You are my shield, my bear, my Warden

You are my guiding light, my love, and my knight.

They call me the Herald of Andraste,

And you call me my lady

You like me for me.

Whether I be named Lavellan, Trevelyan, Cadash, or Adaar.

I survived Haven's fall,

Then we had that special night,

I laid myself bare for you under, torches light.

By morning you were gone,

to right a wrong from your past,

Luckily we found you before your shadow would no longer cast.

You were Blackwall,

Then you were Thom Rainier.

My soul, my heart everything was yours.

Yet it was left to me as Inquisitor,

To decide your fate.

To own you, 

to have the Wardens decide, 

or give you freedom to atone.

You are my shield, my bear, my Thom.

You are my guiding light, my love, my knight.

----

You had only recently moved to Camelot, but the people there had been welcoming. In fact you felt at home already. Guinevere was one of the most welcoming, surprised when you offered to help her. Denying your help but grateful for the offer.

"You don't shy from work."

You shake your head, "No I do not. Nor do I complain like a certain cousin of mine." You send a wink knowing very well said cousin was in earshot.

"You'd complain too if you had to do some of the things Arthur makes me do."

And he fell for it. You turn to him, arms crossed over your chest. "Really, cousin? Do you not think that Guinevere does not get requests she'd rather not do?"

He pales a tad, "Well, yes but…"

You raise a hand stopping his sentence right there, "No buts Merlin. I do believe you get some odd jobs, but to complain in the presence of others who do similar and same jobs as you. Honestly, what would your mother say?"

He was about to react and while your words ran some truths he finally caught onto your game. Pointing a finger at you, "Haha very funny cousin." He then promptly left, muttering that he needed to tend to Arthur's armour.

"I don't think he got the hidden message, do you?" You turn to smile at Guinevere just to stop short mesmerised by the Lady behind her. The Lady Morgana.

"Are you teasing your cousin once more?" She had such a dazzling smile that it often took you a second or two to respond.

You bowed your head to her, the only formality she'd allow when not in front of other nobles. "Yes milady, but only because it is so easy. Easier than it use to be in fact." The fact being that Arthur wound him enough that it was much easier to tease him.

Neither of you seemed to notice when Guinevere ducked out, "How many times must I ask you to call me Morgana?"

It wasn't proper. Both of you knew that yet you nodded. You wasn't as much as a risk taker as Merlin. So calling the Kings ward by her name? Yeah that was a risk. A risk you wasn't willing to yet to take. She was a good friend but you were starting to care for her more than a friend.

"At least once more, milady, as always."

Her smile dropped and she left you standing there. “At least once more, Morgana.” It was only when she was away did you truly allow yourself to call her by her name. If you were on your own that is, there was no other with such a beautiful name as hers in Camelot. It would not take a fool to work out who you meant.

So the next few days you went around helping others as normal, making some money here and there. Somehow avoiding Morgana or maybe she was avoiding you, in which case you were avoiding each other.

You were sat on the steps when alarms started going off, with shouts. “The lady Morgana has been taken!”

Your whole soul reacted to the shout, your eyes flashing a vibrant gold. If Merlin was here, he’d be reprimanding you for showing your magic. But right now you didn’t care. All you cared about was getting Morgana home. So you dashed to your living quarters, grabbed the one thing she gave you and left Camelot. 

Before running into her and her would be taker, you ran into Merlin. For which you was lucky, had you come a moment before. Arthur Pendragon would have spotted your eyes, and the teeth that were protruding from your mouth. “Cousin.” He hissed and hid you behind some trees, you could see the question of why in his eyes until he realised himself why.

“You’re going to get yourself killed.”

“For her I’d do anything, Merlin. Anything.” You stressed the last word, his eyes darting to the handkerchief in your pocket. 

“You’re tracking her.” A statement not a question. He knew what you were. Had since the very beginning. See his magic came from his father’s line. Yours came from your fathers as well. You had natural earthly magic, but the main source of your power was your ability to partly or fully shift into a wolf. Which was much harder to control during the days before, during and after the full moon.

