AUTHOR'S NOTE: Thank you for checking out my latest chapter. Please leave me a review and let me know what you think, especially if you think it's going too slow. With what I have planned, I think this story is going to get very long before it's finished, but I'm really enjoying writing it.

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They only stayed in Redcliffe for a few days, but Jessimyn found herself feeling very relieved once they finally left. Apparently sleeping with Teagan had been a mistake. Not that it hadn't been enjoyable, but the bann had suddenly become very clingy. It seemed as though every time she turned around, he was there. He had insisted on being present when she met with Ser Theon, he was there when she'd sparred with him, and he'd stood a little too close to her as she watched both Zevran and Leliana spar with the knight. There had been the invitations for her to join him in his room each night after the first, all of which she politely declined, and he had even come to knock on her door on the evening before they were preparing to leave, although Jessimyn had pretended she was asleep. Then there was the embarrassing incident at dinner one night, when Teagan had attempted to hold her hand. She was pretty sure her companions had noticed, and that bothered her more than anything.

At least Theon had not been a disappointment. He was very skilled, and he seemed very eager about the prospect of becoming a Grey Warden. In fact, their sparring session had drawn more observers than just Teagan. Many of the castle's other knights and guards had come out, too, and Jessimyn couldn't help but notice the jealous looks on some of their faces. There had even been a few who had approached her about going along with her, and it had made her uncomfortable to turn them down. Yes, it was good that they were leaving.

As they waited on the docks for the ship that would take them to the Circle Tower, Jessimyn prayed Teagan wouldn't make a scene. Once the ship arrived, the crew scurried to load their things, after which their party could board and they would be off. It was almost time to go when Jessimyn saw Teagan walking over to her, and she gritted her teeth.

"Bann Teagan," she said hurriedly, before he could begin. "We wish to thank you for your hospitality, as well as for procuring this ship for us." She hoped the formality of her words would give him the hint, but they failed.

Teagan spoke softly, for that at least Jessimyn was thankful, though she wished he wouldn't stand so close. "I wish you didn't have to leave so soon, just when we were... getting to know each other."

Taking a step backwards, Jessimyn said, "My duty is to the Grey Wardens. Everything else is secondary." There was the call from the captain that they could begin boarding the ship, thank the Maker. "We have long travels in front of us and must be on our way. Farewell."

With that, she turned and boarded the ship with Zevran, Leliana, Theon, and the handful of others who had business on the other side of Lake Calenhad. She pointedly did not look back to the docks as they shoved off, but she didn't like the grin Zevran was giving her. Leliana immediately pulled Theon aside, which pleased Jessimyn. The knight was altogether too quiet, and the bard was good at getting people to open up. A smile played across her lips as she watched the two of them together, watched Theon blush at something Leliana said. The smile left, however, when she heard Zevran come up beside her.

"You are quite the little heart breaker it would seem, my dear Jessimyn. The poor bann looked as though he was going to cry that you didn't give him a goodbye kiss."

Jessimyn snorted. "I don't know what you're talking about, Zev."

"No? Then let me explain. It would seem to me that you seduced that poor man and left him wanting more. I thought perhaps we would get to see him propose to you right there on the docks."

"I gave the man no reason to think there was anything more to it than..." She trailed off, peering at Zevran. "Oh, forget it."

"Oh no," said Zevran, looking highly amused. "More than what? More than just an... itch you needed to scratch? Those biting insects followed you from your bedroll into the castle, perhaps?"

Jessimyn couldn't help it, and she laughed. "Well, is it my fault? I made no promises. Why is it that men think that sex has to be accompanied by love?"

"Oh, has that been your experience? I always thought it was women who made that mistake."

She shook her head. "Actually, it seems like most men think that sex will bring a title with it."

"Ah yes, the strain of being nobility, being chased by men who only want you for your family name," said Zevran, and Jessimyn couldn't help but notice the mockery in his voice.

"You wouldn't understand, Zev."

"Oh no? Why, because I am the lowly son of a whore? I know what it is, to feel like people only want you because of what you can offer them. That is why, to me, sex is just sex. Unless it's bad sex, then it's not worth my time. Perhaps the next time you get an itch, you'll remember that. After all, I wouldn't have any expectations beyond a night of your wildest dreams," he grinned at her.

"And then you fall head over heels for me, feel spurned, and end up leaving me. No, that won't do. I think I want to keep you around, not drive you away," teased Jessimyn.

"No need to worry about that," Zevran said, surprising Jessimyn by the gentleness in his voice. "You know there is no room in my life for love, nor is there room in your heart for anyone other than..."

Jessimyn shushed him. "Names are dangerous, Zev."

"Come," he said, changing the subject. "Let's go see what Leliana is telling that poor recruit of yours to make him turn such a charming shade of red."

The trip across the lake went smoothly, and they found themselves at the Circle Tower late that night. They were shown rooms and reassured that both Greagoir and Irving would be informed of their arrival first thing in the morning. In her room, Jessimyn flipped through a number of the papers she had brought with her. She chewed on her bottom lip nervously, as she knew that if this meeting didn't go well, it would change all her plans. Rather, it would ruin all her plans.

Luckily, it was Irving who sought her out first, and he invited her up to his office. "It looks like things are getting back to normal," said Jessimyn looking around.

"Yes, almost. But I doubt you came here to check on our progress. Was there something I could help you with?"

