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The Last of the Couslands	By : MistressofMagic Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 4401 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Bioware and EA own everything associated with the Dragon Age universe. I am making no money off of this fan fiction.

Chapter List
- 57
- 58
- 59
Chapter 57
The Final March
The next morning, the castle stirred way before the sun ever rose from it's slumber. Bridget sat in front of her mirror again and added the last pin to her hair. She stared at her tired reflection and sighed. Her mind gave her no rest the night before as her thoughts swam over the Darkspawn, Eamon nearly being killed…and, of course that brief window of time she had with Alistair. Bridget closed her eyes as she remembered the feel of his calloused hands over her soft skin. She knew it was a good thing that they were interrupted, however, because things would only be even more difficult later if they had lain together…but Maker if Bridget didn't want it to happen. She shook her head, as if thinking it would clear at least that particular thought from her mind and stood. She whistled for Zeus and he trotted up beside her. Bridget swung her pack over her shoulder after stuffing her journal inside it and exited the room, gently closing the door behind her. She made her way down the stairs and stopped once she made it to the bottom to sweep her eyes over everyone in the hall. A handful of Eamon's men were still getting their things ready, sharpening their swords, packing their knapsacks. Bridget's eyes caught Alistair's across the room…but she quickly blinked and looked away, for she knew if she stared for too long she would become lost in those honey colored orbs. Bridget quickly turned her attention to Teagan who had come rushing towards her.
"All of the armies have responded to your letters, my lady. They are preparing to march today as well." He stated.
Bridget breathed a sigh of relief. Hopefully, with any luck, they would reach Denerim before the Darkspawn.
"That is very good news." She replied, smiling. Although she knew better than to get her hopes too high, she would at least carry some with her. Teagan nodded and then looked around before dropping his voice.
"I know we are pressed for time, my lady…but if you could spare me a moment…may I speak to you in private?"
Bridget looked at Teagan quizzically for a moment before nodding and following him outside towards the balcony. Once there, Teagan turned to her and then looked at his feet.
"I…I just wanted to apologize for any offense I may have caused you last night, my lady. I should not have tried to kiss you…nor should I have looked at you so…oddly when you confessed still having feelings for Alistair. Love is a very strong emotion…I should not have expected you to be over him so quickly."
Bridget smiled and placed her hand on Teagan's shoulder. He looked up at her and relaxed a bit at her smile.
"There was no need to apologize, Teagan. You did nothing wrong. I carry no ill feelings towards you at all."
Teagan smiled.
"That is good to know, my lady."
They were quiet for a minute, but Teagan looked like he wanted to say something else, so Bridget tilted her head to the side.
"Is there something else you wish to discuss with me?" she asked softly.
Teagan looked into her eyes for a moment before he replied,
"If…when this is all over…and you've had some time to heal from Alistair…would you consider entering a courtship with me?" he asked just barely above a whisper.
Bridget looked at Teagan and was quiet for a few minutes.
"Teagan…you are assuming that both of us will survive this coming battle…and that is not a very wise thing to do in a time of war. Besides you have heard Eamon. I cannot bear children and you too would need an heir. And don't even tell me you would be keen on the idea of asking for the mages to help in that matter, because you may say it, but I do not believe you would mean it…not after what you went through with Connor."
Teagan opened his mouth to retort…but after Bridget's last sentence, closed it quickly. Maker…she was right. After being subjected to the horrors he and the rest of the village endured when Connor was possessed…how could he trust a mage, being always open and vulnerable to demons, with the delicate matter of pregnancy?
When he didn't respond, Bridget nodded.
"That's what I thought…but I place no blame on you, Teagan. You saw what they are capable of if a demon has them in it's snares…If I must I will become an old maid and never marry. After all…it is…difficult finding a man who does not want or need an heir. Or perhaps I will die in the coming battle…it is not for us to decide on this day." She stated.
Teagan drew his brows together and looked at Bridget warily, as did Alistair who was concealed again in the curtain (this time making sure his feet were not visible).
"What are you saying…my lady?" Teagan asked slowly.
Bridget looked at him and set her jaw.
"If I am to die in battle…then I will accept that. After all…I would be reunited with my family again…and I think that I would enjoy that much more than having to witness Alistair marry another. I am tired, Teagan. I'm tired of having to be strong and keep up a brave front when inside all I'm doing is screaming and wishing that I had perished with my parents. If I had, I would not have known the pain it is to lose someone that I love...who is still alive, if you understand my meaning."
Before Teagan could say anything, Bridget blinked back the tears that had welled up in her eyes and cleared her throat.
"We need to return to the task at hand." She stated and hurried back into the main hall.
