Leaving the throne room Sereda headed towards her personal chambers, Oghren following closely behind. He had proven himself a valuable ally and along with Branka and Caradin any voices of dissent had fallen silent. She was not fool enough to think those who disagreed with her would be silent forever, nor was she convinced certain Deshyrs were not plotting against her, but for the moment she was as shielded as she could be. The letter from Queen Anora looking to form an alliance was not unexpected either, but she suspected it came more from her being a Warden and the Queen's fears regarding any links with Orlais than wishing an actual alliance. As far as she was aware an alliance had not been extended to her father; but given the future hope of retaking the Thaigs an alliance with the Queen would come in very useful. Now however she wanted to discuss the future with her brother. She hid her disapproval that he was sitting in her room waiting for her, a glass of wine next to him. One quick glance told her all appeared to be as it had been when she had left it that morning and her important papers were kept under lock and key in a vault that only she knew the location of. "Making yourself comfortable I see brother."

"I am here at your request, your Majesty."

Sereda saw the anger behind the smile, she did not blame him, their current circumstances were unprecedented. Settling on a seat across from him she linked her fingers. "Bhelen I know you want a future for our people as much as I do and I know you agree at least in part with some of the measures I wish to take."

Bhelen took a sip of wine. "What is it you want of me Sereda?"

"I want your support."

"You have it of course your Majesty."

Sereda clenched her hands. "We both know that is not true, you are simply waiting for the moment to tear me down. Please do not deny it." She stated as he opened his mouth to protest. "Times will be changing swiftly. I may be Queen, but as a Warden it is inadvisable and indeed unlikely that I could conceive a child. Therefore, I need an heir and I want our line to continue. I am aware you were having relations with a noble hunter before Trian heard of it."

"You know much, sister."

"I make it my business too. I propose you reinstate that relationship. It is my hope you will have the child, perhaps even children I cannot. I intend that any child born, will be taken into the house of the nobility."

Bhelen looked at her startled.

"Our people are dying Bhelen and it should not matter what the gender of the child is; all children should be precious to us. In return for your support, I will officially name your children my heirs. As a Warden I have a limited lifespan anyway and assuming I am not assassinated prior to that your child will take the throne in a relatively short span of time."

"As long as I give up all claim to the throne?"

"Hardly, should I die prior to any child coming of age you will become Regent."

Bhelen stared at his sister, while he desired the throne this way was certainly enticing. All of the pressure good and bad would fall on Sereda as she made the changes he knew must be made. If he gave up at least some of his ambitions he could help to create a world truly fit for his children and he had to admit he ached for Rica.

"Think on it Bhelen, we will speak of this again in a few days. In the meantime, whatever your decision, the restrictions Trian placed regarding yourself and the noble hunter is lifted."

Drinking the last of the wine Bhelen stood and bowed. "You have given me much to consider sister, you can be assured I will give it careful thought." Leaving the room, he saw Oghren near the door, along with several guards. There was really no point in going for the throne while the Paragons and Oghren were around and even with his contacts and influence he could not dispose of them. He returned to his rooms smiling as soon as he closed the door behind him, his child on the throne no matter the circumstances, perhaps that was a gift he could not afford to turn down and he did agree with most of what Sereda was proposing, it would not be a great hardship to support a future he himself agreed was the best for their people. Hailing a servant, he sent a message to Rica requesting her presence.

Little over an hour later having bathed and changed he was pouring drinks when Rica was shown into his rooms. He noted she was wearing the necklace he had given her at their last meeting, the letter she had sent him thanking him, he had kept in a sealed box, having reread it a thousand times in her absence. She thought herself insignificant to him and yet he believed she was the most caring, genuine, beautiful woman he had ever met; it made no difference to him that she was Castless. Handing her a goblet of wine he smiled gently taking her hand and pressing a kiss to it, inhaling the sweet smell that was uniquely Rica. "It has been too long."

"It has your Highness." Rica stated shyly, glancing around nervously.

"You need not fear reprisals for being here. My sister is not Trian and she has encouraged your return in the hopes that we will have a child together."

Ricca looked at him nervously. "You of course mean a son."

"I mean a child, Rica. The Queen intends to ensure that any child born is raised up, as she points out all children are precious." He put down the wine still holding her hand. "Is this … am I still what you want?"

