Author's Note: Hi there. I'm a bit tired since I had a long day, but I managed to create this chapter. Honestly, I found that as I was writing I was thinking, "What's gonna happen next?" until I remembered that I'm the author and I'm supposed to know this stuff. I don't know; I'm rather convinced that this just spawned on my computer screen. So needless to say, if anything is inconsistent or there are mistakes all over this page, it's my fault. I plan to check this again tomorrow when I have a bit more clarity about me. Other than that, enjoy the chapter!

Aedan woke up the next morning and looked around.

The fire from last night was still burning and Rabbit was still curled up by the fire. Even the sky was black.

Uh-oh, thought Aedan. This can't be good.

Aedan looked at his group and saw that everyone was either in a bed roll or in a tent. At least they were getting some well deserved sleep.

Even Bell was sleeping, which is odd because she always seems to be awake.

Aedan stealthily crept over to Bell and cautiously glanced at her sleeping form.

Her brown hair was falling out of her braid and her eyes fluttered in her sleep. Her face was far from looking like those peaceful images Aedan had heard about. Hers was stern and contemplative, almost as if she was mulling something over in her sleep.

Aedan smiled and Bell stirred in her sleep.

Terrified of being branded a "creeper" (something he had heard a younger child use before being reprimanded by his mother), Aedan snuck away and went over to Rabbit.

The Mabari was happily snuffling in his sleep and Aedan left the dog while he went to survey the weather.

The sky was a menacing shade of blue and black; traveling today might not be a good idea. So far, the ground was dry and only gusts of wind passed through.

Aedan wasn't sure; he'll ask the group at breakfast.

Eventually, the group began to roll out of bed and stumble over to the warmth of the fire.

Aedan began to count heads and it was then that he noticed that Bell was still asleep.

Odd. Maybe she's sick?

Aedan grew concerned but he directed his attention to the group, constantly peeking at Bell.

Eventually, the group came to a consensus: they would travel today despite the weather.

The group then set about picking up the camp and breakfast.

Bell still slept soundly.

"Bell?" called Aedan as he gently shook her shoulder.

No response.

"Bell?" asked Aedan again, a tinge of worry coloring his words.

Bell stirred and opened her eyes.

"Aedan?" she mumbled.

"Yes, Bell," said Aedan, relief rushing over him. "I'm here."

Bell smiled but then grimaced. "I don't feel so well, Aedan."

"What's wrong?" asked Wynne.

Bell closed her eyes. "I don't know. Everything just hurts: my head, my stomach. I don't know."

Wynne frowned. "That's not much to go off of."

"Just let me sleep it off. I'm sure it's nothing."

Wynne shook her head. "No, I'm going to prepare a tonic for you. It should help with your- Maker's Breath! Did that dog eat all of my herbs as well?" said Wynne, rummaging through her bag.

Rabbit barked happily and shook his tail. Morrigan smirked as she witnessed Wynne's dilemma.

"Is there any magic you could use?" asked Aedan.

"No. The tonic always works the best. Sometimes, the old methods work the best when it comes to healing."

Aedan nodded. "Do you think we could pick up your supplies on the way to Redcliffe?"

"No. But I'm sure a merchant would have the ingredients I'm looking for."

"Honnleath is nearby. We could sidetrack there before we hit Redcliffe," offered Alistair.

"The sooner we get the tonic to her the better," commented Wynne.

"I'm still awake, you know," said Bell angrily. "Just go to Redcliffe. I'll meet you there. Trust me, I'll be fine."

"Bell. You really think that after all I went through I'm just going to let you go?" asked Aedan, pushing her hair out of her face.

Bell blushed and turned her head. "No," she said softly.

"Fine," she huffed. "We'll go. Just give me a moment."

Aedan smiled as he helped Bell prepare.

As he approached Shadow Runner, the horse became nervous.

"I'm fine Shadow," said Bell wearily.

The horse nickered.

"Really," she insisted.

The horse eyed Bell suspiciously, but allowed her to awkwardly climb on his back.

"Whoa," said Bell, grabbing the horse's mane as she steadied herself.

"Bell?" asked Aedan, approaching the horse.

"I'm fine," she said.

Aedan shook his head. "No. I'm riding with you."

For once, Shadow Runner didn't disagree and let Aedan mount him with no trouble.

After wrapping his arm securely around Bell's waist, Aedan signaled for the group to head off.

"I don't need you here," muttered Bell, a tint of anger in her voice.

"You do and you know it," retorted Aedan.

Bell remained silent and the group forged on.

It was about lunchtime when Aedan noticed a change in Bell.

She seemed to have trouble keeping her balance and held her hand to her head.

"Are you alright, Bell?" asked Aedan.

"I'm- I'm-" Bell started but then stopped as she began to cough.

"Oh bloody hell," murmured Bell as she brought her hand away from her mouth. "That can't be good."

"What?" asked Aedan, craning his neck to get a better view.

"Aedan!" whimpered Bell desperately, as she clutched his arm.

"Bell!" shouted Aedan as she passed out before him. Her hand was wet and Aedan looked down.

There was blood.

"Wynne!" yelled Aedan.

The mage quickly walked over.

"What's wrong with her?" he asked, showing her Bell's hand.

"I'm not quite sure. You need to get her to Honnleath and quickly. We'll catch up with you."

Aedan nodded and pushed Shadow Runner into a gallop.

The horse sensed the gravity of the situation and speed along through the woods.

"Oh, Bell. Don't leave me."

They traveled for days, Aedan pushing Shadow Runner into an unhealthy pace.

The horse never stopped though; he wasn't about to let his rider be harmed.

It was then that they reached Honnleath.

Aedan could feel the familiar sense of the Taint pressing into his mind.

"Maker, why now?" asked Aedan as he slowed the horse to a walk.

The village was eerily quiet and a hint of smoke tickled Aedan's nose. This was definitely not good.

As Aedan rounded the corner, he happened upon a group of darkspawn.

He brandished his sword and defended Bell. He seemed like a knight in the tales of old, defending his love against anything that fell in her way.

The darkspawn were dispatched quickly and Aedan returned his attention to Bell.

She still hadn't woken up.

Aedan dismounted and carried Bell in his arms, much like a groom would hold his bride, except that this was no happy occasion and the white, bloodied dress was not one of a bride.

He found a house that was open and placed Bell on a bed.

A fire quickly found its home in the house and Aedan found some old rags.

He went to the well to collect some water when he noticed a statue.

It was a fierce some looking creature trapped in a pose of defiance as if it had been chained to the rock form it now inhabited.

Aedan made a note to check it out later and quickly returned to Bell's side.

He plunged the rag hastily into the water and wrung out the excess water, dabbing the slightly damp material against Bell's forehead.

She stirred in her sleep, but she didn't open her eyes.

Aedan turned to his pack to see if he had any health potions.

None.

A search though Bell's yielded the same results.

Out of frustration, Aedan kicked over a stool, running his hands through his hair.

Wynne needed to find that tonic and fast.

Bell couldn't last forever.

Author's Note: Shout out to Judy who reviewed my last chapter as well as RubyNorman, Scorcese, and Bergamot29 (For reviewing chapter 18). I can't remember if I thanked them already and honestly, I'm too tired to go look. Just thanks to everyone who reviewed; you make my life. :)