Once she was well away from the curtain, Alistair revealed himself and stared after her longingly. He never thought he would hear her say she would rather die than see him with someone else…but realized that if their positions were switched, he would probably feel the same. Alistair closed his eyes as he remembered the feel of her soft skin beneath his fingers the night before. He had been without her touch for so long, he had almost forgotten how soft and baby-like her skin actually was. Alistair smiled to himself as he remembered her laughter, her kisses, and those wicked fingers dancing down his chest and towards the ties to his breeches, only to cease there because of the Darkspawn. Alistair sighed as he rested his back against the nearby wall and covered his eyes. If those damnable creatures hadn't shown up…oh if only they hadn't shown up…
"You look a little troubled my friend, everything well?"
Alistair removed his hand from his face to see Zevran standing next to him.
"Just peachy." He snapped.
Zevran looked affronted.
"Such hostility! I would not have expected this from a man who spent the night in the arms of the woman he loved. So tell me, how was the makeup sex? Did Bridget ride you like the bucking bull you are? Or did you grip her hips and thrust into her as if you would never get to again?"
Before Alistair could say anything, Zevran raised his eyebrows and a devilish grin spread across his face. He dropped his voice low and said,
"Or perhaps…oh my dear friend, did you receive the ahem…'lamppost treatment' if you will?"
Alistair who, at this point, was completely mortified and at least twenty shades of red, hissed,
"Andraste's flaming sword, Zevran! Nothing…and I repeat nothing happened. We came close, but heard the commotion downstairs and stopped before anything that you described ever occurred."
Zevran looked up at Alistair sympathetically. He patted him on the arm.
"Oh my dear friend…no wonder you are wound as tight as a coil. Well, perhaps whilst we are traveling you could sneak into Bridget's tent while everyone is sleeping and ravish her then." He suggested.
Alistair frowned.
"That's not going to happen, Zevran. Bridget made it quite clear that we shouldn't…"
He dropped his voice before continuing,
"That we shouldn't have sex anymore…that it would only complicate matters, and it would be more difficult if, say we do survive the Blight, for us to move on from each other."
Zevran looked up at Alistair and truly felt sorry for him, but then remembered that it was his own fault since he didn't agree to her proposal in the first place. He took the opportunity to remind him of that now.
"You know my friend; if you had a backbone to begin with…you wouldn't find yourself in this position now." He stated.
Alistair sighed and covered his face with his hands.
"Maker don't I know it." He whispered as his eyes landed on Bridget who was standing across the room.
Zevran drew his brows together as he stared up at Alistair. He crossed his arms and tilted his head to the side.
"You know Alistair…there are ways to still drive her mad without actually making love to her."
Alistair parted his fingers and looked at Zevran quizzically.
"What do you mean?" he asked softly.
Zevran grinned.
"Take for example, a simple brushing of hands. It is a very simple touch…yet it will leave her skin tingling for more. You told me once that she swayed her hips on purpose just to drive you mad, did you not? Why not become the tease this time? Entice our Warden with the bait…and like the little kitten that she is…she will pounce."
Alistair shook his head.
"But Bridget said,"
Zevran cut him off.
"Alistair…do you truly wish to spend the eve of battle alone? You must trust me on this if you wish to make passionate love to our Warden one last time."
Alistair opened his mouth to reply, but shut it quickly. Zevran made a very good point. He would do anything to have Bridget one last time before they threw themselves into the chaos of the impending battle. Alistair nodded and looked at Zevran.
"Alright…what should I do?" he asked.
Zevran grinned seductively.
"Trust me my friend, with my advice; you will have her beneath you in no time, despite her strong resolve…She wants you, Alistair. I can see it in her eyes…"
Bridget turned away from Leliana and witnessed Zevran and Alistair speaking in what appeared to be hushed tones across the room. She wondered briefly what they were discussing before Bridget caught Eamon descending the staircase with Isolde out of the corner of her eye. She turned her attention to him and noticed he was saying something to Isolde as he strapped on his gauntlet, but appeared to stop mid-sentence when his eyes locked with Bridget's. He nodded towards her. Bridget furrowed her brow slightly before nodding back. She was a bit surprised when he approached her a few moments later.
"We are almost ready here. The other men in the village are already lined up outside." He stated.
Bridget nodded. Eamon looked at her a moment before clearing his throat and saying,
"Thank you for saving mine and my family's life…again. If you had not…well…"
Bridget looked at him.
"It was no trouble, Eamon." She stated.
Eamon looked into her eyes. He wasn't surprised to see the disdain for himself inside them; after all…he had caused her so much grief. It would take a lot to earn her forgiveness…but Eamon vowed he would do anything to repair the damage that he had done…providing they all survived the Blight.
Soon enough the rest of Eamon's men were ready and headed outside with Eamon and Isolde. Bridget turned to follow them and caught Alistair's gaze again. He stared back at her…and she realized that his eyes were reflecting the longing she knew were in hers. With a heavy sigh, Bridget turned her gaze away and pulled up her hood. She walked out into the chilly morning air and mounted her horse that was towards the front of the group. She looked over the men and counted them. Fifty. That was a solid number. Bridget wondered briefly how many of those fifty would remain after the final attack. She decided to clear her mind of that thought for now and turned her attention to Eamon who was bidding Isolde farewell. A faint smile formed on her lips as she watched the two share one final kiss before Eamon mounted his horse. He trotted up next to her and drew his brows together.
