed brethren have taken this change well.”

“Almost all?” Alistair asked, eyebrows raised.

“One or two have gone rogue. They refused Seranni’s help to adapt, and ran off into the darkness.”

“Hopefully, they won’t find another Old God. We don’t need another Blight when we’ve just barely gotten over the last one,” Alistair muttered.

“They won’t. My change in them cuts them off from the call.”

“Why are you creating these freed darkspawn?” Beth asked. “Other than your goal of wanting to stop the Blights, is there another reason?”

“Yes. I feel as though there is something… coming. Something that could be worse than a Blight.”

“What could be worse than a Blight?” Alistair frowned.

“I am old,” The Architect replied, “But there are darkspawn rumored to be far older than I. The first of our kind.”

Bethany was dumbfounded. “Wait… The first of your kind?! Are you speaking of those magisters that forced their way into the Golden City? This was in Ancient times! How could they still be alive?”

“Those of us few darkspawn that were born with intelligence to understand the world around us… we’ve kept records. There have been writings that suggested that after the First Blight, once such creature was imprisoned… and he has been there ever since.”

“Who would imprison him… and why?” Alistair asked.

“The Grey Wardens of that era. They were apparently wanting to use him as a weapon against our kind.” The Architect look saddened. “However, his influence was much like that of the Old Gods. Anyone with the Taint was susceptible to his call… darkspawn and Wardens alike. So the prison was sealed.”

Alistair shrugged. “So what is the problem then? If his prison is sealed…”

“Such prisons require magical seals to keep them secure.”

“And you think these seals are in danger of weakening… or breaking?”

“I do not know… but something stirs. I can feel it.”

“And so you want to free more darkspawn so they won’t be susceptible to this ancient one’s call?”

“Essentially, yes. The power he possibly wields could be devastating to us. The more I can free, the more we have to fight back… should it come to that.”

Alistair then eyed The Architect warily. “Wait… you didn’t bring us here to take our blood, did you?”

“No. I brought you here to reunite you with your fellow Warden, and to give you this warning. You may take this information to your senior Wardens if you wish. However, they must be made aware of his potential ability to call anyone who has the Taint. Your Wardens should not face him alone. To do so could be very foolish.”

“We understand, Architect,” Bethany said. “Thank you for telling us this.” She then turned to Velanna. “We should go now. It will take us some time to catch up to Stroud and the rest.”

Velanna glanced at her sister, then back at Bethany. “I won’t be returning with you. I will stay here with my sister.”

“But… why? You are a Grey Warden. We need you.”

“It is precisely that reason I am staying. My sister chose to stay with The Architect to help him. I will do the same. If he needs Grey Warden blood to free his people, then he can use mine.”

“Velanna…”

She shook her head. “I have made my decision.”

“Then what do we tell Stroud?” Bethany asked.

“You can tell him you never found me… or you can tell him I died. Whatever lie suits you best.”

Beth tried to argue with Velanna a bit longer, but eventually, she saw there was no changing her mind. She came up to her friend and gave her a big hug. “Take care, Vel. We will miss you.”

“Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine.”

Alistair came up and shook her hand. “We will think of something to tell Stroud so he won’t send anyone else to search for you.”

Velanna tilted her head and stared at Alistair for a moment. “You know, you really aren’t too bad for a human. I think if I had stayed, I could have grown to like you more.”

“I guess I’ll take that as a compliment.” He smiled at Velanna. “Stay safe.”

The Architect then pointed to a tunnel on his right. “This will take you back to the surface.”

Beth and Alistair nodded and then waved at Velanna, Seranni, and Utha. The two elves waved back. Utha just nodded at them. They then began their journey back to the surface.

Chapter Text

Bethany had rekindled her veilfire spell to provide light as they ascended in the tunnel. They were silent for some time, both processing what they had been told by The Architect.

After a while, Alistair finally spoke. “So, do you think this Architect is telling the truth? That there is a prison somewhere, built by the Grey Wardens, that is holding an ancient darkspawn who has the ability to control anyone – or anything – with the Taint in them?”

“I don’t know,” Beth mused. “But why would he make up such a tale? It seems too fantastic to not believe.”

“I still don’t know if I trust him fully. Do you really think we should tell Stroud or any other senior warden that we met a talking darkspawn?”

“Stroud already knows about The Architect. It was in the reports of Vigil’s Keep.”

“Oh.” Alistair paused. “Well, I still have my doubts about wanting to tell him all of this. Maybe we should… I don’t know… wait and see what happens?”

“Why wait?”

“If we tell them now… and nothing happens for five, ten, twenty years, don’t you think that might make us look foolish?”

Bethany thought about that. “Hmm, you may be right. Maybe we should wait… and see.”

More silence passed between them, then Bethany asked, “So where do you think Utha came from? She clearly has been down there a long time with him.”

“You know, when we were ‘introduced’ to her, I thought her name sounded familiar… but I can’t remember why. Let me think. Utha… Utha…” Suddenly, Alistair stopped and clapped a hand to his mouth. “Maker’s Breath, I remember! She was part of the group of Grey Wardens that traveled with my father, King Maric, and Duncan to try and find a missing Warden from Orlais; twenty and five years ago! Apparently, this Warden knew where the last Old Gods were slumbering. They were worried that if this Warden was captured by the darkspawn, that they might find a way to get this information from him and use it to begin a Blight!”

“That would have been what... 9:09, Dragon? I’ve heard tales of this myself,” Bethany said. “But what I don’t understand is why the King went with them, putting himself at risk like that!”

“From what Duncan told me, it was because he had been through that part of the Deep Roads during the war with Orlais. I guess he felt like he needed to help them… and Cailan had already been born by then, so there was an heir to the throne.”

“I still think it was foolish, but obviously he survived… and he didn’t get tainted.” She was quiet again, then, “I wonder if somehow the darkspawn did get the information from this Orlesian Warden. After all, we did get a Blight… twenty and one years after that expedition.”

“Hmm, maybe. But then if that is true, we should be glad they only found one Old God… and not all three! One was bad enough. But to fight three archdemons all at once?!”

“I can’t even imagine what fighting one must have been like,” Bethany said dryly.

“I don’t know either…” Alistair muttered. “I wasn’t there.”

“Oh! That’s right. I’m sorry I mentioned it, Alistair.”

“It’s fine. What’s done is done.”

Bethany took his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. Alistair looked at her gratefully. She then asked, “I wonder why Utha stayed then? It all seems a bit strange. These Wardens go into the Deep Roads to find one of their own… and she chooses to stay down there with The Architect - ” Now Bethany stopped short. “But then that means… he was there too, back then!”

“Maker’s Balls! You’re right! Now I really have to wonder… Did he tell us the full truth?”

“I don’t know,” Beth murmured quietly. “I really don’t know.”

“Well, I for one don’t fancy marching back down there and asking him,” Alistair replied.

“Me neither.” Beth squeezed Alistair’s hand again. “Let’s get out of here.”

“Couldn’t agree with you more.”

Back down in the tunnels of the Thaig, The Architect heard every word of the conversation happening in the tunnel that Bethany and Alistair were traveling in. Sound carried remarkably well down here. He was glad that Velanna hadn’t told her fellow Wardens that it had been him that had started the last Blight. It had all been an accident, of course. It was a pity that his reverse Joining had not worked on Urthemiel back then.

But I won’t make the same mistake twice. I will find a way for it to work. After all, there are still two more Old Gods remaining… and I know where they are thanks to Bregan . But I will take my time. Unless I sense my unchanged brethren getting too close to one, there is n o need for me to rush thing s. That is what makes mistakes.

He wasn’t sure what exactly would happen to his kind if the remaining Old Gods were killed; they had been following their call for thousands of years. Was it possible that when the call no longer compelled them that they would all die? He didn’t know. This was part of the reason he wanted to free his kind from the call… to potentially spare them from that fate.

And if I can get one or both of the remaining Old Gods successfully converted with my Joining ? I wonder what possibilities could come from that?

The Architect called out into the darkness. “Shade?”

A moment passed. “Yes?” a darkspawn entered the room. “The Shade is here.”

“Gather The Ashen and your brothers. We have work to do.”

“As Architect commands, we will do.” He bowed and left.

When Bethany and Alistair emerged from the tunnel, the sun was setting. They could only see the Frostbacks around them; there was no sign of the pass.

“Were we in there only for one day?” she asked.

“I don’t know. We didn’t sleep, albeit for that brief nap on the way out… but maybe?”

“Well, we can’t travel in the dark, so it would probably be best to camp here in the tunnel for the night.” Alistair nodded in agreement. Just then, Bethany’s stomach growled. “Maker, but I am starving!” She looked into her pack. “But I only have some dried meat… and not much of it.”

“Doubtful there is any game up here, let alone wood for a fire.”

“Do you have any rations left?” she asked.

Alistair glanced in his pack. “Same as you. Dried meat.”

“At least we were able to fill our waterskins.” They had passed by a freshwater spring while traveling up the tunnel. Taking advantage of that, they drank what they had left and refilled before moving on.

“I suppose it could be worse,” Alistair smirked as he took out the last of his rations.

“How could it be worse?” Beth muttered.

“We could have nothing.”

“Point taken.” She held up a piece of the druffalo jerky and tapped it against the piece Alistair was holding. “Bon appetit!”

Alistair grinned, but before he took his own mouthful, he asked, “What did that mean? I’ve heard Isolde’s chef say that before.”

After chewing and swallowing, Beth answered, “It means ‘good eating’ or ‘enjoy your food’.”

“When did you learn Orlesian?”

“Over two years traveling with Stroud and some other Orlesian Wardens. It made it easier to communicate with those Wardens that didn’t speak our language.”

“Oh.” Alistair was quiet as he ate some of his own jerky. “Do you think I could learn too?”

“I don’t see why not,” Beth replied with a smile. “I can teach you some basics while we travel, and once in Montsimmard, you’ll be immersed in the language. You’ll probably pick it up faster than you think.”

“You think so?”

She nodded. He could barely see it in the dying light, but it made him smile. Then she asked, “By the way, how are your hands doing?”

“All healed. That ointment worked wonders. Thank you.”

“It was the least I could do.”

Slience stretched between them. The sun fully set and darkness settled all around the mountains. Both moons hadn’t risen making the stars seem brighter than normal.

“Should I light my veilfire?” Beth asked quietly.

“No. Not yet.” Alistair lay back, his hands behind his head. “The night is so clear. I haven’t seen this many stars in ages.” He sighed. “Last time I can really remember a night like this was when I was traveling with Duncan. It was just the two of us, right after he recruited me, and one evening he didn’t set up our campfire right away. I asked him why… and he then began pointing out these different shapes he saw in the sky. There was a ship, a horse, even a dragon!”

“Did you see them?”

“No, sadly I could not. But his way of describing them to me made me feel as though I could. He was Rivaini by birth, you see, and he had been on big sailing ships. Not like the one we were on to Jader, but…”

Bethany lay back as well. “Like Isabela’s ship? She was Rivaini too.”

“I never saw her ship personally, but I saw big ones in Denerim harbor. Maybe one of them was hers.” Alistair was quiet a moment. “Duncan used to tell me that sailors would make up these shapes in the stars so that they could navigate by night if they needed to.”

Both of them were silent for a while, then Bethany softly said, “They are very pretty… the stars.”

“Mm-hm.”

“Alistair?”

“Yes?”

“Would you mind if I cast my veilfire spell now? I am getting a bit chilly.”

“Oh!” He sat up. “I am sorry! Here I am rambling on about stars and not thinking at all about your comfort.”

“No, don’t worry about it. I was enjoying your talk. I never really appreciated looking at the stars like you do. You made me see the world through your eyes… and it is very nice.”

“Really?” he smiled, though she probably couldn’t see it in the dark. “Most people hate it when I ramble on.”

“I am not ‘most people’.”

“No, you are definitely not. You are a really special woman, Bethany.” Alistair paused, then quietly said, “I really am sorry for the way I treated you back in Kirkwall.”

“Ali,” Bethany sighed. “You don’t need to apologize again. I accepted it the first time.”

More silence passed.

“You called me… Ali.”

“Oh, I - ”

“Don’t apologize. It makes me think of happier times. I… really like it.”

Bethany blushed. Even two years later, she remembered that time all too well. “I, uh… I think I’ll go and settle down for the night. Do you mind taking first watch?”

“No, you go ahead. I don’t mind.”

Beth headed into the tunnel partway, then Alistair saw the glow from the veilfire spell. By the shadows, he saw her unroll her blankets and place them on the ground. Then he saw her lie down.

“Goodnight, Bethany,” he whispered to himself.

Shortly after the sun rose, Bethany gently shook Alistair awake. “Alistair, wake up. We should head back to the pass. Maybe we’ll find Stroud and the others.”

“Mmm… five more minutes, mum?”

“Mum?! Alistair! I am not your mother!”

Waking with a grin, he laughed, “I know. Sorry… just couldn’t resist pulling your leg.”

Beth rolled her eyes. “Jokes aside, we really should see if we can find the group.”

“Agreed. Let me just get my bedroll tied onto my pack.” He quickly rolled it up and tied it securely. “Okay… sword? Check. Shield? Check. Sanity? Hmm, nope. Think I left that behind long ago.”

Bethany punched his arm. “What is with you and the jokes this morning?”

“I always thought it best to start the day off with a smile.” His face fell slightly. “I… didn’t go too far, did I?”

“No… You were a little bit funny.” She saw the smile come back to his face. “But we do have a job to do. So let’s get to it.”

Alistair saluted her sharply. “Yes, ma’am… I mean, ser!”

Beth just shook her head. No dampening of his spirits this morning, I see. Well, this is an improvement over the sullen and morose Alistair at the beginning of the journey. I am glad he apologized and that we can at least be friends again.

They headed roughly south, which they knew would lead back to Gherlan’s Pass. The terrain was rough but just shy of midday, they finally saw the pass. They decided to take a short breather.

“It’ll be good to get back on the road. I had no idea we had gone so far into the mountains chasing after Velanna.” Beth sighed. She removed her boot and rubbed her foot. “These boots were not meant for mountain hiking.”

“May I help?” Alistair asked, kneeling down by her.

“Really… I am fine, Alistair.”

“Please?”

Seeing that he was insistent, Beth reluctantly relented and nodded.

Alistair gently took her foot into his hands and began rubbing. The sudden deep moan that came from her caused heat to immediately warm Alistair's cheeks… and other parts he desperately needed to ignore right now.

“Maker, Ali… That feels so damn good! Where did you learn how to do that?” Bethany’s eyes were closed in bliss.

“Um… I,” he swallowed nervously as he felt his cock twitch uncomfortably in his breeches again. Please… I’ve just gained her trust and friendship back! Don’t let her see me like this! “I guess… from just rubbing my own feet?”

“Ohh… ooo… Well, if you weren’t a Warden, I’d highly recommend you become a masseur. You are too good at this!”

“Uh… I guess I could… take that under consideration?” He finished her other foot, then hurried to stand up. “Get your boots back on… I need to… ah… take care of something.”

He walked over to and behind some taller rocks, unbuttoned his trousers, and quickly adjusted himself. That was the best he could do… for now. After buttoning his pants, he opened his waterskin and splashed a little on the rocks. He hoped she really wouldn’t check, but if she did, at least this looked natural.

“Take care of what, Ali?” When he didn’t answer, she got up. “Ali?” She heard a noise from behind some rocks. “Alistair?”

When she rounded the rocks, she saw him standing there trying to look inconspicuous. Then she noticed the wet rocks. “Oh! Maker, I am so sorry!” She turned away, her face bright red. “I didn’t mean to intrude on your… private business.”

Relived, he breathed out a sigh of relief. “It’s all right. It was just a bit… urgent.”

“Well, next time, let me know before you disappear. I was a bit worried when you didn’t answer me.”

“Sorry about that. I’ll… be more careful in the future.” Like not offering to massage her feet now that I know how it arouses her. How is aroused me! Maker’s Breath! That was a little too close for comfort!

Both walked back to the rock where he massaged her feet, grabbed their packs, and made their way to the pass.

Looking up and down the road, even from a height, they couldn’t see Stroud and the Wardens. Were they ahead of them? Or behind? With no sure way to tell, Alistair and Bethany turned and began heading westward, which would eventually lead them to Montsimmard.

As the sun began to set, they were finally out of the mountains. Before them lay many farms dotting the Orlesian countryside. Everything looked peaceful and quaint. At least there would be no hard, rough ground to sleep on. Grass was a very welcome change to the barren and rocky ground of the pass.

Bethany’s stomach rumbled and she sighed. She had finished off her rations last night at the tunnel exit. Unless they could find some game, or a farmer willing to part with a chicken or two, they were likely to go hungry tonight.

“Hungry?” Alistair asked, his thoughts apparently mirroring her own.

“Yes.”

“I’ll try and keep an eye out for any game, all right?”

Beth just nodded.

