A/N – Re-submitting this chapter without the original blurb.

The sun was still shining as we arrived back at the now deserted village. After releasing the horses, escorting them to a nearby paddock where they could roam freely and have something proper to eat, Aedan suggested we should again use some of the cottages to sleep in that night before returning to Redcliffe the next morning. It was a bloody good idea as I wasn't the only one who looked exhausted after all our exertions.

The first thing I needed was a wash as I was covered in blood. My arms were black, while the dragon blood had dripped down under my armour, and it felt like I was swimming in it. I dreaded to think what my face looked like, and I had little doubt my blonde hair was now as black as Solona's.

Wandering down to the small lake we had noticed upon entering the village the first time, I stripped off my blood spattered armour, and my thoughts were proven right as my body was drenched in blood. Thankfully, none of it appeared to be my own, though Wynne had also spent time healing us on the way back, even if we didn't think or know of any injuries.

I'd been alone for perhaps five minutes before I heard a splash, turning to see no-one on the dock but someone swimming under the water. Solona appeared out of the water before me, clearing hair from her face. The water wasn't too deep, so we could both stand without a problem. Meeting her eyes, I could only smile.

"That was… I'm not sure what to say, Uhtred." I shrugged, unsure how to respond. "You've done that before?"

"Once or twice."

"It was… It was courageous. Probably the bravest thing I've ever seen."

"I've fought dragons before. You've fought one, you've fought them all. The most important thing is that we all walked away, particularly my brother. I can deal with dragons. The darkspawn are his concern."

Resting a hand on my chest, she stepped closer, craning her face towards mine. "Did I excite you in the temple?" I couldn't help grin. "Did Leliana?"

"You both did. You're both incredibly attractive. Definitely desirable."

Standing on her tiptoes, she softly kissed me on the lips. "So whose company do you want this evening?"

"Whoever wants to join me. I won't say no to either of you. I'm still not sure what's going on here, to be honest. It's a bit… I'm used to just having one person interested in me. And I'm definitely not used to having partners open-minded about me being with someone else at the same time."

She kissed me again, this time for a little longer, running my hand around her and holding her close, my rising erection definitely pressing into her stomach. "I know my future," she said softly, upon breaking the kiss, "So I'm going to enjoy my life until I undergo the Joining. After that…" She trailed off with a shrug. "I know Leliana has affection for you though. I've heard her talking to Wynne."

"Oh…"

She obviously heard the concern in that one word. "Not in a bad way. It's not love, at least not yet. Just affection. She desires you too. As much as I do." A hand snaked between us, and I felt a delicate hand wrap around something down below. "Morrigan was right about one thing."

I burst into laughter. "About what?"

"It's definitely impressive, particularly when it's like this." I raised an eyebrow and she smiled. "The shore?" I nodded as she led me by the hand. She'd obviously prepared as furs had already been placed. Laying down, she wasted no time pulled me forward above her.

I moved a hand to between her legs, hearing her gasp, but she wasn't lying. "I should fight dragons more often if it gets this reaction."

Shuffling forward, I heard her sigh as I entered, managing to hold back most of the groan. "I'll start doing research and find some more of them," she replied, before grabbing the back of my head and dragging me down for a kiss. "Now shut up and fuck me," she demanded upon breaking it.

Lifting my head, I made sure I smirked as I moved my arms, spreading her legs and holding them in place. Raising an eyebrow, she simply smiled as I started slow, letting her get used to my size and the new direction. Picking up the pace, the sound of slapping skin no doubt echoed around the lake, and she made no attempt to be quiet this time, telling me either it was really good or to fuck her hard.

Despite the cool air, we were both soon covered in sweat, and any attempt at holding back my orgasm was futile. She recognised that, surprising me by wrapping her legs around me, lifting her arse slightly. She near screamed, assuring me because it was good, and with everything now going on, my senses were in overdrive, and I didn't last too much longer. Once I finished, I kept going as I barely softened, and moved a hand to help her finish at the same time. That earned me a kiss and thanks of gratitude.