"How shall we ride, Bridget?"
Bridget looked at him.
"We must go until we simply cannot go any further. We have no time to piddle about." She stated.
Eamon nodded.
"I couldn't agree more."
He trotted ahead and turned to look over his men.
"We ride until our horses threaten to fall. There is no time to waste!" he shouted.
Eamon thrashed his reins and galloped out of the castle gates. Bridget and her friends followed as Eamon's men marched behind them. Bridget gripped her horse's reins tight as she prayed to the Maker that they could make it to Denerim before the Darkspawn.
The day passed by slowly, but thankfully the weather was still and there were no snowstorms that slowed their progress. Throughout the day, Bridget felt Alistair's gaze on her…and could never resist the urge to look back at him. She was only torturing herself by doing so…but she just couldn't help it. The hours dwindled and soon enough the sun went to sleep again as the moon took its place. Bridget blinked several times to try and keep her eyes open…but she kept dozing off here and there, slumped over slightly. Alistair trotted up next to her so when she did finally fall asleep; she could lean up against his shoulder, sort of. Not long after that the army was forced to make camp as nearly everyone was on their last strings of energy. Despite how exhausted everyone was, however, they were all alert in case any Darkspawn ambushed them. Luckily, no such ambush happened, and the next day they were able to set off once again.
The entire journey back to Denerim took about three days since they rode so fast and didn't stop unless it was necessary. Bridget couldn't remember how many times she prayed to the Maker along the journey, and when she saw Denerim's gates in the distance, she nearly sobbed with relief.
They had made it before the Darkspawn!
The Dalish elves greeted them at the gates as they had arrived before anyone else since they were in the closest proximity towards the city. Lanaya stated that she received a letter from the dwarven forces saying that they would most likely arrive sometime later that day. Bridget smiled, grateful of how things had turned out as both armies headed into Denerim and towards Eamon's estate. Bridget sighed as she looked up at the large home. Of all places, she certainly didn't want to be back here again…but once again pushed those thoughts from her mind as she focused on the task at hand. Since the dwarves had not yet arrived, Bridget decided to head up to her room to rest for a bit. She removed her armor and it clanged to the floor as she crawled into the bed. Maker…she was exhausted. Her bottom was sore from all that riding and she just ached all over. For the first time in a very, very long while, she was able to fall asleep within a matter of minutes.
Bridget slowly opened her eyes as she felt someone nudging her shoulder. She turned to see Alistair standing at the side of her bed. Bridget sat up and rubbed her eyes.
"What is it, Alistair?" she asked groggily.
He shook his head.
"The dwarves are here now and Eamon, Teagan, and Riordan are deliberating on our battle plan for tomorrow. They will probably be done soon, so I just wanted to let you know."
They were both quiet for a long while before Bridget motioned to the end of the bed.
"You can sit, Alistair." She whispered.
He looked at her and then sat on the edge of the bed. Bridget moved to sit next to him.
"Can I ask you something?" he said softly.
Bridget looked at him and nodded. Alistair sighed.
"I…I overheard you tell Teagan back at Redcliffe that you wished you had died with your parents. Is that true?"
Bridget raised her eyebrows before she turned her head and looked into her lap.
"Listening in again, were you?" she asked.
Alistair swallowed.
"I…yes." He replied.
Bridget was quiet for a moment before she answered his question.
"Sometimes I do wish that I had died with them as it would have saved me so much heartache now but…then I remember that if I had…I would not know the love that I have for my friends…or for you." She whispered.
Alistair turned his eyes to her to find her still staring into her lap. He eyed her hand sitting next to him and slowly reached for it. Their hands brushed slightly against each other before Alistair rested his hand atop hers. Bridget turned to look at him then, and he noticed her eyes were shining with tears.
"I wish we could've been like the swallows." She stated softly.
Alistair furrowed his brow.
"What do you mean?"
Bridget sniffled slightly before she gave him a small smile.
"It's a metaphor my father used to say. He always compared his love to my mother's like that of a pair of swallows. Those birds mate for life meaning that they remain with each other until the other dies. And when one of them dies…the other will go mad with grief until death comes to find them."
Alistair ran his thumb over the back of her hand. Bridget closed her eyes.
"If things were different, Alistair, I would have been with you until the day I died."
"And I you." He replied.
Bridget drew her brows together and sighed as she turned her head to the side, blocking Alistair's view of her face.
"I am conflicted. I want you so badly, but my conscious keeps telling me I will regret it later…because after tomorrow you will be king and you must do your duty…"
Alistair turned Bridget so she would face him. He cupped her face in his hands and shook his head.
"I am not king yet." He whispered.
