Duncan had been less than impressed with their support from the Circle. One mage and the possible promise of Templar support if they could spare them. He shook his head in agitation, why did no one seem to recognise that they were in the middle of a Blight! The Knight Commander had assured him Jowan was an accomplished elemental mage and would be an asset to their cause. He had his doubts; the mage still looked terrified, but it was little wonder given what he had been through.

They had set off at first light, Duncan wanting to reach Soldiers Peak as soon as possible, though the trip was still likely to take several days. They had plenty of supplies and bandits seemed to avoid their expanding group and despite his misgivings Duncan began to appreciate having the extra bodies. His gaze fell on Aeronwen, feeling the reflexive clenching of his jaw. He couldn't put his finger on just why she provoked such an intense reaction from him.

"She is an exotic creature is she not?"

Duncan glanced to Zevran who was allowing his eyes to wander over Aeronwen. He felt an intense urge to tell the elf to avert his gaze and simply scowled.

"Oh come my dear Commander. Even if your tastes lie elsewhere you cannot help but appreciate such a lithe form. Those delightful curves; though I admit her armour does much to hide them."

"If they are hidden how do you know of them?" Duncan growled softly.

Zevran flashed him a cunning grin. "The women bathe Duncan and I happened to be passing by." He held up his hands at Duncan's fierce look. "I did not linger my dear Warden, both Aeronwen and Bethany are accomplished in their areas of expertise and I would wish to anger neither of them."

Duncan grudgingly glanced back to Aeronwen finding his mind wondering about those curves. Damn elf! He glared as Zevran moved off a self-satisfied smile plastered on his face.

Zevran glanced back flashing him a wicked grin. "You and I both know Commander that you were having those thoughts before I suggested it."

Duncan felt heat flood his face and deepened his scowl. This only seemed to delight the elf who caught up to Aeronwen. Duncan felt his stomach clench as she looked back in his direction. He decided he was going to kill the elf and spent the remainder of the day's journey fantasising about how he was going to do it.

xXx

As night approached Duncan finally called for camp to be set up. He had kept them walking knowing of a campsite that afforded cover; protection and fresh water so he had endured the grumbles, feeling a sense of smugness at the change in attitude once they reached their goal.

The campsite was a flurry of activity as tents were put up; wood gathered and Zevran, Aedan and Fergus went to hunt for their evening meal wanting to conserve their rations as much as possible. The women took themselves off to the river to bathe first. No-one tended to argue with Leandra, as long as she was cooking they were guaranteed a decent meal.

When Leandra returned Duncan took this as a sign that the other women would soon follow and needing a moment to his own thoughts he walked through the undergrowth sighing in agitation as he heard laughter and realised he had strayed closer to the women than anticipated. He shifted direction heading north upstream and froze. Soft moonlight spilled its silver radiance on the shimmering water's surface and on the woman who was bathing in its depths. Wet strands of ebony hair spilled down her back, her arms lifted towards the moon, her face tilted upwards, water glistening on skin he should not be seeing. Duncan swallowed and edged backwards silently, his heart thudding painfully. Damn elf!

xXx

Aeronwen loved moon bathing, her whole body feeling rejuvenated. She heard a giggle and opened her eyes realising Bethany and Leliana were watching her. Morrigan was pretending as usual not to be part of their small group; remaining aloof.

"Aeronwen what are you doing?" Bethany asked curiously.

"Have you never simply bathed in moonlight?"

"Never."

Aeronwen beckoned to them and Bethany joined her; mimicking Aeronwen's movements, startled to feel a sense of stillness and the edge of something powerful.

That was destroyed moments later as Morrigan moved closer to Leliana. "Such a primitive practice."

Aeronwen glanced to her surprised. "Come now Morrigan, I do not believe for one moment you have not stood beneath the moon and felt its power."

"If I did it was for curiosity's sake. A notion that was quickly sated."

Aeronwen smiled. "No matter the reason you will have received her gifts."

Bethany moved closer to Aeronwen. "Whose gifts?"