They crested a small hill and there before them lay a very welcome sight.

An inn!

Beth turned to Alistair and asked, “You don’t happen to have any money on you, do you?”

“Actually, I do. Teagan gave me some funds just before I joined the Wardens again.”

“Do you think we could?” Her voice was full of hope.

“I think a hot meal, a bath, and a soft bed would be nice just for one night.” Alistair smiled. “I can splurge… just this once.”

Beth smiled, but then thought, I hope he isn’t thinking we can share a room! But how do I say something without sounding rude?

As it turned out, she didn’t have to say anything. When they got to the inn, the matron asked, “One or two rooms?”

“Two,” Alistair immediately answered.

“Oui! Right away, monsieur!”

“Would it be possible to have a heated bath for each of us as well? Oh, and dinner?”

“Absolument. I will have your rooms and baths momentarily. You can relax in our parlor for the time being.” She pointed to a small room on the left of where they were all standing.”

“Merci beaucoup, madame,” Alistair replied. As had been promised the night before, Bethany had taught Alistair some common phrases in the Orlesian language as they traveled down the pass. Like most skills he had learned over the years, he picked up what she taught quickly.

“Ah, parlez-vous notre langue?” <Do you speak our language?>

Alistair blushed slightly. “I am learning.”

The matron smiled and again pointed to the parlor. Bethany and Alistair headed in. They knew their uniforms were dusty and sweaty, so to avoid staining the nicer furniture in the room, they sat down on some hardwood chairs by the fireplace.

“Thank you for getting us two rooms, Alistair,” Beth spoke quietly.

“Oh, of course.”

“And heated baths for us both?” she smiled now. “Wardens shouldn’t have such luxuries. Stroud would disapprove.”

Alistair grinned back. “I won’t tell if you won’t.”

“My lips are sealed.”

“Pity.”

Now Beth looked confused, “Why do you say that?”

Alistair was staring at the fire as he murmured, “Because you have very pretty lips. I especially love them when you smile and laugh.” He then looked up at her surprised expression. “Oh! I’m sorry… I said too much, didn’t I?”

Beth was silent for a moment, then replied, “No, it is okay, Alistair. I appreciate the compliment. Thank you.”

The matron came into the parlor just then. She handed them each a key. “Your rooms and baths are ready, Wardens. I also left you some clean clothes that should fit. If you leave me your uniforms, I will get them cleaned for you, aucun coût supplémentaire pour vous.”

Beth smiled widely. “Merci beaucoup! C'est très gentil de ta part!” <Thank you! It is very kind of you!>

As they headed upstairs and down the hall to their rooms, Alistair asked, “What did she say about cleaning our uniforms?”

“There will be no charge. She will clean them for free.”

“Wow, that is very nice. Some clean clothing will be a lot more comfortable than our dirty uniforms.”

They reached the rooms they had been assigned. The doors were facing each other. Beth unlocked hers. “I guess I’ll see you in a bit then?”

“Sure.” Alistair unlocked his own door and headed in. He gave a small wave to Beth just before her door closed.

Beth looked around the room. It was cozy; the bed bigger than she had expected. Lying on the bed was a thin nightshirt for her to sleep in, and a dress similar to what she wore in Lowtown, but made with much nicer fabrics. A pair of brown turnshoes* made from soft leather were on the floor.

Beth removed her Grey Warden uniform and boots. She folded the clothing and lay it on a chair by the door. She then removed her underclothing and placed them with her uniform on the chair. She had clean ones in her pack.

Naked, she stretched her tired muscles and then made her way to the wooden tub by the fireplace. She stepped into the warm water and sat down. There was a bar of soap next to two pitchers of water, and she smiled. She could wash her hair.

Several moments later, she stood up from the dirty, soapy water and used the remaining pitcher to rinse off. Her skin and hair now smelled faintly of lavender and she sighed in contentment. She put on her clean undergarments and the dress that had been provided. It was a little tight around her breasts but other than that, it fit well. She slipped on the shoes and then made her way to the door.

As Bethany exited her room, she bumped into the matron, who was leaving Alistair’s room. She asked, “Excusez-moi, avez-vous vu mon ami?” <Excuse me, have you seen my friend?>

She smiled. “Downstairs. He is waiting for you. I was just cleaning here.” The matron then pointed to her room. “Are you finished as well?”

“Yes, thank you.” She paused, then added, “You speak my language very well.”

The matron nodded. “I practice very hard over the years. As we are not far from your border, we get a lot of Ferelden people that stay here. I even learn to cook some of your dishes. I teach my son. He is the chef now. If you go to the dining room with your friend, my daughter will take your meal order. We also give you some wine for free. Grey Wardens are always welcome here.”

“Thank you, again.”

Beth headed downstairs. She stopped in the parlor doorway and saw Alistair sitting by the fire reading a book. Even though he hadn’t shaved, she could see his hair was clean and damp. He was wearing a white linen shirt, brown trousers, and brown leather boots. He looked very calm and relaxed; she almost didn’t want to disturb him.

However, she must have made some small noise, because he looked up and saw her. He put the book down, smiled, and stood up. “Bethany, you look lovely.”

When he stood, she couldn’t help but notice how the trousers he was wearing hugged his muscular legs tightly. She also couldn’t help but stare at the slight bulge at his crotch and she blushed. Maker, how is it that he gets more handsome every time I see him? I kind of hope he has a wife or lover back in Ferelden or Kirkwall because it is getting harder for me to want to just stay as friends.

“Beth? Are you all right?” Alistair now asked, concern on his face.

She pulled her gaze to his face and gave a faint smile. “Yes. I am fine.” She took a quick breath, then said, “We can go to the dining room, the matron’s daughter will take our food orders.”

“Excellent. I am quite famished.” He walked over to her and presented his arm. “May I escort you?”

“Sure.” She took his arm and together they walked into the dining room.

They both had a fine meal; the matron’s son was an incredible chef. They enjoyed roasted pheasant with a delicate sauce, a thick druffalo steak, steamed vegetables, fresh bread with homemade butter, accompanied by three bottles of fine Orlesian sweet wine, and a chocolate dessert that made Beth moan internally it was so sinfully rich.

Demitasse cups of a full-bodied Antivan coffee were then served and Bethany thought she might die from sheer delight and happiness.

As they sipped their coffee, Alistair asked, “May I ask you a question, Bethany?”

She giggled slightly. “You just did.” When she saw the serious look on his face, she stopped and apologized. “I’m sorry. Please, go ahead.”

“Back when we first met, why didn’t you tell me about your mission to the Deep Roads?”

“I don’t know. It wasn’t like it was a secret I couldn’t tell. I guess… it just didn’t seem like something to discuss when I was…”

“… Just looking for a good time before going somewhere dangerous?”

Beth looked down at her lap. “Yeah. I suppose it did start out that way.” She looked back up at Alistair. “But that all changed once I really got to know you… and I did mention it in my letter to you.” She balled her hand into a fist. “Damn Corff for not giving you that letter! If I ever run into him again…”

“Did Isabela tell you I was a Grey Warden that night? Before you came to my table?”

Beth thought back and then quietly answered, “Yes. She did.”

“And what do Grey Wardens do?”

Beth looked momentarily confused. “Why are you asking me this?”

“What do we do?” Alistair asked again.

“We kill darkspawn. We venture…” She stopped, then mumbled, “… into the Deep Roads.”

Alistair was quiet for a moment, then said, “Exactly.” He reached across the table they sat at, took her hand, and softly asked, “Why didn’t you think to ask for my help? Even if I wasn’t a Grey Warden then… I still could have helped you.”

“I… I don’t know. I guess back then I thought we’d be in and out… several hours, maybe a day at most, and then I’d be back to tell you all about it. It never occurred to me that Bartrand would betray us… leaving us locked in the ancient Thaig. We’d already been down there a whole week by then. It took us another two weeks to find our way out… and by the end of it, I was already tainted.” A tear trickled from Bethany’s eyes. “I was naïve and foolish… and now I have paid the price for that.”

“Wait… did you say you were betrayed? What happened with that?”

Bethany wiped her tears and nodded. “As I said, about a week into our expedition, we found this ancient Thaig. It hadn’t been seen by mortal eyes for thousands of years. My brother and Varric found this weird idol that had been carved from red lyrium.”

“Red lyrium? I have never heard of that. All lyrium I’ve seen is blue in color.”

“I’d never seen anything like it before either. It actually made me feel sick. Whatever happened to make the lyrium that color… it was wrong. Anyways,” she sighed and continued, “Varric tossed the idol to his brother, Bartrand… and then that bastard shut the one-way door on us, locking us in the Thaig! He said he didn’t want to split the fortune three ways… and he just left us there.”

“How did you manage to get out?”

“I am not fully sure. I guess a lot of luck was involved in that. But on our way out we had a battle with The Mother’s ‘children’.” Bethany shuddered, remembering those horrid, twisted creatures. “I accidentally cut myself on one of their pincers… and that was how I ended up tainted.”

“Bethany,” he took her hand again. “I am so sorry you had to go through all of that… I really do wish though, that you had thought to ask me to go with you. By the end of our night together, I would have done anything you had asked of me. You made me feel as though my life did have meaning… purpose; that I wasn’t worthless.”

“You most definitely are not worthless, Alistair. And you are right… I should have told you of our mission and asked for your help. But I suppose it is a bit late for that. There isn’t any going back to fix it now.”

“I know.” He wiped a tear from her cheek. “I suppose my whole point here is to let you know that no matter what comes your way, I will be here for you. From now on, if you need me, all you have to do is ask.”

“Oh, Alistair…” Beth smiled, tears still in her eyes. “I don’t know what to say to that.”

“You don’t have to say anything. Just know it in your mind… and in your heart.” He slowly stood up. “I think we both need to get some sleep now. We have a long journey still ahead of us.” He held out his hand for her. She took it and stood up as well.

“You are right. Sleep sounds really nice.”

Together they walked up to their rooms. At the door to hers, Alistair leaned in and gently kissed her cheek. “Goodnight, Bethany,” he whispered. He then pulled back, smiled, and went into his room.

Bethany just stood there in a daze after his door had closed. Her heart was pounding in her chest. After a much delayed moment, she managed to utter to his closed door, “Goodnight… Alistair,” before stumbling into her own room and collapsing on the bed.

Chapter Text

Bethany tossed and turned. No matter what she did, she just couldn’t get comfortable. It wasn’t the bed; the bed was actually very soft and cozy. No… something else was keeping her awake.

She got up, poured herself a glass of water, and drank it quickly. She then began pacing back and forth in front of the fireplace.

What is it that is keeping me from sleeping? If I don’t get proper rest, tomorrow’s journey will be miserable for me. She stopped her pacing. Maybe I should talk with Alistair. Perhaps he can help me figure out what is keeping me up. I can only hope he is awake. I don’t want to disturb him if he is sleeping.

Resolved that this was the only thing she could do, she quietly crept to her door and opened it slowly. The door across was shut tight. On light, bare feet, she walked carefully across the hallway. She put her ear to the door. All was silent. She sighed.

What am I doing here?! Clearly, he is asleep. I… guess I should head back to my own room…

Instead of leaving, however, she continued to stand there in front of Alistair’s room shilly-shallying about. Silently, she leaned back against the door to his room, still unsure what to do.

Suddenly, the door opened causing Bethany to stumble.

Directly into Alistair’s arms.

He didn’t say a word to her. He picked her up, cradling her in his arms, and carried her into his room shutting the door behind them.

They stared at each other for a moment. She saw his eyes flicker with emotion and she could see he wanted to kiss her… but he held himself back. Understandably, he wanted to make sure that she wanted the same. She whispered a very quiet, “Yes,” then leaned up and into him, pressing her lips against his. He sighed in relief and began kissing her back.

He set her down on the edge of his bed and stood in front of her. Cupping her face gently, soft kisses soon turned hot, hungry, and demanding. Bethany moaned as his tongue rubbed against hers. In turn, he slowly pushed his smalls covered erection against her.

“Maker, yes!” she cried softly. “Yes, I want this!” She stopped her kisses and pulled off the nightshirt she had been wearing, exposing her large breasts to Alistair.

Alistair stared at her, passion burning in his eyes. “Bethany…”

Instead of answering, she began kissing him again, pressing her breasts into his chest. He growled playfully and kissed her back vigorously.

Slowly, his lips moved away from hers as he leaned down. He kissed her collarbone tenderly and then moved his lips and tongue lower. Grasping one of her plump breasts in his hand, he kissed all around it before sucking her nipple deep into his hot mouth.

“Oh… Oh, yes! Yes!” Beth wailed out. “More, please… more!”

Alistair used the fingers on his other hand to tickle and tease the nipple on her other breast while the hand grasping the first squeezed gently. He flicked his tongue over the nipple he had been devouring and then he blew his breath on it, causing Bethany to squeal in delight.

Maker... feels so fucking good! How does he do it? I guess two years can give one ample time to practice… She halted that thought almost immediately. She didn’t want to even think about him being with other women. So she stopped thinking and just focused on all of the wonderful sensations he was making her feel.

He had switched to her other nipple now, the first one now wet and puckering in the chill of the room. His fingers pinched it lightly and Beth moaned loudly.

Alistair took his time moving back and forth between Bethany’s breasts, kissing, nipping, teasing, licking, sucking, even gently biting once… he left no part untouched or unexplored.

She came very close to orgasming just from this stimulus alone, but it wasn’t quite enough. She needed more. So she told him so, whispering, “More, Ali love… I need more… please.”

He kissed his way back up to her mouth and then paused only briefly to remove his smalls and expose his rigid member.

Beth’s eyes widened. Gone was the soft belly from two years ago that had been the result of his binge drinking. His stomach muscles were now hard like chiseled rock and his cock seemed even larger than she remembered. Fuck, I need that monster shaft in me… right now. She began reaching out for it, but Alistair stayed her hand.

“Let me please you first,” he whispered. “I am aching to taste you.” He pushed her gently to get her to lay back on the bed. When she was lying comfortably – her head resting on the soft pillows – he crawled up and onto the bed and knelt in between her thighs. This bed, unlike the one back that The Hanged Man, had room to spare.

Slowly, he reached up with both hands and pulled down her smalls. Once removed, they joined his, and her nightshirt, on the floor. He bent over her, pressing his lips against her stomach, and began kissing his way lower and lower… until…

“Oh! Oh, fuck… yes!” She had forgotten just how quickly he had picked up pleasuring her with his mouth and tongue the last time. “So… so good!” Beth moaned. She ground herself against his face. He pressed his hands on her hips to still her movements, telling her without words that he was in charge. She stopped moving, but not her voice, mewling in pleasure as he feasted below.

As with her breasts, his tongue swirled all around her womanhood, exploring everywhere. One moment, he was using the point of his tongue to lightly tease her clit, the next, he was moving down to eagerly lap up her arousal. He drove her higher and higher but did not get her to the threshold she so urgently craved. Still, it felt amazing, what he was doing, and she had no complaints… even if she was desperately wanting to climax.

At one point, he stopped his stimulations and she felt him shift abruptly. He then let out a strangled, erotic-sounding groan that made her shudder. She had never heard anything like it and it made her toes curl in excitement. Then without any warning, he delved back down and began eagerly devouring her again.

She thought he might finally bring her to climax, but he still held back. He’d bring her so, so close, then move away from her clit to tenderly kiss and suck at the rest of her.

“Please, Ali…” she gasped when he once again teased her to the brink and then moved away again. “Maker, I need to come. Please!”

“Not just yet,” she heard him murmur from below. “Need to get you… ready…” He used his teeth and carefully nipped her thigh before thrusting his tongue deep inside her again.

Ready? Oh, Maker… The mere thought of him pounding that huge cock of his in her again nearly set her off. She quivered against him.

“Yes… yes… ” she heard him whisper. “Almost… there…” Suddenly, he stopped, shifted again, and once more she heard that oh so erotic groan from him.

What is causing him to make that sound? She glanced down in between her legs. In the dim light of the room, she saw Alistair’s face contorting in pleasure… and he was pinching the head of his cock.

Is he… coming? But I have never seen a man do that before. Why would he… She didn’t get to finish that thought because he quickly let go of his cock, bent back over her, and started swiping his tongue against her clit. Only this time he didn’t stop. He kept at it until she felt her orgasm crash full force like a tidal wave against a cliff.

“Yes… yes… YES! Oh, YES!” she cried out. Wave after wave of pleasure rippled through her. She only barely felt Alistair move up the bed and press his cock against her entrance. As her orgasm slowly began to ebb, he pushed himself in partway. When he felt her shudder again, he pushed further. He kept on doing this until he was finally all the way inside of her. She heard him groan when he bottomed out. She gripped his ass with her hands and clenched her inner muscles to squeeze his cock and he called out her name.

All the time he had spent with his mouth on her had truly prepared her. She hadn’t been with anyone since the last time they had been together. Because of that, she thought she would be tight – like the first time she had tried to take his thick member inside of her. But no… This time he had slid inside her with ease, clearly using her orgasm to help. It was clear that he had learned some new techniques since their last encounter.