The corners of Bridget's mouth twitched up into a smile, yet it was still a sad smile.
"No, you are not king yet." She repeated.
They both leaned forward and claimed each other's mouth in a slow kiss. Bridget wrapped her arms around Alistair's neck as she opened her mouth wider for his tongue. She hummed in the back of her throat when his tongue stroked hers. They slowly began to pull apart, but Alistair's lips returned to her skin, this time at her ear. He ran his tongue along the outer shell before he made it to her earlobe and sucked on it there. Bridget smiled and blushed slightly. Her ears were always sensitive, and Alistair wasn't being merciful with that knowledge. She ran her fingers through his hair as Alistair left her ear and trailed his kisses down her neck.
Of course before they got too lost in each other, a knock sounded at the door stating that Eamon and the others had formed the plan of attack and wished to go over it with everyone else. Alistair sighed as he pulled away from Bridget, afraid that she would turn him away again later, but Bridget looked up at him and bumped her nose up against his.
"There has been so much sadness lately…I believe we both deserve to be happy one final time. We will finish this later." She whispered before kissing him softly.
Alistair smiled and nodded, realizing he didn't even have to resort to the ridiculous tactics Zevran had described back at Redcliffe. The two left the room and walked down the hall together. Unknown to Alistair and Bridget, Morrigan had been listening in on their conversation. The witch actually managed to smile in their wake. Although neither of them knew it now…they would owe a great deal to the mage later on. Morrigan turned and stalked back off to her room to add the final touches to a potion she was brewing…
Bridget and Alistair walked into the dining room where the rest of her friends save for Morrigan and the leaders of the armies were gathered. They took the remaining two seats next to each other and waited for Eamon to come into the room. Alistair stole a glance at Bridget and nonchalantly rested his hand on her knee beneath the table. She looked at him out of the corner of her eye and smiled slightly.
"You are impossible." She whispered.
Eamon, Teagan, and Riordan entered the room then and with them carried a map of Denerim. Eamon spread it out across the table and placed paperweights in the four corners to keep the map from curling up. Eamon looked up at everyone and cleared his throat.
"After careful deliberation with both Teagan and Riordan, I believe we have formed a solid plan of attack. Obviously the Darkspawn will enter from the city gates. It is possible, however, that they may find other entries into the city as well. The weakened walls that they could destroy are the walls alongside the alienage. From there, depending on their forces, they could gain entry into the upper part of the city and Fort Drakon. Some could also back track and end up in the market place outside."
Riordan nodded.
"I believe that the Arch Demon will locate the tallest tower, which we all know is Fort Drakon, and wreak havoc on the city below because he will have such a high vantage point. Now, in past Blights the Arch Demon always had two very high ranking and powerful Darkspawn, often referred to as his 'generals' somewhere in the battle. Our goal is to first take out those generals, as losing them will greatly weaken the protection the Darkspawn can give their master." He explained.
Teagan looked at everyone in the room before continuing.
"We must split up the armies if we hope to have any chance of winning this battle. What we will do is send one army to each zone that the Darkspawn will probably get to which means one army in the market place, one army in the alienage, and one army at Fort Drakon. I believe the elves should be placed on the highest rooftops, that way they can dispatch as many Darkspawn from a distance as they can. Then and only then once the army of them have entered the city will they join the fight below."
Eamon nodded.
"We must decide which armies to send where, however. Since we did not recruit these armies, we will leave that task up to you, Bridget."
Bridget furrowed her brow and stood as she thought over where to best place the armies. After a moment she nodded her head and announced,
"Eamon's men will fight in the market place. The dwarves will go to the Alienage, and the mages and other elves will be stationed at Fort Drakon. However, I believe once it is determined that no Darkspawn will return to those areas, everyone should move to Fort Drakon. That is where the Arch Demon is…and we will need all of your help to take down that monstrosity."
Riordan nodded.
"Yes…so long as a Grey Warden performs the killing blow." He stated.
Alistair furrowed his brow.
"Why must a Warden deliver the final blow?" he asked slowly.
Riordan looked at him and then at Bridget before his eyes widened.
"I have forgotten that you are only a junior member and Bridget a new recruit…no one could have possibly told you…" he said under his breath.
Bridget and Alistair looked at each other nervously.
"Tell them what, Riordan?" Eamon asked.
Riordan cleared his throat and placed his hands behind his back.
"Before the night is over, I need to see both of you privately. There is something you must know before tomorrow." He stated.
With that Riordan turned and left the room. Eamon stared after him a moment before turning his attention back to the others.
"You should probably speak with him sooner rather than later." He suggested.
Bridget nodded and stood along with Alistair. They exited the room quickly and walked over towards the stairs.
"What do you think he wants to tell us?' Alistair asked.
Bridget shook her head, her nerves winding themselves into a tight knot.
"Nothing good, I'm sure." She stated.
