The party moved steadily up the road. Alistair and Eirwen took the lead, Morrigan and Leliana followed behind with Sten bringing up the rear. Gelert kept running ahead, then running back to the group. They had already been travelling for two days and Alistair told Eirwen that they should arrive at the tower that housed the Circle of Magi late the following day. They were following the old road that ran along the side of Lake Calenhad. Although old, the road was reasonably well-maintained and in good condition, all things considered. They had made swifter progress than expected and Bodahn and his son had gone on ahead of them. The Dwarf was going to look for a likely campsite and set up the camp ready for when they caught up with them. Eirwen reckoned he was probably about two hours ahead of them. She looked up at the sky, estimating that they probably had about 3 hours of daylight left. With any luck Bodahn would have found somewhere suitable and be setting up their tents right about now. Their journey had been surprisingly uneventful. They had met the odd traveller but other than that the road had been quiet.

The afternoon was mild and sunny. Eirwen cast a sympathetic glance at Alistair. He was in full armour and looked mildly uncomfortable. His face was slightly flushed and his head was beaded with sweat, darkening his hair. He fumbled for his water bottle, shaking it slightly then groaned. As he turned towards her she reached for her own bottle and held it out for him.

He smiled gratefully, "Thanks." He stopped and raised the bottle to his mouth, gulping the water down. She stood, watching his throat move as he swallowed. She felt a little a little jolt run through her and suppressed a shiver. Turning she started walking again. Momentarily, Alistair caught her up and held the bottle out to her.

"Keep it," she said with a wave of her hand. He grinned at her and fastened it to his belt.

"Andraste's flaming sword, I'm hot!" he groaned raising a hand to wipe away the sweat that was threatening to drip into his eyes.

"Hopefully Bodahn has found somewhere to set up camp by now," she told him. "We should catch up with him within the next couple of hours."

"Thank the Maker for that!" he gasped fervently.

She looked up at him grinning. "You should get some Dalish armour." She felt slightly flustered as his gaze swept over her, a sudden intensity in his eyes. Alistair caught the flush at the tips of her ears and realised he was staring. He blushed furiously.

"I don't think I've got the figure for it. It wouldn't fit me anyhow," he quipped. Well done, now she'll think you're a lecher.

Despite her discomfort, a mental image of Alistair in her armour flashed into Eirwen's head and a snort of laughter escaped her. Alistair grinned, both relieved and pleased that he had made her laugh. Well, she nearly laughed, that's a start.

Eirwen frowned at herself, irritated at the lapse. "Tell me more about the Circle of Magi," she asked.

"What do you want to know?"

Eirwen shrugged, "Everything. I know so little"

Alistair groaned and ran his hand through his damp hair. "Well, you remember what I told you the other day?"

She nodded, "The Chantry views magic as dangerous, and it has Templars that guard the mages."

"That about sums it up. Virtually all mages live at the Circle Tower on Lake Calenhad. Its proper name is Kinloch Hold, although hardly anybody calls it that. When a child is identified as having magical ability, the Templars take it to the Tower to be trained. Most mages spend their whole lives there. At the Tower they're guarded by the Templars."

"They never leave the Tower?"

"Some do occasionally. There were mages as Ostagar," he paused, his voice catching, then recovered and continued, "Some mages also find service with Nobles and the Court." He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, trying to gauge her reaction, but her face was calm and impassive, as it usually was. He shrugged, "That's about it really. Mages and Templars all locked up together in the Tower. One big happy family."

She looked up at him, frowning, "But what about their families?"

Alistair looked puzzled, "Whose families? The mages'? Like I said, mages are taken from their families when they are children. To be honest, most people view magic with such suspicion they're happy to see the back of them." He heard her gasp in shock. "It's not nice, I agree, but it's the way things are."

Eirwen shook her head, trying to take in what he'd told her. "I've never heard anything so terrible!" She frowned and shook her head, "However that isn't what I meant. I mean the mages and the Templars in the Tower. Do they not have children of their own?"

Alistair blushed furiously as he grasped her meaning, "You mean with each other?" he exclaimed, his eye brows shooting up. He scowled as he heard Morrigan hoot with derisive laughter behind him.