Then thoughts ceased. He began to move over her, pulling out and then slowly pushing back in. She lifted her legs and locked them around his. She grabbed his ass, her nails digging into the soft flesh. While she let him control the speed, she would pull him as close to her as she could each time he thrust back inside.

“Beth,” Alistair moaned her name like a prayer to The Maker. “Beth… oh, Bethany!” He started moving a little faster. After denying his ejaculation twice while he had pleasured her with his mouth, he knew that it wouldn’t take him long to come again. Only, this time he wanted to let go completely. He wanted to feel that full sensation of releasing inside of her.

After two years of having naught but self-pleasure – when he had been able to find alone time – he longed for that feeling of her orgasm squeezing and milking his cock as he filled her. Back then she apparently had been fine with it. He hoped she would allow him to do it this time.

Earlier, he had wanted to go to her room but was terrified it would be too soon and that she would reject him. So he just stood there, staring at the door to his room… too afraid to move. Finally, he had willed himself enough courage to at least go and talk to her, hoping that she would feel the same. He opened his door, and like a prayer answered she fell into his arms.

Now she was here in his bed, writhing and whimpering beneath him as he pumped his cock into her again and again. As her cries spurred him on, he was hoping that before this night was over that he would be able to have her at least as many times as he’d had previously… maybe more. After all, he thought with a smile, we both have Warden stamina now.

He could feel his balls tightening and knew it would only be moments before he released. He slowed down and panted out, “I… I am close, Beth. Will you…” Words were getting harder now. “Can I - ”

At first, she was a bit surprised that he was asking, but she quickly whispered, “Yes, Ali! I want to feel all of you! Come inside of me… please!”

Relieved, he sped his thrusts up again. He just needed to make her come before he did. He pressed his mouth against hers to kiss her and reached up one hand to play with her breasts. Rolling and pinching a nipple lightly in his fingers he felt her gasp in between their kisses.

“Come for me, Beth,” he breathed out. “I… n-need to feel you!” He pinched her nipple again. “P-please!”

In a reversal from the last time they had done this, Beth flipped him over so that she was on top. She leaned forward, making her breasts sway in front of Alistair’s face.

“Faster then, Ali! I want to feel you deep inside of me!”

Alistair quickly brought his feet up and placed them flat on the bed. Placing his large hands on her hips, he began pistoning his hips up and down, driving his cock into Bethany as fast as he could manage.

“Oh, yes! Yes!” Beth was practically bouncing as he pounded into her. “Fuck, Ali… I need this! Need you!” Her breaths grew erratic and she gasped, “So close, so close!”

When her breasts swayed close to his face again, he captured one of them in his mouth and started flicking his tongue against the nipple.

That was all it took. Bethany moaned loudly and shook as she came. As soon as he felt it, Alistair thrust up hard once… twice… and then gave a strangled cry as he began filling her. His eyes rolled back in his head as he felt her taking everything he had to give.

When he came back to himself, he murmured a silent prayer of thanks. He truly had thought he would never have the chance to feel this way again.

But here she was, laying across his chest, still quivering with the aftershocks of their intense bout of sex.

No.

Not sex. Love.

Physical pleasure aside, he knew he loved Bethany with all his heart and soul. He could only hope and pray that she felt the same… Only time would tell.

He gently rolled her over so that she was on her back again. He kissed her softly, Even as he pulled out, he saw he was already half-hard, his Warden stamina already raring to go another round.

“Mmm. Ali…” Beth sighed. “That was… amazing.” Her eyes glinted as she saw his cock now fully erect. She moved her hand down her belly and then slid her fingers inside. She gathered up some of their shared pleasure and began rubbing her clit softly. “Maker,” she moaned, “I thought I’d need some time to recover from that… but… ooh… I- ” She began stroking faster. “Fuck, Ali… I-I need you inside of me again… right now!” She rolled onto her stomach and brought her hips up.

He got up and knelt behind her. After playfully biting and then kissing each of her asscheeks, he slowly slid his shaft back inside of her. As she cried in pleasure, he murmured, “Anything for you, Bethany. I am yours tonight.”

Morning arrived. The sun was just barely turning the room shades of orange as light filtered through the curtains. Alistair opened his sleepy eyes. He had really only dozed off perhaps thirty minutes ago… having completely lost track of how many times he and Beth had made love during the night. Maker bless that Warden stamina…

She was lying with her head on his chest and she was snoring lightly. As Alistair gazed down at her, a contented smile on his face, he knew he was a very lucky man. Beth seemed to have a small smile of her own on her face as she snoozed away. He didn’t dare wake her.

If she would accept it, he would ask her to marry him, right then and there… but there was still a part of him that worried it was too soon. He knew that he loved her and clearly, she did have some feelings for him. For the time being, that would have to suffice.

Sadly, he was also aware that they would have to wake and get dressed. They still needed to catch up with Stroud, after all. But another, greedier part of him wanted to stay right here in bed with her – screw their Warden duties. His cock twitched in agreement and he had to suppress a laugh.

Even though he had tried to stay still, he must have accidentally shifted, because he felt Bethany stir. She opened her eyes and stared up at him.

“Good morning,” he whispered.

She smiled wider. “Yes. It is a good morning.” She began drawing circles lightly on his chest with her fingers. “What time is it?” she asked.

“Very early still.” He stroked her hair. “I don’t think we managed more than an hour of sleep between us.”

“Mmm, good,” she murmured.

He laughed, “How is that good?”

“’Cause now we can spend all day in bed catching up on sleep…” She moved her hand from his chest, slid it below the covers, and then gently grasped his already hard shaft. “…and other things,” she purred.

He groaned as she began stroking. “Hmm, I hope breakfast will be on your agenda?”

She nodded. “Yes, it will.” With that, she disappeared under the covers.

Alistair’s head fell back on the pillows as she took his cock into her hot, wet mouth. He moaned in delight.

He didn’t care if it was blasphemy. For him, this … with her, was truly the Maker’s Green Paradise.

There was nothing else that even came close in comparison to it.

Much later, they work from another brief doze to a light, yet urgent-sounding knock on the door.

Alistair grunted, still not fully alert. Beth chuckled as she kissed his forehead. “All right, sleepy lover… I’ll go get it.”

Beth grabbed the thick, down comforter from the bed, leaving Ali covered with the sheets. She wrapped the blanket around her body and then went to the door.

She opened the door to see the matron. Her worried look quickly disappeared as she breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh, mademoiselle! Thank the Maker you are all right. I knocked on your door to ask if I could clean and I heard no reply… and when I checked, your room was empty, the bed unmade! I thought perhaps something had happened… But you are here instead?”

“I’m fine,” Bethany smiled. Thank you for the concern.”

“You are sharing with the other Warden now?”

Beth laughed lightly. “Um… yes. We are now.”

The matron laughed too. “Then I will change your stay to just one room. It would be silly to pay for two, when you no longer need the extra one.” She glanced down the hallway, then looked back at Beth. “Breakfast is over, but we will have lunch soon. Will you be dining with us and then leaving?”

“Could you let us stay for…” she was about to say ‘one more day’, but Alistair – awake by now – signaled for her attention. She looked over at him and he held up two fingers. Beth giggled and blushed. “Two more days?”

“Oui!” the matron clapped her hands in delight, then asked, “Will you be coming down for food? I would like to tidy your room… and I have your cleaned uniforms.”

Beth glanced back in the room at Alistair. He pointed at his mouth, then rubbed his stomach. Then he held up ten fingers. “We’ll be ready in about ten minutes,” she replied to the matron.

“Parfait. I will be back then.” She started to walk away, but then turned back and said, “I will also bring up some shaving supplies for your partner, should he wish to use them. Tell him I am sorry I forgot to supply them last night.”

“I will. Thank you.” Beth then shut the door. She walked back over to Alistair and stared at the grinning man on the bed. “Really, Alistair? Two more days? Aren’t we supposed to be catching up to Stroud?”

“Yes… but my insatiable Warden stamina has decided I need to make up… for lost time.”

“Lost time? So you think you can satisfy two whole years in two days?”

He scooped his arm around her neck and pulled her down to kiss him. “I will do my very best, my lady.”

She chuckled as their lips met again and again. “It’s a good thing then, that you’re off to such a great start.”

It was a bit more than the ten minutes he had promised, but eventually, they were dressed and heading downstairs. The windows to the inn were open and a soft, warm breeze was blowing in.

“Such a pretty day out,” Alistair mused.

The matron’s daughter happened to be passing by and overheard him. “Would you prefer a picnic lunch to eat outside? We can arrange that if you like.”

“Oh, that sounds delightful,” Bethany nodded. She turned to Alistair, “What do you think?”

“Yes, please. We would like that,” he told the young girl as he took Beth’s hand into his.

“Lovely! I will tell my brother to prepare your food and I will fetch you a large blanket to sit upon. Please wait here for a bit.”

Alistair pointed at the parlor. “May we wait in there?”

She nodded, “Yes, you may.”

Sometime later, the young girl and her brother stopped at the parlor. However, both Alistair and Bethany were too busy kissing each other to notice.

“Oh… my,” the girl whispered. Her brother chuckled. He cleared his throat and knocked on the door jamb to get the attention of the amorous couple within. Alistair and Beth pulled apart abruptly; both blushing furiously.

“Ah… um… Sorry about that,” Alistair stumbled.

“Inutile de s'excuser.” <No need to apologize.> The young chef laughed. “I have seen many young couples in love pass through here. You are not the first, nor will you be the last.” He held up two baskets. “The right one has some hot foods in it. The left has cold items and your wine in it.”

His sister came forward. “And here is a comfortable blanket for you.” Beth took the blanket from her and smiled.

“Anyplace special you recommend eating?” Alistair asked as he took the baskets.

“There is an isolated pond behind our property. It is surrounded by trees and flowers. Very pretty,” the girl answered.

“Ooh, a pond? Could we swim?” Beth asked.

The chef shrugged. “It is big and deep enough to swim in, but it may still be a bit cold. We’ve used it later in the summer months.”

“ Thank you.” Alistair gave a sexy grin to Beth. “We’ll be on our way now.”

The siblings waved. “ Profiter de votre déjeuner !” <Enjoy your lunch!>

The pond was a further hike than had been indicated, but when they arrived, it truly was as beautiful as promised. Alistair set the baskets down and then helped Bethany spread out the blanket.

“Hmm,” Bethany mused as she looked at the still, clear pond. “Should we swim first, or eat?”

“As he packed some hot foods, I think we should eat first,” Alistair replied with a smile.

Just then, Beth’s stomach growled and she laughed. “That, and we sort of missed out on breakfast.”

“That we did, little minx.” Alistair grinned, a predatory gleam in his eyes. He embraced her and they kissed. “But it was very much worth it.”

She could feel his cock hardening in his trousers and giggled. “You really are insatiable!”

“So are you.” He kissed her again. “ Since we are both Wardens, you can keep up with me now.”

“Is that why we hardly paused between bouts of sex last night ?” Beth blushed. “Maker, I thought some Desire Demon had taken hold of me!”

“Nope,” Alistair gave a sexy smirk. “That was all you… and all me.”

Beth laughed loudly. “No wonder you said you could make up two years in two days!”

“We, my love. We will do it together.” Alistair pressed his lips to hers again. Then his own stomach rumbled. He slowly pulled away from Beth and looked down at his stomach. “Oh, fine ! I’ll feed you first!”

They both sat down on the blanket. Beth looked in the basket of hot foods, while Alistair got out the wine glasses and opened the bottle. The chef had packed a whole roasted chicken filled with savory stuffing. There was also a boiled pudding, a baked soft cheese covered in a balsamic fig mostarda spread, and half a dozen rolls.

After filling the wine glasses, Alistair also pulled butter from the cold basket. After that, he took out olives, pickled onions, crisp carrots slices , and some raw hot peppers. Lastly, he pulled out plates and silverware from the basket.

“Maker, he thought of everything!” Beth giggled. “And he seems to know about the Warden appetite!”

“No kidding!” Alistair then gave Beth another delicious, sexy smile. “You’d better eat up plenty between now and dinner… because we will definitely be burning off those calories tonight.”

Beth pulled off a leg of the chicken and quickly devoured it. “I hope you don’t plan on just waiting for tonight…”

Running his tongue over his lips, Alistair rumbled out, “I think I can arrange that.”

They polished off everything the chef had packed, though Alistair had been the one to eat off all the hot peppers. Beth had tried one and her mouth felt like it was on fire. To cool the burning on her tongue, she had quickly stuffed a huge piece of the baked cheese and two of the rolls in her mouth in rapid succession. Alistair chuckled at her.

“How is it you can eat those?!” Beth laughed, tears in her eyes, as Alistair popped another whole one in his mouth, chewed, and swallowed without showing any signs of discomfort.

He shrugged. “Dunno. I’ve always liked spicy foods though. Maybe I’ve just built up a tolerance?” Beth just shook her head, still laughing.

After the food was gone, Beth took the dishes to the pond. She rinsed everything off, then packed it all back in the basket. Meanwhile, Alistair took the chicken bones and other bits of food waste and discarded them behind some thick bushes.

They lay together on the soft blanket. Facing each other, they began kissing softly. Alistair had wanted to keep his earlier promise of ravishing her after their meal… But the combination of all that delicious food, the warm sun, gentle breeze, the comfortable blanket, and their lack of rest from the night before was enough to lull them both to sleep instead.

They woke as the sun was stretching the shadows of the trees across the pond. Alistair gave a huge yawn.

“Mmm, that was a good nap.” Then he noticed how late it was. “Oh, I’m sorry Beth. I know you had wanted to swim…”

She stretched and smiled. “And you had promised me a bit more too.”

“ I know, I know. I suppose I’ll just have to make it up… tonight…” he trailed off as Bethany lifted the skirt part of her dress. She had no smalls on.

“I think we can manage a quick round? Hmm?”

“Oh, you naughty little girl! And how in Andraste’s name did I not notice this earlier?” Alistair quickly began unbuttoning his trousers.

“Well, for that mistake, you’re going to have to catch me first!” Beth got up and darted into the trees.

“Shit! Hey! That’s not fair!” Alistair laughed as he got to his feet. He held his loose pants with one hand and quickly ran after her.

Bethany was quick though. She kept out-maneuvering him due to him having to hold his trousers up. After several minutes of dodging around trees trying to catch her, Alistair decided he needed a new strategy. He hid behind some bushes and waited.

Sure enough, Bethany passed by where he was waiting. She had slowed down because she realized she was no longer being chased. “Ali?” she called out.

He popped up from behind the bushes and hugged her tightly. “Got you!” he crowed and kissed her neck. He then backed her up against a tree. “Now how about my reward?” He dropped his loose pants and pulled down his smalls. His hard shaft sprung free.

“Oh, I suppose you’ve earned it… tricking me like that.” She pulled up her skirt. “Come and get me, big boy.”

Alistair slid his hands down her body stopping briefly at her hips. He kissed her deep, then moving his hands to grasp her butt, he picked her up slightly. Using the tree to support her back, Beth wrapped her arms and legs around Alistair. He quickly entered her and she moaned.

“ Mmm, so wet and ready for me. Hang on, love,” Alistair murmured as he began moving his hips with short, quick thrusts, “ and let me fulfill your wicked little fantasy.”

The sun was setting by the time they made it back to the inn. The matron greeted them. “My children told me you had a nice long picnic lunch. Did you both enjoy yourselves?” She took the baskets and blanket from them.

“Yes,” Bethany smiled. “The food was fantastic… and we took a nice nap outside.”

“You both look very refreshed. But…” The matron plucked a twig from Bethany’s hair, “you do still have some time to freshen up before dinner. I left you some more clean clothes. You can leave the dirty ones and I’ll wash them.”

Beth felt her hair. She could feel some leaves and another small twig tangled in it. She blushed, realizing their sexual romp in the woods had most likely been noticed.

Alistair smiled. “You are so kind, thank you.”

Together, Beth and Ali headed upstairs. He unlocked the door of the room they were now sharing. As promised, their clean Grey Warden uniforms were both folded neatly on the bed. Beth’s pack and staff had also been moved into the room.

Didn’t realize I’d left them in the old room. I am glad she brought them over. I’ll thank her later.

Clean clothes were also lying on the bed for them; a dark blue dress for her, and a white shirt with black trousers for Alistair. There was also a shaving kit on the vanity. Alistair ran his fingers over his week-old growth. “Hmm, I suppose I could shave. What do you think?”

“I kind of like the beard, to be honest,” Beth smiled. “But if you want to shave, I don’t mind.”

“Since she went to the trouble of bringing the shaving supplies up here, I suppose I can trim it back to the goatee I had, or I could shave it all off. It’ll grow back either way.”

