Aeronwen settled next to the fire gazing into the flames. She had known she would miss Bethany, but she hadn't realised just how much her friend helped to balance her. Bethany was the calming word, the soft touch of restraint. She was someone to laugh with and a listening ear and she desperately wanted to talk to her about Cailan.

The King had discovered a parchment written centuries ago detailing that when an eligible son and daughter of the Theirin and Undran lines came of age they were to be married to solidify the bond between their lands. To say that Cailan was enthusiastic about the idea was a major understatement. Aeronwen had reminded Cailan she was with another and not only that she was in exile so there could be no union of their lands. Cailan had brushed over these facts much to her annoyance. Aeronwen had spoken bluntly and informed the King she would not consider marriage between them. He had spoken of the legality of the document and indeed it did bear both the seals of Theirin and Undran. Despite Aeronwen's insistence that both parties would have to agree to such a match and she did not, Cailan would not be dissuaded. He repeatedly insisted that once the Blight was defeated they would discuss the matter further. Aeronwen mused that she would have no problem honouring such a contract as long as it was to Alistair she was to be married. She felt her cheeks flush as her heart pounded; startled with herself that she would consider marrying a second time. The thought had been so natural it made her smile wondering if Alistair would want that too.

She glanced up as Zevran and Sketch move into their tent, Garrett and Jowan slipping into theirs. She glanced to Alistair and the ache in her heart suddenly became too much to bear. Aedan and Morrigan were chatting; Sten and Duncan prowling the perimeter, Oghren was already passed out and Leliana had gone down to the river. Aeronwen couldn't take being apart from him anymore and rising she moved around the fire and settled next to Alistair. "I miss you." She whispered. Her fingers drifting over the grass and rested on his. She finally looked up tears welling at the uninterested look. He made no move to give any indication he was even aware of her hand against his. She bowed her head and slowly pulled back her hand. "Goodnight Alistair." She whispered, moving quickly to her own tent indulging in a few moments of tears. The echoes of the taint throbbed through her and she forced herself to be still taking deep breaths to calm her and allow her to sleep.

xXx

Leliana had returned to see Aeronwen next to Alistair; smiling at the despair on her face as she moved to her own tent, yet it was not enough. She wanted Aeronwen to know pain before her end and she did not know how much time she had left before the Hunter came for her. She retrieved Aeronwen's book, looking again at the flower considering their significance. She jumped as Morrigan moved to her side.

"I see you have her book."

"What of it?" Leliana snapped.

"It may make things easier."

"Make what easier?"

"I call in your debt to me. I wish Aeronwen to be distressed enough that she will accept a potion without question."

Leliana glanced at her. "What game are you playing witch?"

"One that will benefit us both. After tonight she will not look at Alistair again. That is what you wish yes?"

"Yes, but how does that benefit you?"

Morrigan smiled. "She will be otherwise occupied with another and that will benefit me greatly."

"Who?"

Morrigan's eyes flitted to Duncan who appeared and then disappeared into the treeline.

"The Commander!" Leliana spluttered. "This should be interesting."

"I suggest you encourage Alistair to his tent and I shall occupy Aedan, I shall leave the rest to you. Remember if you speak my name in connection with this you will not enjoy the consequences."

Leliana glanced to Aeronwen's tent wondering how to get her attention and smiled leaning back against the tree the book in her hand as she heard a soft moan of distress. Aeronwen had begun to have terrible nightmares and after each one she would seek solace in nature, all Leliana had to do was catch her attention before she left.

xXx

Aeronwen walked barefoot along the riverbank her heart pounding though she was not sure why. There was an air of calm that she did not feel, an unease that was not translated in the life around her. She heard the distant howl of a wolf and felt it was her own cry of pain. She forced herself to keep moving and lush grass gave way to scorched earth. The rippling stream gave way to pools of lava and fire raged across the sky. The earth became almost too hot for her feet and fire impacted the ground around her. She ran towards the shelter of a cave and froze, seeing herself chained halfway up the cave wall. Even through the dim light she knew something was very wrong and she cried out in alarm as she saw her heart had been torn from her chest. She cried out spinning around as the cave entrance was blocked by falling stone and the unmistakable smell of Darkspawn reached her nostrils. She couldn't see and her blades were gone. Aeronwen cried out as hands grabbed her arms.