Morgana was your shield, the thought of her controlled those animal urges during the cycle of the full moon. So when word of her being taken reached you, it had not only driven your own protective instincts but the instincts of the animal within. 

Your voice dropped to a growl, “When I find her, the one who took her should be very afraid.” Before Merlin could warn you not to draw attention to yourself you were off. Barely avoiding the patrol looking for Morgana in your own haste to find her.

Minutes turned into an hour, and you were just beginning to question your tracking skills when you heard her. “I demand you let me go this instant, the king will hear of this.”

“That’s what we’re planning, love. He’d pay a good deal for you I think.”

Both were startled when they heard an animalistic growl. “Go anywhere near her, and I will kill you with my bare hands.” You didn’t mean this, because that was rather gruesome but it was something that scared people. Rightly so. You were furious, wrathful but you had never killed and if you could avoid ever doing so you’d prefer it. 

As the skies had grown darker, your eyes were easy to spot. And so the man who had taken Morgana jumped away but not without brandishing his sword. But in his moment of distraction the Lady Morgana caught him by surprise. With a swing of a rather thick branch the man fell to the floor. With a thud.

“Who are you?” Her voice was shaky, something you never wanted to hear. But mostly because that fear causing that shake was directed at you.

“I’m your protector milady, always will be.” You were about to leave just far enough away that you could hear her, as you heard what sounded like Merlin coming closer.

But her voice stopped you, “You’re…” Her pause made you wince. But her footsteps coming closer made you curious. “Turn around.” You did. You could never deny her anything when truly on your own. Except her name, that was most precious indeed. Her hands reached for your face, tracing the changes there. Then she gazed in your eyes, “You truly mean that, don’t you?”

“Aye.”

She smiled but then must have heard the others coming closer. Her eyes darted to you in worry, “You have to leave, you’ll get caught.”

Your eyes dart to the man behind her, “He’ll tell them, I’m already caught. May as well get caught protecting you.” It was your turn for your hands to raise to her face.

Her eyes widened ever so slightly, “I will say the man was delusional.”

Your answering smile was mesmerising, “I might just kiss you, milady… Morgana.”

“Then kiss me.” 

And so before you left so no other could find out who you are, you tilted her head ever so slightly and brushed your lips against hers. Whispering in her ear, “Even if nothing comes of this, Morgana. I am forever yours.”

You liked Hopper. Yes that Hopper. So after all the things that have been happening in Hawkins you decided to tell him. Maybe your timing wasn’t the best, considering what happened at Hawkins Labs, but you weren’t going to be quiet any longer. You had no idea how to tell him on any other day. It was likely the adrenaline pumping through your veins, or the idea you might lose him. Because deep down you didn’t think this was over. You didn’t think that thing would stop trying to get through.

Just as your nightmares wouldn’t stop. The very thing that caused you to wake up with adrenaline pumping through your veins. You had decided to try and go to sleep early, in hopes you’d get some sleep. Instead you found yourself heading towards the school where you believed he would be. 

You were finally going to tell him. To hell with demogorgans and all that crap. It wasn’t just liking him, you were falling for him. You couldn’t rightly point out when it started, but you were falling for him. After what happened with Barb and nearly happened to Will, and what nearly came over to this side of the world, you weren’t going to take any chances. 

You’d seen the other side, you had decided to be a responsible adult and help Jonathan Byers and Nancy Wheeler when they went after the demogorgan that first time. Because they were going to do it with or without you, and you’d feel better going with them. Which is what you did. You nearly getting trapped over there while making sure Nancy got out. It wasn’t the happiest memory. You were so close to getting caught by that monster. 

So not only was what you were deciding on doing, because of the possibility of him dying if that thing ever tried again, but because you had brushed with death now more than once and didn’t plan on doing so again without admitting to Hopper you were falling for him.

You spotted him talking to Joyce. You were getting closer when he hugged her. You felt silly for the feelings running through you in that moment, she had nearly lost Bob. He was currently in the Hospital. So you did wonder why she was here and not there, but she needed a break too. She needed comforting. 

She could have lost him and Will. 

