When Fate Summons (a Dragon Age fanfiction)

Wish I Could Stay

The next morning Alistair, Thora, and the children arrived at Teagan's estate, where the rest of the group was just finishing breakfast.

"All right, Wardens," Thora said crisply. "Let's get at it. I'm sure there's still food at the Vigil."

She noticed that they all filched a few extra biscuits as they rose. One problem with the long marches had been the lack of food in amounts suitable for Warden appetites, and they were all making up for it now. She bowed to Teagan. "Thank you for your hospitality. And everything. If there's ever anything I can do to repay your kindness ..."

"Have you forgotten Redcliffe during the Blight? You freed me from Connor's mind control, you saved my nephew and my brother, for all the good it did you, and every person in my Arling owes you their life. The debt is, and always will be, mine," he said gallantly, returning her bow.

Thora turned to Leliana. "I take it you're staying here for the moment?" she asked, with a meaningful glance at Perth.

Leliana giggled, blushing. "I think so. Perhaps I'll see you at Redcliffe sometime."

"Take good care, my dear friend," Thora said, hugging the bard. "And you," she said to Perth, "try and keep her from running off after Andraste again, will you?"

"I shall do my best, my lady," he said. He wrapped a long arm around Leliana's waist and Thora's heart warmed to see her friend so contented at last.

Jens had Sigrun lifted off the ground in a tight bear hug. He put her down, looking sad. "I will miss you."

"Me, too, big guy." Sigrun's face was missing its cheery smile. "I hope someday we can go visit your sisters, like you talked about."

"I think something can be worked out." They both turned to see Alistair approaching. "Jens," he said, "your loyalty and companionship have been invaluable all the way. I would like to offer you a position as Duncan's personal bodyguard. I know of no one I would rather trust my son's safety to."

Jens studied the tips of his boots shyly. "Sire, I—I am not as quick as some," he said haltingly.

"You're quick enough when it counts," Alistair said, clapping the big man on the back. "What do you say?"

At a sharp jab in the ribs from Sigrun, Jens looked up and nodded. "Thank you, sire. I will try to be worthy of the honor."

"And once you've settled into the job, we'll see if we can't get you a leave of absence to visit your family. Maybe we can even talk the Commander into letting your friend here go along. What do you say, love?" he said to Thora, grasping her hand as she walked by and pulling her against him, his arm casually around her shoulders.

"What am I agreeing to?"

Alistair explained, and Thora smiled up at Jens. "I think we can make that happen, Jens. Just say when, and we'll see if we can get along without her for a while."

"Thank you, Commander!" Sigrun squealed, hugging the other dwarf. Jens's thanks were as heartfelt, if less exuberant.

"We gettin' this show on the road or what?" Oghren bellowed. "I leave that woman alone much longer and little Oghren won't be able to find his way into the tunnel of love!"

"Ewww," Anders said. "Why do we travel with him again?"

Alistair turned to Anawyn, holding his girl close. "You could stay, if you want, for a while," he said.

"I know, Father, but I want to go home. And you'll be there soon, won't you?" she asked, her eyes searching his face anxiously.

"Duncan and I will be there for your birthday," he promised. "That's only a month away. We'll have a big bash, and after that, we'll be a family for good."