Taint

The Warden stood on the edge of the castle bridge overlooking Ostagar. It seemed as if it was only yesterday when she met him there for the first time. She remembered seeing him talking with a mage who did not seem too happy with his presence. He was a templar after all, so even his attempts at humor did not work on the mage. His memories have always brought a smile to her face, but reality swooped down on her and it felt like a knife stabbing her heart. She leaned on the brick wall and felt herself slide down. She suddenly felt someone put their arms on her shoulders. She looked up to see a pair of friendly green eyes.

"Wynne", she said.

She buried her face into Wynne's shoulders, tears streaming down her face. "It hurts. It still hurts so much, even after all these years".

Wynne held her close. It has been three years since Alistair's death, and she has just received Leliana's message about the Warden's dwindling condition. She has decided to travel back to Denerim to accompany their friend. The nightmares have become more frequent, and the servants have reported the Warden waking up in the middle of the night crying, calling for her beloved.

Wynne stroke her friend's hair. It will be over soon, child. I promise.