Rhoslyn wound her way through the swamp; smiling as the mist parted before her, at times reaching out to her with a soft caress. At one time she had found the magic invasive, now however she understood. She moved with purpose seeking her grandmother.

Flemeth gazed into the night sky as though it would give the answers she sought. A great evil that she had thought imprisoned forever had woken. She had believed they had time and that time was suddenly running out. Glancing to her right Flemeth watched as Rhoslyn materialised from the mist.

Moving to her side Rhoslyn tilted her face to the stars. "You look troubled."

"Indeed; I would be surprised if I did not."

"What of the taint?"

Flemeth shook her head. "The power required is beyond even me."

Rhoslyn gently rested a hand on her arm. "With what the boy possesses and what will be removed from the Warden King, we will have the power necessary."

"Perhaps."

"You doubt it?"

"The taint is an evil beyond imagining, thrust upon a world unprepared for it. Such sacrifices have been made and there will be more before the end. Something is coming; something that if not stopped will rip apart this world and the next."

Rhoslyn looked to her startled. "Of what do you speak?"

"I hope that I am wrong; but I must discover the truth. Continue with our plans in my absence."

Rhoslyn caught her arm. "Show me what you have seen."

Flemeth hesitated and then nodded, a slight silver glow moving from her hands to her granddaughter.

Rhoslyn paled; before her fists clenched and her jaw set. "We will need help."

Flemeth smiled. "I think it is time an old friend of mine was encouraged to wake up. He has slumbered for too long."

xXx

A cool breeze brushed lightly against his skin as Anders climbed onto one of the highest ridges, his prize in sight. Less than five feet away were the cluster of tiny pale blue flowers that seemed to be the only plant life to grow at this altitude. They flowered for one month of the year only, but they had the most potent healing properties Anders had ever witnessed. He cautiously inched along the ridge; picking a quarter of the flowers. He never took more than he needed. Carefully putting the flowers into the container especially made to preserve them on the journey back down the mountain; he took a moment simply to breathe in the sight before him. Sunlight gleamed off the peaks as they rose into the distance; the mountains a patchwork of glorious colour, flowers of extraordinary beauty coaxed into bloom with summers warming kiss.

Closing his eyes he felt an ache open within him of friends and family lost to him. Each year when he made this journey he would sit in silent contemplation; honouring the fallen and those beyond his reach. It was a ritual that enabled his heart to accept his brutal past; but more than that, to accept the joy of his current circumstances. It had been five years since Danarius's terrible experiment with Justice. Five years of a love he had never expected to experience again. His lips twitched into a smile as he slipped into memories; Brina holding his hand as they hurried home, sneaking him a cookie that she had brought with her from the Cousland estate. He imagined the woman she would have become; happy, healthy with children of her own. He thought of his parents; of a life untouched by magic, living their days in happiness. He took time to imagine them at the Makers side; healed of the trauma that had parted them so violently and with such cruelty.

He carefully wiped away the tears and took a deep breath as his mind drifted to Reiss. His heart ached for his friend praying that he was surviving the Circle and that he was safe. Reiss had reassured him he would be treated well; spirit healers were well regarded after all. Anders shuddered; that unfortunately had not stopped Ser Thomas, nor would it stop others of his kind. He shook himself to rid his mind of those memories; they rarely intruded, but he still felt a shiver of fear when they did. Instead he focused on Reiss's smile; the warmth of his friendship and the mischievous nature inherent in his soul.

His memories took him then to Rhoslyn and her recent visit. She had given him an amulet that she told him to always wear. When he had asked why; she was cryptic, saying only that it would be wise for him to be protected given his previous experience of Justice and the trauma of the Fade being opened within him. He had known something was wrong by the look in her eyes; but she would not reveal the source of her discomfort and said only that she wished to protect him. His fingers drifted across the amulet remembering her reassurances that all would be well.

Finally his thoughts took him to his friends within the Wardens. He gazed once more at the flowers; he had discovered them while looking for something to help Lyra. As each year passed the pain that lingered from the Archdemon seemed to increase. He had never felt such resistance when he had attempted to heal her and realised that something of the Archdemon must have imprinted onto the taint within her. It also meant her taint was progressing faster than it should and he spent much of her precious visits urging her to go to Rhoslyn; but she was still held fast by her duty and so he did what he could, hoping that the potion gave her as much relief throughout the year as it seemed to do during her visits.