--- Flashback---

You were close behind Bob trying to make it to the others as you tried to escape Hawkins Lab, you had opted to go with him to the Breaker room, saying someone needed to watch his back. So you had. Agreeing with Bob’s plan for Hopper to get the others to safety and not wait for them. He had looked at you when he said that, asking for confirmation that it was okay. You had nodded. But you hadn’t seen the look Hopper got on his face, when you said you were going with Bob nor when you agreed that they shouldn’t wait for them. 

With the guidance of Dr.Owens you had made it there and got the power back on. With his guidance you had avoided demodogs. That moment in that closet was nerve wracking and would haunt your dreams for a long time. That feeling that it was finally going to be that time. Thankfully it had moved away.

With it a sigh of relief, as you exited the closet Bob knocked over a broom. Thankfully you were quick on your toes and grabbed it before it could make a sound. With the continued guidance of Dr.Owens you avoided any other encounters.

Until the foyer. It had seemed you were both scott free. Until a demodog jumped at Bob. You had two options then, use the machete or the pistol. The latter would attract more of those things. So you swung at the thing, as it swung at Bob. Slicing through its skin as you tried to save Bob from the creature. A burning sensation filling your body, but you concentrate on trying to save Bob. Swinging your machete at the thing, making sure to not hit Bob.

Vaguely hearing the sound of screaming. Internally screaming yourself for them to be quiet. That they would attract more of them. Then someone began shooting, and you managed to get Bob free, as the demodog goes down.

Hopper helping you get him and Joyce out of the building just as four more demodogs break through the door you had both just come through not long before. The glass doors as you exited the building stopping them following you all.

Jonathan Byers coming to a halt in the car telling everyone to get in the car. Your hands were covered in blood as you all forced yourselves into the car, hands holding Bob’s wounds. “You’re not going to die on us now, Bob, you hear me?” Your voice was fierce but it was also breaking. After all that you couldn’t have him die. Couldn’t have Joyce lose someone.

But then the dizziness hit you, the sounds became muffled and the last thing you knew was someone shouting your name.

--- End of Flashback---

You were given the all clear as long as you were careful a few days ago. Bob wasn’t out of the woods yet. You were so caught up in your memories that you didn’t notice that both Joyce and Hopper were making their way towards you. Joyce saying something to Hopper, him nodding and her leaving.

It wasn’t until he placed a hand on your shoulder did you react, you grabbed his and made to flip him like you were taught in self defence. But his voice stopped you seconds before you did it. “It’s me. Hopper.” 

You looked at him for a moment, his face not registering at first, but when it did you tilted your head, “Hopper?”

He took both of your hands into his, “Yes.”

Your face burns with guilt at what you almost did. “I’m so sorry. I saw Joyce and thought of Bob then…” your mind went back there.

You had never expected Hopper to hug you, but as he did this was the second one you had received from the man. The first being when you woke up in Hospital. When everyone had been hugging you.

Both times were similar, but this was different. As if the lack of anyone around was incentive to let go and hug you exactly as he wanted to. Then you remember why you had come here. “He’s going to be okay, you are okay.” He tensed after saying that, “Just promise me something?”

“What?”

“Don’t ever do that again.” He was deadly serious as he leant away from the hug and looked you in the eyes. “I mean it. The both of you nearly died.”

“We all nearly died, Hopper.”

“Yes, I’m aware. Your point?” You were both getting a bit on edge, now slightly away from each other as the hug abruptly ends.

“My point, Jim is that none of us can promise that we won’t ever do that again.” 

“It’s over.”

Your laugh was bitter, “You believe that as much as a pig can fly.”

“I need to believe it, for her.” Eleven.

That poor girl had been through too much. “I know, but I can’t. My nightmares are haunting me outside my dreams now Hopper.”

“They’ll lessen over time.” You could tell he wasn’t sure about his answer but the fact he was trying to comfort you sort of worked. You knew the likeliness of that happening anything soon would be little. But maybe if you had hope like he did, they would.

You were now pacing, thoughts all muddled up. You had initially come here in hopes of confessing your feelings but the memories had ruined all chances of that. Then he stopped your pacing by placing a hand on each of your arms. “You’re going to be okay.”

