A Change of the Script

Chapter 3

"Alistair, please! What if someone sees? This could ruin your position!" she said trying, but not whole heartedly, to squirm out of his hold.

"I think we'll be alright for a little while." the soon to be King said calmly, his voice not having lost the husky sound. "I saw Zevran and Sten as I came to meet you. I think they may have ourprivacy covered".

"Oh...." the rogue said intelligently. She thought she had been discreet but apparently the assassin was much more observant than he let on. He must have noticed her sneak out of camp. The only thing that she couldn't figure out was how he had gotten Sten to help. She didn't realise she had voiced this thought out loud until she heard a chuckle coming from above her.

"He did have some cookies. No idea where Zevran would have gotten them but bribing with sweets wins Sten's help most of the time." Alistair said, chuckling lightly.

They stood for a while longer wrapped in each others arms, both knowing that it wouldn't......couldn't last but neither wanting to be the first to pull away. They relished the comfort and strength that they gained from the other, the warmth and familiarity of being wrapped up in someone that they loved with their whole heart. After what felt like an eternity but in reality was too short a time Lyna slowly pulled herself from his embrace but kept one hand on his arm.

"I have something that I would like you to have." she said gently. "We don't know what will happen, Even if we do both survive we will be seperated, but I just wanted you to have this". Slowly Lyna removed a cord from around her neck and placed it in Alistair's hand. On the cord was a simple silver band with an Elvish design etched onto it. "It was my fathers. Keeper Marathari gave it to me when I was young. She told me that my mother had given it to him on the day that they were joined. I know that we cannot stay together but........... I want you to have my fathers ring to remind you of me." she said softly as she gently closed his hand around the gift and pushed it closer to him. She had worn the ring around her neck from the moment Keeper Marathari had given it to her and knew that she wanted Alistair to have it as he did her heart. She felt her resolve strengthen. Without a shadow of a doubt, she would make sure that Alistair will survive this coming battle, Fen Harel take her if anything were to happen to him.

O-o-o-o-o-o-o

Alistair was lost for words. The ring that Lyna had placed in his hand was simple in design but was beautifully and expertly crafted. He understood that this ring held more significance than a simple 'keep it to remember me' gift. In giving him this ring Alistair knew that Lyna was really giving him her heart. Slowly, almost reverently, he raised his arms and placed the cord around his own neck. Feeling his fingers brush the chain of his mothers locket he carefully unlatched it and brought placed it gently around the Dalish's slender neck.

"Please keep this safe for me." he said, smiling lovingly down at his Dalish rose. Knowing she was about to protest he claimed her lips again. All thoughts left their minds and feelings reigned, fire burning beneath both Wardens as they let their passion for each other burn bright.

O-o-o-o-o-o-o

Arriving in Denerim Lyna couldn't believe her eyes. Darkspawn were everywhere. At least a quarter of the city seemed to be in flames. The Ferelden army had stopped not far from the city where Alistair had given a speech to the gathered forces. She had been so very proud of him. He had proven himself a true leader, Warden and King. The gathered forces had visibly gained confidence as he had spoken and when he had mentioned her she could see the Dalish that had joined the army visibly swell with pride.

The fight to the gates had been tough but they had made it. Lyna had noticed that all of her companions had stayed fairly close to each other, covering each others backs. Once they had secured the gates Riordan had gone to find the Archdemon whilst Lyna chose a group to go with her into the city and find the Darkspawn Generals. They had agreed that a small group would be able to make their way easier through the city as the gates would also need defending. Knowing that if she decided to leave Alistair at the gates he would have followed her anyway, and if truth be told she really did want him in this fight as a Warden. It was tricky deciding who else she should take but in the end she had chosen Wynne and Zevran to accompany her and Alistair. She had known that no matter who was chosen to go with her the others would feel left out, and as she spoke to each of them before entering the city proper she was proven right. Oghren and Sten had accepted her choice after she had pointed out that holding the gates would be no easy task. Leliana had wished her luck, even if she did seem a bit put out. Falon had been none too happy and kept barking as though reprimanding her for not taking him. She had realised early on that this Mabari was too smart so shetold him that he must help protect the gates with Sten as he would need his help. Shale was disapointed that she wouldn't be able to help destroy the 'giant flying squishy thing' but had accepted saying that at least she wouldn't run out of other 'squishy things' to pulverise.

Speaking with Morrigan had been tricky. Lyna had accepted that shemight not come back from this fight but Morrigan seemed convinced shewould. The witch of the wilds mainly seemed upset that Lyna hadn'tchosen her to go into the city. At one point she seemed about to saysomething then changed her mind. Lyna was even more surprised thatwhilst she was making sure her small group were ready, Morrigan and Alistair stepped just out of hearing range of her elven ears and had a very hushed conversation. What really made her jaw drop was that neither seemed about to harm the other. The Elf questioned the ex Templar later as they made their way into the city but all he would say was that Morrigan was concerned for Lyna.

Taking out the Generals was no easy feat as they seemed to enjoy having two or three Ogres with them. It was exhausting work but with the help of allies spread throughout the city, they managed to defeat them all. After a brief rest, having defeated the final General in the Alienage with the help of the city Elves that had been trapped in the city, they started heading towards Fort Drakon. Fighting their way through the Palace district Lyna saw a shadow of something passing overhead. Looking up she saw the Archdemon circling the area. As she watched, a figure that she assumed to be Riordan jumped onto the dragon. A small flicker of hope arose within her as she turned back to her own battle. Maybe this will all be over soon and Riordan will succeed. She thought, only for her hopes to be crushed a short while later. A pained and angry roar sounded loud in her head and ears, diverting her attention overhead again. Thanks to her Elven eyes she could see Riordan slicing through the dragons wing but his sword didn't hold him in place. The Archdemon was flying and bucking wildly trying to dislodge the Grey Warden from it. For Lyna, it felt like time stoodstill as she watched the veteran Warden fall from the dragon towards the burning city below.

As she watched the Archdemon fly almost limpingly towards the top of Fort Drakon she felt her resolve harden. She knew what she must do. She must take the final blow. She would not let Alistair sacrifice himself as she knew, in her heart, he would be doing it to save her.