Aedan paced the study having no idea where to start. He had requested privacy to speak with his brother; he could not keep the truth from him any longer. The night Howe had betrayed them was burned into his mind, but putting the horrific images into words was proving an almost impossible task. He hadn't realised tears were streaming down his face until Fergus was gripping his arms, stopping him from moving.

"Aedan, for the love of the Maker tell me what is going on. Is it mother? Father?"

Aedan gave an agonised growl. "They are all...dead." He managed to gasp out, his heart feeling crushed.

Fergus stared at him unable to comprehend the words. "Oriana and Oren?"

"Murdered. Howe betrayed us. I am only alive because Duncan was visiting Highever looking for recruits." He shuddered. "My life in return for becoming a Warden." Aedan sank onto the seat burying his face into his hands; unable to look at his brother, his guilt at failing his family too intense. "I should have stayed, died defending them. Oriana and Oren were dead before I knew what was happening. I managed to get mother to the servant's entrance and we found father in a pool of his own blood. The bastards had stabbed him and left him to die slowly. Duncan had found him … tried to help him." He let out a shuddering breath, struggling to get out the words as his throat constricted. "They made me leave, but I should have stayed."

Fergus held him as he let out great gasping sobs. "Then I would be mourning you too brother."

"Better to be dead than live with my betrayal."

Fergus forced Aedan to look at him. "You betrayed no one. Howe that snake bastard was the only one to betray our family. They will be avenged Aedan, I swear it." The words finally began to sink in to Fergus that he would never see his wife and son again and he sank to his knees clutching his chest. The last memories of them were a demons creation and grief, bitterness and rage swelled within him. He squeezed his eyes shut; but the tears fell heedless, followed by choked gasps and strangled breaths as Fergus tried and failed to suppress his grief. He clung to his brother as images of Oren and Oriana crippled him. Those final goodbyes before he had left for Ostagar, Oriana's disquiet and his reassurances that he would return. He let out a howl of pain so deep he felt his heart torn apart. When they had needed him he had not been there, but he would avenge them.

There in the study the brothers swore an oath; that no matter what duty drove them, Howe would pay for the lives he had taken.

xXx

Aeronwen had been watching Isolde since their return from the Fade; thought she was careful not to draw attention to herself, or the anger burning within her. She had been horrified by all she had witnessed in the Fade, but seeing what had happened to Alistair awoke a fury in her she was struggling to contain. His words that the Arl had been worse had chilled her. Watching the Arlessa and allowing the anger to course through her helped to stem the gut wrenching fear that in coming to Ferelden she had made a huge mistake.

Isolde glanced up as Teagan finally managed to coax her away from the body of her husband so it could be prepared for the pyre and glared at Aeronwen. The icy look she received in return made her boil. The Arlessa stormed towards her. "How dare you judge me! You … you thug!"

Alistair got to his feet, but Leliana caught his hand. "Wait."

"But …"

"Just wait." Leliana knew enough nobles to know that Aeronwen was high born, though she had no idea where from and was curious to see how she would handle the Arlessa.

Dealing with people like Isolde had been part of daily court life and despite her status as Guardian; as the first in line to the throne, Aeronwen had been expected to continue to deal with them. She preferred dealing with things as a Guardian that could usually involve weapons. She held herself straight and gave Isolde the look she reserved for the more arrogant of the courtiers. "Arlessa you demean yourself behaving in this manner. I believe I have already expressed by discontent and disgust at your behaviour and there is nothing more to be said on the matter. Unless of course you wish to apologise to Alistair."

Leliana glanced to Alistair who was staring at Aeronwen in astonishment, wondering just what had happened in the Fade.

Isolde shook with rage. "Who are you to speak to me in that manner?"

Aeronwen had to bite back exactly who she was, it would hardly matter here and Isolde clearly did not intend to wait for an answer.

"I will have you thrown in the dungeon for assaulting me and I will never apologise to the bastard!" Isolde gave a snarl of rage wincing as Aeronwen caught her wrist as she moved to slap her.

"I suggest you restrain yourself Arlessa, I am no child." For a moment Aeronwen pulled the Arlessa closer to her. "In my country you would be forced to experience yourself the brutality you handed out and I would be happy to be the one to educate you."