They both climbed the staircase and made their way to Riordan's room. Bridget looked at Alistair nervously as she knocked on the door. Riordan opened it and stepped aside to let them enter.
"I apologize if I was foreboding back there…but you must understand that I do not bring good news."
Bridget slipped her hand into Alistair's without even realizing it. He squeezed her hand comfortingly. Riordan closed the door and walked over towards them. He drew his brows together and sighed.
"I assumed that you already knew this...but I forgot that you are both new members. I said before that a Grey Warden must be the one to kill the Arch Demon. Do either of you know why?" he asked.
Bridget looked at Riordan and replied,
"Does it have something to do with the Taint in us?"
Riordan nodded slowly.
"Yes. You see, if anyone other than a Grey Warden kills the Arch Demon, its essence will just move to a new host, therefore the Blight would continue. However, if a Grey Warden delivers the final blow, because we already carry the Taint in our blood, the Arch Demon's essence flows into whoever kills it. Therefore…that Grey Warden will absorb its essence…meaning that…"
"…The Grey Warden that kills the Arch Demon…dies." Alistair whispered.
Bridget's eyes widened as her stomach did a flop.
Riordan nodded grimly.
"Precisely. It is tradition that the oldest Grey Warden sacrifice themself. Because I am oldest and my time is short anyway, I will provide the killing blow. You two should be fine so long as I survive…and I am pretty fit for my age so I do not believe you will have anything to worry about." He added that last sentence at the end in an attempt to cheer them up…but unfortunately it didn't seem to work.
Riordan sighed.
"That is all I had to say. You two should try and get some sleep." He stated.
Bridget slowly moved towards the door, her hand shaking slightly. She told Teagan before that she could possibly die in the coming battle…but in the days that followed, she tried not to think of that possibility. Now however, knowing that Riordan could very easily be killed before he got to the Arch Demon, Bridget was very aware of her mortality. If Riordan fell…the task of killing the Arch Demon would fall to her because she couldn't let Alistair sacrifice himself…not when he was about to be king! Not when an entire nation needed him!
Bridget turned to Alistair once they were back in the hall and tried to make sure he didn't notice her distress.
"Give me a few hours to myself, Alistair. I will come to you before the night is over with." She stated.
Before Alistair could say anything, Bridget briskly turned and headed back towards her room. Once there, she shut her door and rested her back against it before sliding down to the floor. Zeus hurried over to her and whimpered. He always hated seeing her upset. Bridget took a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves…but she was too distraught. She knew she just knew with her luck Riordan would die before he killed the Arch Demon…
Bridget sighed as she drew her knees up to her chest. She had gone through so much…seen so many terrible things and none of that scared her…but the thought of killing the Arch Demon…of dying with it…
Bridget was scared. Zeus nudged her and whimpered again. She turned to him as a few tears fell from her eyes and scratched his ears.
"You know what boy? Let's go and play fetch. I mean it this time."
xXx
Alistair sat in the dining hall again with a cup of ale in his hand. Although he had full faith in Riordan…he was still wary of the impending battle. Things had always gone wrong for him and Bridget…the odds seemed to never be in their favor. If Riordan died there was no question, Alistair was going to kill the Arch Demon whether Bridget liked it or not. There was no way he would allow her to sacrifice herself…absolutely no way. Alistair lifted his head as he heard the door open and turned, hoping it was Bridget, but discovered it was Morrigan who entered the room. Alistair frowned and turned back around in his seat.
"Well hello to you too, Alistair." She stated.
Alistair sighed.
"What do you want, Morrigan? You've been the only person out of our group who hasn't voiced their opinion of my actions at the Landsmeet. Have you come to do that now?" he asked, really wishing she would go away.
Morrigan shook her head and walked over towards the nearby counter.
"No…I have come to speak with you, actually." She replied.
While she knew his gaze was adverted, Morrigan poured the potion she had been working on into what remained of the ale in the pitcher, knowing that Alistair would probably refill his glass.
"About what? You never want to speak with me."
Morrigan turned and sat down across from him.
"That is because I never had a matter of such great importance to speak of before."
Alistair furrowed his brow and stood. He walked over towards the pitcher of ale and poured the last bit into his goblet.
"Shouldn't you be talking to Bridget about this? She's our leader, after all."
Morrigan pursed her lips together and shook her head.
"I cannot speak to her about this because the nature of it will greatly upset her."
Alistair looked over his shoulder at her with raised eyebrows.
"What do you mean? Is it her brother? Do you know what happened to him?"
Morrigan sighed and shook her head.
"I'm not going to dignify that with a response, Alistair as it is a completely ludicrous question. How could I know anything about her brother when I have been traveling with you two since day one?"
Alistair retook his seat and looked at her.
"Well what is it then?" he asked as he took a sip of ale.
Morrigan folded her hands on the table and became even more serious than usual.
"I know what happens when a Grey Warden slays the Arch Demon…and I can provide you with a scapegoat, if you will. I have something that can ensure both yours and Bridget's survival if one of you has to kill the Arch Demon in place of Riordan."
Alistair raised his eyebrows. For once he was actually grateful that Morrigan was a member of their party.
"What is it that you have? A potion we can drink or something?"
Morrigan shook her head.
"No. You must lie with me this evening. If you do that, both you and Bridget will survive."
Alistair looked at Morrigan for a moment before he burst into laughter. Morrigan remained quiet as he continued to chuckle.
"Okay…okay…good joke I have to admit. Now what's the real thing?" he asked.
Morrigan blinked.
"What I just said. You have to lie with me this evening."
Alistair gaped at her for a long moment.
"I…I don't understand. Why are you willing to do this…you hate me with a burning passion…you,"
Morrigan looked at him and shook her head.
"I do not offer this way out for you, Alistair. I am offering you this opportunity to save my friend…the woman you love. If you love her as much as you say, then you will do this…for her." She stated.
Alistair drew his brows together and shuddered slightly.
"So all I have to do is…sleep with you? That's it? That'll ensure our survival?" he asked.
Morrigan nodded.
"Yes but…I have not said all."
Alistair darted his eyes up to her.
"Oh no there's more? Maker…what else could there be?"
Morrigan sighed.
"This next part is the reason why I did not tell Bridget of this plan. You will not like it either…but in order to ensure that Bridget will survive tomorrow, because you know as well as I that Riordan will fall and something will prevent you from getting to the Arch Demon before she does…you have to go through with this."
Alistair took another gulp of ale, as an odd feeling entered his stomach.
"By lying with me tonight, I will conceive a child. This child will absorb the essence that the Arch Demon releases when it dies. Instead of that essence flowing into Bridget, the child will take it instead."
Alistair's jaw dropped. He stood and narrowed his eyes at her.
"Are you out of your mind? If I can't have a child with Bridget, why the hell would I have a child with you?" he shouted.
Morrigan stood and gave him an icy glare.
"This is the very reason I did not tell Bridget. Knowing that I bear your child would devastate her…but she does not have to know that this happened…and you both can live and you can apologize for being the idiot that you are and marry her despite what everyone else says."
Alistair shook his head.
"No. I'm not doing it. I have full confidence that Riordan will kill the Arch Demon. If he does not, then I will do it. Bridget will get nowhere near that monster. I am not going to father a bastard. Not when I know the pain of not knowing who my father was...I'm not going to make another child endure that. Maker knows what you would even do with a child in the first place."
Morrigan banged her fist against the table.
"Alistair if you die tomorrow than these past weeks will have been for naught! Bridget's pain and suffering of losing you will have been for nothing, when instead you could have been happy the entire time." She stated.
Alistair downed the rest of his ale and clenched his jaw.
"You mock what our love was. I'm not going to be expressing my love for her by sleeping with another woman…and then conceiving a child! I am already forced with the knowledge that I must marry someone else already…and then to say that you would bear my child knowing that Bridget cannot…that's low even for you, Morrigan."
Alistair turned and stalked towards the side door, heading into the adjoining sitting room. Morrigan shook her head.
"When you hold her lifeless body in your arms tomorrow, you would have wished you listened to me."
Alistair flared his nostrils and resisted the urge to shout at her before he opened the door and walked out of the room. When he was gone, Morrigan sighed and checked his goblet, smiling at the empty glass. She walked out of the room and blended in with the shadows as she saw Bridget being dragged by Leliana and Zevran towards the front door and Zeus bouncing at their feet.
"Come on my Warden, just a few drinks at the Gnawed Noble and then we'll leave you alone for the night." Zevran pleaded.
Bridget chuckled.
"Alright one drink...but then I have to play fetch with Zeus for a while." She stated.
Leliana smiled.
"Not to worry, we'll only keep you for an hour or so then you can play with your pup and then you can get back to Alistair!"
Morrigan watched them leave as she emerged from the shadows.
"Don't worry my friend; I will save your life yet." She vowed.
xXx
Alistair paced back and forth in his room as he ran his hand through his hair. The gall of that woman…honestly he had to admit, Morrigan certainly wasn't afraid of anything that was for sure. But to suggest that he father her child…Alistair shook his head. He couldn't even think of the consequences that would produce. He sat on the edge of his bed and sighed. Alistair admitted that he was feeling a little…strange. He blinked and realized his vision was just ever so fuzzy. Alistair thought back…he only had two cups of ale…didn't he? Come to think of it…he couldn't really remember how many cups he had. A knock at the door alerted him and he made his way towards it. Alistair opened the door to find Bridget on the other side. She looked up at him and smiled. He smiled back at her…but furrowed his brow. Her eyes…they looked yellow…a golden color. Alistair blinked and shook his head. Upon reopening his eyes he was staring into her usual, icy blue orbs…but he could've sworn just a moment ago that…
His thoughts left him when she kissed him. Alistair furrowed his brow…this kiss…it wasn't like their normal kisses…but maybe it was and he was just too drunk to tell. He stepped backwards and fell across the bed and watched as she looked at him before she picked up the nearby candle holder and blew out the candle…
xXx
Bridget returned to Eamon's estate close to midnight. She shook her head and sighed. Leliana and Zevran, though she loved them both dearly, were impossible to get away from sometimes…and poor Zeus never wanted to stop playing fetch. She made her way up to her room and closed the door behind her before she pulled off her armor and clothes and slipped into her night shift. She had not forgotten her promise to Alistair, and hoped that she hadn't kept him waiting too long. Bridget decided to just leave her hair up for now and left her room, hurrying down the hallway to Alistair's. The candles along the hall had already been blown out, so Bridget had to touch the wall to guide her. Once she was pretty sure she stood outside of Alistair's room, she gently knocked on the door. There was no reply. Bridget knocked again, a bit louder…but still received no reply. She opened the door herself and squinted in the darkness. At first she didn't think Alistair was in there until she heard a loud snore that sounded like it had the force of a gale wind behind it. She couldn't help but smile as she closed the door and walked over towards him. Bridget climbed up onto the bed and nudged him a few times before she finally saw his eyes flutter open.
"Hmmm…so…decided to stay with me after all?" he asked groggily.
Bridget furrowed her brow.
"What are you talking about? I just got here." She stated.
Alistair stilled next to her. Bridget swiped a box of matches from the end table and lit the nearby candle to better look at him. She turned back to Alistair to find him sitting up and peeking underneath the covers.
"Is everything…okay?" she asked slowly.
Alistair dropped the sheets and looked at her.
"I guess it was just a dream…oh thank the Maker it was just a dream."
Bridget drew her brows together. Alistair looked at her and shook his head.
"I dreamt that you came to me and we made love…but I don't think it was actually you because things were so different. Your hands they…they were so…cold…and your eyes had a sort of malicious look to them…" he stopped and rubbed his eyes and the back of his neck as he shuddered slightly.
Bridget took his face into her hands and stared into his eyes.
"What do you see in my eyes now?" she asked.
Alistair drew his brows together as he placed his hands atop hers.
"Love…and sadness." He whispered.
Bridget swallowed the lump in her throat.
"In your eyes I see the same." She replied softly.
Bridget leaned forward and kissed Alistair deeply. She pulled back after a moment and smiled at him.
"Tonight let there be no sadness. Let us have nothing but one final night of love and passion." She whispered.
Alistair leaned forward and kissed her again. He closed his eyes as he took her breath into his mouth. He lost himself at the feel of her lips against his. They were so smooth…so soft. Alistair took her bottom lip in his mouth and sucked on it before he pulled away slowly. Bridget smiled at him as she turned her back to him and sat on her knees.
"Care to take my hair down for me?" she asked.
Alistair grinned and nodded as he sat behind her. He slowly began to take the pins out of her hair, careful to do it slowly so that none of her hair would pull. Once all of the pins were piled nicely on the bedside table, Alistair turned back to Bridget and brushed her slightly curled tresses away from her neck to hang over her shoulder. They could see their reflections in the mirror hanging on the opposite wall. Alistair leaned close to her and took a deep breath of her scent, sighing at the lavender and cinnamon smell that filled his nostrils. When he breathed out, his breath must've tickled Bridget's neck as he saw her smile. Alistair smiled as well as he pressed his lips to her ear and trailed them down to her lobe again and took it into his mouth.
Bridget closed her eyes and smiled as a quiet chuckle left her lips. Alistair remembered he had hands then and moved them towards her front. He held her breasts in his hands for a moment before he slowly slid them down her sides and hips, leaving her skin burning for his touch in their wake. Even though her shift was thin, Bridget wanted skin to skin contact…but realized Alistair was probably going to hold that off for a while. Alistair left her ear and trailed his mouth down her neck leaving soft, warm kisses against her delicate skin. As he did that, he slid his hands back up her sides and towards her breasts again. Once there, he moved his thumbs over her mounds which were now straining against the fabric of her shift. Bridget sucked in her breath and pressed her back against his chest. She felt the bed shift as Alistair moved to sit in front of her. He let his eyes sweep over her for a moment, taking in the gleam of her hair, her half lidded eyes, flushed face and plump lips.
"Maker I love you, Bridget." He said his voice a little husky.
Bridget smiled before she pushed him backwards and crawled atop him. He grinned as she settled herself atop him and had to chew the inside of his cheek to keep from calling out when she rolled her hips towards him. Bridget leaned over him and her hair covered his face like a curtain.
"I love you too, Alistair. Until the end of time itself I will love you."
She lowered her face to his as she kissed him deeply, running her tongue against his lips only for a second before he opened his mouth, allowing her tongue to dance once again with his. Bridget placed her hands on either side of Alistair's head as she broke the kiss and trailed her lips down his chin and across his jawline. Alistair ran his hands up her legs and sighed at the feel of her skin, hot against his hands. He groaned slightly as her lips continued down his neck, sucking and nipping at the flesh there, already having to rely on his discipline. Bridget made her way back up to his lips again and kissed him deeply as her hands moved down his chest slowly. With the tips of her fingers she traced the contours of his muscles and then followed the trail of copper hair that disappeared beneath his breeches. Before Alistair could grab her hand Bridget had already pressed it up against his arousal making him moan.
"Maker, woman! I had wanted to draw this out for as long as I could but you're making that increasingly difficult." He huffed.
Bridget flashed him a sultry smile before bending to his ear and whispering,
"I'm sure we'll have time for another round afterwards."
She flicked his earlobe with her tongue and lightly grazed it with her teeth. Alistair sighed and closed his eyes…but they flew open a moment later when Bridget began to untie the laces to his breeches. Before she knew it, Alistair had turned the tables on her and her head rested against the pillows. She quirked a brow at him as he pinned her arms over her head.
"I'm not going to let you have all the fun." He stated.
Bridget grinned up at him. Alistair stared into her icy blue gaze…and tried not to think of the fact that this would be the last time he could stare into those eyes…with her lying under him, wrapping her legs around his hips. He half lidded his eyes as he lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her softly, releasing her wrists so he could prop himself up on his hands. Instead of those wicked fingers going back to his breeches, Bridget wrapped her arms loosely around his neck as she closed her eyes and tilted her head slightly to deepen the kiss. Alistair moved his hand towards the side of her face and caressed it slowly as he broke the kiss and moved his lips down her neck again, this time heading towards her breasts. Without bothering to remove her shift, he continued to draw his lips downward and took her mound into his mouth and sucked on it gently. A shot of desire coursed through him as Bridget made a soft mewling noise. Alistair lowered his hand from her face and enveloped her other breasts with it, moving his thumb over its mound so it would not feel neglected.
Soon enough he switched breasts and moved to her right one, kissing and sucking, this time pulling her shift down so the fabric would not be in the way. Alistair trailed his kissed down further from her breasts as he ran his thumbs along the undersides of them. He made his way down her flat stomach and placed a sweet kiss over her bellybutton. Bridget raised her bottom slightly so Alistair could pull off the rest of her shift, and ended up taking her small clothes with him. He stood and took care of his breeches and his own small clothes before returning to the bed. He laid down on his side next to Bridget and took her in his arms.
"Can I…hold you for a moment?" he asked softly.
Bridget gave him a small smile and nodded. She wrapped her arms around his neck as Alistair ran a hand down from her shoulder, over her breast, down her side and hip. He let his hand linger there and took comfort in her soft skin. He moved a bit closer to her and groaned slightly at the feel of his arousal pressed up against her belly. Alistair gripped her hip as he rolled over her, knowing he couldn't restrain himself anymore. Bridget noticed that his brow had broken out into a sweat. Instead of teasing him like she was going to, she changed her mind and slowly wrapped her legs around his hips, rolling her own up to his. Alistair swallowed and let out a breath as he moved his hips forward and sheathed himself inside her depths. Bridget sucked in a breath and squinted her eyes shut for a moment, not out of pain but because of the intense pleasure. She fluttered her eyes open to find Alistair gazing at her, his eyes full of love. He lowered himself closer to her and shuddered in delight at the feel of her breasts against his chest. His pace was agonizingly slow as he would pull his hips back slightly before pushing them forward again. Their eye contact never broke except when one of them would close their eyes briefly due to the strain of holding themselves back. Their resolves cracked after long, however, and Alistair couldn't take it anymore. He rolled onto his back and gripped Bridget's hips, digging his fingers into the soft, delicate skin.
"Ride me Bridget, please…" he groaned.
Bridget rested her hands on his chest and closed her eyes as she moved her hips over him in quick clockwise motions, pushing them both towards the edge of that metaphorical cliff. His name tumbled from her lips as Alistair cried out in pleasure and trembled beneath her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close as she shook from the intensity of her climax. Alistair rolled to the side and slipped out of her as Bridget hooked her leg over his hip. He shook his head as he kissed her passionately; threading his fingers though her hair. When he pulled away he whispered,
"I will never love another as I love you…"
Alistair wiped away the tears that fell from her eyes as Bridget leaned in and kissed him.
"Neither will I…it's impossible." She said softly.
Alistair kissed her deeply and held her to his chest tightly as his own tears fell from his eyes. They remained in each other's arms…in love's embrace as they both drifted off into a soundless slumber…despite the impending battle in the morning…
A/N: Sorry this took so long guys, I've had exams all week and my brain is nearly fried. Well you all know what's next, so I'll try and have that chapter up as soon as possible! Thanks again to all of you for reading, reviewing
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The Last of the Couslands