Aeronwen's eyes flared open as she took gulping breaths, her whole body shaking. She was not eager to return to sleep which meant she couldn't reach Alistair, Bethany was in Denerim and she couldn't bring herself to disturb Zevran or Jowan. Tears were slipping down her cheeks now. Sten would not understand and despite being on better terms with Duncan she was not sure he would want to listen to her talk of her nightmare, he had enough of his own. She wrapped her arms tightly around her legs, hugging her knees to her chest. She wanted home so badly she could feel the throb in her heart, the pain unbearable. She reached for her pack; needing the one link she had with her past.

She frantically searched through the bag; her heart racing, tears burning her eyes. It has to be here! In panic she couldn't even recall the last time she had read it so many things had happened. In frustration she moved out of the tent needing the firelight and dumped out the contents of her pack, the Tao of the Guardians was not there. Aeronwen forced herself to stop and took a deep breath. It must be here, just be calm and you will find it. Renewing her search proved just as fruitless. Nausea clawed at her stomach, a grief so deep she felt overwhelmed washed over her.

Leliana watched in satisfaction as Aeronwen tore through her pack, feeling her distress and revealing in it. This was better than she had hoped for.

Raising her eyes Aeronwen noticed Leliana watching her with a smug look on her face a book in her hands. She felt her body turn to ice, followed by a rage so intense she felt as though her blood was boiling. Gripping her dagger she strode towards the bard.

Leliana felt a momentary flare of anxiety as Aeronwen unsheathed her dagger and started towards her. Moving away from the tree she was leaning on she walked deliberately towards Morrigan's empty campsite, the witch having joined Aedan in his tent. "Looking for this?" She held up the book. "I found myself curious as to its nature. Is it a tome of Melchrest I wondered, or perhaps your most intimate thoughts? I felt compelled to find out."

Aeronwen clenched her fist, tightening her hold on the dagger in her hand. "What business is it of yours? That is my property and you will return it."

Leliana chuckled softly, continuing as though Aeronwen had not spoken. "My curiosity was not sated upon realising the tome is in a language unknown to me, but then I found this between its pages." Leliana held up the flower, smirking as Aeronwen's face paled and her step faltered. "I believe this is why you turn to the book, what is the significance of this flower I wonder."

Aeronwen realised she was shaking. "Leliana, whatever game you are playing enough. Give them back to me. You have Alistair, what more do you want?"

Leliana's azure eyes gleaming wickedly. "I warned you did I not? Now you know what you had left to lose."

Aeronwen's eyes widened as Leliana let go of the book and the flower over Morrigan's fire. She gave a cry of panic and dropped her dagger racing forward as both the book and the flower were consumed by the flames. Aeronwen tried to retrieve them, but the heat was too intense and she clutched her hand to chest in pain as she sank to her knees.

Leliana swallowed hard and backed away realising that whatever those items had meant to Aeronwen they were more than she had suspected. "Alistair is mine." She managed to hiss out.

Bowing her head Aeronwen struggled to contain her grief. The book though committed to memory was precious beyond measure, holding both the collective knowledge of Guardians passed along with their energy. She remembered so clearly the day she had earned her Guardian title and been given the book. She remembered opening the first page and finding the flower pressed between the pages. The flower was the rarest in their land named Dragon Fire and it had been part of Gawain's final test to return with it. Now both had been consumed by flame; her final link to her homeland, to her lost love were ash.

Duncan clutched his chest, leaning against a tree giving a sharp intake of breath. He felt as though his heart was breaking the pain was so intense. He knew the pain was not his but Aeronwen's and he moved swiftly back to camp.