Isolde snatched away her arm and stormed over to Teagan. "I want her out of here immediately!"

Aeronwen rolled her eyes, but decided to make it easier on the soon to be new Arl. "I will seek accommodation in the village."

Teagan held up his hand. "That will not be necessary my lady." He turned to Isolde, lowering his voice though it could still be heard. "You and Eamon have done enough to ruin my family name, no more. You will control yourself Isolde, or it will be you that will be removed."

Isolde paled and stammered something in her native tongue before sweeping out of the room, glaring daggers at Aeronwen.

Teagan smiled and winked at Aeronwen. "I have wanted to do that for a very long time."

Aeronwen smirked before growing serious. "Truly I did not mean to cause trouble; I will happily seek other accommodation for the evening."

"I will be offended if you leave."

Aeronwen chuckled. "I certainly would not wish to offend you."

Teagan smiled warmly and moved away to inform the servants to make up rooms for their guests.

Duncan watched the exchange with mild curiosity, before being pulled into a discussion with Oghren and paying Aeronwen no further mind.

xXx

Aeronwen cautiously approached Alistair who glanced at her almost shyly. "Could we speak for a moment?" She refused to flinch beneath Leliana's piercing stare.

"Of course."

They moved out onto the battlement, Aeronwen grateful for the cool air. She ached for her homeland and her family and now that Alistair had seen it she found herself wanting to speak to him, to tell him about her home to make it seem close for just a few more moments.

Alistair waited patiently realising Aeronwen seemed to be having some kind of internal dialogue and was loath to distract her from whatever she was thinking. He glanced out over the place he had once called home. Bitterness washed his tongue with its foul taste; this had never been a home. "She's always been a bitch." He ventured at last. "I'm glad Teagan stopped her from making you leave."

Aeronwen smiled. "She is a dreadful woman." She glanced to the Warden and licked her lips nervously. "About the Fade." She felt Alistair stiffen and gazed out over the village. "I just wanted you to know if you want to talk about it …" She stopped; why would he want to talk to her, he didn't know her. She swallowed hard and feeling foolish she turned to Alistair to apologise.

"Why were you banished and from where?" His voice though gentle was deep with curiosity.

Aeronwen suddenly felt very vulnerable. She met his gaze, but no words formed. Flushing she looked away, horrified with herself as she choked back tears.

Alistair paled at her obvious distress and gently rested his hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry."

Aeronwen gazed at the wall, her fingers gripping the stone. "I chose to follow my conscience and do my duty. In choosing that I was exiled from my homeland ... from Secrill ….. in Melchrest." She bowed her head, saying the words out loud made it seem real and horrifyingly final.

Alistair raked his fingers through his hair. "I'm sorry." He shifted slightly and leaned against the wall. "You came to help us with the Blight?"

"Yes."

Alistair shifted again when she said nothing else. "I've never heard of Secrill or Melchrest, is that where we were?"

Aeronwen simply nodded her throat constricting so tightly she struggled to swallow. She blinked her eyes rapidly, turning to Alistair. She wanted to tell him who she was, why she was here and how alone she felt.

The Commanders voice carried to them calling for Alistair. The young Warden could have throttled Duncan for his timing as Aeronwen closed her mouth and gave a rueful smile.

"Perhaps we could speak another time."

Alistair smiled. "I'd like that."

xXx

As night drew in silence settled over Redcliffe; people took stock of their losses and held onto those that still lived. Those at the Castle had eaten a simple meal, the Arlessa refusing to eat at the same table as Aeronwen and Alistair. Teagan had informed her that she could eat in her room if she was so inclined. He had no doubt he would pay for it, but he would deal with that later.

Aedan and Fergus had finally emerged from the study; Bethany concerned at how pale they both were, eyes raw and puffy with spent grief. Flax was stuck to Aedan's leg, nudging his hand occasionally to let him know she was there for him. Aedan smiled adoringly at her profoundly grateful that they had found each other again. Fergus had spoken to Malcolm in hushed tones and the sadness on his face and the way her father clasped Fergus's arm told Bethany something awful had happened. She settled next to Aeronwen who was staring into the fire lost in her thoughts. "Can I ask you something?"