"Eluren."

Morrigan snorted. "Someone of religious significance no doubt."

"Not religious exactly. Eluren is no Goddess; more a revered ancestor, the first of my kind. We feel her blessings in the moonlight. She can be called upon at times of need."

"Does she answer?" Bethany asked shyly.

Morrigan gave an impatient clicking noise and moved slightly away from them though remained in hearing distance.

"Eluren's voice can be heard in the playful breeze; or raging wind, felt in the touch of water or the heat of fire. She is within all things; returned to the nature she was part of, just as we all will when our souls leave these mortal vessels. For those who know how to listen she is a guide."

"It sounds very romantic." Bethany murmured.

Leliana watched Aeronwen closely wondering what she had meant by 'first of my kind'. She glanced to Morrigan; the two women sharing a moment of combined purpose before all four women returned to the bank, dressed and returned to the camp.

xXx

Aeronwen moved into her tent and pulled out the book Gawain had given her using a simple runestone to shed a little light on the pages. She could almost feel the energy of those who had added to its pages. She gazed at the flower nestled within it and felt the lingering sensation of Gawain's fingers ghosting over hers as he placed the flower into her hands, his wedding gift. As always she inhaled deeply of the flower. She closed her eyes allowing memories to surface; the softness of tender lips, the trail of fingers exploring, heat and love and a feeling of completeness. She shuddered as she relived the moment her world changed, the moment Gawain was taken from her. She forced back the intrusive memory and instead turned to the book The Tao of The Guardians. Within its pages were the knowledge of Guardians passed; the collective wisdom of a people dedicated to service, to protect life where they could. She had read the Tao cover to cover many times and now chose pages on instinct, taking what was offered from its vast wealth of information. Aeronwen closed the book without reading and simply held it to her heart.

Aeronwen realised she needed the moonlight and stars and still grasping the book she left the tent and wandered beyond the camp perimeter climbing a small hill and sitting on the soft grass. There was more than enough moonlight to allow her to read; yet she left the book closed, content to feel the texture of its binding beneath her fingertips. She closed her eyes and tilted her face to the moon.

"Aeronwen be on your guard!"

Aeronwen's eyes flew open, glancing around her willing her heart to calm. Then she saw it; the glint of moonlight on steel as soldiers crept towards their camp. Slipping the book beneath her armour she moved down the hill, grateful there was enough foliage to hide her movements. She moved behind the soldiers gripping her dagger as one talked about taking the Warden's heads to Loghain. Using the shadows to conceal her movements Aeronwen darted forward, her blade silent as she slit the throat of the soldier who had spoken. Three more fell to her blade before they realised something was amiss and made enough noise to alert those at camp.

Sten; Duncan and Alistair broke into the small clearing seeing Aeronwen slammed against a tree, a hiss of pain leaving her lips. She struck out with foot and fist before driving her dagger into her attacker's throat. Oghren; Aedan, Garrett and Carver caught up to them realising Loghain's soldiers were spread out in the undergrowth and quickly set up pursuit.

The woods surrounding the camp erupted into grunts of pain, the clash of steel and the sounds of running. Sten followed Aeronwen who had broken into a run following a soldier who was racing back the way they had come. Lightening and fireballs lit up the woods, but all Aeronwen could hear was the pounding of her own heart as she flowed through the trees intent on her prey. Bloodlust thundered through her; her eyes darkening as she ran, her body aching to transform. The soldier burst into his own camp sending out the alarm to those who had stayed behind.

Aeronwen allowed her muscles to flood with power, her body like liquid moulding into its alternate form.

The soldiers stared in stunned amazement as a creature broke from the trees, clutching their ears at its shriek. Liquid black eyes glared at them, razor sharp beak opened letting out another blood chilling cry. Amber feathers tailed off at the chest into cream fur, rising again in a huge wingspan of amber feathers from its broad back. Huge claws sank deep into the earth, a long tail flicking in agitation. Aeronwen broke on the soldiers tearing into them. They were a direct threat to the Wardens and that was unacceptable.

