The bear jerky kept them going throughout the rest of their time in the mountains. When they reached what seemed to be flat land, Merrill said, "I think if we will continue north we will run into Tantervale or one of the other cities along the Minater River. If you want to go to Tevinter, that is a good place to split off. Nevarra is to the west, Tevinter is to the northwest and Antiva is north."

"How long until we reach the city?" asked Kimberly.

"Three, maybe four days. There may be some small towns along the way."

"What I wouldn't give for a nice bath and a soft bed."

"There are some lakes to the east a bit if you want to detour. It wouldn't take us far out of the way and there may be a town there as well."

"If we went to a smaller town, we could find news of the area. What does everyone else think?"

"I could use a bed. I'm sick of this sleeping on the ground shit," Varric commented.

"There is very little game out here, until we reach the forests," added Merrill. "I think if we head towards the lakes, we will at least head into woods where we might find some food."

William enthusiastically agreed. "I think that sounds like an excellent idea!"

Henric shrugged.

Fenris turned his green gaze on Kimberly and she knew without asking what his thoughts were: he would follow her anywhere she chose to go.

"Let's head for the woods then," Kimberly decided.

Hawke approached Henric as they walked. He was difficult to talk to but intriguing as well - she liked the challenge. She fell in step beside him. They walked silently for a while before she spoke up. "So what do they teach you in the Circle?"

Henric snorted. "Spells."

"I figured that part out for myself. What else?"

"Rules."

Hoping to coax him out of his shell, she asked, "What kind of rules?"

"What kind of rules does a mage need? Stay away from demons, keep out of the dark corridors, and be in bed by curfew."

She'd hit a nerve. At least he had some, which meant he was human after all. "I can't imagine having a curfew. It seems so silly."

Henric was silent again. His demeanor closed off as quickly as it was exposed.

"So other than learn spells and follow rules what else did you do?"

The mage scowled. "Why don't you ask William all these ridiculous questions?"

Kimberly waved a hand at William and Merrill's backs, as they led the way towards the woods chatting amicably. "They are busy. Besides, I like talking to you. You're interesting."

Henric snorted again. "I'm busy too."

"Doing what? Making up spells?" she asked simply.

He ignored her and continued walking for several long moments before answering. "I'm thinking. I prefer to be alone when I'm thinking."

"You're always alone," she noted.

"I'm always thinking."

"I'd like to know what you are thinking."

Henric stopped short and glared at Kimberly. "Why? It's none of your business. I'm only here because I happen to be traveling the same direction as you are. I'll leave you at Tantervale and make my way to Tevinter. I've no interest in making friends along the way. I had friends once and they're gone now. I don't need new ones," his voice had grown louder as if they were arguing. Varric stopped and turned around. Fenris stepped forward. Henric took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Now go back to your elf and leave me alone. If I catch him glaring at me like that again, I'll blow his head off his shoulders and that would be a waste of perfectly good mana." He turned away and started walking, passing Varric along the way.

"What did you say to him, Hawke?" asked Varric.

"Nothing important." She shook her head. "I feel sorry for him."

"Don't," replied Fenris. "He is rude and unworthy of your concern."

Kimberly smiled and touched the elf's arm. "Someone once told me the same thing about you and they were wrong." With a sigh she added, "I suspect he lost someone important to him. It will be all right, you'll see. He'll open up one day."

It took them until late afternoon to reach the woods. They found a stream, and Fenris caught some fish. Varric went to hunt for rabbits, Merrill and William went to look for berries, and Kimberly and Henric set up the campsite in silence. At least the party would eat well tonight for the first time since the bear attack.

"Diamondback tonight, Varric?" asked William hopefully.

"I thought I would teach you a new game. It's called Wicked Grace."

"That sounds like fun. Merrill, are you playing?"

"Oh, I'm not very good at that game. I already owe Varric more money than I'll ever see in my life."

"Please," he pleaded.

"Well, all right, for you I will." She smiled at the young mage and he grinned back like a silly schoolboy.

William was in love. Not having the courage to tell her so, he worshiped Merrill from afar. They talked of all sorts of things, and never seemed to run out of topics. Merrill was sweet, lovable, and seemed to have given up her blood magic ways. If only he could tell her how he felt. Tell her that he melted at the sound of her lilting voice and got lost in her eyes. But the Dalish don't take to humans very well, so was there any future for them? And what about him? Would he go back to the Circle in a new city? Could he even go back? Did he want to? The Circle was all he'd ever known, but the past few weeks he'd been free. He'd made new friends and fallen in love. He'd fought creatures and healed others in battle. What was only theoretical before was real now. The dirt and the grass, the berries, and the sky. Freedom. He wasn't sure he could go back to a life in the Circle. No windows, no sunshine, templars constantly watching you… his life was different now, so different. He had felt safe in the Circle, even with the templars breathing down their necks. Living out here was risky. There were bears and snakes and other wildlife. He suspected there would be templars trying to hunt him down with his phylactery. Apostate. Malificar. What was he now? Certainly not a Circle mage. But he would rather be out here with Merrill than anywhere else.

Kimberly grabbed Fenris' hand. "Come on, let's play Wicked Grace. I haven't played it in so long, you'll probably have to help me." Fenris smiled for the first time since meeting the mages. They moved over next Varric, who began shuffling the deck.

William called out to Henric. "Want to play Wicked Grace with us?"

"We've room for one more," Varric added.

Henric shook his head. Wicked Grace. Talia had loved playing Wicked Grace. She had convinced one of the templars to teach her the game, then she taught the rest of their group. No, he'd best stay out of the game. He didn't want to spoil the memory of the last time the four of them had played. Instead, Henric lay down facing away from the fire and tried not to remember.

X-X

A/N: My apologies to my readers for the long absence of posting. I promised I would write within a week or two and it's been much much longer than that. I hope you forgive me and enjoy this story. One New Year's Resolution is to post more often. I've started writing again, so hopefully I'll be able to post regularly. Enjoy!