“ Hmm,” Beth stroked his cheek. “Go on and shave it off. I think I’d like to feel your bare lips against my skin tonight.”

Alistair leaned in and sighed at the touch. “Keep that up, and we likely won’t be making it to dinner.”

“All right, I’ll behave… for now.” Beth sat in front of the vanity mirror. “Do you think you can help me get the rest of nature out of my hair? Then I’ll let you shave while I dress.”

“Sure. Sounds good.”

Beth had just come from behind the dressing screen in the room as Alistair finished shaving. If she had to draw a conclusion, she did prefer the beard on him. Clean-shaven, he looked a lot younger than twenty and four. However, she knew that by the time they reached Montsimmard, his beard should be mostly filled back in.

That made her start thinking. Will we still be together by the time we get there? Last night and today were so… amazing, but I jumped back into my relationship with him a bit hastily. I still don’t know if he has someone else back home waiting for him. Although, I suppose he would have mentioned it, if he did . At least, I hope he would!

Then there is the fact that I haven’t been careful again, letting him come inside me over and over… but it feels so fucking good! I can’ t seem to help myself. She felt her cheeks warm at the thought of what would come later tonight. And, if what Anders told me two years ago is true, we are both likely infertile now… so I suppose I can throw some caution to the wind and just enjoy it.

She bit her lip in thought. It does make me wonder though… He was a virgin the night we first had sex – that was plainly clear. Now he seems to know so much about bringing me pleasure. I didn’t want to think about it… but now I probably should. Just how many women has he been with since our first time together? She sighed quietly. I think we may have to have a long talk… and soon.

She was pulled from her thoughts as Alistair stood up from the mirrored vanity and embraced her. “Such a serious look on such a beautiful face. Is everything all right?”

“Yes. I’m good. Fine.” She pointed to the clothes for him still on the bed. “Why don’t you go ahead and get dressed. My Warden appetite is craving sustenance.”

“Oh?” Alistair grinned. “Which kind of sustenance?”

She rolled her eyes. “Would I be asking you to get dressed if I wanted sex now?”

He shrugged. “Fair point.” He then leaned down and whispered in her ear, “But know this, I am really looking forward to ravishing your gorgeous body tonight. Over and over again. I do hope you will be ready for it…”

She shivered in delight and smiled. “I think I am up for the challenge. Let’s see if you can keep up with me, old man.”

Alistair pulled back in mock horror. “ Old man?! Hardly! I only have two years over you!”

“Just like I said… Old man.”

“Why I oughtta spank you for that, little brat!” He reached for her, but she laughed and danced out of his grasp.

“Will that be a promise?” Beth grinned.

“Oh, you just wait until we get back up here…”

After another stunning meal, Beth stared at the flight of stairs leading up to their room.

She sighed. “Ooh, I think I need a wheelbarrow to get up these steps, I am so full!”

Alistair laughed and picked her up with ease. “I think I can manage in lieu of a wheelbarrow.” He cradled her in his strong arms and carried her up the stairs. Once at the door, he murmured, “As much as I’d love to carry you over the threshold, my dearest, I do need to put you down so that I can unlock the door.”

Carry me over the… is he hinting about… marriage?! No… Just a coincidence, I am sure…

Alistair gently placed Bethany back on her feet, then unlocked the door. When he opened it, both their mouths opened in surprise.

The room was now lit by many jars of candles, giving the room a golden, glowing look. A bucket of chilling sparkling wine was sitting by the bed. To top it all off, the bed was already turned down for them and the sheets had been covered in rose petals.

“Sweet Andraste…” Alistair gasped.

“Y-you didn’t ask for this? To surprise me?” Beth asked, clearly in awe.

“No… If I’d known though, I most certainly would have!” Alistair grinned. He shut the door. “That clever matron… I will be giving her extra for this!” He pulled Beth into his arms and gave her a long, slow, sensual kiss. When he finally pulled away, he whispered, “With this perfect, romantic setting, I think its time for me to show you how much you mean to me… again and again . ”

Beth was already unbuttoning her dress. With a soft smile, she purred, “I couldn’t agree more…”

Chapter Text

When morning woke Alistair, the sun was much higher in the sky compared to yesterday. Their window was open and a gentle breeze made the curtain ruffle. To his surprise, he noticed the candles had already been removed from the room. A large tray was now standing by the bed covered in all sorts of breakfast goodies. Ferelden sausages, fried eggs, grilled tomatoes, crisp toast, black pudding, baked beans, sauteed mushrooms, thick slices of bacon, and a variety of Orlesian pastries. A second smaller tray held their plates and silverware, a pitcher of citrus juice, and a huge jug of Antivan coffee.

Mouth watering and unable to resist, Alistair snatched up a glazed pastry covered in redcurrant jam. He bit into it and sighed in utter bliss. After another long, romantic – yet frenzied – night of lovemaking, this was the best possible way to wake up.

He gazed down at Beth. She was still sleeping peacefully, a rose petal caught in her beautiful dark hair, and he smiled.

Perfection.

He wished they could live like this for the rest of their lives. As much as he wanted this to be his reality, he knew it was not. Tomorrow they must begin their journey to Montsimmard. He had already delayed them enough. Perhaps, on the way, there would be a messenger station where they could relay to Stroud that they were on their way, so no one would be overly concerned.

Bethany finally began to stir. She slowly sat up, eyes still sleepy-looking. “Am I dreaming, or do I smell coffee?” she mumbled.

“No, my love. You are not dreaming. We have been given the most amazing breakfast in bed treatment.”

“What?” More alert now, she saw Ali pop the last bit of pastry in his mouth. He showed her his sticky, redcurrant jam-covered fingers. She immediately grabbed his hand and stuck his fingers into her mouth. She licked them clean, making him moan.

“Darling, that was… mmm, ah! …not the last of the breakfast by far…” He groaned again as she sucked harder on his fingers, running her tongue lovingly over each and every one. “Andraste’s Tits! You keep this up and the rest of the food will… ooh… get cold!”

Finally, she let his hand go – after giving each finger one last sensual lick. “I couldn’t help it, Ali. I adore redcurrant jam.”

“And you adore driving me wild.”

“Well, yes. That too.”

He grinned at her. “Thought so.”

Bethany finally sat up all the way in the bed and looked at the spread of food they had been offered. “Wow…” she breathed in awe. “This is amazing!” She immediately grabbed a mug and poured herself some coffee. Mixing in a little bit of milk and honey, she then held it under her nose and inhaled deeply. “Maker, I love coffee.” She blew across it and then sipped. “Ahhh…”

As Beth enjoyed her coffee, Alistair carefully reached around her and got himself a plate and fork. He then piled the plate high with all of the breakfast items. He dipped his toast into the fried egg and soaked up some of the soft yolk, then took a big bite. “Mmm! This is fantastic!” He cut off a piece of the pudding and then ate that as well. “Ferelden favorites, Orlesian pastries, Antivan coffee… Her son has outdone himself!”

“Indeed,” Beth nodded. She finished her coffee and grabbed her own plate of food, only omitting the black pudding.

“No pudding for you, love?”

“I’ve never seen it before. Mum never made it for me. Why is it… black?”

Alistair raised an eyebrow. “You are Ferelden and you’ve never had black pudding?”

“No, and remember, my family was from Kirkwall originally… and mum was noble-born. They fled to Ferelden, so I may have been born there, but my parents weren’t. Mum cooked the Marcher foods she had grown up on and was familiar with.”

“Oh. Well, before I say what it is, I think you should just try some.” He cut off a small piece with his fork and held it up to her mouth.

Beth still eyed it warily, “Are you really sure about this?”

“Love, it won’t poison you. It is a sausage with onions, spices, barley, oats, and a little bit of fat in it. It is then sliced and fried.”

“You aren’t telling me something… but fine. I’ll try it.” Beth took the small piece from his fork and ate it. “It’s… weird. Super chewy and a bit tough.” She swallowed it. “Behind the spices, there is an odd sort of metallic taste. Not gross, but definitely strange.” She then looked at Ali. “All right… what else is in this that you aren’t telling me?”

“First, did you like it?” he asked.

She frowned a bit. “It was… meh. Not really for me. Now… what was it?”

“Blood sausage.”

“Blood?” Beth paled. “Please tell me you are joking.”

Alistair shook his head. “It is the truth. The sausage has boar’s blood in it, and as I said, onion, herbs, and the other ingredients.” He looked a bit worried as Beth’s face took on a slight greenish tinge. “Are you okay?”

“Not… really…” Beth muttered. She quickly ate some other food, finishing off with a sweet pastry. Taking a deep breath, the normal pink returned to her cheeks. “Whew… that is better.” She then glared at Alistair. “Don’t ever make me eat something like that again… you fiend!” She tried to stay angry, but the goofy look on his face soon had her laughing right along with him. “Jerk…” she muttered, still laughing.

“Hey! How was I supposed to know you were going to react that way!” Alistair replied, tears of laughter in his eyes.

“Well, now I’ll just have to find some bizarre food from the Free Marches and feed it to you without saying what is in it… and see how you react!” Beth ranted and gave him a playful shove.

“Love, I’ve got a cast-iron stomach… I’ve eaten Dwarven cuisine! Bring it on!”

Beth’s eyes widened. “Hearing you say that makes me glad I’ve never had Dwarven food then. Good thing Varric never made me try any!”

“Trust me, you don’t want to. You think blood sausage is bad? I don’t want to even think about the weeks we spent in Orzammar. That really did test the limits of even my stomach!”

Bethany laughed. Their conversation eventually trailed off and they continued enjoying their breakfast. They were careful to not get any crumbs or other food on the bed. After they finished off the coffee and citrus juice, Alistair leaned back and patted his stomach.

“We are seriously going to have to find a way to come back here. The treatment here has been fantastic!”

“Mmm, I agree. Everything has been so perfect.”

“Especially now that you and I are… together.” Alistair then looked at Bethany and in a quieter, more serious voice, asked, “We… are together again, right? This isn’t just- ” He paused and swallowed nervously. “It isn’t… temporary? Right?”

Bethany was silent for a moment. She could see worry starting to crease Alistair’s face, so she answered, “No. It isn’t temporary. I do want to be with you… but…”

“But what?” His voice wavered slightly.

“I think we just need to talk about it.”

“Talk? What is there to talk about? You… You came to me that night! You kissed me and said ‘yes’!”

“I did… and I have no regrets about it.” She put her hand to his face. “Alistair, please don’t worry. While there are things that we need to discuss, I don’t plan on leaving you.”

She could see him relax a bit, but then he asked, “If we need to talk, then we should do it now. Somehow I feel as though you are about to give me bad news.”

Beth shook her head. “I promise it isn’t anything bad… and I don’t want to discuss it now. I want to enjoy our remaining time in this little slice of happiness… before we have to face reality.”

“Reality?”

“Our duties as Wardens. Meeting back up with Stroud.”

“Oh… right. That reality.” Alistair’s lip twitched. “As long as you promise me it isn’t bad news… Then I am willing to wait.”

Bethany smiled. “I promise.” She got a mischievous grin on her face then. “In fact, to help you unwind and realize that I want you…” She pulled the covers completely off of them and began kissing her way down Alistair’s stomach. She then ran her tongue up and down his cock and teased him until he was iron-hard and ready. She then briefly pulled away.

Through half-lidded eyes, Alistair sighed. “Why’d you stop?”

“So I could do this.” Beth grabbed another redcurrant jam pastry. She scooped off all of the jam with her fingers, then slowly spread it all over the shaft and head of his cock.

“What the?!” Alistair stared at the sticky mess. “What are you… Oh! Ooh, sweet Merciful Maker!”

Beth was now lapping eagerly at her jam-covered delight. In between licks, sucks, and kisses, she murmured, “I told you. I love redcurrant jam.”

Later, they decided to have another picnic lunch by the pond. This time, the chef packed only cold items as Bethany expressed an interest in swimming again.

Once at the pond, she immediately stripped off her dress and underclothing. She dove into the water nude and surfaced in the middle.

“Come and join me, Ali!” Beth shouted from the pond. “The water is very refreshing!”

Eagerly, he pulled off his clothing and then waded into the water. It was colder than he expected, but not freezing. Once waist-high in the water, he jumped the rest of the way in and began swimming to meet up with Bethany. Just before reaching her, she dove under the water, swam underneath him, and then resurfaced behind him. She pinched his ass.

“Hey!” He turned in the water and grabbed her by her waist. “Come here, you minx!” he growled. Holding her tightly, only kicking their legs to stay afloat, he kissed her.

She could feel his arousal and began giggling. “It seems even cold water can’t dampen your ardor.”

“Nope.” He grinned at her and kissed her again. “I can’t help it. You make me feel so good.” Touching his forehead to hers, he then murmured, “I hope I do the same for you.”

“You do,” she whispered back before they kissed again. They began to sink a little and she said, “We should get to shore… before we drown.”

Alistair nodded and the two of them swam to the shore. They lay down on the large blanket and began passionately kissing again.

Lunch was forgotten as Bethany moved on top of Alistair. She turned around and took his cock into her mouth for the second time that day. She adored the way he tasted and knowing how much he loved it made her feel real good.

Alistair let himself enjoy her ministrations for a moment, then he spread her sex open with his fingers, so his tongue could relish her flavor at the same time.

Soon, their enjoyment became a competitive game to see which one could make the other climax first. Alistair brought Beth very close several times… but in the end, Beth ended up winning when she inadvertently discovered an extremely sensitive area behind his balls. She rubbed it with her thumb and felt him pause in pleasuring her. He groaned loudly. Secretly smiling, she put a bit more pressure on it… and was rewarded when he cried out in surprise, jerked upward, and immediately began spurting hotly into her waiting mouth.

When he finished she licked him clean. She then turned back around to face him and said smugly, “I won.”

He flipped her over so that he was on top of her. “The battle, perhaps…” he rumbled. Kneeling, he lifted her legs until they were on his shoulders. Holding her hips just so, he thrust his already hard shaft inside of her hot, wet sheath. He started off slow but rapidly picked up his pace. Using her moans and cries to guide him, he kept adjusting his speed and how he moved within her. He listened as her breaths got faster until she was gasping as her pleasure rose higher and higher… Then…

“Ah, fuck Ali! I… I-I’m coming! M-Maker’s Balls, I’m…” She bit down on her hand to stifle her scream as her inner muscles clamped tightly to his cock.

Alistair thrust hard, again and again, groaning loudly as he began flooding her with his seed. Time seemed to freeze for the both of them as their pleasure went on and on.

Slowly, Alistair’s senses began returning to normal. He gently moved Beth’s limp body into a more relaxed position and pulled out of her. After a moment of getting his breathing under control again, he leaned over her, grinned, and mumbled, “But I think I won the war, my dear.”

“You are such a cheeky bastard,” Bethany grinned as she and Ali were finally finishing their picnic lunch.

Alistair buffed his nails on his shirt and laughed. “It’s a gift, I know.”

“And you're so modest too!”

He paused, a slice of cheese halfway to his mouth. “But I am this way now because of you… You do realize this?”

Surprised, Beth asked, “What did I do?”

“You saw a lonely, down on his luck drunk and took the time to talk to him. You made him realize that he was not worthless, as he had been led to believe. You gave him untold pleasures that night. You made him feel loved and accepted… And then even after he royally fucked up and drove this remarkable woman away, she came back.” He took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “You gave me another chance, Beth. For that, I will always be grateful to you.”

Beth was quiet for a moment, then replied, “It was because I could see you were truly sorry about the horrible things you had said to me. That, and you proved yourself over the days we traveled with Stroud. You volunteered for tasks, you provided us food without asking, you found us shelter from a storm, you helped me search for Velanna, and you showed me beauty in the stars… You have a good heart and a kind soul, Alistair. Anyone who says otherwise is a fool.”

“Even the Prince Consort to Queen Anora?”

“If given the chance, I would march straight up to his face and tell him he is a fucking asshole for treating you the way he did.” She balled her hands into fists. “He shouldn’t be the Hero of Ferelden. He doesn’t deserve that title. Sure, he helped stop the Blight… but heroes do more for their country and people than kill darkspawn and a large undead dragon. They shouldn’t treat their brother-in-arms like garbage… and refuse to support them when it turns out that they should have been the rightful ruler and heir to the throne.”

Alistair sighed. “In a way, I am glad I didn’t take the throne. I may be Maric’s son, but I wasn’t raised to be King like my half-brother Cailan. I would have been happy to just serve as a Grey Warden and fulfill my duties to Duncan.” He looked down. “But he didn’t even let me do that…”

“You are doing it now... with me, Stroud, and the rest. I suspect that The Architect may have plans that he didn’t divulge to us. I think he does know where the remaining Old Gods are… and we know about him. We can make plans to stop him if we think he isn’t being honest about his goal of stopping the Blights. There is also this potential ancient Tevinter Magister darkspawn somewhere in an unknown Grey Warden prison that we may have to deal with…”

“This is all true,” Alistair mused.