“When? Because right now I can’t even live in my house. Every shadow making me think they are there.” Living on your own was not the best idea. Joyce had offered you her couch likely thinking the same thing, but you had denied saying you were fine.

Little did you know that she had been telling Hopper her concerns for you, having seen through that lie.

“Then you’ll come live with me and El.” You were shaking your head, “Why not?”

Because your feelings wouldn’t cope with that, because you liked him and seeing him everyday was going to be hell, especially if you found out he only liked your as a friend or worse a sympathy case.

“You like me?” Your face paled as you realised you must have spoke all that out loud. Eyes widening at that realisation.

A minute nod was all his answer, as you were essentially a deer in headlights at the moment. You had confessed, though definitely not how you had planned on confessing your feelings to the man. Though like was thankfully easier than having admitted you were falling for him.

“What feelings?” But he pressed on, eyes staring intensely into your own.

You fight not to look away from as you answer, “I like you, have for some time now.” Before he could react you continued, “Figured with the age gap, you know with me being born in the early 50’s. It felt like that would be an issue for you. Totally isn’t for me. But the idea you might not like made me hold back…” You were going to continue rambling when his lips brushed against yours, his moustache and beard hairs tickling your face.

Your eyes widened for a whole other reason as the kiss deepened. Only when you came up for air did he reply. “I thought the same thing.” Wait he thought he wasn’t alright with the age gap? Or…. ohhh he thought you wouldn’t be alright with it. He shook his head, “You’re still coming to live with me, even if we take this slow.”

“Okay.” You were in a daze, finally something was going right. “So glad El likes me, otherwise living with you would be super awkward. I mean its probably going to be super awkward anyway considering…” He interrupted you again with a kiss, “You going to do that everytime I ramble?” 

You had just finished your shift guarding the Skeksis and the castle. You sometimes wondered what possessed you to ever become a Castle Guard. But then you’d spot him, and those doubts would wash away. He didn’t know it but you had fallen for him hard, it had taken time as at first he kind of rubbed you the wrong way, but then his charm and that damned smile of his won you over a little too much.

In fact it was pretty easy for him not to know your true feelings . As you just acted like a friend and you did it well. At least none of the others had mentioned anything so it was likely you acted the friend too well. You just couldn’t muster up the courage to finally tell him or show him how you felt.

So you came up with a plan, one you were currently in the midst of. Albeit a somewhat dangerous plan. You never said you were good at working out ways to impress someone. "It will be fun, trust me." 

"Scaling down the side of the castle will be fun?" He knew you were somewhat adventurous but even that sounded a tad much for you.

You laugh causing him to pause and look at you, not that you noticed. "It's only one floor and where we are scaling, there will be a landing beneath us. Slightly painful if we fall instead of land correctly, but shouldn't hurt too much." 

You stop when you realise he wasn't with you anymore, turning around you just saw him staring. "What? Have I got something on my face?" You feel your cheeks burning in embarrassment, thinking that some food had somehow stuck to your face without your notice. It wouldn't be the first time after all.

"Nothing." It was his turn for his cheeks to heat up at the look on your face. "I mean, there is nothing on your face."

You made a phew motion, then continued to the planned spot once you knew he was following once more.

When you arrived, you looked down to make sure your calculations would be correct. You had done it a few times before. Not exactly something you'd advise elsewhere in the castle. As the area you did it did in fact have another platform below it, just to the side. So while an accident could happen it shouldn't involve falling off the castle. But the fact was you'd never done it with anyone watching or with you. You turn to Gerjin holding out a hand, "Do you trust me?"

Gerjin gave you another look, then smiled. "Yes, though you do get some crazy ideas."

You got up onto the edge of the platform, and he listened as you told him how to go about it. Then you sat on the edge smiling at him, letting your smile say everything you couldn't physically say, hoping that the situation may cover it up. 

But just as you were about to go down, he grabbed your hand and brought you back onto the platform, scratching the back of his neck. "You don't have to do this to impress me, you know that right?"

You blink now nodding in confusion even if that was what you were trying to do. Impress him enough that he might notice you more than a friend. It was when you felt something brush your hand that you realised he hadn't let go of it. Cheeks heating up immensely you look up to find Gurjin was closer than before.

