We're back at the Wounded Coast courtesy of another rumor. Though this time the rumor holds some promise. For several weeks there have been sightings of Slavers in one area. They always return to the same cave and have been seen bringing elves in and out of the cave.

I look at Fenris, his face is determined. He tries to keep the hope and fear out of his eyes. I reach over and take his hand. He squeezes my hand and doesn't pull away. I'm still a bit amazed he doesn't pull away from touch anymore, even more amazed that now he'll respond back.

We make it to the caves. I reluctantly let go of his hand as we duck behind some boulders. We both listen intently. I don't hear anything, but I look at him to see if his sensitive hearing caught anything I didn't. He shakes his head.

"Let me sneak in first. If it I'm attacked by angry slavers I'll probably yell, so come running," I whisper.

His lip twitches and he places a hand on my arm. "Be careful," he whispers back.

"Aren't I always?" I give him a cheeky smile.

"No."

I grin and rise up a bit. I examine our surroundings. I pick out a path to the cave entrance that will provide the most cover. I listen intently for any sounds, but all I hear is the sound of the ocean, animals, and Fenris's breathing.

I look at him and see how on edge he is. I know how much he wants revenge, and to be able to stop worrying. To be able to stop looking over his shoulder. To be able to actually sleep and not drift in and out of consciousness out of fear of being found. I know what it's like. I grew up knowing nothing else. I also know what it's like to be relieved of those worries…though my relief is tinged with guilt. My relief was brought by Bethany being taken to the Circle. I shake my head. This is no time for these thoughts, there's a job to be done.

I lay my hand on his. "We'll find something this time. I have a good feeling about it." I scan the area again and then dart off. I pause at each new area of cover to check my surroundings again and to look for traps. I make it to the entrance of the cave and look back to where I left Fenris. I whistle to let him know I made it and he whistles back.

I slowly enter the cave and keep myself pressed into the shadows. All my senses are in overdrive and my body loose ready to spring into action. Adrenaline courses through me as I slowly make my way deeper into the cave. So far I haven't found any traps, so either they're careless or they're already gone.

I make it to an open area and pause. There's no one around and I still don't hear any voices. I wait for a bit and no one comes. I creep in and look around. There are remains from many fires, but the ashes are cold and damp. I sigh. Sometimes I hate being right. This place is clearly abandoned.

I continue deeper and can see another open area. This one is abandoned as well, but it shows more signs of life. There are some papers and boxes they left behind. Hopefully there will be some clues here as to where they went. I make my way back to the entrance and call for Fenris.

He walks over to me and sees my face. "Abandoned?"

I nod. "They were here, but they're gone now. There weren't even any traps sit up. There are two openings the first is probably where they had a watch set up. The second was more used. Hopefully we can find some clues."

He nods and we enter the cave. He tries to hide his disappointment, but I can still see it. Each disappointment seems to hit him harder than the last. I want to help him, to comfort him. I'm just not sure what I can do. I can tell him it will all be ok, but really it might not be. There are so many things that could go wrong. He could get recaptured, should we manage to find Denarius we could lose the fight, Fenris could be…killed. No I won't let that happen. Somehow we'll stop Denarius even if we have to travel to Tevinter to do so.

Fenris digs through one of the boxes they left behind while I scan through the papers. There's not much here, it seems what they left was unimportant. Why can't these Slavers be your ordinary run of the mill stupid Slavers?

I put the papers in one of my pouches to give to Aveline. They are filled orders for slaves so maybe she can get something from them, though I doubt it. I sigh and look at Fenris.

"There's nothing here about where they moved. Did you find anything?"

"No." He pulls the lid off the last box and his eyes widen. He reaches into the box and snatches out a book. He starts to faintly glow blue and he snarls.

I edge closer and swallow. "Fenris what is it?"

"This. I recognize it. This was hers."

"Who is her?"

"Hadriana." He bites out the name in a voice he only uses when speaking of Denarius. "She was his apprentice. His second in command. She tortured us…" He opens the book and flips through it.

I slowly move closer. "Is there anything in there about where they moved to?"

"I don't…" He sighs. "Slaves weren't taught how to read."

"Oh… Let me see then."

He hands me the book and I start scanning through it.

"This is her journal. I'm sure there will be something in here. Let's go to my house and we can go through it." I put it in one of my pouches and look at him.

He nods, but the blue still lingers around him. I lean over and kiss his cheek. His arm wraps around my waist and pulls me to him as the blue fades. I wrap my arms around him and rest my head on his shoulder. He looks down at me and I tilt my head to meet his gaze.

"Why?"

I'm not really sure exactly what he's asking, but I know the answer. The answer to everything regarding him. "Because I care. I'll always be here Fenris."

His eyes widen and then he smiles. Not his small lip twitch, but a real smile. A smile that lights up his face and makes his eyes sparkle. "I care about you. I'm here for you."

I smile back and we leave the cave. His arm around my waist and mine around his.

Title from the song "The Call" by Regina Spektor.