Pale sunlight brushed thatched rooftops; flowed down cobblestone pathways and rippled across the stream, the water gleaming in its wake as though gems lay beneath its surface. The sunlight brightened to a flood of gold as it rushed over the fields, animals stirring at the herald of a new day. Bethany glanced out of the window and slipped outside; tilting her face to the sun, feeling the warmth drift over her skin. Moving over to the fence she gazed out over the fields towards the small village and the Chantry that lay nestled at its heart. The farmhouse came with two fields almost ready to give their harvest of wheat and a third field home to a small herd of Drufflo. The farmhouse itself was cosy and Bethany liked it; but Lothering was missing one key element, her best friend. She longed for the days spent by the stream in Rainesfere with Alistair and despite the rustic charm of the small village; Bethany was afraid to call it home, wondering when it too would be wrenched from her. A soft sigh left her lips, jumping as a hand rested on her shoulder. Glancing up at her father Bethany gave a weak smile.

"We will make a home here Bethany."

"Until we have to move again."

Malcolm winced at the desolate tone. "I will do everything I can to ensure no-more running."

Bethany leaned against her father. "I miss Alistair."

"I know sweetheart. I'm sure he misses you too." Hugging her gently he turned them back towards the house. "Come on; discipline is important if you are to master your magic."

Bethany nodded and moved into the house; a morning stretched ahead of her father teaching her the theory and fundamentals of magic, while her brothers and mother tended to the farm. She forced herself to focus, her life was different now and as much as she wished she could change it, she had to learn to control her magic.

xXx

Carver trailed after Garrett as they fed the animals and checked over their shelter for signs of wearing. Some repairs were needed and he dutifully handed Garrett the tools he needed; gazing out over the fields wondering if they would ever stop running. He worried desperately for Bethany knowing how difficult her life would always now be. Even if they managed to stay; she would always have to hide who she truly was, just like their father did.

"Come on Carver stop day dreaming."

Carver scowled and followed his brother to check on the fences. He wasn't sure what had changed for him; whether it had been yet another move, losing yet another friend, but he felt angry all of the time. Angry at his parents for making them move; angry at the Templars and Chantry for forcing it upon them and angry at the Maker for forcing the life of a mage upon his beloved sister. It annoyed him no end that Garrett always seemed so calm and laid back and he misread Garrett's carefully maintained composure as a lack of caring, making his brother the target for his increasingly stormy moods. He felt helpless and agitated and though he told no-one; he was afraid that one day he too would manifest magic. Snapping at Garrett made him feel momentarily better, despite the guilt that always followed.

Garrett glanced to his brother and sighed at the scowl directed at him. Since coming to Lothering he could do nothing right for his brother. It seemed even his breathing had become offensive. Joking made things worse and while he was old enough not to snap back at Carver; it was becoming increasingly difficult, so they often worked in silence, the tension growing between them. He winced as his thoughts hampered his concentration and he struck the hammer against his thumb. "Damn it!" For a moment Carver looked concerned, but he remained silent. Garrett sighed and returned to fixing the fence, his parents had enough to worry about without adding lost livestock to the mix.

xXx

Leandra pounded out her frustration on the dough, kneading it to within an inch of its life. Magic had always been a part of her family and so the odds of having a child with magic had already been high, then she had fallen in love with Malcolm and added more magic to the mix. She glanced to Bethany who had her head buried in a book, her finger tracing over symbols struggling to understand them. She was so young to have this life thrust upon her. Leandra had somehow always known her sons would be without magic, but there had been times when she had looked at Bethany and had seen Malcolm looking back at her and she had wondered if his 'gift' would also be part of their daughter. She had no intention of losing any child as her cousin Revka had and she would do whatever it took to protect Bethany from the Templars and the life of the Circle. She glanced out of the window seeing Carver trail after Garrett a scowl fixed on his face. Leandra ached for her youngest son, she saw passed the temper and sullen moods to the boy afraid to lose his sister. She smiled as they came into the house hugging Carver tightly and sneaking a cookie into his pocket; her smile broadening at his delighted grin. "There's my Carver." She murmured, as he kissed her cheek.

xXx

Ser Bryant noticed the young boy sitting at the back of the Chantry yet again. His family had moved onto the farmland at the edge of village and while they kept to themselves he noticed the boy had become a daily visitor to the Chantry. He moved over and gave a warm smile, startled by the look of anxiety his approach provoked. He supposed he did look imposing in his Templar uniform.