Rica's eyes sparkled, a smile curving her lips. "Oh yes your Highness, you are all I have thought about since last we met."

"I love you Rica, you know that I hope." He smiled at her flush knowing she had feelings for him beyond him being a way to rise from the Castless.

"I love you too." Rica sank into his kiss feeling weak at the knees barely daring to believe this was real, as Bhelen guided them back towards his bed.

xXx

Gently running his hand down her arm, Bhelen gazed at Rica smiling at her flushed cheeks drinking in her naked body as she lay next to him. "I have missed you."

"And I you."

Their kiss was lingering until Rica pulled back and rested her head on his chest.

Feeling tension within her Bhelan frowned. "What is it?"

"No doubt Beraht will be overjoyed."

"Ah, I assume he wishes to be elevated with you once we have a child?"

"I should not speak ill of him; he has invested much in me …" She trembled slightly as Bhelen tilted her chin until she was looking at him.

"Has he ever threatened or hurt you?"

Rica flushed and tried to look away trembling when Bhelen would not let her.

"Rica tell me the truth; I must hear it."

"Threats only and cruelty towards my brother, but he is safely away from him now."

"And so are you, my love. I intend to have rooms prepared for you to stay with me in the palace if that is what you wish."

"But I have yet to conceive, I have no right to be here as a concubine yet."

"If you are here with me there will be far more opportunities to conceive, do you not agree?"

"I …"

"And leave Beraht to me, I will make sure he does not bother you again." He kissed her gently. "Once we have a child there will be a place for your mother as well." He smiled at Rica's wince. "I am well aware of your mother's current state, I will ensure she is cared for."

"How is it possible that you would want me? That you would do all of this for me?"

"Because you were never just a noble hunter for me Rica and despite everything trying to keep us apart, we have the opportunity now to be together and as long as this is what you want, I will never let you go again."

Her smile lighting her face Rica moved into his arms, their kiss becoming deeply passionate and she prayed for a child with the man she loved.

xXx

Downing a mug of ale Beraht could not wipe the smile off his face. He was aware Rica was once more spending time with Bhelen, apparently with the blessing of the Queen, things were going to work out after all. He glanced up as one of his men moved over to him pointing out the hooded messenger at the door. Beraht glanced at the parchment handed to him and stood his grin widening. "Get more drinks in boys I won't be long and there is celebrating to be done." He followed the messenger through the commons and to the Proving Grounds going into the room the messenger gestured too, straightening himself as he saw Bhelen sitting on a chair pouring wine.

"Join me Bherat." Bhelen stated handing him a goblet.

A little unnerved not having expected to meet the prince himself he smiled warily. "Thank you, your Highness."

"Rica tells me you have been her sponsor."

"I have, she is a lady of rare beauty and with the mother she has, well I felt it my duty to help her."

"Indeed, I am grateful you took her under your wing or I may never have met her."

"You are too kind, your Highness." He took a gulp of the wine, coughing slightly at the heavily spiced taste.

"However, one thing troubles me Bherat, you understand you have quite the reputation. Now I have nothing against that, a fierce reputation is necessary, however …" He moved so fast Bherat had no chance to defend himself as Bhelen pinned him to the chair a dagger to his throat. "You threatened Rica and that I will not tolerate."

"I don't know what she had told you but …" His eyes bulged as the steel slipped over his throat, clutching at the wound as he stared at Bhelen in disbelief.

The Prince smirked as Bherat slipped off the chair and lay in a pool of his own blood, glancing to the door as two of his most loyal men entered. "Get rid of the body, but make sure the right people know what happened here and why." Leaving his men with the clean-up, Bhelan headed back to the palace and Rica; the sooner they had a child the sooner he could marry her and they could be a family.

xXx

Stirring the tea Thelda carried the tray up to the main bedroom; placing it on the bedside table she opened the curtains a fraction to let in a little light and opened the window, the day was warm with a gentle breeze. She glanced at Julianna pleased with her progress, she looked stronger and there was more colour to her skin. However, there would always be a weakness with her heart; she doubted even magic could repair that damage. "How are you feeling today my Lady?"

