It was late afternoon, the sunlight bright and warm, but Teagan was in his private rooms with Loretta where he has been for the last two hours trying to convince her to join Rosslyn in the Free Marches for the duration of the Blight. He rubbed his forehead, sighing deeply; as he had anticipated, his request had been refused.

Gently wrapping her arms around him, Loretta gazed lovingly at her husband. "We have to believe we will drive back the Blight."

"I know, but I want you to go with Rosslyn."

"You will not leave Ferelden and neither will I. I will remain here and we will face our fate together."

"But I will need to go to Highever and Denerim and eventually to fight, I need to know you are safe."

"I will stay with our people here and you will know I will be here waiting for you."

Teagan sighed deeply. "I cannot change your mind, can I?"

"You are a wise man Teagan."

He snorted slightly at her smile.

"Now if you are quite finished with that matter, there is another that requires your attention. Ser Perth arrived while you were away and left a letter from your brother. He said it was urgent. He left immediately, having a second letter to take to Denerim."

Frowning, Teagan took the letter sinking onto a seat as he read the contents.

"Teagan? Love what is it?" Loretta knelt beside him gently clasping his hand. "Teagan talk to me."

"I …" He handed her the letter seeing the surprise in her expression as she scanned the contents. "Isolde's behaviour makes so much sense now, she was hiding the truth of Connor from me."

"Oh Teagan." Loretta whispered, putting the letter onto the small table next to the chair.

"I had no idea Connor had magic, Maker, he must have been so scared." He shuddered. "And now he will have to go to a Circle. At least Eamon is trying to ensure it is not here, after what happened in Kinloch Hold ... perhaps Senior Enchanter Wynne would go and Ser Simon seems a good man." He buried his face in his hands. "Oh Connor." He leaned against Loretta as she wrapped her arms around him, his heart aching for his nephew. He shuddered as tears slipped down his cheeks. "I will never see him again once he is taken to a Circle."

"Nonsense Teagan, only Kirkwall and Ferelden have such strict rules. The Ostwick Circle which is clearly where your brother is hoping he will go is much more relaxed. I have a friend whose brother is a mage and they visit each other regularly. I suspect the Grand Cleric will wish to accommodate Eamon as much as possible, he is a powerful and influential man after all."

Teagan nodded clutching onto the hope, unable to bear the thought of losing his nephew. "Maybe Connor being a mage explains why the Ashes didn't work on Eamon the first time." He murmured.

"I do not understand."

"My brother is intent on sending Connor to a Circle, Isolde would have known that would be his reaction. She is a mother trying to protect her child, so perhaps she gave Eamon something to send him to sleep that she could control to give her time to find a way to help her son. How could she have known the Ashes of Andraste would actually be found. Can you blame her for not wanting to lose him? She had to wait so long for him."

"I did not expect you to be so sympathetic towards her given the antagonistic nature of her relationship with you."

"True, but I do know what it is to want a child. Perhaps Eamon has been speaking the truth and he knows nothing about his illness." He stood shaking his head. "I will go and make what arrangements I can. Maker, is everything to crumble around us?"

Loretta watched her husband leave the room nipping at her lip, she didn't have the heart to tell him that she had spoken to Wynne regarding her struggle to conceive and that there was indeed a problem. Wynne had supplied her with various tonics she was to take and had reminded her that hope is a strong force. She sighed deeply, it seemed so cruel that they had waited so long for each other and might be denied a child of their own.

xXx

Changing from armour into her robes as soon as they had returned to Rainesfere, Leliana had made her way to the Chantry. She knelt in prayer for some time mulling over all the Guardian has said, still not having decided how to word her report to Anora. She glanced behind her as she heard a muffled cough realising that someone was in the alcove by the door. Slowly standing she moved down the aisle, all of her senses on alert, paling when she glanced into the alcove recognising the young man in the candlelight. "Jowan! Maker, what are you doing here?"

"The Arl knows Connor is a mage. He wanted me to tell him who sent me, but if I had, I would have placed Eloen in danger, I couldn't do that."

Frowning, realising he was standing as though in discomfort, Leliana moved closer. "What happened?"

"They … they tortured me."

Paling Leliana clenched her fists in anger.