Sten remained within the treeline watching, knowing better than to get involved. He felt a rush of pride as Aeronwen dealt effectively with their enemy. He bowed in a gesture of deep respect when she returned to her usual form, her eyes still darkened from the transformation. Aeronwen stared at the devastation around her, but felt only disgust that they would dare to intend harm on the Wardens. They both turned at the sound of running, weapons raised as the Wardens and Hawkes reached them.

Duncan stared in stunned awe at Aeronwen amidst so much death; her armour drenched in blood, her chest still heaving from the fight, her eyes looking almost black. "Are you injured?" He managed to ask.

"No Commander, I had the element of surprise."

Sten actually smirked. "Come Kadan, we must fortify the camp."

Aeronwen nodded moving after him leaving the men to simply watch them leave.

Duncan glanced at the sheer number of dead and glanced at Aeronwen's retreating form. "I wish I had that much of an element of surprise."

xXx

"They do not know?"

"No."

"Why?"

"I am not sure I can explain."

"You are afraid."

Aeronwen flushed in shame, turning to Sten. "Yes."

Sten nodded. "Without fear we would never find our true potential."

Aeronwen gazed at Sten, her eyes having returned to their natural blue. They walked in companionable silence, Aeronwen jumping at the cry of horror.

Bethany rushed to her friend, her hands already glowing blue. "Are you hurt?" She panicked.

"I am unharmed Bethany, besides which any wounds will heal quickly."

Bethany pouted. "No more leaving camp by yourself."

"Bethany I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

"No-one is to leave alone." Duncan stated walking into the camp. "Who knows how many more of Loghain's men are coming after us."

"If I may." Zevran purred. "If Aeronwen had not gone for her walk, we would perhaps have not been alerted to their presence in such a timely fashion."

"Granted." Duncan stated evenly. "However now we are aware I would like us to reach the Peak in one piece."

Aeronwen glanced to Duncan and relented. "Must I be chaperoned to bathe?"

Zevran cast the Warden Commander a wicked grin before turning to her and giving a slight bow. "I will volunteer to guard you."

To the surprise of both men Sten let out a deep growl. "I will attend."

Aeronwen chuckled and as she passed him she leaned to Zevran's ear. "Nice try."

xXx

Aeronwen slipped into the river shivering at the cold, but quickly adjusting to the temperature. Her muscles ached with tension and she gave a soft groan of discomfort. She felt the ripples of water as Sten entered the water, moving silently for someone of his considerable size. Aeronwen sighed as strong fingers manipulated the muscles of her neck and shoulders, moving slowly down her back. Each movement was with purpose, knotted muscles released beneath adept fingers.

"Kadan." A soft whisper of tenderness.

Aeronwen gazed at their reflections in the water. "Sten?"

"Gawain died bravely."

Aeronwen sucked in a breath, feeling her body tremble. "He did."

"Yet you fight against this truth. You struggle against acceptance."

Aeronwen closed her eyes. "I honour his memory."

"Struggle is an illusion. The tide rises, the tide falls, but the sea is changeless. There is nothing to struggle against."*

Aeronwen turned to Sten, tears gleaming in her eyes. "Nothing but my own heart."

Sten gently pulled her to him. "Cease this struggle, and find peace."

Aeronwen moved into his embrace; wrapping her arms around his waist, resting her cheek against his chest. Despite their distinct lack of clothing; theirs was a chaste relationship, one of mutual trust and respect, a friendship born of a child's innocence and a soldier's wish to guide. "I miss him so much."

"I know."

Moonlight spilled like liquid silver over their bodies, carrying Eluren's whispers and her blessing.

xXx

Author Note:Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed. Zevran is such a tease, I do love writing him!

*'Struggle is an illusion. The tide rises, the tide falls, but the sea is changeless. There is nothing to struggle against. - Shok ebasit hissra. Meraad astaarit, meraad itwasit, aban aqun. Maraas shokra.' - Extract from the Qun from Qunari Prayers for the Dead.