I have no claim to anything in DA. Although I would love to claim Alistair *wiggles eyebrows* Ahem. A little explaination yes? Now this started out as a 'what if' thought in my head, regarding my Warden character. Kinda filling things out through her eyes. I took some creative liberties (relax, nobody's riding a neon unicorn into battle ;p), with the characters. Especially with Morrigan, I made her softer then she is, in regards to her friendship with the Warden. However her little speech on us being friends in the actual game made me tear up a bit...I really felt she was such a tough cookie, so it was sweet to see her feel that close to another. Also I made sure to leave out the Warden's name, just so the fellow Alistair/NF fans can put themselves in those shoes. I hope you have a fun time reading this. Thanks - Moody =^_^=

I smoothed my hand over the cool stone of Redcliffe Castle. The perfect masonry, the smoothness, I reflected on this for a moment. It all could be rubble if we were to fail. Behind me, the dim glow of candles casting shadows of the strategists in the makeshift war room. The rest of the day and night was mine. It could be the last time I would ever spend among friends…actually it would be.

After learning that when the Archdemon is slain, the Warden who struck the final blow, would also fall. I had planned all along, for myself to be taken by this mystic, and cruel force. I had promised him that I would be there. I promised him if he was going to rule, that I would be right beside him. I would have to break that promise. He has a country to lead. I have an empty estate. He has many people who look up to him and who care deeply for him. My best friend is an apostate and a dog. No, there would be less mourning for my death. Alistair would be a wreck, however. That would be my only regret in life… I would end up breaking his heart.

With the afternoon waning, I walked down a narrow hall towards Alistair's room, and knocked on the door. I barely had time to register the door flinging open, and his strong arms pulling me in. There was laughter as he tumbled backwards and onto the large bed. "This bed, well it's far to big for just me.." he trailed off, his eyes practically glowing. "What if it was Ogren instead of me? How would you explain that to him?" I poked his chest, mocking him gently. For a moment we lay there, facing each other. Just holding each other. For this one moment we weren't Wardens, or a King, or a Noble. We were just existing.

He brushed a stray hair off my face, and held his hand there. It was warm and I leaned into his touch. He sighed and looked into my eyes, "I've been with you long enough to see that you carry your feelings in your eyes. Right now I see a storm brewing. Please talk to me?" Sometimes for such a light-hearted man, he could be so intense. I took a shaky breath, I have to be strong. And a single tear betrays me. Damn. I slowly sat up, bringing Alistair with me. Pulling myself up straight, he seemed to recognize that I was putting on my 'big girl boots' so to speak. "My king…my liege. I have decided I need to be the one to strike the final blow. You have to stay strong and survive. You can't let that traitor's daughter take the throne. These people need you, our friends need you…" "And I need you!" He practically roared, standing up.

I stood up to face him. I may be short, but by the Maker, I would not back down. My hands balled into fists. " Alistair. I will not be denied. Allow me to at least reclaim some honor for my family name. So help me…I WILL turn my blades against you, if you even think about sacrificing yourself. All it would take is some crippling venom." My voice was cold. He knew he was speaking to The Assassin, and not his lover. There was nothing that could change my mind. And suddenly the soon-to-be king broke. I can't remember the transition, or the look on his face, but he was suddenly on the floor, holding my legs silently. I could feel his tears on my bare feet. By the Maker I couldn't steel myself now, he was my weakness. I bent down and pulled his face towards mine as softly as I could. We both knew it would be our last time to share our love. My lips claimed his and his massive arms scooped me up and placed me on the bed.

Our love making had been at first, awkward and shy. Then as our love grew, it would be a joyous break at the end of a stressful day. Sometimes we would be silly, other times, aggressive. It always seemed like we were sneaking around camp, joking and laughing as if it was a secret joke between us. But today was different. It was almost a sacred act. No words were spoken, they didn't need to be. As he explored my body, I could tell he was begging his fingertips to memorize my skin. He was different this time, as if he was physically claiming me as his. His grip like stone, he was relentless and caring. For the first time, I didn't muffle my cries, I didn't give a damn who heard.

We must have lay face to face for hours. A maid at the door informed us of dinner and with heavy hearts we got up. I pushed open the door, when his hand enclosed my wrist. "I-I want you to know, I wanted to ask you to…Maker I was even thinking about where we could build a home." My head bowed down, and his arms held me. "I know. I'm sorry, I promised that I would help you build a monument to Duncan didn't I?" I turned around, and put on a brave smile and squeezed his hand. He nodded and led the way. I noticed a shadow lurking in an alcove behind us. "Go on ahead I need to grab something out of my room." Something told me he was a little suspicious but left me on my own. I approached the hooded figure in the dark and laughed a little. "This is a little over-dramatic isn't it?"

Morrigan smirked. There was a time when she might have been offended of being spoke to like that. But there are forces in this world that bend even the hardest people together. The once frosty apostate is now someone I consider my best friend. Her eyes were damp, and I held her hand softly. "I've never seen you like this…Morrigan talk to me." She snorted and grinned. "You know, if you speak a word of me falling apart like this to anyone…I really will turn you into a frog. And him too..the big oaf." I understood now, she heard us when I opened the door. "I know what you plan on doing. I do think it's noble, however I'm afraid I can't let you. You see I'll have to deal with his endless squawking and tears over your body. I mean can you imagine ME trying to soothe him?" I crossed my arms, unable to hide my grin. She was like the big sister I never had. "Alright Morrigan, what are you hiding. I know that brilliant brain has cooked something up. I can see it on your face."