"Please explain Alistair, I'm sure 'twill be most enlightening," she purred.

Alistair flinched at the sound of her voice and saw Eirwen looking back at Morrigan in confusion. Eirwen looked back to Alistair waiting for his reply. Andraste's flaming sword, how do I explain this?! Feeling the colour rise in his face, Alistair cleared his throat. "Ah-hem, they don't," he told her tersely. Eirwen said nothing, just walked along beside him, looking up at him, clearly waiting for further explanation. Alistair picked up his pace, trying to pull ahead of Morrigan and Leliana. He really didn't want to continue this conversation but if he really had to, he preferred to do it out of their hearing; or Morrigan's hearing if he were to be honest. Baffled, Eirwen kept up with him, almost having to run to keep up with his long stride.

"Mages do have relationships with each other but they're not encouraged. It's rare that they have children but when it does happen the child is taken from the mother and given to the Chantry to raise."

He stole a glance down at her, but apart from a slight stiffening of her shoulders, he could see no other reaction. "Templars take vows of celibacy, amongst other things, so of course they don't have any children at all." He paused, then asked hopefully, "You understand?"

He heard her snort, "I understand the word however I don't understand why anyone would take such a vow, or why it would be considered necessary."

Alistair shrugged, "I didn't make the rules."

"Why make such a pointless vow? One should not make promises one cannot keep." Eirwen couldn't keep the scorn she felt out of her voice. "Taking a vow of celibacy is like vowing never to eat again."

"Well, it's not quite the same," retorted Alistair defensively. "I mean, you'd die if you stopped eating, no-one's going to die from not…you know." He faltered blushing.

Eirwen raised an eyebrow at him, "Well people would die out if everyone took vows of celibacy and actually kept them wouldn't they? Sex," she told him matter-of-factly "is like eating, a basic, natural function of living. Not as immediately essential as eating, I grant, but essential all the same."

Alistair raised his hands, "Look, I'm not arguing with you. You asked and I answered your question. Take it up with the Grand Cleric not me." He fumbled with the water bottle Eirwen had given him and drank deeply. He was tempted to just pour the water over his head, he felt as if his face was going to burst into flames.

"Why would anyone take such a vow?" Eirwen demanded. "It would be like to condemning yourself to be hungry for the rest of your life?"

Alistair avoided looking at her, deciding to treat the question as rhetorical. The silence stretched between them. He couldn't resist a sidelong glance and could see her looking up at him, clearly waiting for an answer. Nope, I'm not biting. I am immune to the look today. I'd even rather face the eyebrow than continue this conversation. He swallowed nervously as he saw her lips twitch into a little smile.

"So tell me Alistair," she said innocently, "If you were raised by the Chantry to be a Templar, does that mean you've never…?

For a second, Alistair truly thought it heart was going to stop. In fact he half-hoped that it would. "Never…? Never what…? Had a good pair of shoes?"

"You know what I mean," retorted Eirwen, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"I'm not sure I do," Alistair replied, deciding to play dumb. "Have I ever seen a basilisk? Ate jellied ham? Have I never licked a lamppost in winter?"

"Sex," Eirwen asked him bluntly.

"Oh so that's what we're talking about. I admit I've never had a woman come out and just ask me like this, that's for sure. I myself never had the pleasure. Not that I haven't thought about it of course, but, you know…" Alistair shrugged, slightly shocked at her directness.

"You've never had the opportunity?" suggested Eirwen.

"Well living in the Chantry is not exactly a life for rambunctious boys. They taught me to be a gentleman, especially in the presence of beautiful women such as yourself. That's not so bad, is it?"

"You think I'm beautiful?" Eirwen asked, her eyes suddenly wary.

"Of course you are and you know it. You're ravishing and resourceful and all those other things you'd probably hurt me for not saying." Said Alistair with a laugh.

Eirwen's face went still, all traces of humour gone from her eyes. "Now you're mocking me again Shem!" she hissed at him. Her body rigid, she stalked off, leaving him standing in the road, his mouth gaping and his eyes wide with surprise.