Aeronwen ignored the pain of her hand. Rage and grief coursed through her and she looked towards Leliana. Hatred burned and Aeronwen gave into it, rising to her feet her eyes almost black. She retrieved her fallen dagger her eyes locked on the bard. There were no words, only a rage that curled around her heart trying to dull the pain and give her the ability to move. Gawain was lost to her, her homeland lost and in that moment of despair she feared Alistair was too. She wished she had ignored the Call, obeyed Morgan and never set foot on Ferelden soil. She gave a cry of rage and pain and closed the distance between them.

Leliana's eyes widened, she had not anticipated this rage fuelled madness. She only just managed to dodge out of her way and in her panic ran.

Aeronwen chased her; leaping over fallen trees, dodging branches, the sound of her blood thundering through her body masked all other noise. She re-sheathed her dagger she wanted to kill the bard with her bare hands.

Leliana realised she needed protection and doubled back heading for camp feeling Aeronwen gain on her. Her lungs were bursting and she broke out of the tree line, Aeronwen catching her and sending her hurtling to the ground. She tried to defend herself against the blows that rained down on her screaming for help.

Sten grabbed hold of Aeronwen as the Guardian's hands wrapped around Leliana's throat; having heard the commotion through the trees, dragging her from the screaming woman beneath her, ignoring the pain as she fought against him. He realised whatever had caused this she was beyond rationality of words and he dragged her out of the camp.

The camp had burst into life hearing Leliana's screams believing they were being attacked. The sight of Sten dragging Aeronwen from the bard had them all momentarily stunned, Sten signalling for them to be given a moment.

Sketch moved over to Leliana and helped her towards the fire. "What in the Maker's name happened?" He gasped his hands flaring to begin healing her.

"A reckoning." Leliana hissed. "No more than she deserved."

The light faded from Sketch's hands and he took a step back. "Leliana what did you do?"

She glanced up realising all eyes were on her, including a furious Duncan. "Nothing that was not warranted. Now will you just hurry up and heal me."

Sketch glared at the bard feeling an inner strength that had been building since their experience at the Peak. He tossed her a healing potion. "You never used to be like this Leliana. Whatever you did, deal with the consequences."

Zevran felt a flare of pride for his lover, but saw the hatred that flashed across Leliana's face and he knew they would have to be on their guard.

Duncan turned from them and moved off in the direction Sten had taken Aeronwen; the rage in his heart, her rage, was overwhelming.

The pain and grief was too much, Aeronwen could barely breathe as it consumed her. Physical pain broke through the red haze as Sten pressed her hard against a tree.

"You must calm Kadan!"

Aeronwen shook her head; sobbing now, gasping for breath and clawing at his hands to get free of him.

"Kadan enough!"

Still she fought, kicking and hitting him until Sten gripped her throat and squeezed slightly, forcing her to be still or lose consciousness.

"What in the Void are you doing?" Duncan gasped shoving him out of the way and cupping her cheek tears streaming down her face.

"She would have harmed herself trying to get to the red head. There was no other way."

"What happened?" Duncan asked softly.

"She destroyed it!" Aeronwen gasped clutching her chest. "The only thing I had left of him, of my home." Her sobbing tore from her throat, her body shaking.

"What did she destroy?" Duncan coaxed; as Sten continued to stand ready to restrain her again if necessary, but Aeronwen couldn't speak, her throat constricting painfully, her sobs preventing any words.

Moments passed and Aeronwen looked up, Duncan startled by the hatred on her face. "I will kill her." She snarled at Sten.

"No Kadan, there is no honour in this."

"I do not care!" She screamed. "What would you do if your soul was taken? Have I not paid enough for coming here?"

Sten lowered his eyes, wishing he could take her pain from her.

Duncan gently grasped her jaw forcing her to face him; words of comfort dying on his lips as their eyes locked and a stream of images seemed to assault him, their accompanying emotions a confusing mixture of love, pain and despair. He wasn't sure what to do or say; the pain was too much, he felt as though he was drowning.