Carefully getting to his feet Anders drew on his magic; making a tiny snowstorm in the palm of his hand. "To the fallen; to friendship, to freedom and to love." He sent the tiny storm rising into the air, directing it across to the valley as it increased in size, watching as the snow fell. He smiled to himself knowing the children would already be shrieking with delight. Turning he inched back along the ridge and returned to the trail, winding his way down the mountain. He moved swiftly knowing how much Fenris hated him making this journey alone. Despite Anders reassurances; Fenris would not be soothed until he had returned. The sun was dipping below the horizon when he reached their cottage, his feet crunching in the freshly fallen snow. He hesitated seeing Fenris by the waterfall feeling his tension. Placing his pack on the porch Anders moved to his side, seeing the relief in Fenris's expression. Leaning closer Anders pressed a soft kiss to his lips.

Hands resting on Anders hips Fenris drew him closer; breathing him in as though he had been gone for weeks rather than a day. "You were successful I hope." He whispered, gently nuzzling his throat.

"I was." Anders breath hitched as Fenris pulled him closer. "You do understand why I have to go alone don't you?"

A soft huff left his lips. "I do, but that does not mean I have to like it."

Anders chuckled and clasped his hand. "Come then and I shall do my best to make it up to you." He was startled when Fenris didn't move; startled further when he was tugged gently to the waterfall.

Fenris felt his courage waver. "I wanted you to know how much you mean to me." He blurted out; his carefully prepared words evading his memory. He took a deep breath allowing his mind to calm. "You make me whole; you gave me back my life, but you also reminded me how to love, how to live. You have been my light through many dark times and I wished you to understand truly what you mean to me."

A soft smile tugged at Anders lips, mischief lighting his eyes. "Are you proposing Fenris?" He watched curiously as Fenris took something from his pocket; his eyes widening at the ring in the palm of his hand.

Swallowing his nerves Fenris gently pulled Anders a little closer. "I am."

Anders breath hitched as he read the word etched into the silver band. Freedom. Anders gazed at the ring and then back to Fenris who was watching him anxiously. Words seemed so inadequate to explain what this meant to him so he didn't try. Instead he leaned forward; fingers winding through Fenris's hair; drawing him closer, a soft hum leaving his lips as he felt Fenris respond to his kiss. Closing the gap between them Anders deepened their kiss; feeling an unexpected rush of his magic as he felt the soft ripple of Fenris's brands as though they were reaching out to him. He parted them slightly; his breath catching at the sheer beauty of his love, Fenris's eyes completely unguarded, the depth of emotion expressed within them beyond anything Anders had ever seen before.

"You showed me the way." Fenris whispered. "I am free because you showed me it was possible." He tenderly caressed Anders cheek; feeling himself held in the gaze of those warm, compassionate eyes. "No matter our past; or our future, here in this moment I am truly free and I am whole. Without you I do not think that would have been possible."

Anders stared at him in awe and then pressed a soft kiss to his lips. "I love you Fenris. I always have and I always will."

xXx

Lyra gently clasped Alistair's hand as they stepped off the ship in Antiva City. It had been six years since she had first set foot in Antiva to help Anders. She glanced to Zevran who had left the ship ahead of them to procure horses and much needed supplies. The bubble of excitement within her was only kept in check by the underlying anxiety that something could go wrong and the future they had worked so hard for would shatter around them. She felt Alistair's reassuring squeeze of her hand, but knew he was just as anxious.

"Whatever happens we are together and that is all we need." Alistair whispered.

It was true of course; tainted or not their lives were their own. Alistair had worked tirelessly to ensure that when the time came; Teagan taking his place would be a smooth transition. While more popular than he had anticipated; Alistair's refusal to marry and the lack of an heir, even a bastard had made it easier for the nobles to accept his abdication. Teagan had thankfully more than proved himself while Regent when Alistair was performing diplomatic duties out with the country and he and Alfstanna had been blessed with a son in their first year of marriage and a second child was due in little over three months. That had silenced the few objections that had been raised.

While Alistair's departure as King had been very public; in comparison Lyra's withdrawal as Warden Commander was a quiet affair and her departure from Ferelden's shores was shrouded in mystery, only the new Commander was told where she was going. It had been a painful goodbye; but the Wardens had become increasingly aware of the toll the taint was taking on her and she had eventually confided in Nathaniel and Oghren the pain she had experienced since killing the Archdemon. Most days it had been a bone deep ache; relieved by the potion Anders supplied, but in the last two years it had become a pain that dogged her days, dragging her down and leaving her exhausted. She had finally relented to Alistair's demands that she entrust the role of Warden Commander to another.