Maker! What did I say?! Alistair felt like he'd run into a stone wall. Morrigan and Leliana drew level with him, eying him curiously. Morrigan opened her mouth to speak and Alistair hurried ahead not wanting to hear what she had intended to say. He watched Eirwen striding along the road, her body stiff with anger. What did she say? She said I was mocking her… She accused me of that before…at Ostagar, when I asked her was she a mage…does she really think I was saying she isn't at all beautiful? Alistair groaned and ran his hand through his hair. His pace had slowed and he realised that Leliana and Morrigan had almost caught up with him. He decided to try and catch up with Eirwen and try and resolve the misunderstanding. As he had just about caught her up she half-turned her head and muttered over her shoulder, "I'm going to see if I can catch some rabbits, I'll catch you all up at camp." Not giving him the chance to say anything she left the road and jogged towards the trees. Alistair saw her pause briefly, putting her fingers in her mouth to whistle sharply for Gelert, then both dog and elf vanished into the trees.

It took another hour for the party to reach the camp that Bodahn and Sandal had set up. There had been no sign of Eirwen at all. Alistair had made sure he stayed ahead of the two women. He really didn't want to talk about it what had happened. Or at least, not to Morrigan. He wondered if he should try talking to Leliana later. He was quite baffled by Eirwen's reaction. His words may have been light-hearted, mostly to cover his embarrassment at the subject of their conversation, but his compliment had been genuinely meant. He conceded that Eirwen wasn't a beauty in the classical sense, but she was a good-looking woman, why would she be so offended with him for pointing it out? How could she seriously think he was mocking her? He also felt a little aggrieved. Eirwen had relaxed enough to tease him gently about his Chantry upbringing and his lack of experience with women, yet when he retaliated with a little flirtatious teasing of his own she'd suddenly lost her sense of humour. He was relieved to see Bodahn and Sandal slightly off the road, all their tents already set up.

The camp site was down an incline, almost at the lakeside. There was a flat area of ground where Bodahn had set up the tents, then a small stand of trees, then the lake. In spite of the trees there was a cool breeze blowing off the lake. Alistair couldn't wait to get his armour off. He was fumbling with buckles as he picked out a tent and headed towards it. Ducking inside he gratefully shed his armour, then wrinkled his nose in disgust. His shirt and breeches were wringing with sweat and clung to him. He left the tent and headed over to Bodahn's wagon to dig out his pack. As he got there he could hear Leliana exclaiming loudly and turned to look. He saw that Eirwen had appeared. He didn't know what she'd managed to get for their supper but Leliana was obviously thrilled with it. He turned back to the wagon and retrieved his pack. He dug about for a minute retrieving a sliver of soap, a cloth and small towel and a fresh shirt. He also picked up the large lidded pail they used for carrying water in. By the time he got back to the tents both Eirwen and Morrigan had disappeared.

"Was it something I said?" asked Alistair grumpily.

Leliana smiled at him, "Don't be silly. Morrigan's gone to set wards around the camp, Sten is in his tent and Eirwen's gone looking for greens and herbs. Look at what she brought!" Leliana pointed and Alistair saw three wild boar piglets. At the sight of them his mouth started to water and his stomach growled loudly.

"Has that improved your mood?" Leliana asked, grinning at him. Alistair just shrugged sheepishly. "Would you like to talk about it?"

"I don't know," he sighed. "Maybe later? I'm going down to the lake. I really need a wash. I'll fill the pail while I'm there."

"OK. Take you time, there's no rush for water, it's not like I need it for cooking," she told him.

Alistair headed down to the water's edge and stripped off his shirt. At the water's edge he splashed water over his head and chest, groaning with pleasure as the cold water sluiced over him. He looked about him, toying with the idea of stripping off completely and going for a swim. It was certainly a nice spot. From their camp site the ground sloped gently down to the water but a little way ahead he could see the land rise steeply. He could make out a small waterfall running into the lake. That might be a better place for a swim…I won't have to wade out there…it's a little way from the camp and it's less likely that one of the women is going to come up on me unexpectedly. He filled the water pail and left it where he'd washed and made his way around the lake, shirt, towel and washcloth in hand. There was a small copse where the land started to rise. It rose steeply forming a cliff at the edge of the lake the water's edge curved away from him, the water at the foot of the cliff almost like a small bay. Alistair reckoned it would be secluded enough for him to bathe properly in private.