We rested for a few minutes, not moving and still joined, before I finally lay on the ground next to her. "So, we will keep doing this, right?" she asked.

"Do you really think I'm going to say no?"

"Well, no, I guess not. But…"

"I'm usually accused of overthinking, Solona. So I'll give you the same advice. Let's just enjoy it and see what happens."

Snuggling into me, she whispered into my ear, "I think Leliana should get a turn tonight. I promise I won't get jealous." She paused, before adding, "Well, not too much."

She eventually got to her feet, put her robes back on and, with a final kiss on the cheek, wandered back to camp. After spending a few minutes cleaning the blood out of my armour, the sun now having dipped behind the nearby mountain range, I went in search of some warmth by the fire. Morrigan had found a cooking pot, and was preparing something that at least smelled delicious, looking my way as I approached and smirked. I assumed she probably knew what I'd been up to. Otherwise, everyone was either lying in a tent, enjoying a well-earned nap, or sitting by the fire and relaxing.

After dinner, the night was far quieter than the revelry and conversation that had taken place the previous evening. Nearly everyone headed to their tents or a cottage quite early, leaving just the two Wardens and myself sitting by the fire. There was no alcohol being consumed, and not much conversation shared either. I think events of the day, if not the week and everything that had happened since Ostagar, weighed on our minds.

"Did you mean what you said?" my brother finally asked. I thought he was speaking to me, but noticed the question was directed to Alistair.

"Yes," he replied, "My life is of little consequence. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to be alive. But things would be better if Duncan had survived. Or if Cailan hadn't been such a fool."

"You can make a difference in all this."

He just shrugged. "Maybe. But losing Duncan… That hurts. Will always hurt. Death is always a heartbeat away. It comes with being a Grey Warden. But he didn't deserve to die in such a manner, stabbed in the back alongside our king. Neither of them deserved that fate."

"Hold onto his memory."

"I fight in his name, Aedan. It is the only thing that keeps me going."

"Do you want to try and find him once all this is over?"

"Maybe. But it's likely the darkspawn would have taken his body."

"They do that?"

He nodded. "Those they don't eat, they take. I'm not sure for what purpose, but I'll be surprised if we do find them."

"What of the king?"

He shrugged. "I'm not sure what they would have done with him. No doubt desecrated it to make an example of him."

"I think we should find him," I added, "A king should always be mourned. And I didn't know Duncan very well, but we should try and find him as well. He deserves the respect."

"It would be the right thing to do," my brother stated, looking at Alistair.

"Once we heal Arl Eamon, we can all sit down and plan what we need to do to eventually take on the darkspawn and deal with Loghain." With that, he got to his feet. "It's something to contemplate anyway. I'm heading to bed."

"Sure you're alright?" my brother asked.

Alistair grinned. A real one, all the way to his eyes. "I'm okay. Like yourselves, the heartache will never really fade, but I'm getting there."

Darkness had now fallen. The temperature had dropped significantly and it even started to snow. Just small flakes, but I figured we would probably wake up to a covering in the morning. It was near silent, only the occasional crackling of the fire providing any ambience. If we were not aware of what sort of nonsense had taken place in the village, it would have been beautiful.

"Uhtred, can I ask you a question and can you give me your completely honest answer?" my brother asked after what must have been an hour of silence.

"Sure."

"Why the hell am I leading this expedition?"

I could only look at him in surprise. "What do you mean?"

"I mean… You have that gift. You just fought and killed a fucking dragon! I know we all helped, but it was you who climbed on board the damn thing and landed the fatal blow."

"The people know of the Grey Wardens. They don't know who or what the Dragonborn is."

"What difference does that make?"