Carver struggled to remain calm as the Templar approached him. He had studied the faces of every Templar and knew them in their uniform, or in civilian clothes. Ser Bryant was the most approachable and the one most likely to enable him to carry out his plan. He took a deep breath determined to do whatever it took to protect his sister.

Bryant saw the boys gaze drift to his sword and smiled to himself. He held out his hand. "I'm Ser Bryant."

Carver forced a smile and shook his hand. "That's a real nice sword."

"It is, do you know much about swords?"

Carver worried at his lip. "Not really. Working on the farm doesn't really give me a chance to learn about weapons." Inching slightly closer Carver gave the sword a longing glance. "I'd like to learn to use one though ... so I can protect my family."

Ser Bryant saw something in the boys eyes that reminded him of himself when he was a boy, watching the Templars longing to be part of the Order. "The younger initiates train every day. If your parents agree you could join them when they spar." He was startled by the smile, it lit the boy's face and he realised he had never seen him smile.

"Thanks."

Bryant chuckled as the boy hurried off, he presumed to ask permission from his parents.

Carver ran back to the farm a grin on his face. He already knew some of the initiates having arranged to bump into them and he knew they had loose tongues. All he needed to do was hang around them and he knew he would find out things that would help to keep his sister safe. He hesitated at the edge of the farm to catch his breath deciding against telling his family about the sparring. They would all tell him to stay away from the Templars and Garrett would probably stay glued to him to make sure he did. He wanted to tell Bethany what he was going to do; but she would only worry and she had enough to deal with, this would be his secret.

xXx

Bethany sneaked out of bed and grabbing her blanket crept across the room and sat on the edge of Carvers bed. Her parents and Garrett were chatting quietly in the main room and Carver was snoring softly. Nudging her brother she smiled as he gave a loud yawn; moving over slightly so she could settle next to him. She sighed, a frown crossing her face as she thought about the magic that was part of her.

"Don't frown Bethany that's my job." Carver mumbled sleepily.

Bethany sighed holding up her hand and glaring at it. "Everything is different now."

Carver gently clasped her hand treating her to a smile. "You're still you Bethany; you just have a little something extra."

A soft huff left her lips. "That something extra will have me running from Templars for the rest of my life. I'll never really have friends or a home."

Carver gently squeezed her hand. "I promise you will Bethany." He smiled as she nestled against him.

"Rainesfere was just starting to feel like home."

"I know; but Lothering isn't so bad."

Bethany sighed. "I miss Ali."

Carver bit his lip; he missed their friend more than he had even admitted to himself.

Closing her eyes Bethany fell asleep moments later wondering if she would ever see Alistair again.

xXx

Carver hurried to finish his chores; he had managed to convince the Templars that his parents had given their permission for him to join in the sparring. As far as his parents were concerned he was playing in the woods. With Bethany spending most of her time studying with her father, Carver spending time by himself was not entirely unexpected. Garrett had tried to spend more time with him; but Carver was resisting his brother's efforts, the last thing he wanted was him interfering.

Bryant was charged with watching over the younger recruits and he smiled as Carver raced over to the small group.

Carver had found he really enjoyed sparring and when he had a sword in his hand he felt right. His sparring partner Gavin grinned at him, the boys taking their positions following Bryant's instructions.

Garrett felt as though he could hardly breathe. He had been curious as to where Carver had been going for the last couple of days, but he never imagined he spent his time with Templars. He felt fury and confusion war within him and headed back towards the farm, waiting near the path for his brother to return.

xXx

Carver yelped as Garrett grabbed hold of him and dragged him to the far field.

"Are you crazy?" Garrett snarled.

Carver stared at him in shock. "What?"

"You're spending your time with Templars! Do you even care about Bethany?"

Carver wrenched out of his brothers grasp and shoved him. "I'm doing it for Bethany." He yelled, his chest heaving.