Sitting up in bed Julianna settled the blankets around her. "I will be better after my tea. Sit with me awhile."

Thelda settled on the seat by the bed and picked up the embroidery, this was their daily ritual and as Julianna sipped her tea and she threaded her needle they talked.

"I believe I will sit in the garden today."

"It is certainly a nice day for it."

Julianna glanced at Thelda and put down her cup. "I believe I feel strong enough today for you to tell me exactly what is going on Thelda."

"Going on?"

"I am not a fool; I am well aware I am suffering the side effects of poison and since Bann Esmerelle no longer visits me, I suspect she had something to do with it."

"Bann Esmerelle died peacefully in her sleep some time ago my Lady. I did tell you."

"I am aware of what you told me Thelda. What I now want to know is, did you make sure she died?"

"What in the world would make you think that my Lady?"

"Because I am not a fool."

"Would it make a difference if I had?" Thelda asked concentrating on her needle work, stopping as Julianna rested a hand on hers.

"Thank you."

"I don't know for what, I'm sure." Thelda stated, but she did allow a slight smile.

"Well, now that has been said, bring me up to date on news of my family." Julianna sat silently as Thelda gave her what information she had, which was little enough.

"So, Rendon has finally turned against Bryce, he hid his jealousy well, but I could still see it, but to kill them, I never imagined he would dare to go so far. Eleanor was a good woman; she will be missed." She shook her head, clasping her hands to stop their tremble. "And my grandson is Maker knows where with Warin, if they even still live and Delilah and young Lady Cousland escaped the Keep and their whereabouts are unknown." Julianna narrowed her eyes. "Were you involved in that too?"

"My Lady I'm sure I don't know what you mean."

Shaking her head Julianna reached for the cup Thelda had just refilled. "It seems I owe you Thelda."

"Of course you don't my Lady."

"You saved my life and you helped free my granddaughter; I think you can call me by my name." She smiled as Thelda's head jerked up sharply, for once seeing surprise in her expression. "Now, I will need you to get me some parchment and ink, I have some contacts who may be able to find my grandchildren."

"And then what if you don't mind my asking?"

"Then my dear Thelda, I am going to do whatever it takes to ensure their safety."

xXx

Rubbing his forehead Brom took a seat opposite Kara, he had never really gotten involved with mercenaries other than keeping the peace, but that had changed with Kara at least.

"What is it Sergeant?"

"I just thought you should be aware that we are being systematically pushed out of guarding the Alienage. It has been happening little by little over the last few weeks, but I reckon within another month or two it will be only Arl Vaughan's men stationed at the Alienage."

Kara sat up. "What about the General?"

"Arl Howe is never far away from him and you know that bastard would have all elves drowned at birth if he could get away with it."

"I think Howe and Vaughan might be working together. Any distrust towards elves will give Vaughan the upper hand. However, maybe Vaughan thinking he has the upper hand will work in our favour."

"He does have the upper hand!" Brom muttered.

"Not quite. There are tunnels beneath the city and the warehouse used for the Night Elf base just happens to have a basement."

Brom frowned. "What are you doing Kara, exactly?"

"Nothing yet, but what I intend to do is secure the tunnels from a warehouse of mine to the basement of the Night Elves base. It won't take much for my boys to create an entrance into the basement, they have located the right place so we don't disturb the building's structural integrity. No-one uses those tunnels; I've had my men scout them out for the last two months and the only thing they have seen is the odd rat. If Vaughan locks down the Alienage which we both know he will eventually do we will have a way to get food in and people out if necessary."

Brom leaned back into his seat. "Well damn."

"I've told Darrien of course and he relayed it to their Elder who was a little resistant fearing trouble, but Darrien as always managed to talk him around."

Brom chuckled. "I would imagine with help from Shiani and her husband. They make quite the team."

"They do and we are going to need the Night Elves, that's why I'm prepared to do whatever it takes to help them."

"You can count on us too. I'll hold onto the shifts as long as I can and keep you informed."

"Good, one other thing, any idea when Will is going to get his arse back to Denerim?"

"Not a damn clue."

Settling back into the seat Kara regarded him closely. "How are you feeling about his return, it will change things for you."

"If you are asking if I am going to cause a fuss about him being Captain then the answer is no."