Eager at the thought of a swim in the cool water of the lake he hurried through the trees. He froze when he heard a loud splash. Cautiously he crept forward and looked out onto the water. He couldn't help but smile as he spotted Eirwen in the water. He watched as she frolicked in the lake, swimming a little way, then tipping over and diving below the surface to emerge further away. As a boy he'd once seen an otter playing in the lake near Redcliffe, it had completely entranced him. Watching Eirwen so obviously enjoy the water reminded him of it. He watched as she swam to the cliff and gasped when she pulled herself out. Lithe and nimble she scrambled up the cliff until she got to a small ledge about 20 feet up. Alistair held his breath as he watched her stand quite motionless for a second then she toppled forward and dived into the water, her body straight as an arrow. Alistair watched Eirwen for some time, he was completely captivated. Three more times he watched her climb the cliff and then dive off. He marvelled at how easily she found a way up the seemingly smooth rock. She moved gracefully, without hesitation. His breath caught in his throat every time she launched herself into the air and cut into the water like a knife. Alistair realised the light was fading fast and tore his eyes away from the elf in the lake and looked up at the sky. Looking back across the lake he couldn't see Eirwen, she had dived back under the water. He almost yelped when she surfaced only about six feet away from the water's edge. Holding his breath he backed away slowly, praying to the Maker that he wasn't going to stand on something that would make a noise and give him away. Eirwen emerged from the water, dripping and reached for the small towel she'd placed on top of the small pile that consisted of her armour and small clothes. Alistair watched her from the trees as she dried herself vigorously with the towel. Maker! She really is beautiful…like a water spirit or a mermaid His eyes drank in the site of her, travelling down her body, lingering on her small, round breasts, the nipples dark and hard, then travelling on down, resting of the dark triangle that nestled at the top of her thighs. He felt himself stiffen and almost moaned. As she stooped to retrieve her smallclothes he turned reluctantly and stole quietly through the trees. Once clear of them he hurried back to where he had left the pail and picked it up, heading back up the slope to the camp. He held his shirt and towel loosely in front of him; the last thing he needed was someone to notice his arousal. Arriving back at the camp he dumped the pail and crawled quickly into his tent.

As Eirwen made her way through the copse she noticed Alistair pick up the pail. She hesitated, wanting to speak to him but before she could call out he was already moving swiftly up the slope. She stood, watching him go. She was feeling much calmer now. The swim had cleared her head and cooled her temper. She felt guilty and not a little confused. Does he really think I'm beautiful?...How could anyone think I'm beautiful right now?...I've heard the stories about Shems and their deceitful ways, how they view elves as whores…This is Alistair, a man who has grown up in the Chantry…Shems, whether they seduce us or rapes us, they see us as nothing more than something to empty themselves into…This is Alistair, a man who has, by his own admission, never lain with a woman…Hah! Am I to be the first notch on his bedpost then?...Does he really think I'm beautiful or is he just trying to flatter me on to my back?...He is a Shem…He is a Warden…He is Alistair She watched him until he vanished from sight, beset by doubts. Sighing she looked down and something caught her eye. She frowned and stooped to look more closely. A washcloth. Not her washcloth, hers was in her hand with her towel. It was still damp. Alistair's? Her confusion only increased. He was spying on me!...maybe he came to swim too, realised I was there and turned back…Maybe…Maybe he thinks I'm beautiful and watched me Remembering how she had climbed the cliff and dived off the ledge, she felt her face grow hot. Did he watch me diving? She shivered slightly at the thought, part of her appalled, another part of her slightly thrilled.

She made her way back to the camp. Looking around she couldn't see Alistair. Her voice little more than a murmur she asked Leliana where he was. Leliana pointed out Alistair's tent and Eirwen went over to it, stuck her hand through the ties and dropped the washcloth inside.

"You dropped this…in the trees," she said quietly then turned and headed for her own tent. She couldn't be quite sure but she thought she heard him groan and was seized by a sudden desire to giggle.