"I'm alright Leliana, I'm healing, After I escaped, a kind elderly couple helped me after I collapsed. They took me to their home and cared for me, but I'm here because you are the only person I know and I need help. Once Arl Howe finds out I am no longer in Redcliffe …"

"I am glad you came here Jowan, I meant what I said at Redcliffe, I will always help you."

He looked up sharply as a door within the Chantry shut. "I cannot be seen here. I have taken refuge in a cave not far from here."

Leliana listened intently to the location and promised she would meet him come nightfall.

xXx

Sitting on the stone bench in the garden, Cailan glanced at the amulet again, an anxious behaviour that was becoming obsessive. It did not look any darker, but he was terrified it would suddenly shift colour and his time would have run out. He thought of the hours he had spent worrying about not having his memories and it seemed so trivial in light of all the Guardian had shared with them. His focus was now on destroying the parasitic spell growing within him. He shuddered painfully, his skin crawling at the thought of it. He had been afraid to hold his son, but Rosslyn had shown no fear of him, she had listened calmly, spoken rationally and when he had broken down, she had held him and soothed him gently. The thought of him causing them harm was so deeply abhorrent to him that he was almost glad she had agreed to return to the Free Marches without fuss. Gawain was always her priority, but she had sworn they would return once the Blight was over. He had spoken to the Warden Commander and Fergus via the runestone and explained the situation to them. He was initially met with silence, but Rathnal agreed to the Wardens returning to Ostagar with him. He sensed the Commander had motives of his own, but he did not ask, Wardens held their secrets close and he had enough on his mind. He had refused Fergus's declaration that he would accompany them, thanking his friend, but reminding him he was needed in Highever for the time being, they could not take the risk of losing it to Howe again.

Come morning they would leave for the Gateway at Valammar. Three hundred refugees were taking the offered opportunity to head further north in the hopes of escaping the darkening sky and the monsters that came with it. Teagan as well as a Company of his men would be joining them, as from the Gateway on the Storm Coast they would travel to a Gateway hidden in ruins in the Wilds. Jayden would not have mentioned it, but for the fact the Guardian had said the Wilds would be relatively empty. It was a risk, but so was going to Ostagar from any direction and they needed the speed the Gateways could offer them. Even with the detour to Highever, they should still reach the Wilds within much the same time as leaving directly from Rainesfere. He glanced up hearing someone approach, giving his uncle a weak smile, returning his gaze to his hands as Teagan sat beside him.

"Loretta refuses to go with Rosslyn." Teagan stated softly. "She says her place is here with our people. Maker I love that woman, she is fierce and stronger than she realises, but I wish she would seek safety."

"Perhaps Rosslyn can talk to her."

"They have spoken at length." He smiled slightly. "If not for Gawain, Rosslyn would not be leaving either. You cannot fault their courage." He worried at his lip. "I have also arranged for Senior Enchanter Wynne and Ser Simon to go to Redcliffe to watch over Connor." He sighed deeply, smiling slightly as Cailan gently squeezed his shoulder.

"All will be well uncle; Connor will learn to control his magic in a safe environment. What of Enchanter Reece?"

"He will come with us and join Enchanter Dylan and Ser Matthew." He hesitated seeing Cailan glance at his amulet. "I never imagined such magic existed."

"That this thing is invading me and I had no notion of it makes me feel sick. I am a danger to everyone."

"We will destroy this magic."

Cailan nodded, staring at his hands before they unconsciously moved to his amulet once more wondering if the colour had darkened a little, or if it was the shadow cast by the tree.

xXx

With a pack containing healing salves, food and fresh clothes, Leliana arrived at the cave, glancing around her to ensure she was not seen before slipping inside, smiling as she found Jowan huddled in a corner struggling not to sleep. "You look desperate for rest."

"I am. Being on the run by yourself is not easy. No wonder Anders was caught so many times."

"I will do my utmost to ensure you are not caught. Now will you allow me to check your wounds?"

"I …" He sighed and nodded easing off his tunic; hearing her hiss of breath he met her horrified gaze. "I am healing Leliana and my back was by far the worst."

Leliana moved behind him staring in fury at the wounds caused by being lashed, though they were healing well it had to be said. "I shall apply this salve; it should speed the healing further." Leliana stated gently giving no hint at the fury burning within her.