"He's young to be a Captain."

"Look in his eyes some time Kara, he hasn't been young in a long time."

"True enough."

Rolling back his shoulders Brom picked up his empty mug and put it back down. "If I know him at all he is not going to be happy about being named Champion."

"Oh?"

"I don't know the details, but he wasn't happy to be a ward of the Chantry, I can't imagine he will be happy to be back in their reach."

"I wouldn't worry Brom, Will can hold his own."

"Against the Chantry?"

Kara smiled slightly. "He has more allies than he knows; I wouldn't worry too much about the Chantry."

Raising an eyebrow Brom remained silent, the less he knew the better he figured from her look. "I better get going, things to do, people to see. Just one more thing, be on your guard Kara, Vaughan knows you are supporting the Night Elves, he might just decide to do something about that."

"Let him try." Kara growled.

"Just be careful, I don't want to fish you out of the damn dock one day."

"I had no idea you cared." She laughed as he rolled his eyes before he took his leave, but his concerns were not unfounded, she had seen a few of Vaughan's men in places they should not have been, following her she suspected. Her people were on high alert and while she appeared indifferent to her surroundings, she took note of everything, especially the shadows. She never let anyone get to her like this, but Vaughan wasn't just anyone. He was sadistic and she had no wish to become his plaything. She glanced up as Henry knocked on the door. "Come in."

"Letter for you."

"Now who could be writing to me?" Smiling Kara took the parchment breaking the seal quickly realising the letter was in code. Henry quietly left and she settled at her desk. She recognised the code; it was one William had taught her in case they had to be discrete about information. She frowned as she decoded the message. "Maker Will, what are you getting yourself into this time? Is a Blight not enough!" Shaking her head, she sent Malic to arrange a meeting with a representative of the Mages Collective, surprised when Danal returned with him.

"I was free." He stated with a pleasant smile.

As Malic left and closed the door Kara gestured to a seat. "I need to make a request for some unusual information and it demands the utmost discretion!"

"Of course."

"I need you to find out everything you can about something called a Magrallen. What it is, how it works and how to deactivate it, particularly if it is attached to someone."

Danal frowned. "That device is from ancient Tevinter legend. It was said to use blood magic. Why in the Makers world would you want to know about that?"

Kara sighed. "Given who this request is from I suspect he has found someone who has one and wants to destroy it."

Danal shivered. "I will do my best to get you the information you need, no-one should have access to that kind of power."

As he left Kara poured herself a glass of wine, so many threads weaving and each one dangerous. Her thoughts drifted to Ilias and wondered what was happening within Vaughan's estate. Pushing aside the glass she stood and grabbed her cloak feeling the urge to make sure her sister was alright.

xXx

Ilias dropped the unconscious elven man onto the stone floor and wiped the blood from his hands. Vaughan appreciated a sadistic streak in the guards he posted in the dungeon which is what he believed he was being tested for. He disliked such brutality, but he had ensured the elf would not live long and the last blow had ensured he wouldn't regain consciousness, he could almost believe he had done the elf a favour.

"Not many have the skill to give out that kind of a beating and keep the prisoner conscious for as long as you did."

Ilias shrugged and waited, Vaughan also approved of his guards being quiet unless directed otherwise.

"I am putting you on rotation Ilias. I am not one to waste talent. You will be on the upper floor first. We will see how you do." He smirked. "The real fun is on the floor below, but I don't have just anyone stationed down there. Let's see if you really have the stomach for this kind of work."

"Appreciated my Lord."

"Take the night off, you've earned it." As the guard left Vaughan moved into the adjacent room where Arl Howe had been listening. "Well, what do you think?"

Rendon nodded thoughtfully. "I think he might do very nicely."

xXx

Waking with a start Jowan felt as though his heart was trying to burst from his chest; his breathing rapid gasps that tore at his throat. He stared in alarm at his hands, flames curling around them quickly dispelling the magic. He had not lost control like that since he had been a child. He bowed his head shuddering, but that night he had first manifested his magic had been exactly what he had been dreaming about. He flinched as he remembered his mother's cries that he was an abomination. Hearing the creak of the stairs he turned sharply seeing Molly and Malik watching him. He knew they had seen the flames by the concern in their eyes. He struggled to his feet, his legs caught in the blanket wound around them, backing away towards the door.