Alistair rolled back his shoulders; slightly adjusting the leather armour, drawing the hood of his cloak over his head to shroud his face, noting Lyra did the same. He had not expected to feel so comfortable and protected in the lighter armour; but it practically sang with the magical enhancements Wade had added. His hand drifted to the hilt of his sword; an old habit that gave him peace of mind. They moved swiftly to Zevran who was as eager as they to continue on their journey.

They rode West; keeping to the river, stopping only at nightfall and then again when they reached the outskirts of the swamp.

Zevran took the reins of the horses and smiled. "Do not make me come in there to find you."

Lyra chuckled softly. "We will be back soon enough Zev, keep the camp fire burning."

"Always mi amico."

Alistair's gaze drifted over the swamp. "You bring me to all the nice places." He glanced to Zevran. "See you soon I hope."

"Come on." Lyra took his hand and headed into the swamp, squeezing gently as she felt him tense as the mist parted ahead of them and closed in behind them.

"That is not normal." Alistair muttered, feeling the magic swirl around him.

Lyra couldn't help the chuckle. "None of this is normal."

xXx

Nathaniel gazed out of the study window wondering if Lyra had reached Antiva yet. Her ship had been due to dock that morning; but the sea was unpredictable. She had promised to stay in touch; but he still worried. He knew she intended to visit Anders; but after that he had no idea where she and Alistair intended to go. He glanced up at the knock and took the package from the Schneshal. It was the information on possible recruits from Denerim their new King had promised. He put them to one side; there would be time enough to go through them tomorrow, today he was too distracted. He had been surprised when Lyra had passed command to him and neither were blind to the irony that he was now Arl of Amaranthine despite the Arling being taken from the Howe's. Alistair had not raised any objections; neither had Teagan, but he remained cautious, the First Warden after all could change that at any time. Leaving the study he wandered through the corridors of Vigil's Keep; nodding to the Wardens and recruits who greeted him as he passed. Lyra had left him with thirty skilled Wardens; all of whom were now his responsibility. He allowed a slight smile; this was his home, his duty and for the moment at least his purpose.

xXx

Alistair hesitated as the Temple came into view. "Wow, I mean that is … wow."

"Wait until you see inside." Lyra led them on; down the spiral staircase wondering if Alistair could hear her heart, it was hammering so loudly.

"You return."

Alistair's eyes widened as a woman moved into view from a side room; grateful for Lyra's prior warnings. "Maker she really does look like Morrigan."

Rhoslyn smiled. "A thought that brings you no small amount of discomfort it would seem."

Alistair ran his fingers through his hair. "Um … well it wasn't my best moment."

"Then we shall not dwell on it; come, follow me."

They followed Rhoslyn into a large chamber, both freezing when they saw what was at the far end of the room. Alistair paled. "Maker I have seen enough dragons to last me a lifetime." The creature in question was curled up in a sleeping pose encased in what appeared to be crystal.

"They are so misunderstood." Rhoslyn murmured. "Come, sit this will not take long."

Alistair sat on the small altar first at Lyra's insistence; glancing at her uneasily as Rhoslyn pressed her hand to his chest. His eyes widened as he felt a tugging sensation throughout his entire body before a black pulsing orb left his chest. He was so startled he didn't catch the glow of a pure white light masked within it. "Makers breath!"

"Indeed." Rhoslyn encased the orb in a field of light that floated next to her and turned to Lyra. "Please sit."

Alistair looked to her startled. "Wait; you mean that was it?"

"You were expecting something else?"

"I ... I just didn't expect it to be so easy."

"It is not." She smiled at Alistair's concerned expression. "Do not trouble yourself on my account."

Lyra worried at her lip. "Are you sure about this?"

"I am, though this is the last time I will have strength enough to do this." Rhoslyn steadied herself; removing the taint was actually the easy part of the process, removing what she required from the Wardens was by far the harder task. It had taken her weeks to fully recover after removing the spirit from Anders.

Lyra settled on the altar and closed her eyes feeling the tugging sensation fill her before she felt the taint removed, her body feeling lighter than it had in some time. She gave a startled gasp as she felt warmth fill her and a second gentle tug before the pain that had lingered since killing the Archdemon faded.

Smiling Rhoslyn lowered her lips to Lyra's ear. "An extra gift for all you did for Anders."