"Oh I hope I'm understanding all this correctly."  You were about to ask understanding what when Gurjin, your best friend and the one you had fallen hard for kissed you.

If you weren't red before you was now. Just as he was about to pull away you kissed him back. Both smiling immensely when you finally came up for air. Hugging him and he hugging you. "I thought for a second there I was wrong." 

"When did you figure it out?"

You felt him shrug, "Wasn't too sure till Rian said you was trying to impress me, to get me to notice you." So you hadn't been as transparent as you thought. You'd have to thank Rian later. "I thought I annoyed you. Been trying to impress you myself."

You lean back looking at him in astonishment, "You were?" Then you shook your head trying to focus on the part that concerned him. "At first you actually did annoy me, but then all that is you won me over." You shake your head this time in amazement, "Never thought you'd like me back."

The day had started like any other, in a place usually without whispers of adventure. In a world ripe with it. But like any other day you were making your rounds, greeting the neighbors and gathering what you needed for Tea. 

A Tea you expected to be like any other, only between you and your cousin. But today was not like any other day, far from it in fact.

Today may have started quite ordinarily and in what some may call quite well boring. No wait, that's you who says that. Your cousin said it was that Took in you. Making you want more to life than you had.

You should be perfectly happy with it, perfectly content. Then why was it that you sometimes saw that same glimmer in his eyes. 

Just as you was passing his home you noticed a most peculiar mark on his newly painted door just of last week. Surely it wasn't him, and surely he knew nothing of it.

With a frown you knocked, but there was no answer. "Most peculiar indeed." But as he was currently not available you saw no need into looking at this strange mark for long. You were after all coming back later. You could ask him then. 

With a shrug of your arms you left to finish your chores for the day. Helping the Gamgees with their meal. You owed them for doing such wonderful work on your cousin's garden after all. Well okay not owed but you wanted to show your appreciation. And they much appreciated your cooking, your apple pie especially. But as it were you were running now rather late. The sun had already made its  decent in the sky.

Luckily for you the day had no other hiccups like the marking on the door, except running rather late for tea. That is until you and your produces fell to the floor as something very solid walked onto the path you were currently navigating. 

"Oof." Your breath left your chest as you landed with a thud. Rather thankful it wasn't one of the many slopes that existed in your home. Or you'd have been running around for your goods. You half expected whomever it was to just walk on, but as you made to gather your things an extra pair of hands helped you. Big ones compared to your own. Ones that had seen a lot of work going by the rough look to the skin. Though considering the little light on the part of the path you were on, you could be mistaken. 

For they didn't look like the hands of a Hobbit. Or any Hobbits you knew of. No Hobbit marked their hands in such a way. And those gloves! They looked not like any you had seen before. There was no need for such gloves like he had here in the Shire. 

Then your eyes travelled past his hands to his forearms, eyes widening at the muscle mass there. His forearms were huge. Just judging by them alone he could probably lift you like you were merely a chair. 

And then he spoke! "Dwalin at your service." It was a rather cute way of introducing himself, but his voice. That was something else you hadn't heard before. Then he went onto apologising,  "Sorry, I did not see you there." He finished helping you and only then did you get a good look at him. Only then did you allow yourself to look properly. 

You had already been distracted by so little, you'd have never picked up anything had you allowed yourself a full look at him.

Normally you expect one should be intimidated at such a sight. It was unheard-of for a dwarf to be in the Shire afterall. But your Took genes were merely excited, it didn't help that you found both his appearance and voice quite attractive. 

Seeming as he introduced himself, you told him your name before telling him, "No bother, all is fine. Might just have one or two bruised apples." You smiled at him in what you hoped was a charming manner. "Are you looking for anywhere in particular?" 

It was true in that moment you wondered if he was lost, as surely there was nothing of interest to a dwarf in the Shire.

He paused seeming to think on whether he should divulge that information when he nodded, "Aye. I'm to go to a Mr Baggins of Bag End." 