Morrigan moved to Duncan's side her face pale, the sharp ache of guilt pressing on her heart. Like Leliana she had not understood the true significance of the book and as she gazed at Aeronwen she feared the damage was irreparable. Morrigan gently rested her hand on Aeronwen's shoulder a soft green glow emanating, Aeronwen took a shuddering breath surprising them when she leaned against Duncan, closing her eyes and using the steady beat of his heart to help her endure the pain of her own heart. Morrigan handed Duncan the vial of crimson liquid, her hand trembling slightly. "Give her this, it will help."

Duncan nodded and took the vial gently coaxing Aeronwen to take it.

Aeronwen gazed at the vial momentarily and decided that whatever was in it couldn't make her feel any worse than she already did. It tasted sweet like honey and seemed to sooth the jagged edges of her heart. She gazed at Duncan and then once more rested against his chest, desperate for the warmth and care he seemed to be offering.

Morrigan felt a deep sense of relief as Aeronwen drank the vial, the Guardian's eyes locking with Duncan for an instant, the binding forming between them. She glanced over her shoulder seeing Zevran, Sketch and Alistair watching them. Alistair was still clearly affected by the overdose but she could see the fight within him spurred on by Aeronwen's distress. She felt a pang of guilt for him too and was disgusted at herself. Aedan wrapped an arm around her waist and gently kissed her cheek, his approving smile all she needed to begin to sooth her. Yet her inner voice muttered harshly that he only looked at her like that because he thought she was helping.

Duncan helped Aeronwen back to camp, catching her as she stumbled and gently supporting her as she continued to weep softly.

Jowan frowned seeing a faint reddish glow around Aeronwen and glanced to Morrigan, but her face was pale and she looked worried. Leliana had retreated to her tent. He glanced to Alistair who was watching Aeronwen, the faint glimmer of pain on his face and Jowan felt panic rise that the game had just been changed. Gripping Garrett's arm they walked to the other side of the camp, Jowan softly whispering in Sketch's ear.

Sketch glanced to Duncan who was whispering soothingly to Aeronwen; covering her hand in a balm to ease the burn. He could not see the aura as Jowan could, however he closed his eyes in frustration realising the significance of the potion.

"What is it you suspect?" Zevran whispered wishing he had killed Leliana during their argument by the stream so many weeks ago.

Jowan glanced once more to Aeronwen. "There is only one type of potion I know of that makes a red aura and it isn't a calming potion. I think Morrigan gave Duncan a love potion to give to Aeronwen."

"For what purpose?" Garrett spluttered in confusion.

"Alistair is beginning to recover and if Aeronwen is attached to another she will be no competition to Leliana." Zevran snarled.

"Why would Morrigan be involved?" Sketch muttered in confusion.

"Perhaps our bard has some hold over Morrigan." Zevran mused given he believed Morrigan had given Leliana the potion Alistair was overdosed with.

"Makers breath now we need an antidote for her too." Garrett fumed.

Jowan shook his head. "You don't understand. For a potion to cause that aura it must be incredibly strong. I have no idea how we antidote it, or if it can even be antidoted!"

Garrett glanced in confusion. "Wouldn't a love potion need to be given to both parties?"

Zevran glanced to Duncan. "The Commander's attraction is already there, it is unlikely he would need the services of such a potion."

Garrett raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure about that, I mean the way he looks at her sometimes ..."

"Hate and love are very close my friend. It would seem someone is taking advantage of his growing affection for our Guardian and ensuring she has no choice in the matter."

"Then we confront Morrigan and make her antidote it!"

Jowan placed a restraining hand on Garrett's arm. "Not everything can be resolved with brute force love. We must tread carefully."

"And meanwhile Duncan thinks Aeronwen is in love with him! Not to mention whatever Aeronwen is feeling. What in the Void do you think happens when they both realise the truth."

"We can't go to Morrigan, if Leliana has something over her that could put her and possibly Aedan in danger." Jowan glanced to Garrett. "Perhaps your father might know something that would help."