“And for the record, I think you would have made a great King…”

“No.” Alistair shook his head. “You may have shown me that I am a good person and that I have worth, but I don’t believe I have the strength to make the kind of decisions that could impact another person's life, for good or for ill.” A moment of silence passed. “Then there is the fact that I would have never met you, were I sitting on the throne. I wouldn’t be the person I am today.” He stared into her deep brown eyes. “I… hope you don’t think it is too soon for me to say this… but… I love you, Bethany.”

She gasped slightly. “Ali, I-I don’t know what to say to that.”

“Don’t say anything if you don’t mean it. Right now, it is enough that you are here with me…” He stared out at the still pond, then muttered, “Maker, I hope I didn’t fuck this up just now.”

She touched his cheek to get him to look at her. “You didn’t. While I admit your statement to me just now is a bit of a surprise, I am not going anywhere. I care for you, Alistair. I really do.”

He breathed a sigh of relief and gave her a smile. “I’ll take that for now. Though we have known each other for over two years, in reality, we’ve only been together for about two weeks. I was worried that I might scare you away by telling you I love you. I know it may be a bit soon to say something like that… but I can’t help the way I feel.”

She leaned in and placed a tender kiss on his cheek. “Ali, I understand. From all you have told me, you didn’t have much in the way of love growing up in Redcliffe, and because of this, you became afraid to reach out to others. You were kind but shy. While that isn’t a bad thing in the slightest, others saw it as a weakness they could exploit. They used you and hurt you, making you want to retreat even further away. Then I come into your life and show you compassion and tenderness for probably the first time ever. I can see why you have latched onto me.”

“I know. I hope you don’t mind,” he murmured.

“If I did, I’d let you know. From now on, I want to always share the truth between us.”

“Agreed.” Alistair now smiled widely. “You must realize that in a way, you have also latched yourself to me.” He brushed his lips across hers. “You seem to be rather addicted to a certain part of my body.”

She could see the huge bulge in his breeches and grinned right back. “Can you blame me?” she purred. “I have never met anyone with a cock as big as yours. That… and you really know how to use it.”

“I had - have - an amazing and wonderful teacher.” He reached out and lightly pinched her nipple through her dress. “She also happens to have a fantastic, willing body… and stamina to keep up with my own.” He gently pushed her back to lay on the blanket. She did, and he positioned himself over her. He thrust his still covered cock against her and she moaned.

“Maker’s Breath… Ali!” He began rubbing against her harder. She reached up and began unlacing his pants. “You realize that even if we leave tomorrow… At the rate we’re going…” She pulled his pants and smalls down, then pulled up her dress. Wisely, she had left her smalls off again after her swim and was able to quickly guide him into her. Even as he filled her, she still managed to gasp out, “… It is going to take us weeks to get to Montsimmard… if we continue on… like this! ” Ali began moving faster, clearly chasing his own pleasure, but still making sure to satisfy her needs as well. “Ah! Oh! Yes, lover! Right there!”

“You… say it… like it is… a bad thing,” he panted out.

“Never!” He began hitting her sweet spot with his thrusts now and she knew her climax would come soon… so she told him so. “Faster, Ali! ‘Bout to… come!”

“Fuck, yes!” He sped up at her behest. “Gonna fill you… make you come so hard around my cock! Make you scream my name!”

His words had the effect he wanted. Her climax hit hard and fast. “Yes! Oh, Alistair, YES!” she cried out.

“Ah, Bethany! So tight!” Alistair gave one last hard thrust. “Yeesss!” he bellowed out as came inside her. “Can’t… ever get enough!” He pumped again and felt more of his essence fill her. “Feels so… damn good!” Another hard thrust produced a final burst… and then he collapsed, completely spent.

“Maker, Ali…” Beth moaned. “That was intense! I can still feel you!”

Minutes passed, both of them regaining their senses. Finally, Alistair pulled out, rolled over, and sprawled onto his back. “Just when I think I’ve hit my limits…” He sat up, glanced at his still soft, spent cock, and grinned. “Beth, you made me come so hard this time… I think this is the first time ever that I am not immediately ready to ravish you again.”

“Same here…” Beth gave a contented moan. “I feel like I did the first time we had sex. I need to recover!”

“Maybe this is a good thing?” Alistair laughed out loud. “After all, you did make a valid point. If we had to stop and have a roll in the hay every twenty minutes just to satisfy our urges while on the road, we would never make it to Montsimmard! They’d end up sending a search party…”

Beth burst out laughing as well. “Could you imagine them finding us by the side of the road, right in the middle of the deed?”

“Andraste’s Tits, I think we’d give Stroud a heart attack!”

Beth decided to pull a prank. “Actually, I think he’d ask to join in!” Her folly had the exact reaction she expected. Alistair’s eyes looked as though they might pop out of his head, so she quickly sputtered out between giggles, “I was joking, Ali!”

“Oh, phew! You really had me worried there!” He rolled his eyes. “Don’t ever scare me like that again!”

Beth gave an amused smirk. “Anders, however? He’s a wholly different situation! Just be glad he has my brother to keep him occupied right now!” She shook with laughter. “Oh, the stories Sigrun used to tell me when he was at Vigil’s Keep with the rest of them! You think we’ve been fucking a lot? Apparently, he’d put us to shame!”

“Now that I find hard to believe,” Alistair snickered,” and I don’t think I’ll be asking him to compare notes!”

Bethany snorted with more laughter. “You know, this is why I enjoy being with you so much, Ali. You have your serious moments, like earlier, but then you also have this crazy sense of humor.”

“And I apparently satisfy more primal urges for you, as well?”

“I think we do that for each other,” she grinned.

“No argument from me!”

A sudden breeze rippled the water on the pond, followed by fat drops of rain plummeting from the clouds.

“Rain?!” Alistair shook his head. “Now? It couldn’t wait until we got back indoors?”

“Apparently not!” Beth guffawed. She quickly got up and twirled around. “I’m daaancing in the raaaiin!” she belted out.

“Whoa, I didn’t know you couldn’t sing!”

“Hey! I can too sing! Badly, perhaps… but I can sing!”

“Well, time to stop singing and dancing, silly woman! We need to get inside!” Alistair shouted over a rumble of thunder. He grabbed the basket, the blanket, then her wrist. Together they ran back to the inn.

“Oh! Oh, my! The two of you are soaked through!” The matron shook her head. “If I had known the weather would turn this way…”

“It is all right, madame. It was just rain. Sorry that we got the blanket all muddy though,” Alistair handed her the blanket and basket.

“Do not worry yourself over such a trifle! We need to get you dry before you both get sick! Please, follow me.”

Ali and Beth both shrugged but followed her under the covered patio. She stopped at a mid-sized wooden room on the side of the inn, but still under the covered patio.

“What is this?” Alistair asked, genuinely curious.

“My husband. He build this for me as a room to dry laundry in when weather is bad for drying outside. This room backs up to the kitchen ovens, so it is very warm inside.”

“What a clever idea!” Bethany smiled. “A drying room!”

“Please, both of you, go on inside. It will help to warm you until I get some towels for you both.” She unlatched the door. There was a small rush of warm air.

“Oh, that does feel rather nice,” Bethany sighed. “What should we do with the wet clothes?”

“You may take them off and hang them inside. They will dry overnight. I will return shortly with the towels and some dry clothes.”

Alistair blushed, but he realized he was being silly. It was obvious to any who had seen him and Bethany together that nudity between the two of them should not be a problem. He nodded and they both stepped into the ‘drying room’, as Bethany had called it. The matron shut the door but did not latch it.

Alistair and Bethany quickly stripped out of the wet clothing and hung them with small wooden clips onto some twine that ran the length of the room. Steam began wafting from the wet clothes and water slowly dripped from them to the floor. Standing in the other half of the room, they faced each other. Alistair placed his arms around Beth and held her.

“I can feel you, you know,” Beth giggled.

“Yes, I am aware that my cock is rock-hard… again,” Alistair murmured. “Everything about you is just so amazing, Bethany. I just can’t help myself for wanting you… over and over and over again.” He leaned down and kissed her softly. “But I will behave myself… after all, the matron will likely be back any moment now.”

Just as he said that there was a knock on the door to the drying room. From outside they heard her muffled voice, “I have your towels and clothing now.”

Bethany watched as Alistair turned to face the wall. She heard him mutter, “Don’t need to give the poor matron an eyeful.” She chuckled, then opened the door just enough to take the towels first, then the clothing.

“Thank you. We’ll be out in a few moments.” Beth then shut the door again. She handed Alistair a fluffy dry towel.

After rubbing their skin and hair dry, they slipped on the clean clothing. Beth and Alistair then emerged from the room and he handed the matron the towels. “Thank you. Your husband is a very clever man, building a room like that.”

“Was. He is no longer with me.” The matron gave a sad smile. “But we had thirty and one years together before he left.”

“I am sorry for your loss, madame.” Alistair bowed politely.

“It has been two years now. I have accepted it. But thank you. Your kindness is most welcome.” Together, they all walked back into the inn. The smells coming from the kitchen indicated that tonight’s dinner would be another amazing one. “Rest in the parlor for now,” the matron suggested. “I know this is your last night with us, so my son is making an extra special meal tonight… just for you.”

“Have we been your only guests this entire time?” Bethany asked.

“Oui, but it is our slow season, so that is not unusual. Next month we will have more visitors. Summers and winters are the busiest time for us.” She then bowed her head and left Alistair and Bethany in the parlor.

“I wonder what happened to her husband,” Bethany asked very quietly. Alistair sat next to her on the settee.

“I don’t know,” he murmured back. “But it seems that they had a good, long marriage together… and they have two children.”

Beth was silent, then softly said, “I had always dreamed of having a family of my own someday… but now it is impossible.”

“Who told you it was impossible?”

“Anders. He said… Grey Wardens can’t have children…”

“Ah. It is probably because the Joining is us literally poisoning ourselves. We end up sacrificing much in order to protect the world from the darkspawn. Most Wardens I knew – back when I was first recruited – that had families and children, had them before they became Wardens. I have never heard of any Wardens having children after their Joining. Maybe it is impossible? There is also the fact that being a Grey Warden means a shorter lifespan. We only have about twenty to thirty years until the taint sends us out on our Calling.”

Beth was about to answer when the matron walked back into the lounge. She apparently had overheard the last bits of Alistair’s conversation.

“Oui. That is what happened to my husband.”

Beth’s eyes widened. “You… Your husband was a Grey Warden?”

The matron nodded. “Two years ago was when he left on his Calling.” Tears formed in the corners of her eyes. “We married in 9:01 Dragon. Shortly after the birth of our daughter in 9:14, there was a call going out throughout all of Orlais for new Wardens to join. He was forty and five years of age then and when he said he wanted to join the Grey Wardens, I was frightened. I had heard that older men don’t survive The Joining as easily as younger men do. But he told me he wanted to be able to protect us if something were to happen.”

“Was he part of the Orlesian Wardens that were supposed to come to Ferelden back then?” Alistair asked.

“No. Because of his age, he was in the reserve troops. Those Wardens were kept here, in Orlais, should the Blight have spread. When the Blight began in Ferelden, he was sixty and one and he was already starting to have the nightmares that come before a Calling, so I knew it wouldn’t be long before he would have to leave me.”She then pointed to a worn shield hanging above the parlor fireplace. “His shield was all they were able to return to me.”

Alistair stared at it. He had noticed it the first afternoon they were in the parlor but hadn’t recognized the faded design. Deep scratches had also obscured part of it as well. But with the matron’s explanation, he could see it now. Instead of the singular griffon rampant that he was familiar with on his shield, this shield had two griffons facing away from each other and their talons were holding a Joining Chalice. The Chantry’s Sun symbol was emblazoned on the Chalice. *

“Wow,” he breathed. “I didn’t realize that there were similar but different icons to represent us… Stroud’s shield is like the one I carry.”

“Oh, this is an older design. I think that most modern Wardens now use the singular griffon as their heraldry,” the matron explained. “Only very old Wardens who haven’t heard their Calling yet may have a shield like my late husband’s.”

“I see.” Alistair nodded. “So this is why you also told us that Grey Wardens are always welcome to your inn. It is in memory of your husband’s service.”

The matron wiped a tear away and softly replied, “Yes.” Then she smiled and said, “I actually came by to let you know that dinner is ready. Please, come in and enjoy.”

“We will. Thank you again, for such wonderful service.”

She smiled again. “The honor is mine, Wardens. Always.”

Chapter Text

Breakfast aromas tickled Alistair’s nose once again as The Fade loosened its grip on him. Damn… time in paradise is over. We need to get going today for sure. Well, at least we’ll be leaving on a full stomach! He gently shook Bethany. “Hey, lovey. Time to get up.”

“Is there coffee?” she mumbled, her head still firmly pressed to the pillow.

“Of, course.”

“Maker, bless that matron,” Bethany mumbled, slowly sitting up. Alistair handed her a mug, milk, and honey already stirred in. She sipped it slowly and sighed. “Damn, but I am going to miss this place when we leave.”

“I will too. She has been incredibly nice to us… all this food, the pampering… We will definitely find a time and way to get back here again.”

“Mmm, I was hoping you’d say that.” She sipped her coffee again. “Sure hope I can get some more coffee while we travel.”

“I’m sure there are lots of villages and towns on the way. While we can’t splurge the way we did here, I will buy you coffee when I can… if it keeps you happy.”

“Ali, you are so sweet. Thank you.”

He bent over and kissed her forehead, then smiled and grabbed a plate. “Well, let’s eat… and get ready. Time marches on… and so must we.”

Beth stared at their uniforms and sighed. “Do we really need to put these on now?”

“You don’t want to?”

“Can’t we just dress in normal clothing for now? Pretend that we aren’t Grey Wardens for a little longer? I’ve really enjoyed just feeling… normal.”

“Hmm, I guess we could ask the matron. If she doesn’t mind us taking some of her clothes with us, then we can pack our uniforms and put them on once we get closer to Montsimmard.” He pulled a string near their door, ringing a bell outside. “I’ll admit, normal clothing would be more comfortable to travel in.”

A moment later, the matron knocked. Alistair opened the door a tiny ways to speak with her.

“Is everything all right, monsieur?”

“ Yes, but my partner and I were wondering… Would it be possible to buy some of your extra clothing, so we may travel in comfort?”

“Oh? No, I don’t mind at all! You don’t have to worry. The dresses were mine when I was younger and smaller, and the men’s clothing was my husband’s. I will be happy to give you as much as you need! I’ll be right back with them.”

“She’s just giving us the clothes?” Beth smiled widely. “Her generosity knows no bounds!”

“Perhaps she sees herself and her husband in us? As they were when they were young?”

“ Maybe.”

Several minutes later, the matron knocked again. This time, Bethany answered, as she had pulled on the long nightshirt. Alistair, only in his smalls, stood behind the door out of sight.

“Here are some of my older clothes. They are still in very good condition. There are two peasant skirts and blouses for you, and a nicer dress, should you go out somewhere fancy. For your partner, I have grey, brown, and black trousers, a white and a black shirt. There are also two pairs of boots. One for you, and the other for him. Will this do?”

“This is more than we ever expected.” Beth hugged the matron. “You have been so very kind to us, I wish there was more we could do.”

“ Serving you has been my pleasure. Oh, and once you come downstairs, my son has crafted some dried foods for you to take for your journey.” She shut the door behind h er as she left.

“Clothes and travel rations? Ali, this is amazing!”

“Truly. I don’t care how or when, but we will definitely be coming back here as often as we can!”

Beth pulled off the nightshirt and slipped on one of the skirt and blouse combos. She then twirled around and asked, “How do I look?”

Alistair came up and embraced her. “You are always beautiful, Beth.” He leaned down and nibbled her earlobe. “Think we have enough time for a quickie before we head out?”

“You’re lucky I haven’t put my smalls on yet, you crazy, horny bastard .” She pulled up her skirt and while keeping her feet on the ground, lay with her stomach on the bed.

He quickly removed his smalls and then gripped her by her hips. He gently pushed his cock deep into her, making Bethany cry out in delight. As he started moving in and out with steady thrusts, he murmured, “A crazy, horny bastard who has the most perfect woman in Thedas as his… and he will love her… always.”

An hour later, after doing one last final sweep of the room they had shared these last three nights, Alistair and Bethany made their way downstairs. They had on the clothing the matron had given them; everything else was in their packs, the only exception being their weapons.

The matron’s son came out of the kitchen. He handed Alistair another pack.

“This has dried meats, dried fruits, and some fresh fruits too. There is also some bread and a block of hard cheese that should last a few days. Your waterskins are also filled to the brim with fresh, cold, well water. There will be plenty of streams along the road you are traveling that you should also be able to refill, so you won’t go thirsty.”

“Thank you so very much. This is very appreciated.” Alistair beamed.

“You said you’re heading to Montsimmard, right?” the matron asked.

“Yes.”