Realising there was no point in protesting, Jowan sat on a rock, feeling her gently applying the soothing salve. "Connor told me to flee as soon as his father found out, but I couldn't, I couldn't leave him. His father had the guards take me to the dungeon. It was Connor who helped me escape. I wanted him to come with me, but he feared they would believe him kidnapped and they would kill me on sight." He shook his head, tears in his eyes. "The Arl will send him to the Circle and the smart, funny boy Connor is, will be destroyed."

"You did what you could." Leliana murmured soothingly.

"Nothing will ever change until the Chantry does. Mages will always be persecuted when the organisation that fears us is in control."

"Not everyone fears mages Jowan."

Meeting her compassionate gaze he nodded. "I know. If only you were Divine things would be different. I just don't know what to do now. I can't do anything for Connor, Maker I can't even protect myself. I have to get to Eloen, I have to save her from the Arl, but I can't do that alone."

Leliana worried at her lip. "There is only one way the Chantry and the Arl cannot touch you, where you can have a life where you are not running and hiding from them."

Jowan watched her warily. "Which is?"

"If you become a Warden."

Jowan paled. "Fighting Darkspawn! I'm not sure I can do that."

"If all you told me about Eloen is true and she is being coerced to torture people and use blood magic to influence their minds that will help with her case, but the fact remains she is using forbidden magic and the Cousland's at the very least will want her punished, not to mention the Queen who was apparently close to the Teyrna."

"They will kill her or make her Tranquil." Jowan shuddered.

"But not if she is a Warden; given we face a Blight not even the Queen could deny a conscription."

"Why would the Warden Commander accept us?"

"He might not, but he is good friends with the Captain who happens to want mage freedom. If anyone could persuade the Commander it would be him."

"He might want mage freedom, but I doubt that would extend to a blood mage!"

"Then I will just have to be persuasive. I promised you I would keep you safe." She thought of Sketch being taken by the Templars, her heart aching. "I will not fail you. We will be leaving tomorrow morning to escort refugees north; you will blend into the group and once in Highever you and I will speak to the Captain and see what can be done."

xXx

Escorting such a large number of refugees to Valammar had been something of a strategic nightmare, especially when the children were tired, hungry and frightened and the pace was relatively slow given the number of elderly civilians who were riding on carts. However, Airyl proved to be an exciting distraction for the children and elderly, their initial caution fading when seeing how she and the Captain were together. They kept a healthy respect however; she was after all a wolf and seeing her hunting and her involvement in dealing with a foolish group of bandits was enough to remind them of that.

As they reached the entrance to Valammar, Jayden once again reminded everyone what to expect when going through the Gateway. When he had spoken to them at Rainesfere many of the refugees had disbelieved him very vocally and surprisingly it was Sten who had silenced them. He had stood before them explaining his own disbelief, but having travelled the Gateways he could testify to their reality. After that it hadn't taken long for the refugees to realise that the Captain was in fact Andraste's Champion and any opposition had fallen away replaced with awe and curiosity. Jayden decided he didn't care why they chose to travel the Gateway, as long as they did, eager to get them to relative safety in the north. Most were Arl Wulff's people and as expected they were not interested in charity, nor were they interested in leaving Ferelden. Jayden had spoken to them of the destroyed base, the caves and the dwarven harbour on the Storm Coast, explaining various tools and supplies were still there. It didn't take them long to decide that they would create a temporary home there.

The refugees sorted themselves into smaller travelling groups for the Gateway journey. They were responsible for staying together. Cailan, Teagan and the soldiers would take the lead and Jayden, Airyl, Leliana, Sten and Theron would take the rear ensuring no-one was left behind.

When Jayden activated the Gateway, he was well aware of the gasps of surprise and irritated when people assumed it was because he was Andraste's Champion. He attempted to explain yet again that the runestone that activated the Gateway was dwarven and elven made, but he quickly realised that the people felt safer believing Andraste was the source of the activation of the Gateway, rather than elven magic and dwarven runecraft. It was Oren's excitement that eventually got people moving, his wide-eyed eagerness to see what lay beyond the silver energy became infectious, even Oriana became less hesitant to enter, especially with Rosslyn at her side. Jayden simply smiled and nodded after that, whatever kept them calm and moving.