Garrett scowled in the direction of Leliana's tent. "Bethany should have just let me kill her when I suggested it." He muttered angrily. "My father is extremely knowledgeable, but I have no idea if he can help with this."

"What choice is there?" Alistair managed to gasp out, startling the men with him. Tears of anger gleamed in his eyes, his fists clenched. "Maker I thought I was going to lose her to Cailan, I never imagined it would be to Duncan."

Zevran moved to his side, seeing how exhausting it was to fight against the potion still lacing his body. "We will find a way my friend."

Alistair nodded and leant weakly against him. "This is all my fault." He whispered.

Zevran grasped his chin and forced him to look at him. "No my friend. This is Leliana's doing and I swear she will pay."

Garrett folded his arms. "Remind me again why we are not killing her."

Zevran sighed. "Because her employer is extremely powerful and should Leliana's life be lost by our hands, I believe we would shortly follow along with any we care for."

"Can't we just kill her employer then?" Garrett muttered in annoyance.

Alistair sighed. "If you know of a way to get to Empress Celene, kill her and live I'm in."

Garrett felt his jaw drop. "When you said powerful you weren't kidding. Okay, let's just concentrate on this bloody love potion then." Garrett muttered shaking his head. "Maker they are going to be pissed."

xXx

Aeronwen spoke only to thank Duncan as he retrieved her pack before she retreated to her tent. She started to sharpen her dagger, each glide of the whetstone fuelled by her hatred for the bard. When she slept that night she was plagued with nightmares of Gawain's last moments and the grief she believed she had dealt with rushed in on her.

Duncan heard her screams and sobs as she thrashed in her sleep, her nightmares had momentarily become his own. His footfall was light and no one saw him enter her tent. Duncan knelt down next to Aeronwen and gently pulled her into his arms. He shuddered; he felt her grief and rage as though it was his own, the intensity of it making him ache for her. "Aeronwen." He whispered soothingly, gently running his fingers through her hair. Aeronwen woke up startled their eyes locking and Duncan saw the images so clearly his eyes widened in shock. Her memories rushed him and he squeezed his eyes shut at the onslaught. Duncan shuddered and slowly opened his eyes realising Aeronwen was on her knees; her hands cupping his jaw, her voice coaxing him back.

"Forgive me." She whispered, tears glistening in her eyes. "I did not mean for you to see that."

Duncan gently cupped her cheek, his heart pounding. "I am so sorry."

"It is in the past ..."

Duncan gently took hold of her shoulders. "There is no shame in grieving Aeronwen." He watched the impact of his words even as he felt it; the moment her resolve faltered, the second the final remnants of the barrier she had built collapsed and the tidal wave of pain that rushed her making her collapse against him, clutching his tunic as she wept. Duncan wrapped his arms around her, feeling tears well in his own eyes as he lived her memories of Gawain. Aeronwen wept long into the night before finally falling into an exhausted slumber; Duncan laying her down, his arms enfolding her as she curled against him, sleep finally gracing him with its presence.

xXx

Aeronwen swallowed hard as she woke up to find herself in Duncan's arms. He looked surprisingly peaceful, his usual frown faded in sleep. She allowed herself a moment to relax into the warmth and strength of his arms around her, the comfort she had needed and had found in the most unexpected person. As his eyelids flickered slowly open, those rich dark eyes seemed to engulf her. Aeronwen felt a rush of emotion she quickly denied and locked her thoughts from him, her heart pounding.

"How are you this morning?" He asked gently as she carefully moved from his arms.

"I … better thank you. I … I did not expect you to stay with me." She saw his cheeks flush and clasped his hand. "Thank you, waking up alone would have been … difficult."

Duncan felt his desire flare at the flush on her cheeks, the tangled locks that framed her face and those cobalt blue eyes that seemed to drink him in. He cleared his throat and smiled. "We'd best get up before the rumours start." Duncan started to rise startled by the soft pressing of lips to his cheek.

"Thank you."

He left the tent a smile on his face ignoring Zevran's astounded look and oblivious to Morrigan's delighted smirk.