Lyra's realised she was trembling. "Thank you."

Stepping back Rhoslyn smiled. "I wish you luck."

Alistair worried at his lip. "This seems one sided, is there anything you need?"

"I have all I need."

Alistair couldn't place the look in her eyes; but she reminded him so strongly of Morrigan in that moment, he wondered just what the Witch was getting in return.

"You should go, your friend is waiting."

Lyra impulsively hugged her. "Thank you."

Rhoslyn watched them leave turning as her mother moved from the shadows.

"You let the last of the Theirin line just walk out of here." Yavana snapped. "We needed him!"

"Mother it is unlike you to be so short sighted. Besides he is not, nor will he be the last of the Theirin line."

"You speak of what you do not know."

"She knows more than you girl."

Yavana folded her arms as Flemeth moved into the room. "She is spending too much time with you."

Rhoslyn glanced to Flemeth and nodding her head slightly, she moved from the room.

"I have a task for you daughter."

Yavana raised an eyebrow. "You wish me to seek Morrigan?"

"I must prepare and she is astonishingly elusive."

"As you wish." Yavana moved to the Eluvian, her hand drifting across the surface. "Tell me something mother, what is so important about finding her?"

Despite Flemeth's smile; her gaze was one of ice. "She has something that belongs to me."

xXx

Zevran sat quietly sharpening his blades, though he remained acutely aware of everything around him. Despite his relaxed appearance his body ached with tension. He had not willingly let Lyra and Alistair enter the swamp alone, but Lyra has insisted. He feared this was some trick; their experience of Witches of the Wilds had not left him confident. His mind drifted to Morrigan and her swift departure after the battle. He was aware that Alistair and Morrigan had been intimate; that Lyra had demanded it of Alistair the night before the battle. He had watched in the shadows as Alistair had dragged himself to Morrigan's room; his face ashen, his eyes shrouded with pain. Zevran had been unable to comprehend why Lyra would demand such an act; and remained where he was almost as though standing guard for the warrior horrified and alarmed when he heard Lyra's soft sobs despite the door to her room being closed. When Morrigan's door had finally reopened he had watched as Alistair quietly closed the door before leaning against the wall; his hands slowly dragging down his face. His eyes were dark with shame and something the former Crow could not identify. Zevran followed him to the bathing room; never alerting the Warden to his presence. He knew Alistair had rubbed his skin raw and kept mumbling apologies under his breath; though to who he was apologizing Zevran could not imagine, it had been his love after all who had demanded his indiscretion. After the battle both Lyra and Alistair had buried themselves in their duty; but Zevran knew Alistair continued to carry a guilt he could not understand. He shook his head; it mattered little, their lives had changed once more and this time he prayed they would receive the life they so desperately wanted and to his mind deserved.

He glanced up hearing footfalls and felt relief ease the tension of his muscles, rising to greet his friends. They both appeared younger; the weight of the duty they had carried removed along with the taint. He didn't need to ask to know whatever had been done had been successful. Smiling he accepted Lyra's embrace startled to realise that she was crying. He turned to her in concern only to realise she was smiling, her joy radiating from her like a beacon.

"It's gone Zev; the taint, the pain, that awful constant murmur in my head. It's all gone!"

Gently cupping her cheek Zevran pressed a kiss to her cheek. "No-one deserves this more." He glanced to Alistair who was smiling warmly; grinning as he enfolded them both into a hug.

The future was theirs for the taking and they did not intend to waste one moment.

xXx

Moving into the adjoining chamber Flemeth glanced to her granddaughter. Rhoslyn had proven to be an asset Flemeth had never anticipated.

Carefully taking the orb of taint she had taken from Alistair; Rhoslyn unravelled it revealing the essence of the dragon that he had carried with him in his blood. He had no knowledge of its existence and its removal would not hurt him in any way. Carefully ensuring the taint was enclosed once more; Rhoslyn took a deep breath and pressed the orb of pulsing light, the essence of the dragon, to her chest; her eyes closing as it flowed into her.

Flemeth held out her hand; the orb of taint nestling in her palm. For a split second a blue shimmer moved over her body. She glanced up as Rhoslyn moved to the dragon encased in crystal, her fingertips gently tracing across the smooth surface. "Soon my old friend; soon you will be free once more."

xXx

Anders glanced to the valley entrance and smiled as he saw three riders approaching. "We have company!" He yelled in delight, breaking into a sprint as he moved to greet them.