“Stay on the main roads,” she advised. “There is more traffic and you should be safer.”

“ I am sure we will be fine. We have our weapons…”

“Oh, it isn’t thieves I was concerned about,” she murmured. “There are some Chevaliers who might cause trouble. More than a few lately have let power go to their heads. The empress has had her hands full lately trying to keep order in Val Royeaux.”

“We will be careful, I promise,” Bethany said with reassurance.

Alistair took out his money pouch. “How much do I owe you?”

The matron smiled. “Twenty sovereigns will be fine.”

“Twenty?” Bethany was flabbergasted. “But you did so many wonderful things for us! All the food? The clothes?”

“ Please,” Alistair asked politely. “I insist I must pay more. Truly, your hospitality deserves no less.”

“It is an honor to serve Grey Wardens, I really do not mind.”

Both Alistair and Bethany haggled with the matron for a bit. Finally, she relented and Alistair paid her fifty sovereigns. It was still far too little for all she had done in his opinion, but the matron seemed uncomfortable taking any more than that.

They bid her, her son, and her daughter farewell. Then Alistair and Bethany left the inn.

As they got to the road, Alistair looked back at the sign for the inn. “Le Repos du Gardien. What does that mean?” he asked Bethany.

“The Guardian’s Rest,” she said, then smiled.

“All right, I’ll bite. What’s with the smile?”

“While the term ‘Grey Warden’ is well-known all over Thedas, sometimes a country will still put it in their own language. Grey Warden in the Orlesian language is Gardien Gris . While she didn’t put the ‘gris’ in her sign… another way to read the name of her inn would be… ‘The Warden’s Rest’.”

Alistair chuckled. “It was so late when we got there that first night, I never saw her sign.”

“Neither did I,” Bethany admitted. “But knowing that now, and her husband’s story, it all makes sense. We couldn’t have picked a more perfect place for us to stay.”

Getting back into the routine of walking wasn’t as difficult as Bethany had feared. Initially, she had thought she would get tired quickly after having spent the last three days mostly horizontal… She also thought that Alistair might set a pace she wouldn’t be able to keep up with. However, despite his long legs, Alistair kept pace with her.

They walked together in comfortable silence, but eventually, Alistair spoke.

“So, do you want to talk about it now? Seems as good a time as any.”

“It?”

“Us. You said you wanted to talk about us. Our relationship.”

“Oh. Yes.” Okay… how to do this without sounding rude… or accusatory. “Um… I guess I should have thought about asking this before I went to your room that night… but do you… ah…”

“I think I know what you’re about to ask,” Alistair politely interrupted. “Was I involved with anyone else before we got back together?”

Cheeks pink, Beth mumbled, “Yes.”

“No. I don’t have anyone else in my life… just you, Beth.” Turning the tables, he asked, “If I may, then… since you asked it of me. What about you and Nathaniel Howe? He seemed pretty insistent on keeping me away from you in the beginning. Were the two of you invol-”

Beth immediately cut him off. “No! No. We were just friends.”

“He did seem pretty possessive of you.”

She sighed. “He really does like me. He wanted us to become a couple… but I just don’t share th e same feelings that he has for me. I want us to only be friends. I hope he will understand once we meet up with them again.”

Alistair looked relieved. “That is… good to know.”

“ Were you… jealous?”

“A little,” Alistair admitted. “But I wasn’t about to force you into anything you didn’t want. I just figured, be myself, be kind, and be patient. If it was meant to be, then it would happen naturally… or not at all. Most of all, you should know that I had wanted to apologize to you almost immediately after we got off the boat in Jader. But in the beginning, no one would let me talk to you… especially Nathaniel.”

“ I see. So that was why he kept trying to keep me away from you.” She chuckled. “You should know he was quite jealous of you.”

“Really? Why?”

“When you brought all those fish back to camp and he had only managed to catch one small rabbit that night? He was so mad that you had managed to outdo him in something he considered himself quite good at. The next morning too, when you found eggs for all of us… and also when you spotted the cave during the sleet storm. He was grumbling constantly about you.”

“Why did you stay with him then… on those occasions?”

“I suppose I felt a bit sorry for him. He has his pride… and as I said, he was my friend.”

“Was?”

“He still is… or will be. If he accepts that I have chosen you to be with.”

Alistair smiled widely. “Thank you. It feels good knowing the full truth.”

They walked in silence again for a while, then Bethany piped up, “Actually, there is one other thing I need to ask you about.”

“All right. Go ahead.”

“I know you were a virgin the night we first made love…”

“Yes,” Alistair tilted his head slightly. “Why bring this up now?”

“In the two years we were apart… how many women have you been with?”

Alistair blinked. “Huh?”

Beth sighed. “These last three days, you have shown me so much new pleasure… You took control… you have such confidence. You just seem to know so much more than you did our first time together. I guess I just need to know. How many women have you… practiced on?”

Alistair was dumbfounded. “You… think I…” He shook his head. “No. Bethany, no. There has been no one since you. I swear to you this is the truth.”

“You… haven’t been with anyone else this whole time?”

“No. Not at all.”

“Then… how did you know all those new ways to make me feel so good .”

“Books.”

“Books? What books?”

Now Alistair blushed. “Um… while I was back in Redcliffe… I found my ‘Uncle’ had a rather,” he cleared his throat, “ impressive selection of erotic literature… hidden in a chest in his room. Once I found them – quite by accident, I admit – I snuck one into my room and read it front to back cover in a matter of hours. The next day I borrowed another. Each day I took a new one, replacing the one I had borrowed the day before. He was none the wiser.”

“ I had no idea so many books like that existed! You’d think the Chantry would have banned them.”

“If they knew about his collection, I’m sure they would… but I am glad they don’t.” Alistair grinned. “I learned quite a lot from those books.”

“Really?” Bethany stopped walking. “You remember everything you read?”

“Yes. When I was initially studying and training to be a Templar at Bournshire, I heard one of the Sisters call it… eidetic memory. I heard her tell the Revered Mother that she thought it was a gift from The Maker.”

“ Do you believe it is a gift from Him?”

“Nah. I just think I am remarkably clever.”

Bethany laughed. “There you go again…” She then took Alistair’s hand and began leading him off the road and into a thick grouping of trees.

“Um. Where are we going?”

“Well… I think you need to show me one of the techniques you learned from your uncle’s book s … One that you haven’t tried yet.”

“Here? Now?”

“Yep. We didn’t have a proper lovemaking session this morning. While the quickie was nice, I want you to show me something new and exciting, right here.” Bethany put her pack and staff on the ground. She then stripped off her skirt and blouse, revealing no underclothing at all. She was completely naked underneath.

“Fuck, Beth…” Alistair moaned.

“Yes, please,” she tittered back. “That is exactly what I want you to do.”

Alistair dropped the packs he’d been carrying, along with his sword and shield. Quickly stripping off his own clothes, he smirked and muttered, “ So much for getting to Montsimmard anytime soon…”

“ Oh, holy mother of Andraste,” Beth panted as Alistair finally pulled out of her. He too was breathing rather hard. “I don’t know what in the void you call that technique… but Maker, you have got to try that again with me… in a proper bed, next time. That was amazing .”

“I agree,” Alistair sighed in contentment. “ It was very enjoyable and quite exciting.” Turning a bit more serious, he then said, “Please don’t take this the wrong way, Beth… I love you and I love fulfilling our carnal desires… a lot . However, w e really can’t keep doing this. I know we joked about it yesterday, but we must catch up with the group. I f they haven’t already made it to Montsimmard by now.”

“Mmm, I know, lover.” She kissed him. “I promise to be on my best behavior now… and only entice you for some fun when we have the time to spare.” She sighed. “It’s just when you mentioned what was in those books, and that you had memorized them. I just had to have you try one.” She was quiet for a moment, then asked, “You aren’t upset, are you?”

“ No. Never. I’m glad we did it . It felt incredible, I will say that. But let us get dressed and get going again. Hopefully, we can make it several more kilometers before having to sleep for the night.”

“ Just one moment. Sex outdoors is a lot of fun, but I do need to clean up. We had access to the pond while at the inn, but…” she trailed off. “Ah! I hear water. There is a stream nearby. She grabbed a cloth out of her pack and tracked down the stream. Wetting the cloth, she cleaned herself, then rinsed off the cloth and brought it back to Alistair. He thanked her and rubbed himself down. Running back to the stream once more, she rinsed off the cloth again, then wr u ng it out so it could dry.

They both got dressed again. Bethany also put on her smalls and breastband, keeping her promise to ‘behave’.

After getting the packs and weapons back on, they headed back to the road. When they got there, Bethany saw a farmer coming down the road in a horse-driven cart. She stopped Alistair.

“What?” he asked.

“I’m going to see if this farmer can give us a ride. If he can, it will help us get a bit further than walking alone.”

“Hmm, well, if he is willing to do so. All right, go ahead and ask.”

Beth flagged the farmer down. He stopped his cart. “Excusez-Moi, monsieur. Voyagez-vous dans cette direction?” <Excuse me, sir. Are you traveling this direction?>

“Oui.”

“Pouvons-nous rouler avec vous?” <May we ride with you?>

The farmer looked a bit wary. “Pourquoi portez-vous des armes?” <Why do you carry weapons?>

Beth explained. “Nous ne vous voulons aucun mal. Nous sommes des Gardien Gris. Nous avons été séparés de notre troupe et nous devons les rattraper.” <We mean no harm to you. We are Grey Wardens. We have been separated from our troop and we have to catch up with them.> She turned to Alistair and said, “Show him the griffon on your shield.”

Alistair nodded and showed the farmer his shield.

“Oh, je vois. Sauter sur.” <Oh, I see. Jump on.> Once Alistair and Bethany were seated comfortably, and their items secured, the farmer jiggled the reins and the horses started trotting. He turned around and asked, “Où allez-vous?” <Where are you going?>

“Montsimmard,” Beth answered.

“Oh. C'est très loin d'ici. Je ne vais pas par là, mais je t'emmènerai aussi loin que je peux.” <Oh. It is very far from here. I am not going that way, but I’ll take you as far as I can.>

“ Merci. ”

“ What did he say?” Alistair asked.

“He isn’t going to Montsimmard, but he’ll take us as far as he can.”

“That will be nice. At this speed, and depending on how far he is going, we will be making up for some lost time from this morning.”

Beth giggled. “Blame it on the Warden stamina then… I just can’t seem to get enough of you.”

“Nor I, you,” Alistair agreed. He pulled Bethany close to him and began kissing her.

The farmer heard and turned slightly. Catching the lovers kissing in the back of his cart, he smiled and murmured, “Ah... jeune amour.” <Ah… young love.> A bit louder, he then said, “Nous allons voyager pendant un certain temps. Si tu veux faire une sieste, je te réveillerai quand je m'arrêterai.”

“ Ça sonne bien. Merci beaucoup. ” <That sounds nice. Thank you very much.> She then translated for Alistair. “He says if we’d like to nap, he’ll wake us when he stops. Apparently, we will be traveling for a while.”

“That does sound good.” Alistair lay back in the sweet-smelling fresh hay that was in the cart. “After all, despite our three-day vacation, we really didn’t sleep all that much.”

“No.” Beth snuggled into his arms. “We really did not.”

“No regrets?”

“None.” Beth drifted off fairly quickly. Before The Fade claimed her, she mumbled out something that made Alistair’s heart leap with happiness. “Wuv y oo.”

He really hoped she’d say it again once she was awake.

The sun was setting when the farmer stopped his cart. He hopped off, opened the gate, and gently shook Bethany’s leg. She sat up slowly, followed by Alistair.

“ Je suis désolé, mais mon voyage se termine ici. ” <I’m sorry, but my trip ends here.>

B eth yawned and stretched. Then she hop ped off the cart; Ali stair did the same . “ Ah, où sommes-nous ?” <Ah, where are we?>

“ Juste en dehors d'Halamshiral .” <Just outside of Halamshiral.>

“ Merci de nous avoir amenés ici. ” <Thank you for bringing us here.>

Alistair decided to try out his newly acquired language skills. “ Comment ça se fait qu'on va à Montsimmard ?”

The farmer scratched his head. “ Je ne comprends pas. ” <I don’t understand.>

“What did I say?” Alistair asked, confused. “Did I not say it right?”

Beth giggled and turned to Alistair. “You asked, ‘ How come we go to Montsimmard’?”

Alistair blushed. “Oh.”

Turning back to the farmer, Beth clarifi ed, “ Ce que mon ami voulait dire, c'est: A quelle distance est Montsimmard d'ici? ” <What my friend wanted to say was: How far is Montsimmard from here?

The farmer pointed back to the road. “ Il faut environ une journée pour marcher d'ici à Lydes . De là, il vous faudra encore cinq jours de marche pour vous rendre à Montsimmard. ” <It takes about a day to walk from here to Lydes. From there, it will take you another five days of walking to get to Montsimmard. > He then scratched his head and asked, “ Où comptez-vous passer la nuit? ” <Where do you plan to spend the night?>

“ Um, nous allions dormir dehors… au bord de la route ,” Beth answered. <Um, we were going to sleep outside… by the side of the road.>

The farmer pointed north. Bethany could see clouds building. “ Il va pleuvoir ce soir. Je peux te laisser dormir dans ma grange. Vous resterez au sec et au chaud. ” <It's going to rain tonight. I can let you sleep in my barn. You will stay warm and dry.>

“ Merci beaucoup! C'est très apprécié. ” <Thank you very much! It’s very appreciated.>

As they followed the farmer, Alistair said, “I think I got some of that. But would you clarify for me?”

“He said it is likely to rain tonight and he is letting us stay in his barn.”

“I thought that is what he said. Good to know I am starting to understand the language more… even if I still say something wrong. ” He blushed.

“It’s all right. You’re still picking it up remarkably fast. I am proud of you.”

Alistair smiled, then asked, “What all did he say about the distance to Montsimmard earlier?”

“It is about a day’s walk to the next major city, which is Lydes. From there, five more days to Montsimmard.”

“I see.”

They arrived at the barn. The farmer unlocked the doors and opened them wide. “ Je n'accueille pas d'animaux ici pour le moment, donc la grange ne devrait sentir que le foin frais. Avez-vous de la nourriture à manger? ” <I'm not hosting any animals here at the moment so the barn should only smell like fresh hay. Do you have food to eat?>

“ Oui, nous avons des rations .” <Yes, we have rations.>

The farmer nodded. “ Bien dormir. Je te réveillerai demain matin. ” <Sleep well. I'll wake you up tomorrow morning.>

Meanwhile, Nathaniel was pacing back and forth by the campfire, a scowl on his face.

Sigrun shook her head. “Nate, seriously. You’ve been doing this every night we break for camp. Relax.”

Stroud nodded in agreement. “I am sure they are fine. Bethany is a very capable Warden.”

“Beth, yes,” Nate snapped. “But what about him ?”

“You mean Alistair? I am sure he is fine as well.”

“We hardly know anything about him! And what about the way he treated Bethany in the beginning?!”

“Yes, he did have a bit of a rough start, I agree, but he proved himself to be kind, considerate, and very helpful over those earlier days,” Stroud said in a patient tone. “ Why are you so anxious, Nathaniel?”

“We have no idea what has happened since they left to search for Velanna! I mean, here we are, four days from Montsimmard, and they haven’t caught up to us yet!” Nathaniel finally sat down on a log. He muttered, “What if he’s done something to my Bethany?”

“Do you have any reason to think he would have done anything?” Stroud asked. “He certainly hasn’t given me any cause to suspect him of wrong-doing.”

Nathaniel sighed. “No. It’s just that…”

“Nate, look,” Sigrun put her hand on his arm lightly. “I know you like Beth, but I think she really only wanted to be friends with you.”

“You don’t know that!” Nate frowned, jerking his arm away from Sigrun. “I was making progress! I am sure she likes me better than… him. She even told me that she couldn’t be friends with him after what he’d said to her!”

“That aside, Nathaniel. I am sure they probably just had to go deep into the caves beneath Gherlan’s Pass to track Velanna down,” Stroud firmly said. “But if it eases your mind at all… If we haven’t heard or seen them by the time we get to Montsimmard, then I myself will start heading back on the main road. I will find them. Of that you have my promise.”

Nate sighed again . “I… guess I’ll have to accept that, ser.”

“I will also say this. If he has done anything wrong, I will find out… and he will be disciplined accordingly.”

Sigrun didn’t like the look she saw on Nathaniel’s face.

Morning arrived as it always does. Alistair gave a big yawn, then gently turned to face Beth. She was still sleeping. The rain the farmer had hinted at had become a full-blown thunderstorm that had kept Bethany awake for a good chunk of the night. Alistair had tried to entice her for some calming lovemaking , but apparently, the lightning made her too nervous.