Best to start with the easiest first, she thought. "Well, first I am here in the hopes that I might find a recruit for the Grey Wardens. I was hoping you might know of a mage who might be suitable?"

Irving frowned, thinking this over. "Hmm... there might be at that. There is a young initiate named Kyran who is very talented who might be the sort you're looking for. He shows great promise when it comes to healing skills. Of course, he hasn't been through his Harrowing yet. It is scheduled to take place in two days, though, so if all goes well you may speak to him. So you have taken over Duncan's duties, then?"

"I... suppose I have. Even with the Blight over, Ferelden still needs Grey Wardens."

"Quite so," Irving agreed. "But I take it there's another reason you are here?"

Jessimyn nodded and pulled out the papers that she'd been holding onto since Riordan had given them to her. "I'm sure you don't know much of the Joining, as it's kept secret, but I have need of the help of a mage to do it. You don't have to be there for it, of course, but to get it ready... it requires lyrium, and magic, and... a few other things."

Irving held out his hand. "May I see those?" He asked, and Jessimyn obliged, feeling a little guilty that she was handing over Grey Warden secrets.

Tapping his lips with a finger, Irving skimmed the papers. "Hmm... yes, I could probably help out with this. However, the... blood?"

Jessimyn nodded. "The archdemon's blood. Yes, I... I have that with me, actually." After the dragon had been defeated, she'd gone back and collected a number of flasks worth, knowing it would be needed if she was to make any new Grey Wardens. She'd kept it hidden away, not even telling Leliana and Zevran that she had it. After all, it would only bring forward questions she didn't feel she had a right to answer.

"I see... and the darkspawn blood? Since it's listed separately, I assume it is something different."

"Yes, that I don't have right now. I think that's supposed to be... fresh, before the Joining. Will that be a problem? I was hoping you might be able to do all the rest, and then I could add that later."

With a frown, Irving turned his attention back to the papers. "I suppose that is possible. It looks like, if I do this part here, you could mix in the right amount before this... ceremony." He tapped the paper with a finger. "The lyrium should keep it fresh, although I wouldn't recommend waiting too long. Am I wrong to assume you won't be performing the ritual here?"

"No, not here," Jessimyn confirmed. "I hope to find at least one more recruit."

"Very well. I'll see what I can do. It might take some time, but I suppose if you're going to wait on Kyran, you're not in a great hurry."

Jessimyn thanked the First Enchanter and went to find her companions, which she found outside near the grounds where the templars were training. It looked like Theon had been coaxed into a sparring match with one of the templars, and they'd attracted a crowd. Jessimyn went to stand next to Leliana. "He is eager to practice his skills, I'll give him that," she said gesturing to Theon.

"Yes," agreed Leliana. "But watch the other one. He's equally as good. Maybe even better."

Theon used a sword and shield, but the man he was sparring against was dual wielding a sword and a dagger, similar to Jessimyn's own style of fighting. It was true that Theon was very good, but his opponent was able to deflect everything he threw at him. Finally, the mystery man landed a blow on Theon's sword arm, followed quickly by one to his head. The practice sword made a dull clang as it hit Theon's helmet, and the fighting stopped. The knight bowed to the templar. "The match is yours, ser," he said.

Jessimyn clapped her hands together and hopped over the fence surrounding the practice yard. "Well done, both of you," she said before turning to the templar. "Care for another, or do you need time to rest?" She smiled at him. Theon moved off the field to go stand next to Leliana.

"I cannot fight you, my lady," said the man, looking a little shocked.

"That's the Grey Warden, Jakob!" Someone shouted from the other side of the yard.

"Jakob, is it? I'm Jessimyn." She walked over to a rack holding practice weapons and selected a sword and dagger. She tested their balance, then moved to stand in the middle of the yard.

The man still looked hesitant, but there was no way he could refuse with his peers standing nearby to cheer him on. He twirled his dagger in his left hand, then bowed to Jessimyn, so deep it was almost mocking. She returned the bow, and then they rushed towards each other. Jakob immediately went on the offensive, swinging his sword in a downward arc towards her left shoulder. She swung her own sword up and across her body to block it, then jabbed with her dagger. He was quick, and he jumped out of the way, causing the dagger to skid off the side of his armor. The shock on his face made it apparent he hadn't expected her to make contact at all.

They danced around each other, both effectively deflecting each others shots. Jessimyn became flushed, not just with the effort of the spar but also with the excitement she felt from meeting someone who was more than a match for her. Jakob swung a wild shot at her, trying to bring his sword down on her head, but Jessimyn crossed her sword and dagger and caught his sword between them. She twisted, and the sword flew out of his hand. Wasting no time, she swung both sword and dagger at his right arm and made a direct hit at the same time he jabbed his dagger into her stomach.

The crowd, which had grown even larger, erupted into applause. "You are a worthy opponent," said Jakob with a smile as he bowed to her, before jogging off to the side to be congratulated by his comrades. Jessimyn tossed her practice weapons to a nearby guard, then went over to Leliana and Theon. Zevran had also shown up, and he was watching Jakob appraisingly.

"I want him," said Jessimyn.

"Yes," agreed Zevran. "I can see why... although maybe you mean something different?"

Leliana and Jessimyn laughed, while Theon just blushed. The knight was going to have to loosen up if he was going to be around this group for long. Jessimyn turned to look at the templar, only to see that he was watching her as well. "I guess I need to speak with Greagoir," she said. "Maybe we'll leave here with two new recruits instead of just one."