Lyra laughed as she slipped from the horse, Anders pulling her into his arms.

"You're here!" He searched her eyes. "Without the taint?"

"Without the taint."

"Did you promote Nate?"

Lyra chuckled. "Warden Commander Nathaniel sends his best and reminds you to stay out of trouble."

Anders grin broadened before he cleared his throat and stepped back. "Um … hello your Majesty." He chuckled as Alistair pulled him into a tight hug.

"Do me a favour Anders, just call me Alistair."

"So; no more being King then?"

"No more being King; I thought I would feel guilty, but Ferelden is in good hands." Alistair gently pulled Lyra into his arms. "And all I ever wanted is right here with me."

Anders grinned and grasped Zevran's arm. "It's been a while Zev."

"That it has."

"Will you stay? For a while at least?"

"I am sure I can take a week or two out of my schedule."

"Come on then, let's get you settled."

They followed Anders up the gentle slope; but instead of continuing to the right Anders veered off to the left.

"Hey Anders where are we going?" Lyra asked curiously.

"You'll see."

They walked on for ten minutes before moving into a clearing. Lyra stopped in her tracks staring at the beautiful cottage nestled amid the trees. "I've never seen this before." They followed Anders inside greeting Fenris who had lit the fire and laid out a meal. They turned startled as Regior and Varania's three children leapt out at them yelling surprise followed by their parents and Myoro. She glanced down as Rina tugged on her cloak.

"You live here now." She blurted out giving her a toothy grin.

Lyra glanced to Anders in confusion.

"We just thought you should have somewhere you can call home in between your travels." He grinned broadly as Lyra flung her arms around his neck.

"We never expected this Anders."

Fenris chuckled. "We thought you might want somewhere a little away from this noisy lot." He laughed as his nephew and nieces dived on him shrieking for him to hush.

They ate a meal together, swapping news and sharing stories until the fire burned low and Alistair and Lyra were left alone, Zevran taking the spare room in Myoro's cottage.

Lyra leaned against Alistair as they gazed out over the valley as the sun descended. "I can't believe we are both here, after everything ..."

Alistair pressed a kiss to the tip of her nose. "Proof that if you want something badly enough you can find a way."

"You won't miss being King?"

Alistair chuckled and cupped her cheek gazing at her lovingly. "Trust me love the only thing I have ever missed is you; besides the country is in safe hands. Will you miss being Commander?"

Lyra shook her head. "I think I will rather enjoy having mysteriously disappeared."

Alistair chuckled. "Well that makes two of us. Maybe they will think we have gone to the Deep Roads."

Lyra shuddered. "At least we will never have to face the Calling."

He gently raised her left hand pressing a kiss to the finger bearing the ring he had placed there himself. "I love you Lyra, my beautiful wife." He whispered, capturing her lips in a gentle kiss.

Lyra smiled at the memory of the simple ceremony in Antiva after their taint had been removed; Zevran witnessing their yearned for union. She cried out startled, laughing as he carried her back into the cottage. "Alistair what do you think you are doing?"

"Carrying you over the threshold." He carefully nudged open the bedroom door and grinned. "Now; about that family we were talking about …"

Lyra's eyes widened. "Do you think it's possible?"

"Well we will have fun finding out." Alistair kissed her gently, pouring all of his love for her into a kiss that left them both breathless.

xXx

Anders settled on the porch smiling as Fenris joined him wrapping a blanket around them as moonlight spilled across the valley. "I never imagined I could be this happy." He gently clasped Fenris's hand. "These last six years; being with you, here, they have been the best years of my life."

Fenris gently squeezed his hand. "I do not know what I did to deserve you." He turned to Anders and smiled pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "My light." He murmured.

Anders smiled; here in the valley they were safe, here the outside world did not touch them and Magisters, Templars and Circles seemed like a faded bad dream. He gave a soft sigh and nestled against Fenris. They were free; and they spent each day living their lives in gratitude for the gift of their life together.

Fenris gently rested his cheek against Anders head, their fingers interlinked. There was no need for further talk; their love for each other transcended the need for crude words, it was the light that guided them, the warmth that held them and they cherished each moment together because to do any less was to waste whatever time they had.

They had yearned for freedom and paid a terrible price, but that was behind them now and the future was spread out before them with enough love and light to last until their final days.

xXx

Author Note: Thank you to everyone who has been reading, following, favouriting and reviewing this story. I hope you enjoyed.