"Hold lad." Malik stated firmly. "Take a seat and calm yourself down. Molly put on some tea, there's a love."

Jowan stared at the couple as Malik settled at the table. "I …"

"Sit at the table, there's a good lad." Malik stated soothingly, not looking in the least bit uncomfortable.

"But I … don't you want me to leave now you know what I am?"

"You being a mage don't matter to us." Malik stated softly.

Jowan hesitated watching Molly place a bowl of porridge down and cautiously joined them. "I don't understand."

Malik gently took hold of Molly's hand squeezing gently as she sat beside him. "We were a bit older than most when Molly fell pregnant, had almost given up hope. Our first born were twins, light of our lives. Mischievous scamps the pair of them. Garith came into his power first, he was eight, poor mite was terrified, but Jenna, well she was fascinated and it was she who calmed him down. She came into her magic six months later. My mother had the power so I knew a bit in terms of the discipline needed and we did our best. For three years we managed to keep their magic a secret, but one day an older boy had a go at Garith and well the lad got the fright of his life when he saw the flame in Garith's hands. That was that, the Templars came and took them away."

Molly swallowed the lump in her throat. "We tried to stop them of course, but Malik got struck down, hilt to the temple and I was eight months pregnant, a very unexpected pregnancy and I could barely walk. I held onto them as tight as I could, but in the end, they were taken from us."

"I'm sorry." Jowan whispered, he stared at his hands struggling against the lump in his throat. "My father dumped me at the Chantry and my mother called me abomination when I came into my magic."

"Well, that explains a few things right enough." Molly stated softly. "Magic is a gift lad. I know it doesn't feel like it with the Templars and those bloody Circles." She sighed softly. "If only they would realise there is no need to lock anyone up, that mages could learn to be safe without being torn from their families. Ah listen to me, if wishes could change things the twins would be here and my youngest would not have rushed off to war."

"I … I should still leave, just being here puts you in danger."

"Rubbish." Malik snorted. "You will head out two days from now as planned. Now eat up before it gets cold."

Jowan stared at them for a moment before eating his meal. It was true they could be keeping him for the Templars arriving, but there was just something in their faces that told him they had spoken the truth about their children. He was healing well enough to travel soon and Malik was right a few more days would certainly see him able to make the journey in more comfort.

xXx

The time to leave arrived sooner than Jowan realised he wanted it to. Apart from Anders, Eloen, Connor and Leliana, the elderly couple were the first people to ever truly accept him. He had found himself imagining if they had been his parents how differently his life might have been, but Eloen needed him and it was time to get going.

Malik smiled at Jowan. "Well come on then lad, if you feel you need to move on, we won't stop you. Molly you got that pack ready?"

"Right here. Now I've packed some spare clothes and a nice warm blanket, a few healing supplies and of course some food and drink. I've put in a fresh berry pie so be sure to eat that before it goes off." She worried at her lip. "I still think you should stay here, for a few more days at least, just to make right sure you are healing properly."

Jowan smiled and impulsively hugged her. "Thank you, thank you for all you have done for me and most of all for not treating me as though I am evil. I will never forget that, or you, but I have someone who needs me, I can't ignore that."

"No of course you can't. Right well Malik has two horses ready, he'll take you a way towards Rainesfere, make sure you are on the right road. He'll have to bring your horse back with him, can't spare her, but it will save your feet a while."

"You don't have to do this; I can walk and I have a map."

"Sorry but minds made up just as yours is." Malik stated getting to his feet. "Besides, a good ride in the fresh air does a man good."

"Right well you two best be off then and I hope you help that lady friend of yours and if you are ever in these parts again, well there will always be a hot meal and somewhere to rest for the night."

Jowan hugged her again. "Thank you."