"The Grey Wardens are an ideal. The people are going to need that ideal to follow in the coming weeks and months against the darkspawn. And you are the one capable of inspiring hope. Since the day I woke here, Aedan, you've had a fire in you, burning away, ready to do something great. Becoming a Warden wasn't a choice. It was fate. You were born for this. To become a Warden. To lead this group. To eventually lead all of Ferelden against the darkspawn."

"So what of the Dragonborn?"

"He will be at his brother's side, ready to assist wherever he is needed."

"And enjoying the company of some attractive women at the same time."

I looked at him, his face a picture of innocence. "Jealous?"

"I've been in the middle before. It doesn't usually end well."

"I must ask you question, then. I had no idea you were interested in men. For how long have you kept those thoughts quiet?"

My brother just shrugged. "Being the son of a lord, certain things are expected. While most people are open-minded, it would still have been seen as unbecoming to have openly liaised with a member of the same sex. Despite the fact Fergus would have succeeded my father, I would still have been expected to marry someone of noble blood, provide children and everything else."

"So this thing with Zevran is?"

"Just a bit of fun. I actually do want to eventually marry a woman, have children and everything else. But that is for later. For now, I will do as I please."

"It's the simple pleasures in life."

"Helps that he's cute."

"You're alone on that front."

He started laughing. "You're still angry about recruiting him?"

"No, not anymore. He's proven himself ever since, so it can't be that bad. And if you're willing to sleep with him…"

"Speaking of sleeping," he stated, getting to his feet, "I think we should get some of our own. It's a long journey back to Redcliffe."

Snuggling under my furs back in the same cottage I had used before our journey up the mountain, appreciating the warmth as the snowfall had intensified, I was ready to drop off to sleep when I heard the door open and close quickly, before someone whispered my name. Looking up, I noticed a figure slowly walk towards me. In the faint light provided by the fire that burned in the fireplace on the other side of the room, I recognised the fiery red hair. Grabbing the furs, she moved those to the side as she sat down, straddling me.

She looked at me expectantly, but I'll admit that I was still a little surprised. Leaning down, she placed a soft kiss on my lips, lifting her head to meet my eyes again.

"I think you're overdressed," I said.

Her dress disappeared over her head and I could only gaze down her slim, pale body, again resting at her magnificent pair of breasts. She smirked and scoffed lightly. "Men. You are all the same." I could only shrug, though I made a concerted effort to lift my eyes to hers, moving one of my hands resting at her waist to have a fondle. Her eyes closed when I gently rubbed one of her nipples, feeling it harden at my touch. Leaning down again, she shuffled up my body slightly so I could use my mouth instead, and I was rewarded with a gasp and a rather loud moan a couple of minutes later.

Sitting up, she reached behind her and grabbed my erection, lifting herself up, her eyes locking on mine again as she slid down. This time my eyes rolled back and she was rewarded with a rather guttural groan.

"I feel good, yes?"

I couldn't help laugh. "Gods yes."

When she started to slowly ride me, good became great became unspeakably pleasurable. I could only watch, transfixed by her body and the way it moved. I couldn't help run my hands over her soft skin, realising how rough my hands were compared to hers, particularly when she grabbed both of them, and with a rather intense look on her face picked up the pace.

"I will cum first. You will hold on until I do." Quite frankly, she could do whatever she wanted, and I probably would have agreed to anything she demanded. "Uhtred?"

"Hmmm."

"It feels really good. It is very impressive."

Leaning down, she placed a hand to either side of me, kissed me gently again, then rode herself to climax, making these adorable little moans before she shuddered and collapsed onto my chest. Wrapping my arms around her, she turned her head and smiled. "This is nice," she stated softly.

"You're just saying that because you had an orgasm."

"That does help the feeling of niceness." Then she blinked, adding, "You have not finished."

"I'm fine, don't worry about it."

"Oh no, that won't do." She raised herself, shuddering again, and started to move. "You must finish, then we can go to sleep."

We drifted off to sleep around ten minutes later.

Leliana was still next to me the next morning, moulded into my body. She woke up as I did, turning around to kiss me. "You're very warm. I could get used to that."

"You'll have no complaints from me."

"And while I would like to stay here, nice and warm, I really should get up, dressed and ready to leave."

Having a stretch, I agreed. In the early morning light, filtering through the window, her body was exquisite, and she noticed me watching as she put her dress on. Then, with another kiss on the cheek, she disappeared out the door without another word. Assembling myself in armour once again, I wandered outside myself and sat by the fire, my brother on the other side. He looked at me and chuckled, shaking his head. I knew exactly why and just shrugged in return.

"We'll have breakfast and start our way back. Once we're clear of the mountains, we'll put the horses through their paces. We'll probably reach Redcliffe tomorrow with any luck."

I don't think I was the only one glad to see the back of Haven. Despite it being cleared of the villagers, there was still an unnatural feeling to the place. I hoped to never see it again.

Knowing the way back, we took our time following the mountain path, and finished our descent in the early afternoon. We agreed to keep riding, eating our lunch on horseback, and by the time the sun started to set, we had covered plenty of ground. One or two of us were probably eager to keep going through the night. I know I would have appreciated a night in the castle, a comfortable bed and a hot meal. But we eventually had to stop and make camp.

Everyone was well behaved that night. A long day in the saddle could be as exhausting as a day of fighting. My groin certainly thanked me when I dismounted my horse, spending a few moments stretching out the muscles. Someone lit a fire, Wynne cooked a little food and we all collapsed into our bedrolls not long after sunset.

Unsurprisingly, I slept alone last night. That's how tired we all were.

I wasn't the only one to sigh with relief when Redcliffe came into view late the next afternoon. The village still looked peaceful, the two guards waving us down as we approached the bridge, thanking us again for all the help we had given them. The castle grounds had been cleaned of most of the bodies, the bodies clearly having been burned, remains of pyres dotted around the area.

After stabling the horses, we walked into the main hall to find Teagan and Isolde already waiting for news, assuming our arrival had probably been announced when we'd come in view of the village. "Do you have them?" Isolde asked eagerly.

Aedan took the small pouch from his pack and handed them over. "It exists, Lady Isolde. The temple was… It will invigorate your faith."

"Did you have any trouble obtaining them?" Teagan wondered.

"Just some crazy cultists and a dragon. You know how it is?"

"A dragon?" Isolde asked quietly, covering her mouth in shock.

"Did you kill lit?"

"Aye." He thumbed in my direction. "My brother lived up to his name as the Dragonborn. Climbed on the damn thing and flew around on it for a while."

"I'll have to talk to you all later about your adventure. But we should waken my brother as soon as possible. There is still a lot of work to do."

Isolde disappeared with the ashes as we were escorted to the dining room, where plates of food were already waiting for us. There was little decorum on display as we all fell upon them, stuffing our faces, probably unaware of how little we had eaten over the past few days. Servants continued to bring platters of meats, fruits, cakes and freshly baked bread, with jugs of ale and wine to wash it all down.

Teagan walked in around an hour later to find all of us sitting back, relaxing. Alistair had already drifted off to sleep, Leliana and Wynne were a little drunk and Zevran was whispering thing into my brother's ear which made him blush. "The ashes have been administered. Now it is a case of waiting for my brother to wake. It is now late, so your rooms are available once again. If the arl wakes during the night, I will ensure you are one of the first people to greet him in the morning. He will certainly want to know everything that has happened recently."

Aedan wasted little time once Teagan disappeared back out the door, grabbing Zevran by the hand and almost running out of the room to the laughter of the rest of us. I sensed two people looking in my direction, so I did the smart thing and continued to talk to Sten. I wasn't getting a lot out of him, but he couldn't ignore the questions I asked about his homeland. He was suspicious about why I wanted to know, putting his mind at ease that I was a stranger in this land too.

The comfortable bed I knew was waiting soon called for me, and I was one of the last to leave the dining room, only Alistair and Wynne remaining, the two chatting quietly about gods only know what. Closing the bedroom door behind me, I left the armour on the floor wherever it had fallen from my body, collapsing into the bed and falling asleep nearly straight away.

I was woken sometime during the evening, unable to see who it was, but someone crawled into bed beside me. Thankfully, they didn't appear to want anything except company, feeling my arm moved and hand pressed into cool, soft skin, and I drifted off to sleep almost immediately again. Only waking in the morning did I finally take notice of who it was. She'd obviously had a good scrub before heading to bed the night before as she smelled divine.

"I hope you don't mind me coming in last night. As I said, I like the warmth you provide."

"I'm not complaining." Lifting the fur blanket, I looked down for a moment before meeting her blue eyes again. "Now I'm definitely not complaining."

This may surprise you, but all we ended up doing was cuddling under the furs until there was a knock at the door, my brother announcing that breakfast was available and then we would meet Arl Eamon. Of course, he knew I also had company so told Leliana to make her presentable at the same time. She gave me a look, wondering how he knew she was with me. "Maybe he went to wake you up first?" I suggested.

My armour stayed where it was on the floor as I dressed in a simple pair of pants and a shirt, and after a quick breakfast, we were escorted to the main hall where Arl Eamon was awake and looking surprisingly healthy. He shook all our hands first, as even Shale had joined us for this meeting, thanking each and all of us for saving not only his life, but that of his son as well.

"Before we begin, my first decision must be in regards to the mage, Jowan. I understand you have left the decision to me. But I am wondering what you would suggest? My wife and brother have both offered their opinion, but I am eager to hear any of yours."

Everyone looked at my brother. "There are only two options. One. You execute him for poisoning you. I don't think anyone would argue with you ordering that."

"And the second?"

"Return him to the Circle. Wynne and Solona both state he will be made Tranquil immediately upon his return. To many mages, that is worse than death."

"You have no desire to recruit him?"

He looked at Solona, who shook her head. "No, I am not willing to recruit him into the Grey Wardens."

"Very well." Eamon remained silent, clearly mulling over the two options put forward, before turning to one of his cards. "Have the mage brought up. I wish to inform him of my decision."

Hands bound behind his back, Jowan was led into the hall by a trio of guards, two retaining hold of his arms. He kept his eyes firmly on the ground as Eamon looked at him in silence. There was no hate or anger on his face, despite the fact he had every right to execute the man himself, if that was truly what he desired.

"It is always a difficult choice deciding the future of the very man who attempted your assassination. In many ways, I empathise with you, promised freedom by Loghain with the assurance of my death. But as you failed, and I yet live, it is now I who has the choice of whether I allow you to live or die." He gestured towards us. "I did ask about the Grey Wardens recruiting you. It must say something about the crime you committed that they don't want you within their ranks. So that leaves me one of two options; you either die or are returned to the Circle. You may make your case."

Jowan finally looked up and met his eyes. "If I'm returned to the Circle, they will make me Tranquil. I'd rather die."

"Very well. Jowan, for the attempted murder of myself, I condemn you to death. Method of execution will be beheading. You will be returned to your cell where the execution will take place at a later date."

Jowan nodded. "I understand. And… I am sorry…"

"I'm sure you are. And while I can forgive you, as you were merely a pawn in a greater game, justice must be seen done. Guards, you may take the prisoner back to his cell. Ensure he is given food and water. His last days alive may be made at least slightly more comfortable. I do not seek revenge, only justice."

"At your word, your Lordship," the head guard stated, the trio leading Jowan out of the main hall.

Once Jowan disappeared, Eamon continued. "Now that unpleasantness has been dealt with, we can get to the situation at hand. I'll put it simply. Teryn Loghain is a traitor and must pay for his crimes against Ferelden. But, at the moment, he holds Denerim and news from across the land suggest his forces have the upper hand. While I have many friends and allies across the Bannorn, my influence is currently limited. I can start sending off letters in preparation for a Landsmeet. That leaves the rest up to you, Grey Wardens."