Aeronwen glanced up and smiled. "Of course."

"When you were in the Fade, what did you see?"

Aeronwen shuddered. "My family were dead." Her voice little more than a whisper.

Bethany chewed her lip. "Are they dead? It's just the demon made me relive an awful memory."

"My family were very much alive when I left. I am hoping it was simply preying on my fears." She took a deep breath. "Are you alright after the experience?"

Bethany nodded. "Having Fergus with me made it a lot easier." She glanced towards Alistair who was with the other Wardens, Fergus and Teagan in deep discussion about what to do next. "So, Alistair is cute."

Aeronwen glanced at Bethany startled and smiled. "I believe he is already involved with the stunning red head."

Bethany glanced at Leliana and nodded thoughtfully. "Yes you might have competition there."

Aeronwen flushed and shook her head. "Bethany that is not going to happen."

"I think it might." Bethany teased.

Aeronwen shook her head. "Bethany!"

"Fine, fine." Bethany held up her hands in mock surrender. "If you want red to have him it's no skin off my nose."

With a sigh Aeronwen returned her gaze to the fire. Love was dangerous and she had no intention of indulging in any kind of intimate relationship. She was a Guardian and her Duty would always come first.

xXx

Leliana glanced at Aeronwen and turned to Zevran. "What do you think of her?"

Zevran gave a wicked smile. "She is dangerous, I like her."

Leliana rolled her eyes. "Be serious Zev."

"I am my dear. I find myself very curious about her, but what I think you are really asking is if she has designs on your bastard Prince."

Leliana flushed and scowled. "I do not …"

"Ah Leliana fool yourself if you must. If it will put you at ease I believe she is not interested in the young Warden." Leliana relaxed slightly, much to Zevran's amusement. He leaned over and whispered into Sketch's ear; the elf flushing furiously, before the pair stood and headed towards their room.

Leliana chuckled to herself and glanced towards Alistair, wondering if she would be so lucky tonight.

xXx

Duncan sighed. "So much was lost at Ostagar. We didn't even have the opportunity to give Maric and our Wardens a fitting send off to the Maker."

Teagan gripped his shoulder in silent comfort, each man bowed down with his own grief.

Aeronwen watched the Wardens feeling her anxiety increase. She had spent her whole life dreaming of this moment, of meeting the Grey Wardens and now her courage was failing her. She couldn't put her finger on it, but something about the Commander made her hesitate. She had a flash of inspiration and rummaged in her pack until she found the small leather pouch she had put the fallen Wardens belongings into.

"What's that?" Bethany's curiosity overwhelming her.

"Items belonging to the Wardens. Given the Commander is here it seems appropriate to return them."

Bethany nodded. "I would imagine he would be grateful for their return."

Aeronwen approached the men, grateful for the warm smile Alistair gave her. "Warden Commander."

Duncan turned to her, his dark eyes fixing her with a piercing stare. "We are busy." He said a little harshly.

Aeronwen froze; her heart pounding feeling the flush rise on her cheeks, her thoughts of introducing herself dying on her lips at his clear annoyance at her approach. "I just thought you might want this." She stated hurriedly placing the pouch on the table between them, retreating swiftly to the courtyard and onto the battlements where she had stood with Alistair. She took a deep breath of the cool night air. Aeronwen hadn't expected fanfares at her arrival, but civility would have been nice.

Duncan opened the pouch and emptied the contents on the desk, his breath lodging in his throat. There were various papers and trinkets and he recognised them all. "Excuse me gentlemen." He hissed barely able to contain his anger and strode out after her.

Alistair also recognised some of the items and hurried out after him trying not to draw attention to himself.

Oghren stared at the gold band that had been Branka's wedding ring. He picked it up with shaking fingers and attached it to the chain his Warden's Oath was on.

Duncan advanced on Aeronwen as she stood on the battlements overlooking the village. Its devastation did not look so bad from this viewpoint, the worst of the damage cloaked in shadows. "Do you make a habit of pillaging the dead?" Duncan snarled, grabbing her wrist and turning her to face him.