It takes everything not to react, your cousin! The marking? Surely that was a coincidence, but then who else had such a marking on their door when a dwarf was saying that was where he was going. Then whomever put that mark there, made it so someone could easily recognise it. You nod more to yourself then look at this stranger, Master Dwalin. "Just follow me, I know the area really well. In fact I believe I know exactly which door you speak of."

And so you guided Master Dwalin to your cousin's door. Both seeing the marking as clear as if it was day. Him seeming to know what it meant.

Before he could thank you or bid you goodbye. You went up to the door this time ignoring all formalities and opened it. Walking right inside.

"Bilbo Baggins you have some explaining to do!" All this talk of you being happy with what you got and he has a marking on his door and a dwarf coming to see him.

You turn to Master Dwalin, "The Lader is just through there. Please help yourself." You left him there as you went in search of your dear cousin. Who came rushing at your shout.

Normally you'd have probably been more polite to Master Dwalin or not show your disdain that Bilbo hadn't told you about this. However from seeing the mark, to falling over to finally knowing a dwarf was going to see Bilbo. You decided to forgo the pleasantries. 

Little did you know that Master Dwalin wasn't the only dwarf you'd meet that day. But he would be the only one to grab your full attention. Not knowing that the reason being, that he was your one and you his.

There was a vamp nest not too far from here, and you had planned on going with the Winchesters on the hunt but they were having none of it. Or rather one particular Winchester wasn’t. The shorter of the two.

“Dean come on.”

“I said no, and that’s final.”

You look to Sam hoping he’d have your back on this, but he just looked away. You sighed throwing your hands in the air, “Fine, go without me then.” Then you began walking towards your room in the Bunker. 

“That’s fine with me, because we aren’t having your death on our hands.”

That stopped you short of leaving the main room, turning to Dean. “Excuse me? Don’t you think it should be my choice whether I put my life on the line?”

“Not when you put others in danger at the same time.”

Your jaw clenches as you try to calm yourself. 

“Dean.”

“Sam.”

With a roll of your eyes, though you were secretly glad that Sam felt that comment wasn’t fair. You left the room eventually and finally reached your room. 

Sat on your bed just staring at the wall in front of you. You were all in danger when hunting, and each of you had put someone else in danger, so why Dean was picking you out in particular you had no idea.

Not like he stopped a certain flyboy from helping even after what he had done. Your arms slump not liking your internal thoughts, you were friends with Castiel. But he did get special treatment when it came to Dean.

Heck pretty much everyone but you did. “Hello, love.”

You jumped, turned and leaned against the wall all the while drawing your angel blade, heart racing as you swore, “What the frickin’ hell, Crowley?” Then you looked around wondering how he got in, you had thought the brothers had re-warded the the place so he couldn’t get in. “How did you get in?”

“I’m Crowley, remember?”

That actually made you smile, improving your mood profusely. Somehow the current King of Hell managed that quite a lot. “Yeah, right. So what brings you here?”

“Well I had a little job for Moose and Squirrel, but they aren’t here.” You’re pretty sure he should have known that, but wave it off. “Seem a little bit down love.”

You tense, “Yeah well, you’d be a little bit down too if Dean had just told you that you’re a liability.” You wave your hand realising that Dean did think that of him. “Nevermind.” You think back on his comment, “What did you need help with?” Maybe you could help him, unless he didn’t want that either. "Don't you say," here you imitated his voice "They're good but I'm Crowley." With a raise of your eyebrow, "So why'd you need their help?"

"Didn't quite get it right love. You're good but I'm Crowley." As he said this he got closer, "And you caught me." He glanced at the angel dagger, placed his hand over it and looked surprised when you let him take it, placing it in the chest of drawers to the side. 

You were watching him closely. Wondering just what it was that he was doing. Heart rate slowly increasing as you were vaguely aware of his hand back at your own. Finger over the pressure point. 

Your eyes looked at his, "What are you doing?" 

He smiled, "Nothing you don't want love." He leans in smirking a little when your heart rate spikes. But speaks truthfully when he says, "If you want me to stop, tell me." Was the king of hell asking for permission? To say that surprised you was an understatement. Was he still affected by human emotions or was you bringing them out in him?