Even though their bedrolls had been placed side-by-side, they had ended up spending the night sleeping in their underclothing. Alistair sighed as he rubbed his palm over his morning erection. After three nights and four days of making love almost constantly, he was already missing the feeling of the intimacy they had shared. He wondered if he should wake her for some morning loving, but since he had no idea when the farmer might show up – and the fact that she hadn’t gotten much sleep – he decided to take matters into his own hand… so to speak.

Grabbing a cloth out of his pack, he got up from his bedroll and quietly made his way to the far corner of the barn and into an empty stall.

Alistair removed his smalls, hissing slightly as his erection sprung free. He started stroking slowly, picturing Bethany in his mind.

He had just started getting a good rhythm built up when a sudden, “Ah-hem” from behind startled him. He quickly let go of his cock as his eyes flew open in shock. He whirled around, his large hands covering his still rigid member.

Bethany was standing there shaking her head.

“Just what do you think you are doing?” she asked, an amused look on her face.

“Well, that is… I… uh…” Alistair was blushing furiously.

“Starting without me? Really?”

Taking a deep breath, Alistair mumbled out, “You were sleeping… and I, um…”

“ Tsk tsk… how very selfish of my lover. It is a good thing that I am such a forgiving individual.” Bethany quickly removed her underclothing. “Now come here, darling , and make love to me properly. If you do a good enough job, I may let you out of buying me two coffees in the next village.”

Chapter Text

They had just finished getting their clothing on and everything repacked when the farmer came by and opened the barn door. “Ah, tu es réveillé. Le temps devrait être clair toute la journée, vous devriez donc pouvoir vous rendre à Lydes avant la nuit.” <Ah, you're awake. The weather should be clear all day, so you should be able to make it to Lydes before dark.>

Alistair bowed politely. “Merci de nous garder au sec la nuit. Pluie était très mauvaise.” <Thanks for keeping us dry at night. Rain was very bad.>

The farmer chuckled. “Oui. Oui c'était.” <Yes. Yes, it was.>

He followed both Alistair and Bethany back to the main road. Once there, he waved at them. “Bonne chance à vous deux!” <Good luck to you both!>

Even though he had made sure that Bethany was very satisfied that morning, Alistair found a small bakery as they passed by Halamshiral. He bought coffee the way Beth liked it, along with a redcurrant jam pastry.

She sighed in bliss. “Ali, you are going to spoil me!”

“If I have the means to make you happy, I will always want to do so.”

She leaned up and kissed him. “You are so sweet. Thank you.”

After their short breakfast, they got back to the main road and headed west.

Most of the time that they walked – to help the time pass – Alistair told stories about his time growing up in Redcliffe and a little about his time in the Wardens during the Blight. When he mentioned Lothering, Bethany sighed.

“You okay?” Alistair asked.

“Lothering was where I was born. Until the Blight came, that was my home.” She wiped some tears away. “I remember my big brother Garrett always running around town having fun. Mum cooking at the stove or mending clothes, Dad teaching me magic, and how to hide it from the Templars in town. Then there was Carver… so serious all the time…”

“Carver? Who is that? I know of Garrett as you’ve mentioned him. You had another brother?”

Bethany’s breath hitched. “Carver… was my twin.”

“You were a twin?” Alistair asked, surprised.

She nodded.

“If you don’t mind my asking, what happened to him?”

“He w-was killed by an Ogre as we were fleeing Lothering. It’s been four years since he’s been gone… and even though he drove me crazy… always trying to boss me around, I still miss him.”

“An Ogre? Maker’s Breath, Beth. I am so sorry.” Alistair put his arm around her in a half hug. “I can’t even imagine what it was like to lose a family member close to you.”

“What about Cailan? Wasn’t he your half-brother?”

“Well, he and I didn’t grow up together. So, I was sad, yes, but not heartbroken. In fact, I was more upset by Duncan’s death than my half-brother. Does that make me seem strange?”

“No, I don’t think so. From what you’ve told me about Duncan, he was a true father figure to you. He got you out of being a Templar – which you told me you really didn’t want – and he was much kinder to you than your so-called ‘family’ in Redcliffe. You really looked up to him.”

Alistair frowned. “It was Loghain’s betrayal that caused both the death of Cailan… and Duncan. Because he pulled his troops from Ostagar, the darkspawn overwhelmed Cailan’s army and the few senior Wardens that Duncan had brought with him.”

“Loghain?” That name sounds familiar… I think Stroud mentioned him to me once before… Hmm.

“Yes, The once famed ‘Hero of Riverdane’… and supposed best friend to my father, Maric. If he had truly been a friend to my father, why would he betray his son, Cailan, back at Ostagar?” Alistair kicked a rock in the road. “I wanted him to pay for the deaths he caused there… and I thought that… Aed- ” Alistair sighed. “I thought he was on my side with that! But at the Landsmeet, just before they tried to execute me… He sided with Riordan, saying that Loghain should become one of us! A Grey Warden! Can you imagine?! Becoming a Grey Warden is an honor! Not a punishment!” Alistair balled his hands into fists. “All I can hope,” he muttered, “is that maybe The Joining killed that bastard.”

Should I tell him? “Ali, I…”

He looked at Bethany then. Her face was a mixture of sadness and… worry? He wasn’t entirely sure. “I’m sorry, Beth. You were talking about your brother, Carver, and I ended up overtaking the conversation and turning it into something about me. I didn’t mean to do that.”

“No, it’s fine Ali. We both have lost people we care about.” Besides, why bring it up now to him? If his Loghain is the same one that Stroud mentioned, I have no idea where he may be. Wardens go where they are needed. This ‘Loghain’ could be anywhere! Ferelden, Orlais, maybe even Weisshaupt! “Let’s just talk about nicer things… for now.”

“Sure. If that is what you want. I can do that.” He smiled at her. “Have I told you how pretty you are?”

“Not in the last few hours,” Beth chuckled.

“Well, let me tell you again…”

It was dusk as they finally arrived in Lydes. Alistair suggested they find an inn to get some sleep.

“Nothing fancy, like the lovely place we rekindled our relationship.” He grinned. “Just a place that has a hot meal and a comfy bed for the night.”

“Agreed.”

They walked up and down the streets, pausing briefly to look at some of the wares that merchants were selling. Most booths were closing for the night, so there wasn’t much to do.

Finally, Ali saw a sign. “La Corne de la Licorne.” He looked at Beth. “Sounds like a fancy place. Licorne… That is ‘Unicorn’, right?”

“Yes,” Beth nodded. “The Horn of the Unicorn is the name of this place.” She looked at the sign above the door again, then said, “I don’t think we want to stay here though.”

“Why not?” Alistair asked. “You think they are too expensive?”

Beth shook her head. “Look at their sign again, Ali.”

He did. His cheeks turned pink. “Th-that is a naked woman… on the horn… Oh.”

“Yes. This is clearly a brothel. Not a traditional inn.”

“Ah… um. Yes. I guess we should look for another place?”

“I think that sounds like a good plan,” Beth laughed.

The next two places were also a no-go. Antre de L’ours Noir <Den of the Black Bear> was full of people who looked very unfriendly. The pub was smoky, dark, and it smelled rather unpleasant. All went silent as Alistair and Beth stood in the doorway. The people inside glared at the newcomers. So they exited as quietly as they had come in.

Le Lion Rouge de Lydes <The Red Lion of Lydes> was clearly too upscale market for the sovereigns in Alistair’s money pouch. After being told a room and a meal would be eighty sovereigns each, they declined and left.

“Pity I can’t afford that place. They looked really nice,” Alistair mumbled as they left.

“Just because they looked nice, doesn’t necessarily mean their service would be as good. I didn’t like the way the patrons in there looked down on our peasant clothing.”

“You think if we’d been in our Warden uniforms they would have been nicer?”

“Maybe… maybe not. Right now, I just want to find somewhere else.”

“All right.” Alistair nodded.

They walked down a few more blocks. It was full night now. Finally, they saw a warm, homey glow coming from a place up the street. “Let’s check out that one,” Beth said.

Moments later they stood outside the inn/tavern. “Lierre Vert et Jacinthe Bleue. What does that mean?” Alistair asked.

“Green Ivy and Blue Hyacinth,” Beth answered. “Sounds pleasant.” She stopped and sniffed. “The aroma coming from their kitchen smells really good too. Not as good as ‘The Warden’s Rest’, but I think this place has potential.” She opened the door. “Shall we?” They walked in together.

For fifteen sovereigns, they both got a hearty bowl of lamb stew with some hot bread and butter, a bottle of wine to split, and a modest room for the night. As the inn was quite full, they made love quietly that night.

While Beth certainly loved the more rambunctious and rowdy sex they had, there was something about keeping their voices down that heightened the experience even more for her. As Alistair slowly slid in and out of her, he stared deep into her eyes… never breaking contact. He made her feel like she was his most precious treasure. When he finally sped up to finish them both off at the same time, the intensity of her orgasm felt like it kept going on and on. Alistair must have felt her too because he let out a sudden deep groan as he came a second time while he was still in her. She felt all warm and tingly inside.

When they finally settled down, pressed tightly against each other, Beth murmured, “I don’t know if it is because of Warden stamina or if it is something else… but damn, Ali… no one ever has made me feel this good. You are amazing.” She was quiet for a moment, then, “I… have a confession to make Ali.”

“Mmm? Well, I am no Brother, but what do you need to say?” he asked quietly.

“When I told you about the letter I’d left with Corff… and you had asked me if there had been anything else in it?”

“You said there wasn’t.”

“There was. I guess after what had happened between us in Kirkwall and before this journey began… I felt a bit scared.”

“Scared? Of me?” Alistair sounded a bit worried.

“No. Scared to admit that my feelings hadn’t really changed at all from the first time we were together. Even though I was angry at you and the things you had said… I couldn’t stop thinking about us. I kept trying to convince myself and my friends that I couldn’t be with you anymore… but in the back of my mind, I knew I wasn’t fooling myself.”

“What are you trying to say, Bethany?”

“I… I love you, Alistair. I have from our first night together. After we had that amazing sex and you told me your story… I fell for you… Just as you had for me. I had written that in the letter.”

“Beth.” Alistair got her to roll over so he could look her in the eyes. “Do you really mean that?”

“I do, Ali. I do. I love you. Not just your ability to make me feel good. I love you for who you are… and I want to stay with you. Always.”

Alistair was silent, then he murmured, “I know this may seem crazy, but… will you marry me, Bethany Hawke?”

Beth’s face broke into a huge smile. “Yes. Yes, Ali. I would love that.”

Tears formed in his eyes and he kissed her. “Tomorrow then, I will find a jeweler here. I will buy you a ring as a promise. Once things settle down with our Warden business, we will have a small Chantry wedding… just you, your family, and friends.”

“What about your fam- ” Beth started to ask, but he cut her off with another kiss.

“I’ll send them a letter… but honestly, I don’t think they will come. What matters is that you and I will be bonded together… for as long as our Warden lives will allow us.”

“Wh-what about The Calling? Ali… I have to admit it terrifies me. Ever since Stroud told me about it…”

“If you go, I go with you. There will be no hesitation.”

“Even if it isn’t your time?”

“Beth, I would never let you go into the unknown alone. Not now… and not then. That is how much you mean to me.”

“Then I will promise you the same, Alistair Theirin. If the Calling comes for you first… I will go with you too.”

He kissed her again. “Hopefully, that won’t be until a long time from now. Right now, my dearest heart, I am going to make love to you again… because tonight you have made me the happiest man alive.”

As expected… they didn’t get to sleep until near dawn.

Once they woke and had some breakfast and coffee, they left the inn; it was mid-morning. The first thing Alistair did was to find a jewelry seller… just as he had promised. He bought Bethany a plain, but simple ring.

As he slid it onto her finger, he murmured, “I know it isn’t much, my heart…”

She shook her head. “Ali, I don’t need an expensive ring to know you love me. Everything you do for me shows it in all sorts of ways.” She stared at the white gold band. It twinkled in the sun and she smiled. “We got a late start again this morning… and I have no idea how far the next village may be.”

Alistair nodded. “Okay, here is my thought. We can rent some horses. It will help us to catch up to them… again, assuming they aren’t already in Montsimmard by now.”

“Are you sure you can afford that, Ali? I mean, I am not about to ask what you just spent on my ring…”

“If the groomsman is reasonable, I should be able to. Can you help me negotiate? My Orlesian is still not good enough.”

“Of course, love. I can do that.”

“You called me, ‘love’.” He beamed.

“You say it to me… I’ll say it back to you.”

He leaned over and kissed her. “Anytime you want.”

They soon found someone who would allow his horses to leave the city on the outskirts of town. Bethany approached him with a smile. “Combien coûtera la location de deux chevaux?” <How much will renting two horses cost?>

“Jusqu'où allez-vous?” <How far are you going?> 

“Montsimmard.”

“Ah, tu as de la chance. J'ai un cousin qui habite en ville là-bas. Il s'appelle Pierre Brousseau. Donc... vingt souverains. Accord?” <Ah, you're in luck. I have a cousin who lives in town there. His name is Pierre Brousseau. So ... twenty sovereigns. Deal?>

Beth told Alistair the price. He frowned and muttered, “That is a bit steep, don’t you think?”

She asked, “Nous sommes des Gardien Gris. Pouvez-vous offrir un rabais?” <We are Grey Wardens. Can you offer a discount?>

“Mmm,” the man twirled the tip of his thin mustache with his fingertips. “Eh bien, tu es très jolie... et tu parles parfaitement notre langue pour un Férelden, donc pour toi, je vais baisser le prix à dix et huit souverains.”  <Well, you are very pretty... and you speak our language perfectly for a Ferelden, so for you, I will lower the cost to ten and eight sovereigns.>

Bethany blushed. Would Ali get jealous if he knew this man was flirting with me? I guess I can leave that little bit out… Turning to Alistair, she told him,

“He can lower the cost to ten and eight sovereigns. Is that good?”

“It is still a little high, but I will agree.”

She nodded to the groomsman. “Oui. Nous acceptons votre prix.” Then she asked, “Comment retrouverons-nous votre cousin une fois là-bas?” <How will we find your cousin once there?>

“Demandez autour de la ville. Il est bien connu. Vous pouvez lui laisser mes chevaux et il me les rapportera.” <Ask around town. He is well known. You can leave my horses to him and he will bring them back to me.>

“Nous le ferons. Merci.” <We will do it. Thank you.>

They mounted up and left the city. Alternating between trotting and walking, the horses made a big difference. They stopped twice to let the horses rest, eat, and drink… while they did the same.

They set up a small camp off the road for the night. After rations had been eaten, Ali broke the somewhat bad news to Beth.

“We won’t be able to sleep together while out on the road. One of us will need to stay up and mind the horses. We don’t want someone trying to steal them from us.”

“I understand… but Ali, you can’t stay up all night. You need rest too. So why don’t you take first watch, then wake me about halfway through. I’ll take the second watch.”

“All right, love. I can do that.”

They kissed briefly, then Bethany settled down on her bedroll. 

“Good night, Ali.”

“Night, Beth.”

Three days later, after getting some food (and coffee) for Beth in a small village, they asked someone how far Montsimmard was. The villager told them they should only be about a day and a half’s journey from the city. Beth and Ali were relieved. They decided now would also be a good time to put on their Warden uniforms. They found a small forested area that provided enough cover to allow them to change.

“So, assuming they aren’t already there, maybe we’ll catch up to them today.” she smiled as she pulled on her boots.

Alistair agreed. “That will be nice.”

It was nearing dusk and there had still been no sign of the other Wardens. Alistair was a bit disappointed.

“I thought for sure we should have caught up by now… especially with the horses.”

“We could go on a bit more, don’t you think?” Beth said in reply. “Maybe we can still get lucky.”

Alistair patted his mount’s neck. “What do you say, boy? Do you want to keep going?”

Beth giggled. “I don’t think you speak ‘horse’…” but to her surprise, Alistair’s horse whinnied and picked up speed. To herself, she muttered, “Hmm… Well, what do you know?” She nudged her own mount’s flanks and her horse followed Alistair’s.

They trotted on down the road for about twenty minutes, then to Beth’s delight, she saw a campfire burning up ahead. “Oh, maybe that is them?”

Sure enough, she got closer and saw Stroud, Sigrun, Nate, Cardin, and Audouin all sitting by the campfire.

When he realized who was approaching their camp, Nate immediately got up and ran towards her, a smile on his face.

“Bethany! Oh, Maker! Thank goodness you are safe! I’ve been so worried about you!”

She got down off of her mare. “Why wouldn’t I be safe, Nate? I’ve been traveling with Alistair this whole time.” She tied the reins of her horse to the low branch of a nearby tree so she could reach the grass and eat.

Nathaniel threw a disdainful glace and Alistair, who was dismounting from his own horse. He pulled Bethany aside. “You really are all right? He didn’t do anything to you, did he?”

Beth hesitated to answer. She knew she needed to tell Nate the whole truth, but before she could, Stroud interrupted.

“Glad you both caught up to us before we got to the city. I don’t see Velanna with you. May I ask what happened?”