Aeronwen's eyes widened in horror. "No, that was not …. that is not what happened." She felt like a child again beneath his furious gaze and realised she was trembling. "When I arrived at Ostagar everyone was dead. I did not want the Darkspawn to desecrate their bodies so I took the papers and valuables to hand into the Warden base before I built them a funeral pyre, apart from the two dwarfs who I covered with rocks."

Duncan listened in astonishment at the rush of words pouring from her mouth.

"I did not remove the Warden's Oath, but I thought the other items might be needed or wanted by those who survived."

Duncan faltered, why would she take the time to build a funeral pyre and how did she know about the Warden's Oath.

"I did not mean offence." She whispered, trying not to wince at the vice like grip he still held on her wrist.

Duncan noticed her discomfort and dropped her arm quickly, a little ashamed of himself as she rubbed the bruising skin. "Who are you?"

"My name is Aeronwen." The rest of her explanation stuck in her throat; she had no intention of telling the fierce Commander who she was, already feeling inadequate and foolish beneath his gaze.

Duncan shifted uneasily, he had many questions but somehow it seemed inappropriate to ask them. "Thank you ... for returning the items and for doing what we could not."

Aeronwen nodded and was relieved when he turned and walked back into the Castle. Alistair cast her a nervous smile before turning and following the Commander. She watched the dwarf approach her and prepared herself for another tongue lashing. Instead he gripped her hand.

"Thank you lass." There were tears in his eyes as he cleared his throat loudly. "Means a lot what you did. The burial and … well thanks." He turned and wandered back into the Castle, fingering the ring at his neck.

xXx

Loghain stared moodily into the flames that flickered restlessly in the hearth in his private chambers. Cailan's cries of pain could not penetrate this room and for that Loghain was deeply thankful. When he and Eamon had discovered Cailan's letters to Empress Celine there had been a moment of sheer panic. The prince although twenty-six was still unwed and the content of the letters had suggested a relationship between the two. Loghain and Eamon had gone to Maric and were surprised at his attitude. The war was over and he wanted his son to be happy in a marriage. The two men had stared at their King in disbelief and in that moment realised that Maric was no longer fit to rule.

Despite Eamon having his own Orlesian marriage he was not blind to the issues it would cause both himself and his countrymen if the Empress had Ferelden in her grip. Although Loghain was more outspoken about his distrust of all things Orlesian; Eamon held the same distrust, increased by his own wife and her contacts in Orlais. He had been happy to go along with the Empress wanting Alistair; after all he was a bastard and would never gain the throne, but Cailan was an entirely different matter.

The Blight had come at a most opportune time affording them the opportunity to despatch the King in battle without having to get their hands dirty. Cailan on the other hand required more planning.

Loghain shifted restlessly in his seat, the poison should have done its work by now, yet the prince who should be King lay writhing in agony and had been for over a week now. He had considered slitting his throat; suffocating him with a pillow and at this point it seemed more a mercy, but he knew he must remain above suspicion.

He could allow no loose ties and had instructed the assassin to give Eamon a parting gift, including a little something for the elf. He however selected the poison himself, wanting something quick acting and efficient. Eamon had chosen the poison for Cailan and he wondered now at the brutality of the man. Cailan's descent towards death was slow and tortuous. Despite the fact that his being alive threatened the security of Ferelden, Loghain had wished him a more dignified end than this. He had considered giving Eamon the same end; which he reflected would be fitting, but he needed Eamon gone. He had been surprised at Eamon, so quick to deny Cailan when he himself had a viperous Orlesian in his own bed. He had never trusted Eamon because of his wife, but he would make a fitting scapegoat.

He glanced to the portrait of his wife and daughter, both now at the Makers side. He bowed his head his grief washing over him. He shuddered berating himself for his moment of weakness. Both had been killed by Orlesian assassins ten years ago. He had never remarried, instead nurturing his hatred until he was almost suffocated by it. He clenched his fist; Ferelden would not fall to the Orlesians while he still had breath.

xXx

Author Note:Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed. I look forwards to your thoughts which are always appreciated.