His lips brush against your ears causing you to suck in a breath, finding yourself gasping out, "Don't stop." As your hand grabs the back of his neck and turn towards him so your lips smash together both burning for the other.

-- Fade to Black --

You shot up in bed, cursing yourself for the dream. That is until a warm hand stroking your lower back brings reality crashing down. It hadn't been a dream. You slept with Crowley. You feel like that should feel wrong but it doesn't. 

The only thing wrong was that the others couldn't know. Dean already had issues, if he found out about this? Well you believed you'd be kicked out of the bunker. You turned to him, "How you doin'?" 

You were concerned for him, but also worried whatever this was, wasn't something tangible. In which case had you really risked everything for a one time thing?

"Think I should be asking you that particular question, love." You turned away as he got dressed, thinking about it. 

"Yes and no." You look at him again, "Why did you stay?" That rang alarm bells. For what you didn't know. You weren't used to this. One night stands or relationships.

"Why didn't I leave?"

You rolled your eyes and stood not bothered by the fact you were in your birthday suit. He Had seen you already after all. "Is this to one up one on Dean or piss him off?" 

You see his shoulders sag for a moment, "No, love. But you make a valid point nonetheless. Squirrel won't react well to this." 

"To what?"

He gestured between the two of you, "Us. Or whatever this is." 

Us. He had said us. So you nod, "Right, well we'll figure it out." You pause looking away, "If you want this to continue that is."

You were different, that much was clear from the get go. But you had learnt from those who raised you to hide your differences. So when the Grey Wardens recruited you, you felt like maybe that could be the start of letting people see you for you. Yet they still asked you to hide the things that defined who you were.

You might scare the locals or worse cause them to become hostile. That's what they always told you. You understood that, but you had to do it even in camp just in case you also had to hide that side of your life. 

You should be proud of who you are, yet everyone made you feel otherwise. That was until he joined up. He would look at the oddly shaped hat, and wonder what made you like it so much. When in truth it was there to hide the things you use to love. 

Then it happened, they appeared. The human of higher birth. The eyes you so adored looked elsewhere. No longer did your odd hat and odd personality hold his interest, or maybe it was just his nice personality wanting to help this newcomer. Or the simple fact he was ordered to guide them.

But you still couldn’t help but think that this pretty noble had caught his attention beyond that. So you watched sullenly as they got closer, as he laughed. Cursing the day you ever listened to anyone for telling you to hold back, telling you not to show who you really are. It was a miracle you never got caught by Templars and then you began to fall for an ex Templar. 

And still they told you to hide, even though with being a Grey Warden they had no standing to take you in as an Apostate. Though the truth of the fact was that being a mage was not their main concern. The main concern had always been and always be what you hid under the hat. 

And later the helm that hid the truth by showing the truth as part of the armours aesthetics. 

You knew that not everyone liked your kind, or what they represented. You had seen how the elves were treated and still are treated. Whenever anyone saw the points of your ears they just assumed the hat was to try and hide them, and that you were tall for an elf. Little did they know you were and are a Tal-Vashoth. Something they did not like due to looking like those under the Qun. 

A sigh left your lips as you continued to check the weapons for the upcoming battle. Later at night, he approached you first telling you of his day. His Ventures in the Korcari Wilds and his meeting with a Witch of the Wilds. When he came to the final piece of information, likely the main reason for him coming to talk to you. “Can you believe it? They don’t want me on the front lines.”

A raised eyebrow was all the answer you gave him, you had your theories on why that was the case. A certain blond king with similar features being the big key point in your theory. There were too many similarities for them not to be related in some form or another. 

“Well?”

Another raised eyebrow, “Well, what?”

“Can you believe it?”

You nod a small smile lighting up your face, “Yes I can, and I’m pretty sure you know deep down the reasoning.” It was a test, one he failed when he froze and his eyes widened. You shook your head, “Your secret is safe with me, friend. But it would take a fool not to notice the similarities when seeing you both in such close quarters.” You stand, towering over the man who held your heart without any knowledge of the fact. You placed a hand on his shoulder, “But I did not know completely if my theory was true until now.”

“Oh.”