"Best be off then." Waving them away Molly wiped her tears on her apron, took a deep breath and turned her attention to the herb garden. The twins had created it and tended to it and whatever was planted there always grew in abundance. She set about diligently removing the weeds and tidying the borders, heedless of the tears that fell as she silently mourned her stolen children.

xXx

Pacing the room Rendon was lost in his thoughts. As time had gone on, he had become suspicious that according to the Crow's messages, the Wardens were yet to leave Orzammar. He had sent a small team to find out the truth and the message he had received an hour earlier had confirmed his suspicions. The Warden's had in fact left Orzammar and shortly after had run into problems with a group of bandits which they had dispatched. One however had survived, an elf with a tattooed face they had taken prisoner. Given a letter had been sent after his capture it appeared that the Crow had revealed all. The group he had sent were veterans, adapted by Eloen before they left to be unwaveringly loyal to him. Their mission as Zevran's had been, to bring him William and his daughter and kill the Warden's, he also wanted the Crow dead. At least the latest report from Warin stated all was well and that the soldiers were responding well to Thomas's authority. Lady Ellowyn was regaining herself and growing stronger by the day, returning to her home had clearly been the tonic she needed. Rendon allowed himself a smile, Warin had suggested that she and Thomas were eager to wed, though of course he was ensuring nothing inappropriate happened. "Soon." He murmured, glancing up at the knock surprised to receive yet another message. His lighter mood short lived, his scowl deepening. The coded message was from his spy Berwick who he had sent to keep an eye on things in Redcliffe and ensure there were no issues with Jowan. Berwick reported having seen the tutor fleeing the castle; he looked wounded and he suspected he had been tortured. He had followed; however, the mage had fallen foul to his wounds and a bear. Fists clenching Rendon forced himself to take a calming breath, Eloen cooperated so well because she understood the implication that if she did not Jowan would suffer, without that leash she might well betray him, however he knew rage and bitterness stirred within her and perhaps Jowan's death could bind her to him as effectively as his life had. He summoned Eloen and when she finally arrived, he gestured to a seat. "I have some grave news. Jowan is dead."

Shock tore through her, but knowing the Arl would see any distress as weakness on her part, Eloen buried her grief and the desperation to weep, grabbing onto the cold, hard protection she had created for herself when she had begun to torture people. "What happened?"

"Eamon discovered Jowan was a mage. The fool had him tortured."

"They tortured him to death!" Eloen gasped, horror and rage boiling within her.

Rendon remained quiet simply watching her, allowing her to draw her own conclusions.

"I want him dead." She hissed.

"And you will have your chance, but he will have information that I want first. I hope you can restrain your thirst for vengeance long enough to get that, or must I give the task to another?"

Eloen met his piercing look. "No other can get information as I can."

"Indeed, but dead men cannot talk."

"As long as I can make him suffer and I get to kill him, you will have whatever information you need."

Rendon smiled. "Making him suffer would please me greatly."

xXx

A short time later Eloen sat in her room silent and numb. She simply could not comprehend that she would never see Jowan again. Everything she had done was to assure their safety and freedom, he was supposed to be safe. Electricity began to flow over her clenched fists as rage began to slip through the cracks of her shock. Eamon would pay she would see to that; first she would take everything away from him, his family, his reputation, his title and home and finally when he was broken, she would tear out his heart as he had torn out hers. She slowly unclenched her fists letting go of the magic. She had no-one; she was done with a world that hated mages. She felt tears burn but denied herself even a moment of self-pity. Her eyes narrowed, Ellowyn Cousland was her puppet and once back with Rendon she would ensure she remained so. The young noble would take her words of treachery against Arl Eamon to the rest of the nobility. Delilah would also obey her and wherever she was now her whispers would still be working in the background without her knowledge. She had already ensured, should she need it, that Delilah would help her, a simple activation of a spell and the noble would dance to whatever tune she played.

Eloen slowly rose from the bed taking measured steps as she walked the room. Remaining in the shadows was her protection, as Delilah's lady in waiting when she took the throne, she would be above suspicion. Rendon knew the truth of her and in the end, he would need to be dealt with. A few whispers into the Champion's ear and as King he could deal with Rendon for her, ending his life and ending the threat of being revealed. Vaughan also knew her as a mage, but his mind would be easy to adapt and he and the torturers in his service who knew what she was could be made to forget what they knew of her just as easily. Once those obstacles were removed, she would have free reign and with Delilah, Ellowyn and the young Champion under her control she would have access to the nobility and the Divine and she would make them all pay.

xXx

Author Note: Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed.