A/N: Warning! Here there be angst. I do not own Dragon Age or its affiliated characters, themes, .. Not for profit. Just for fun.

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Circle mages shouldn't fall in love. It gives them too much power if you have something to lose.

He's loved with a passion few men have ever known.

Now…..?

Grey Warden's don't have children. The taint in their blood makes this a near certainty.

He's held new life in his hands. Nurtured it. Watched it grow.

Now…..?

Gone.

All gone.

The war is over.

They've lost.

But none so much as he.

They've bound him.

If he could speak past the choking agony he would tell them they needn't have bothered.

He's done with running.

Done with fighting.

Has no one left to run to.

To fight for.

He kneels when they command.

No longer proud.

Or angry.

Fingers thread his hair.

Not gentle these.

Not hers.

His head is yanked back with a brutal snap.

He stares unflinching into the other man's eyes.

They are as cold and deep as the hole inside him.

The brand flares bright.

Like the sun.

Like mercy.

He smiles.