His embarrassment was endearing, “Promise me something?” When he said nothing you continued, “Don’t ever play Wicked Grace, you will fail miserably.” From the sag of his shoulders you realise he had likely thought you were going to say something much more serious. 

You begin to walk away when his hand on your arm stops you, “Thank you.” He clears his throat before saying, “Look after yourself tomorrow and don’t hold back.” Instead he was being the serious one.

Then it was him who walked away, not you. You watched as his figure faded into the night. A heavy weight settling in your stomach, the thought that this may be the last time you lay eyes on him weighing on you heavily as you go prepare for the morning.

Don’t hold back. Did he know?

Then morning came. Then they came. 

Your eyes drifted towards the tower you knew he would be going to, hoping it would instill some strength. Then you turned towards the oncoming storm, letting your hat fly off. The metal of your horns glinting in the morning light as you twirl your staff as if you were dancing, slamming it into ground. Watching as your magic takes effect. 

You would fight till the end if it meant he would get more time in the tower to light the beacon. The fight was getting horrendous, two others you had befriended were getting surrounded so you lit their foes up in flames after casting a shield for them. Rushing to them, "Hawkes, are you okay?"

They both nodded, looking at the grim sights around them. You would live this day and while the Battle was lost, the war against this blight was yet to happen.

When you reached Lothering you helped the Hawkes prepare to leave but when they'd leave you would not follow.

You were back to wearing disguises, helping anyone you could while you waited in hopes he had survived. A few days had passed and there he was. You just stood off to the side of the Qunari Sten when you spotted him. He was with the noble and a witch of the wilds by the looks of it. Maybe the one he had told you about? 

The Qunari made you uncomfortable, he had you pegged in minutes of you trying to talk to  him. Which just made you even more uncomfortable. In fact he was still glaring at you. That being the only reason they looked in your direction. 

Before you or anyone could do anything you had a human practically leap at you, wrapping you in their arms.

Due to being taller you rested your head on top of theirs. Heart wrenching at the heartbreaking sounds he was making at finding someone he cared about alive and well.

You hugged him back, never wanting to let go. You saw the mages face of disgust and glared when she opened her mouth to likely say something snarky going by the look on her face. Surprisingly she stopped, raising an eyebrow at your protectiveness.

But then she turned to the noble, who then exclaimed, "They're a what?"

Now he pulled away looking at them then you. A sigh left your lips. Glancing at the Qunari behind them half expecting it was him who told the witch of the wilds. 

"It was me not your Qunari friend who told me what you are."

It was your turn to raise an eyebrow. "He is no friend of mine. He follows the Qun and would see my kind used or dead." He had made that abundantly clear. Labelling you Saarebas. You knew what the Qun did to mages. No thank you.

"Tal-vashoth? Interesting." You glanced at her again. "I am Morrigan and you are?"

"Not amused." You hear a snort from beside you and look at him. Expecting disgust or even hatred. None of it. He was smiling at you and then frowned in concern.

"You knew?" The noble had apparently worked out what you couldn't. "Well, Alistair?"

It was his turn to look a tad sour. "Of course I knew, I didn't tell you as it wasn't my place. That and judging by your reaction it was a good choice."

He was getting defensive for you. He knew and was defending you. This man had no idea what he was doing to your heart. 

The noble sighs, "I do not mind what they are Alistair but a heads up would have been preferable." They nod to you, "I expect you'll be joining us?"

You couldn't help but notice the pleading look in his eyes. He thought you wouldn't? You had a job to do as a Grey Warden. A duty you didn't take lightly. 

You also vowed to keep him safe. "I would not leave your side." You told him while looking him directly in the eyes. Ignoring the sound of disgust from Morrigan. Smiling when you noticed his cheeks flush.

He glanced at the others who were now talking to the Sten. Then he looked at you arm raising and his hand going to the back of his neck in what you assumed was a nervous mannerism. His cheeks flushing once more as he looked at you, "And I you."

The Tal-vashoth Grey Warden mage and the human Grey Warden ex Templar.

It was then you heard Morrigan shout at the Mabari, "Now? Now you listen to me!" You smiled thinking you were going to quite like being around all these people. Frowning at the Sten. Well almost everyone.