"We have two more treaties we can use. The dwarves and the Dalish," my brother stated.

"Indeed. I'm sure they will respect the treaties, but it will no doubt take plenty of time. There is also one more thing to mention." Eamon looked directly at Alistair. "With the death of Cailan, there is now only one person left of Theirin blood."

"Nuh-uh, no way. I'm not even going to entertain the suggestion you're trying to make, Eamon."

"Alistair, you are the son of King Maric. It is your duty to Ferelden."

"No, it's not. My duty is to the Grey Wardens."

Eamon stared at Alistair in silence before he sighed. "Very well, we will just have to discuss this later. Just promise me that you will think about it, Alistair."

"I will." He didn't sound convincing, and I doubt Arl Eamon believed he'd change his mind, but the man still nodded.

"For now, I can only say that Redcliffe Castle is open to the Wardens and their allies. If you wish to make this a base, you are welcome to come and go as you please. My armoury is open to you as well. If you require repairs or would like new weapons and armour, approach the smith and they will assist where they can. How are you for coin?"

"Sufficient for the moment."

"While our coffers are limited, I can provide some limited financial support. Now, I must ask that I speak to the two Couslands in privacy. Teagan, if you can escort the rest to the armoury. I have already asked that some weapons and armour be laid out to take if they desire." Once we have privacy, Eamon stepped forward, meeting our eyes as he shook my hand then my brothers'. "I am sorry to hear about your mother and father. Arl Howe will most certainly pay for his crimes."

"He will in the end. But there is little we can do at the moment," Aedan stated.

"There is a reason why I wanted to speak to you in privacy. I am aware Alistair will have little to no desire to take the throne. If he refuses completely, then our options are limited. But we do have another option. The Cousland family is one of the most respected in Ferelden, as one of the last teryns, your line does hold tremendous power and influence. If the Theirin line ends with Cailan, then a new line must take the throne. And it must be a line that will be acceptable to the nobility."

"What are you suggesting?" I asked carefully.

"Why not yourself?" my brother retorted.

Eamon smiled. "I have absolutely no desire for the throne, despite what some may think. And despite the influence and allies I do have, there would be enough to oppose any thought. The Cousland line, though. Your father was popular with near everyone, Aedan. The ascension of the Cousland line to the throne could be acceptable to most."

My brother and I looked at each other, stunned. "You're serious?" Aedan finally asked.

"It is merely an option available if Alistair proves uncooperative." He paused, playing with his beard for a moment. "To be honest, I don't blame him. There is much Alistair doesn't know about who he really is." He noticed our curious looks and held up a hand. "Apologies, I say too much for the moment."

"I can talk to him, try and convince him," Aedan said, "But his mind seems made up already."

"The one anomaly in all this is Anora. Her father acts as regent and appears to be in full control. I know Anora well, she is headstrong and not easily swayed." He smirked, adding, "Many of us know it was she who ran Ferelden. Cailan was a good man, but administration was not his strong point. While I will not contact her directly, I will see what I can find out regarding her situation. I believe she is merely a pawn of her father." Shaking his head, he continued. "I don't get it. I've known Loghain for years. He's never held a desire for power. Something must have happened for him to snap and turn his back on his king."

"That is no excuse for regicide," I stated firmly. Eamon looked at me and nodded.

"When we are successful, what do we do with him?" Aedan wondered.

"The man is a hero, revered by most Fereldans. But what he did at Ostagar is near unforgivable. For the moment, let's worry about what we do with Loghain once we call the Landsmeet and finally face him. For now, concentrate on gathering your forces. There is still a lot of work to be done. Most importantly, the darkspawn threat must be eliminated."

"That is why we head to Orzammar next," my brother announced.

We departed the following day.