Usual disclaimers. Wow! I've apparently gotten my writer's block unblocked yay! Hope you all are enjoying so far. Please please please, review. It's what keeps me motivated =)

XOX

Three days Duncan had said it would take to get to Lothering, but with more and more run ins with small groups of darkspawn, it had taken almost 5. Elena was tired but she kept going. She had barely eaten anything since leaving Highever that night but her brother begged her to at least eat one ration a day and she obliged. She knew she couldn't keep going without so every night before they would start back on the road, she took her ration of stew and water and ate in silence. Draiko got what was left and never complained. Coming upon the small village ahead, Elena felt a wave of relief at the sight. "Maybe they'll have a room with a wash tub… I could really use a bath." Seeming to sense her thoughts, Aedan nudged her shoulder and sniffed the air. After giving her a disgusted but playful look, she smiled back at her brother and shoved him away. She was starting to give in to small amounts of play but she still refused to speak. She knew it hurt her brother that they had not spoken, but in a way, he seemed to understand. He would converse with Duncan about his future with the Wardens and Elena would contently listen to the world around her. She had no desire to become a Warden, she only wished for Howe's death.

"Who goes there? Friend or Foe?"

"Warden Commander and recruits Ser Bryant. Friend or Foe depends on you."

Both men stared at each other and then shook hands with smiles on their faces.

"It's good to see you Duncan. It's been a while since you left Ostagar for recruits. I see you were not as successful as you hoped."

The Templar gazed behind Duncan at Elena and her brother. He lifted an eyebrow at the sight. She didn't blame him though… a frail looking girl with a war hound at her side and a soldier who looks ready to clean the stables. They were dirty, tired and not used to the amount of travel they had undergone. Ser Bryant shrugged his shoulders and waved the group on through. Elena followed behind, her eyes scanning their new surroundings. She always enjoyed visiting small villages when she would travel with her father…

"Don't think of them now. There are more important things to focus on… mourning can come later."

So she pushed the thought aside and almost ran into Aedan as the men came to a stop outside of the inn. Duncan instructed them to wait outside as he arranged for rooms. It would only be for the night and they would be on their way in the morning. It was still just before noon so it would be a well welcomed rest. Elena sat down in front of a post and leaned her back onto it. Draiko laid obediently beside her and visibly relaxed. He had been on full alert since the first attack and now that they were protected in the village he himself was also grateful for the rest. Elena scratched behind his ear and smiled at the hound as his breathing slowed. Duncan opened the door and told them they were each able to have their own rooms. There was also a nearby blacksmith to fix their weapons and armor but Elena stared at her brother and the Cousland sword on his back. He quickly assured her he would not leave it with anyone. She nodded her head and handed over her own sword and dagger. She would be needing new weapons soon, but quickly dismissed the thought and headed into the inn. Going slowly up the stairs to her room, the inn keeper asked if she wanted some food sent to her. She nodded and smiled at the man and went on her way.

The room was small but well suited to what they needed. A bed against the wall, a wash tub with soap and a few towels. She did not care that it was not her usual amenities and was grateful for what she had before her. Stripping off her leathers and armor she realized just how tired and frail she had become. Looking into the mirror at her bare self she was disgusted at the sight. Her hair had become matted, her eyes were sunken from lack of food and sleep and her muscle tone had slightly diminished. "Iona would be disappointed with me. I should have known better than to be stubborn and get to this state." At the thought of the elf, Elena felt the swelling of tears threatening to overflow. She pushed back her emotions and climbed into the tub. The water was… warm? She did not notice a fire under the tub or seen anyone go in. As she placed her hands onto the bottom of the tub she felt the grooves. Looking down she saw the runes. That's how the inn warmed the water. "Clever."

'knock' "Pardon me miss, but I have a change of clothes for you."

Elena stayed silent and Draiko went to the door. As the young girl pushed it opened, her eyes averted very quickly when she noticed Elena baring all in the tub of water.

"OH MY! I'm so sorry miss! I did not know you were washing!"

"It's ok. Thank you."

Those were the first words she had spoken since that night. The girl excused herself and closed the door behind her but not before daring another glance in Elena's direction. Shrugging her shoulders and sliding back down into the water, she was going to take advantage of this while she could.

XOX

"Aedan, would you maybe go check on Elena? Apparently she has not been out of her room for some time."

Aedan nodded his head and started up the stairs to where his sister was at. Opening a crack in the door he noticed Draiko looking up at him. Giving the man a slight huff, he allowed his mistresses brother to enter. What her brother came upon in that room broke his heart all over again. Elena was sitting at the foot of her bed, knees up to her chest, no robe and still soaking wet with her head in her hands with tears flowing freely as she rocked back and forth mumbling to herself. He quickly sat beside her and gave a gentle tap. Elena looked into his eyes but she was not there; the only thing he saw was emptiness.

"Oh sister, ssshhh it's ok."

He dared to wrap his arms around her as she leaned into his embrace. She couldn't stop, didn't want to stop. It hurt so much and she couldn't take the pain anymore. Leaning her full body into him she sobbed. Aedan didn't worry too much about anyone walking in, Draiko would make sure of it, but he did manage to lean over and grab a blanket off of the bed and wrapped it around Elena.

"Elena? Please… say SOMETHING. Anything… I know it hurts, I'm hurting, too, but you can't go on like this. Please, what can I do to help you?"

Elena kept her head buried in his chest. She did not know how to answer her brother. In truth, all she wanted to do was die. The pain of losing Iona, her parents, her home… it was, too much. Only the thought of Howe and the plans she had for him kept her going.

"I want him to suffer."

Aedan pushed his sister up and looked her in the eyes. There was a fire in them now, no more of the darkness he had seen moments before. Now what he saw scared him, but he knew all too well the feeling she had because he had it, too.

"He will El. I swear it."

"NO! I don't want him to die… I want him to suffer."