Garrett's frown deepened. "Want to explain that?"

Carver's hands had balled into fists, a fierce scowl on his face. "I know every Templar in Lothering and the recruits have real loose tongues. They talk about new Templars coming to Lothering and any mages they are hunting." He glared at his brother. "I would never put Bethany in danger, never! You're the one who doesn't care! Bethany is scared and it just doesn't bother you."

"Carver I'm terrified for Bethany, but it won't help her if I show that. I have to be strong so she feels safe."

Carver hesitated; a slow flush beginning to burn his cheeks. "I thought …" He bowed his head, scuffing his boots in the dirt.

Garrett gently tilted Carver's face until their gazes met. "I'm sorry Carver. Sorry that you thought I didn't care and that you thought you had to protect Bethany alone. You're so young Carver, too young to take on this responsibility."

"I'm eight." Carver muttered. "I'm not a baby."

Garrett smiled. "I know you're not a baby Carver. Maker I think you and Bethany are the bravest eight year olds ever!"

Carver's lower lip trembled before he suddenly hugged his brother's waist burying his face against Garrett's chest.

Garrett held him startled.

"I don't want Bethany to be a mage." He whimpered. "But she is and I just wanted to help keep her safe."

Garrett knelt down and looked up at his brother who was trying to avoid his gaze. "How about we protect Bethany together?"

"I guess." Carver sniffed loudly his lower lip trembling. He blinked rapidly as Garrett gently took hold of his hands.

"Carver you can tell me anything that's upsetting you. You know that right?" Garrett squeezed his brother's hands as he hesitated.

"I never even got to say goodbye to Ali." Carver mumbled. "He probably hates me."

Garrett stood and pulled Carver into a hug. "He won't hate you Carver." He gave a soft sigh. "I miss him too." He smiled at the surprise in his brother's expression. "Hey I liked Alistair, he was a nice kid."

"He was a real good friend." Carver whispered. "I had decided I wasn't going to make friends with anyone but Ali … well he was different."

Garrett grinned. "There is definitely something about Alistair that's for sure; maybe one day we will see him again."

Carver buried his face back against his brother's chest. "I … I don't want to keep moving."

"I don't either; maybe we will get to stay here, but even if we don't as long as we stick together everything will be alright."

"Promise?"

Garrett smiled at the muffled voice and hugged Carver tighter. "Promise."

xXx

Anders returned the book to the shelf and glanced over to Eloen who was staring into space. He glanced to the Templars who were both at the far end of the library and grabbing a book on healing magic he settled next to his friend. "Eloen are you in there?"

"Unfortunatly."

Anders winced at the dull tone. She hadn't been the same since they had been dragged back. He understood of course, she had been home and then it had been wrenched away from her. They had spent another month in solitary and all of Eloen's fire seemed to have been extinguished. Anders had tried everything to rekindle Eloen's fierce nature, but without success. "Eloen please this isn't you."

"I saw them, they just looked at me. They let us be taken. I spent all those years desperate to return to my clan, but I don't have a clan anymore. They really have abandoned me." She glanced to Anders as his fingers entwined with hers under the table.

"You have me."

Eloen squeezed his hand. "My one constant."

Anders lowered his voice. "If we want to be free we need to destroy our phylacteries."

"I know, I have thought of nothing else."

"We will find a way I promise." Anders eyes narrowed as Jowan entered the library. "Back stabbing son of a bitch."

"Easy Anders."

"He ratted us out!"

"I know, but maybe we can use this."

"Eloen what are you talking about?"

"He betrayed us Anders; because of him we have suffered and must still suffer this place, but what if I reached out to him. If I turned to him as a friend."

"What so he won't betray us?"

Eloen shook her head. "No, so he will and implicate himself instead."

"Eloen I can't stand him, but …"

"But what?" Eloen snarled. "I was home and because of him that was taken from me. Because of him I was beaten and locked in darkness. I will have my freedom Anders and if Jowan pays for it, so much the better."

They fell silent; Anders bristling as Jowan sat opposite them.

"What are you in such a mood about?" Jowan muttered.

Anders clenched his fists and remained silent, the scowl remaining on his face.

