This story contains spoilers from the book Dragon Age: The Calling so for those who have not read it yet and intend to I would advise to not read this story just yet.

When I played Dragon Age: Origins and Alistair told the truth about his father I hated Maric for what he did. Later I read The Stolen Throne and, though Maric is the main character and quite charming I must admit, I still hated him a bit. But at the end of The Calling I couldn't hate him anymore. Instead I hated the way they depicted him in the game. They led everyone to believe he was an asshole who abandoned the son he had with a woman that wasn't the Queen. But everything was a lie after all. So this story comes from that misinformation I have been fed during Origins and the revelation I had in The Calling. I hope you will like my little fantasy and thanks for reading and reviewing. :)

Alistair sighted with exasperation at the pile of papers littering his desk. He didn't mind being King anymore, some days he even enjoyed it. But surely not days like today when Eamon would drop a pile of papers for him to read. He leaned back in his chair as he felt the beginning of a headache. He closed his eyes and pressed his fingers on his temples, massaging them in an attempt to ease the pain.

"Am I interrupting something?"

Alistair opened his eyes to greet the woman standing in the door. Ever since he met Kayra Cousland in Ostagar Alistair knew he wanted to be with her. She was the first and only woman he ever loved, the only one who truly understood him. He smiled tenderly at his wife.

"Is there something I can do for you, my love?" he asked, rising from his chair to embrace her tenderly.

"I have something for you." she said as she handed him a small book.

Alistair took the book in his hand and looked at her curiously. "Thanks, I guess." She remained silent, her eyes still on the book. "Kayra, why are you giving me this? You know I do not like to read as much as you do."

"I think this one will interest you. It is your father's journal."

"My what? Where ...where did you find it?" he asked, shocked.

"Well hidden in our room. I found it by accident."

Alistair looked at the book, wondering what he should do with it. He had met Maric only once but the King never talked to him, he merely looked at him, probably shocked at seeing his son for the first time. He knew that journal was the only way he would ever get "close" to his father but was it really something he wanted? As he grew up Alistair learned to despise the man who made his life a living hell without even being a part of it. After all, everyone who knew the truth either despised him or treated him differently. Everyone, except Kayra.

"You read it." Alistair whispered, his eyes going back to his wife.

"I did. And so should you."

"No. I never knew him. He never cared and I don't either." Alistair stated as he handed back the book to Kayra.

"Alistair, you really should read it. There are things you should know about him." Kayra was handing the book back and he took it reluctantly.

"Fine, if it pleases you, I will read it." He rolled his eyes as he took the book.

Kayra sighted. "I am not asking you to do it for me. I know what is in the book and you need to know it as well."

OooooooO

Alistair closed the book, unable to think straight as anger boiled in his veins. He rose from his seat and stormed out of the room, the book in hand. He headed to the library where he found his wife reading near a window. She smiled but when she saw the anger in his eyes the smile faded.

"Where is Eamon?"

"You finished it." she said, stating the fact more than asking.

"Where is he?"

"In the throne room, I think." Alistair left the library, his wife following him. "Alistair, wait. You should calm down, I'm sure there is an explanation." she said but his pace accelerated and she remained behind as he made his way to the throne room.

Eamon was talking with a man and when he saw the King he knew something had gone wrong. He could feel Alistair's anger and he steeled himself for the outburst he felt was coming.

"You lied to me!" Alistair shouted at Eamon. "All those years, you lied!"

Eamon looked at Alistair curiously. "I don't understand what you're talking about."

"Don't! No more lies. I want the truth now."

"Alistair, why don't you tell me what is upsetting you?" Eamon said as he led Alistair to a chair.

Alistair threw the book to Eamon who caught it between trembling fingers. He looked at it and recognized the writing as being Maric's. "What is it?"

"Maric's journal. When he travelled to the Deep Roads with the Grey Wardens." Alistair answered as if it would explain everything.

"I still don't understand. I knew he travelled with them but I never knew the existence of this journal."

"Maybe you should read the last entry and explain."

Eamon did as asked and flipped the pages to the last entry. He read the small paragraph and gasped as he understood why the man was so furious. "I did what he asked."

"All those years you let me think he never wanted me. You even told me my mother was dead when she was alive!"

"I didn't know about your mother, he never explained. He just said you couldn't stay in Denerim." Eamon stared at the young man beside him, he could feel his pain and confusion in the air and he didn't know what to tell him. "Alistair, I am sorry. Maric didn't want you to know."

Eamon's eyes shifted to the woman entering the room and he motioned her to come before rising. "You need to calm down. We can talk about this later though I don't know much." He squeezed Alistair's shoulder amicably.

Alistair nodded as Kayra sat in the chair Eamon vacated. She put her hand on her husband's cheek and made him look at her.

"Alistair, talk to me."

"All my life I thought I was a burden to him. I hated him so much for rejecting me without even knowing me." Alistair felt the tears roll on his cheek. Kayra took him in her arms and he buried his face in her shoulder. "Everything they told me ... I always thought I meant nothing. And Duncan ... I can't believe she was a Grey Warden and he never told me. She was his friend."

"They did what your mother wanted. She tried to protect you."

"Protect me from what?" he asked, anger in his voice.

"She was an elf and a mage. She didn't want you to have that life. And she didn't want people to see you as a threat to Cailan. That's why she asked Maric to send you away. And he did because he loved her, and I am sure he loved you." She brushed his tears tenderly and smiled at him. "Maybe your mother is still alive."

"Maybe."

"See the bright side of it. Goldanna is not your sister." Kayra grinned which brought a smile on Alistair's face though he struggled not to.

"That is a relief." Alistair replied as he took her in his arms.

"Maybe you should try to find her." Kayra whispered in his ear.

Millions of thoughts crossed Alistair's mind at that moment. What was he supposed to do? What if his mother was still alive? What would he tell her if he found her? Would she even know who he is? Would she want to know him or send him away again for his own protection? Maybe reading that journal wasn't a good idea. Alistair told himself. He felt more confused now than he ever felt before...