[Past] One step foward

Elanna couldn't hide the grin that started to form as she saw Alistair pushing past the messenger and guard to invite her in himself.  It was completely out of line with what she'd been taught should be protocol, and so she appreciated it for that alone, but it was also so very Alistair that she couldn't help but be heartened by it.  Warmly returning the hug, she replied, [color=#17b529]"You too.  It's been too long." [/color] Really, it had only been a few months, but that felt like ages given how long they were constant companions on the road.

When the embrace released, she looped her arm through his as they started walking away from the gate.  [color=#17b529]"I was hoping you wouldn't mind me dropping in.  I was just up in Amaranthine dealing with a few things and, well, Denerim's practically around the corner.  It would be positively rude not to say hello."[/color]

[color=#17b529]"So catch me up - how are you?  Truly." [/color] She knew this had to be a hard adjustment for him.  He had never had an interest in the throne, nor any inclination to pursue it.  He'd been happy as a Warden and to end up here, alone, now that they'd all scattered to the winds...

Truthfully, she probably should have come sooner than she had.  But she was here now, feeling more and more right in her impulsive decision to turn at the fork in the road.  She loved her brother, and Highever, but she already felt so much lighter being in the presence of a friend.