Both Alistair and Bethany had discussed beforehand what they would tell Stroud. She made a sad face as Alistair said, “Sadly, we were too late. By the time we found her, she had already been defeated by many darkspawn.”

“Oh, that is terrible news. She was a good mage and a good Warden.” He stood and bowed his head. The rest of the group followed. “Come now, let us speak the words for our fallen sister.” He paused for a few seconds, then began. “Join us, brothers and sisters. Join us in the shadows where we stand vigilant. Join us as we carry the duty that can not be forsworn. And though she has perished, know that her sacrifice will not be forgotten… and that one day, we shall join her. In War, Victory. In Peace, Vigilance. In Death, Sacrifice.”

Beth felt slightly guilty about letting the group think that Velanna was gone, but she knew this is what her fellow Warden had wanted. No one would go and look for her now. She did hope that Velanna was still with her sister and that all was fine. She also knew they should probably mention what The Architect had told them, but had to admit that Alistair still had brought up a valid counter. If they did tell Stroud about this imprisoned darkspawn magister… and nothing happened? She took a deep breath. Alistair was right. She would wait… for now.

After their short memorial, Nathaniel turned to Alistair and asked in a somewhat rude tone, “And what about those darkspawn that killed Velanna? Did you, at the very least, avenge her?”

“Of course we did!” Alistair answered, hoping his voice sounded convincing enough.

Nate stared at him and Alistair stared right back. Nate turned away first, muttering under his breath. He walked back over to Bethany and took her just outside the camp.

“Something wrong?” she asked him.

“I still don’t trust him. So I want to hear from you. Velanna is… gone? Really?”

“Yes, Nate. She is.”

“Hmm.” He paced back and forth for a bit. “It’s just that I’ve seen her fight darkspawn. I saw her take on groups of twenty or more. Her spells are very powerful. It is hard for me to think of her getting overwhelmed by them.”

Beth debated whether she should tell Nate the truth about Velanna. He was her friend, but if he knew that Alistair had actually lied – even if she told him that was what Velanna had wanted – he might run off to tell Stroud because of his apparent dislike of Alistair. So she decided to change the subject.

“How have you all been fairing during these last few days?”

“We were fine. It was you I was worried about.”

“Why?” Bethany asked.

“Why?! You were alone with him for over a week! It was you who told us all about how that man treated you once you found him in Kirkwall! How he said all those horrible things to you! You told me you couldn’t be his friend anymore!” Nate paused. “Yet when I saw you riding up with him… you did seem remarkably close.” He threw a backward glance at Alistair, then turned to face Beth again. “What is going on?”

“During our search for Velanna in the caves, he… apologized to me.”

“He apologized?! And that automatically made it all better?”

“We talked about a lot of things during our travels too… and…”

Nate stared at her, then he looked down at her left hand. Beth didn’t realize she had been nervously fiddling with her new ring. He took her hand and brought it up to his face for a closer inspection. “What… is that?” he asked, anger in his voice.

Bethany swallowed. “Uh… it is… a ring.”

“I can see that. Who gave it to you?”

Quietly, she mumbled, “Alistair.”

“Excuse me? Care to say that louder?”

She looked Nate in the eyes. She could see the hurt and suspicion in his face. Taking a deep breath, she replied, “Alistair gave it to me.”

“Why would he give you a ring?” When Bethany didn’t immediately answer, he turned from her and muttered, “Seems like you did a bit more than talk with him… am I right?”

“Nate...”

“Did you ever have any feelings towards me at all?” 

“Yes… as a friend.”

“A friend. That is all?”

“Nate, I…” Bethany sighed. “You were the one who had an interest in me. I thought I had made it clear that while I did like you… I didn’t love you.”

“You never even wanted to give me a chance… did you? Even when you told me how furious you were at… him. All it took from him was one stupid apology and you went right back to him?”

“It wasn’t a stupid apology! He was very sincere! He had been ashamed of his actions… Also, I didn’t just go right back. It was a few days - ”

“A few days? Just a few days?!” Nate spat out.

“Why are you so angry at me, Nathaniel Howe? I am a grown woman! I can make my own decisions!”

Nate was silent, so Beth continued.

“Yes, I have gone back to Alistair. Angry as I was at his prior actions… I had to admit to myself, I really hadn’t stopped caring for him. He is a good man. Look at all the nice things he had done for our group in our first days of traveling: the fish he caught, the eggs he found, the shelter from the storm…”

“I would have done those things too for you! For us! He just never gave me a chance!”

“It isn’t a competition. It never was. I was not a prize to be won!”

“Did he… Have you and him… had sex?”

“Why are you asking me this? You already know!”

“I know you had a fling with him two years ago… That much you told us when you first came to Vigil’s keep,” Nate was breathing hard, trying to keep his temper down. “What I am asking now is… Did he fuck you in the last week?!”

Beth’s eyes filled with tears… She was hurt that her friend was so angry and bitter. She had thought he would understand.

Nate, unfortunately, took her tears the wrong way.

“That bastard! He did!” Nathaniel whirled around and stalked over to Alistair. He swung out his fist, which Alistair quickly dodged. “You asshole! How dare you assault Bethany!”

Stroud, Audouin, Cardin, and Sigrun all leaped to their feet. Stroud quickly got in between Alistair and Nathaniel.

“Nathaniel! Hold yourself!” Stroud shouted. Nate stopped trying to get to Alistair, but his face was red and fuming. “What in the seven voids is going on?!” Stroud turned to Alistair. “Is this allegation true? Have you done something to Bethany?”

“Ser, I have no idea what is going on!” Alistair pleaded. “He just came over and started swinging at me!”

“DON’T LIE!” Nate bellowed. “She told me y-you fucked her!”

Bethany quickly ran over to the men.

Turning to Bethany, while still keeping Nate and Alistair apart, Stroud asked, “Is this true, Bethany?”

“NO! No, it is not! Nate… Nathaniel misunderstood what I had been trying to tell him! Alistair did nothing that I didn’t want him to do! He and I have cleared up our past and we have gotten back together! I love him and I want to be with him! ”

Nate went from red to white in the space of mere seconds. “You love him? After all the shit he put you through?”

Facing Nate, Beth spoke bluntly. “As I told you… He apologized for what happened!”

“So you went straight to his bed right after that?”

Beth glared at him. “No! I did not! Neither did he come to mine! It was a few days after that! Now that may still not seem like much time, but in that period, I told you I had come to the realization that I had never stopped caring for him!”

“Then why did you lead me on?!”

“I didn’t! If that is how you interpreted my friendship, then that was your mistake!”

Sigrun softly spoke up, “Nate, I did try to tell you this…”

Whirling on her, he growled out, “I didn’t ask for your thoughts on this matter!”

Stroud grasped Nathaniel’s arm and pulled him away from the group. “Please excuse us all. I want to have some words in private with Nathaniel.” Then to Bethany, “I’d also like to speak with you and Alistair once I am done here. Understand?”

Both Beth and Alistair nodded.

Off in the shadows, they could make out Stroud and Nathaniel talking. Their voices were kept low, so no one could hear what they were speaking about. Several minutes passed, then Nathaniel finally walked back to the campfire. He did not look at Beth or Alistair as he passed. He just sat down and quietly stared at the fire.

“Bethany?” Stroud called her over. “I’d like to get your side of this story.”

As she passed Alistair, she murmured, “I’ll set the story straight.” He merely nodded at her.

Again, several moments passed. Finally, Beth left Stroud and he called Alistair over.

Alistair approached Stroud. “Yes, ser?”

“So it has been told to me by Bethany that you and she are a couple again?”

“Yes, ser.” Alistair took a breath and then said, “I love her. Very much.”

“And you have given her a ring? A promise to marry? Is this correct?”

“Yes.”

“What is your side of the story with Nathaniel then?”

“All I know is what Bethany told me. She said they were friends. She had met him at Vigil’s Keep several months ago. He was the one who apparently pursued her and she was not… comfortable with it. She wanted to be his friend, nothing more. From what she told me over the last week as we traveled, she had never really forgotten me… even when she was angry.”

“Hmm. Her story and yours pretty much match up.”

“And… Nathaniel?”

“He apparently saw something that wasn’t there… but from my understanding, Bethany didn’t really discourage his advancements.”

“So… What happens now?” Alistair asked. “We can’t have in-fighting.”

“No. We can not. I will attempt to have Nathaniel apologize to both of you. Once we reach Montsimmard, after some initial training, I will send him to Weisshaupt. Up there, he should have some time to reflect on his actions.”

“I am sorry this had to happen, ser. I never meant to cause trouble.”

Stroud gave Alistair a serious look. “What happened at the beginning of the journey was on you for hurting Bethany. However, you apologized, and you have more than made up for those actions.” Stroud nodded, then said, “You do realize, however, that even if you marry, you still may be sent on separate missions. You won’t always have time for yourselves.”

“Yes, ser. We understand. I just want to be able to support her. Being a Warden is not an easy job. Our time together will always be precious.”

“You are wise for a Warden who is still so young.” Stroud smiled. “Don’t ever lose that quality.”

“I will do my best, ser.”

Nathaniel was bitter, but he did mumble an apology to both Bethany and Alistair the following morning. For the rest of their journey, he lingered behind the rest of the party, not speaking to anyone. Beth was sad that her friendship with him had apparently dissipated. She hoped in time he would forgive her.

Sigrun was also upset. Nathaniel wouldn’t even speak to her. When she found out from Stroud that he would be sent to Weisshaupt, she asked to be sent with him. Stroud was surprised but agreed. She murmured to Beth that she hoped that her company would help him and perhaps mend their friendship. Beth didn’t want Sigrun to leave, but she understood why. She wished her well.

By afternoon the next day after Nate’s apology, they could see Montsimmard at long last. As Beth spoke fluent Orlesian, she offered to find Pierre and drop off the groomsman’s horses once they were in town. Alistair agreed.

They arrived at the Warden’s compound. Beth immediately left with the horses. Alistair had wanted to give her a goodbye kiss but realized it might be best to hold off public affection until Nathaniel had left, so as to not tip the pot over.

He looked around the compound. It was an impressive fortress. It had barracks, a large training yard, a smithy, a weapons shop, a leatherworker, a mage’s tower for magic supplies, a large vegetable and herb garden, and a tavern. Outside the keep was a barn for horses, and a stockyard for hogs, sheep, and chickens.

Alistair was lost in thought, wondering and hoping that they would allow him and Beth to room together even though they were not married yet. Suddenly, something… or rather someone caught his eye.

No! It can’t be!

But the man was unmistakable. All too clearly, he remembered that face from Ostagar… from the Landsmeet.

Loghain.

Just my damned luck! He really was made into a Grey Warden… and the Joining didn’t kill him! What the void is he doing here?!

To Alistair’s dismay, Loghain noticed him. A look of surprise crossed his face. Then he began walking to where Alistair stood.

Why is he coming to me? Alistair began to panic. What is he going to say? What am I going to do?! But Alistair was stunned by what happened next.

Loghain stopped in front of him… and then dropped to one knee, his head bowed.

A moment of silence passed, then Loghain gruffly spoke. “Alistair. I am sorry. What I did to you at Ostagar… it was the act of a coward. I shouldn’t have pulled my troops. I shouldn’t have left Cailan, or Duncan, to die alone. I know there is no excuse I can give that will justify my actions, but when my scouts reported that the darkspawn numbers were well and truly beyond what Cailan's army was expecting, I knew the battle would be lost.”

Alistair swallowed. Words didn’t want to come, but as the silence stretched, he knew he would have to say something. Finally, “W-why didn’t you tell Cailan that he should retreat then?”

Loghain sighed. He stood up and said, “You know how prideful your half-brother was. He was always doing the opposite of what I advised, just to spite me. I did tell him what had been reported to me, but he laughed and told me I was being overly dramatic!”

“Why not tell Duncan then? Maybe he could’ve convinced - ”

Loghain shook his head sadly. “Even if I had said anything at the war meeting, I know Cailan would have contradicted me. He truly thought he would win because he had Duncan and the Wardens with him! So I had my troops retreat. Live to fight another day, I thought…”

Alistair frowned. “Fine. Say I accept the fact that you left because you knew we would be defeated. Why then did you attempt to make yourself King? Why did you frame the Wardens as the enemies?!”

“When I returned to Denerim, the nobles were furious at me that I had returned without Cailan. I had to try and do something to calm them down! They never would have accepted the story that I left so that we could rebuild our army to attack again! Nor would they have accepted that Cailan’s ego was what ultimately led to his death. I… had to blame someone. In my haste, I named you, the Wardens, as the ones who were to blame. For that, again, I am sorry.

As for me ‘being King’, again this was a decision made by the nobles. Truly, I didn’t want it, but they called Anora ‘a childless widow!’ My daughter! Their Queen! They said I should take over until she got remarried and produced an heir! Reluctantly, I agreed. My own daughter hated me when I did this. She thought that I had chosen to leave her husband to die for my own personal gain! I tried to explain, but she refused to hear me out no matter what I did.”

“What about the Landsmeet?! Why did you stick to the lies?”

Loghain bowed his head. “By then, I was already so deeply ingratiated into everything… I didn’t see a way I could back out. Your… comrade, Aedan Cousland, ended up turning many nobles to your side… and somehow also managed to sweet-talk my daughter into truly believing I was the enemy. I knew I’d lose the Landsmeet… and to be honest, I was glad. I figured they would just kill me! But then Riordan offered the choice to make me a Grey Warden. I was surprised. I was even more surprised when Aedan agreed!” He paused. “I know you won’t like this next part, but if you hadn’t spoken against my becoming a Warden… and yelled out that you would become King solely to make me pay, then perhaps Anora and Aedan wouldn’t have done what they decided next…”

“You mean their attempt to execute me?” Alistair balled his hands into fists and muttered. “Yes, I am all too aware what a mistake that was…”

Loghain put a hand on Alistair’s arm. “I am glad you managed to get away.”

Alistair was stunned. “Y-you are?”

“You are Maric's son. Should anything happen to my daughter... you could still legitimately take the throne if needed.” Alistair flinched at the thought. He really hoped no one would force that fate upon him. Loghain, for his part, either didn't notice Alistair's discomfort or he chose to ignore it. “Where did you disappear to?” he asked. “No place in Ferelden would have been safe. Not even Redcliffe.”

“I ended up in Kirkwall. Drinking away what little money Eamon and Teagan had been able to give me.”

“I see... and how did you end up back in the Grey Wardens?”

Now Alistair had to smile. “I… met someone. A remarkable woman. There is a lot to our story that I don’t wish to go into now, but she was the one who gave me the courage to tell myself I wasn’t a complete failure. I had made mistakes, but I learned from them. When I had nowhere to go but up, I did just that. I found myself back in Redcliffe temporarily. Fortunately, no one came looking for me. As three years had passed by then, perhaps they assumed I was dead? I don’t know. But while I was there, I picked myself up, gave up the drink, and got back into fighting shape. I then went back to Kirkwall where I knew Stroud was recruiting, I asked to rejoin the Grey Wardens.”

“That is good.” Loghain gave a small smile, which completely took Alistair by surprise. He had never seen this man smile. Becoming a Warden seemed to have truly changed Loghain. So Alistair had to ask. “How did you end up here? In Orlais?”

Loghain shook his head. “My daughter’s idea. I never would have thought she, of all people, would have done something like that to me.” Loghain dropped his voice to a whisper, “She knows how much I despise this country!” He looked around quickly as if to make sure no one but Alistair had heard that. He raised his voice slightly and said, “After becoming a Warden, I found out just how much of an asshole that Cousland brat was. I was the one who killed the Archdemon in that final battle… but he took all the credit! Then, despite my protests, she and Aedan married! I guess that was when she decided to send me here. I’m sure he encouraged her… to get rid of me. Then I couldn’t speak out against the ‘Hero of Ferelden’ anymore.”

Alistair was flabbergasted. Loghain was the one who had ended the Blight? He had just assumed, apparently like everyone else, that Aedan had been the one. Before he could ask what it had been like – facing the Archdemon – Loghain surprised him even further.

“Look, Alistair. I know I don’t deserve any forgiveness from you for what I put you through - and for what I did to your half-brother, and your mentor - but as we are both Wardens now, perhaps I can someday slowly earn your trust?”

“I…” Alistair wasn’t entirely sure he could truly forget and forgive all that had happened back then, but Loghain really did seem sincere. Eventually, he answered. “I suppose now that we are both Wardens… I can try.”

Loghain nodded. “I have a long road ahead, but this… this is a start.”

Chapter Text

This is just a short note for my readers...

I know this story was last updated a long time ago.

However, it has NOT been abandoned!

I got a little burnt out in writing, so this tale was moved to the back burner (so to speak).

I will continue this FanFic. I have too many interesting ideas about where this story might yet go.

Please be patient with me.

I have other tales I've written if you'd like to read them in the meantime...

Thank you!