Jowan turned his attention to Eloen. "You were really good in Enchanter Mavin's lessons today. I'm rubbish at elemental spells."

"It just takes practice." Anders muttered.

"Yeh well not all of us are naturals." Jowan snapped.

"No, you're just lazy!"

Jowan flushed and abruptly stood up. "Why do you have to be so mean?" He snapped before hurrying from the library.

Anders stared after him wide eyed. "I'm mean!"

Eloen frowned slightly as they saw a Templar slip out after Jowan. "Anders maybe there's more to this then we know." The two mages glanced to each other before leaving the library as quickly as they were able without drawing attention to themselves. They moved quickly when they heard a yelp and saw the Templar push Jowan into one of the empty classrooms. They edged up to the door alarmed to see Jowan wide eyed backing away from the Templar.

"They don't tell me anything." He sobbed.

"You wouldn't be lying to me would you?" Ser Gerin smirked leaning over a desk.

Jowan shook his head a soft whimper leaving his lips.

"Well you be a good boy and if you hear anything about those two planning another escape you let me know. One more catch and that promotions mine."

Jowan glued his eyes to the floor shivering painfully. He flinched as Gerin's hand gripped his shoulder squeezing painfully. "You haven't the talent for magic Jowan, your skills are weak. Mages like you are destined for Tranquility. Having a Templar vouch for you, well that could be the difference between Tranquility and living comfortably in the Circle." He smirked as he left the room.

Anders and Eloen had ducked into another room to avoid the Templar; returning to the corridor as they heard Gerin head back towards the Library. Anders clenched his fists glancing through the open door to Jowan who was sat on the floor, knees pulled to his chest crying quietly. He turned to Eloen whose face had softened as she glanced at the frightened mage. "I hate to say it; but I think we were wrong about Jowan, well wrong about his motivation anyway."

"Or that was the best act I've seen in a long time. Damn it I had a whole plan worked out."

Anders rubbed his neck, huffing crossly. "So what do we do?"

"We help Jowan with his spells first, then we make sure Gerin pays."

xXx

With a frustrated huff Jowan closed the book and almost fell off his seat realising Anders was sitting opposite him. "How … how long have you been sitting there?"

"Long enough to know you're struggling badly with elemental theory."

Chewing at his lip Jowan let out another huffed breath; at least Anders wasn't scowling, that was an improvement. "It's so confusing. I can't get the hang of any of this."

"It's not like you have your Harrowing tomorrow, you've got time to figure it out."

"Hah you say that now, before we know it I'll be carted off in the middle of the night and you'll never see me again."

Anders allowed a slight smile. "You know Jowan mages need to stick together."

"No offence Anders but sticking with mages like you will get me put in solitary."

"Fair enough; but don't you ever think about freedom?"

"Of course I do; but there is nothing out there for me. I was dumped at the Chantry when I was five; my family thought me an abomination. Here I'm safe." He glanced uneasily at the Templars. "Well safer than I would be with a mob."

Anders hesitated. "You really think it's better to be in the Circle?"

"I guess. A roof over our heads, our meals and clothes provided. We learn to use our magic in a safe place and let's face it, if anyone becomes an abomination at least there are people who can deal with it."

"Don't you miss anything outside the Circle?"

Jowan sighed. "All I really remember is the hate on my mom's face. I could go a lifetime without seeing another look like that."

Anders felt his heart ache remembering his own father giving him to the Templars. "You know if you just relaxed when you are doing the spell it would flow a lot better."

"That's easy for you, you're not afraid of anything. Manifesting fire in my hand is just too bloody scary."

"There are lots of things I'm afraid of Jowan." Anders smiled at the surprise on his fellow mages face. "I just don't let people see it. Just try relaxing next time you try the spell; if you know you can control the flame, you will."

"Um … thanks."

Anders pushed his chair back and stood.

"Hey Anders ... why are you helping me?"

"Because mages need to stick together Jowan, together we are stronger and safer."

Jowan chewed at his lip and then nodded. "So just relax."

Anders gave a genuinely warm smile. "Just relax."

xXx

Author Note: Thank you to everyone reading, following and reviewing. I hope you enjoyed.