Theron smiled slightly. "You are finally adjusting to the Champion role then."

"Necessity." Jayden murmured, nodding to the last of the refugees as they cautiously entered.

xXx

Taking a shuddering breath Riordan covered his mouth as he coughed painfully, swallowing uneasily to see blood on his hand. His eyes closed momentarily before he forced himself to focus on Rathnal. "My time is short."

"There must be something we can do." Rathnal felt a wave of guilt at his panic, knowing part of him wanted Riordan to live only so his own death would not be certain.

"Alas the healer and our mages have done all they can. It is simply my time." He knew death was almost upon him, but to die like this was a cruel blow. His death should have been in facing the Archdemon, now that responsibility fell to Rathnal and he hated himself for it. "May I give you one more piece of advice?"

"Of course."

"You know your duty I have made that clear enough and I can understand why you want to hold onto a certain relationship, but you cannot let anything distract you from what you must do. End it now Rathnal, you are Commander and that comes first."

Swallowing painfully, Rathnal bowed his head, he had known this was something he had to do, had put it off for as long as possible, but Riordan was right, he had run out of time. He glanced up in alarm as Riordan began to choke, yelling for help.

Unable to save him, Stephan did his best to ensure Riordan's death was as painless as possible, the Senior Warden unconscious when his heart finally stopped.

xXx

The pyre burned high as the Wardens bid farewell to Riordan, his death leaving them all hollow and shaken despite knowing that he had not been improving. Rathnal stood long after the others had left feeling the weight of responsibility clamp around him like chains, the desperate hope that Riordan would recover and take over as Commander as had been his intention now ash. He turned as he saw Rinna approaching him, realising she wanted to offer him comfort. Before she reached him, he met her gaze. "We should talk."

"Alright."

Heading along the cliffs Rathnal felt his anxiety increase; finally, they had come to the end.

Stopping beneath the canopy of a huge oak Rinna gazed out across the sea, before she turned to him. "Riordan said something to you, something that you are struggling with, something more than he already told you."

Swallowing painfully, Rathnal shook his head, even now he couldn't tell her what killing the Archdemon truly meant. He wanted his Wardens to have a little longer without that burden and selfishly he knew, he wanted a little longer without having to be the one to tell them. "You want to be with Zevran." He forced a weak smile at the flush colouring her cheeks. "I'm not blind, I've seen the way you look at each other, I know there is still love between you."

Turning back to the sea, Rinna cast her gaze across the waves. "I fled the Crows because my death became more profitable to them than my life. Zevran helped me to escape at great risk to himself and I could not tell him where I was going. We both thought we would never see each other again." She sighed softly. "Zevran and I are bound together by experience and death, passion and yes love. He is part of my heart Rath, but so now are you."

"I have enjoyed our time together and I won't lie, I had hoped it would last longer, but I'm not going to suggest you choose so I'm going to make it easy. You have more history with Zevran, be with him."

Swallowing painfully Rinna took his hand. "I do not wish to lose you Rath, not after everything we have been though."

"What do you expect me to do Rinna, have some nights with you and others watch you go to Zevran?"

"Of course not, I would never ask that of you, but if you gave him a chance you would find Zevran a generous and exciting lover."

Rathnal almost choked. "I'm sure he is, but I ..." He shuddered beneath her kiss, feeling her desperation as deeply as his own. "I'm sorry Rinna, it's over." He said gently, taking a step back feeling his heart break.

Rinna stared at him silently knowing this was not something he wanted to do. Silently cursing Riordan, she promised herself she would find out what the Senior Warden had told Rathnal and find a way to make him see sense. "Whatever you say I know this is not about Zevran. I will be waiting when you decide to tell me what this is really about."

Rathnal watched her turn and walk away, his heart thudding painfully, turning his gaze to the sea. One way or another this Blight meant his death, Riordan had made that clear. He had done the right thing, but already he ached for her and feared for his sanity in the long lonely nights that would follow without her.

xXx

Having reached the Storm Coast, a Company of soldiers and tradesmen were there to meet them, offering their help to the refugees. The group heading for Highever had left as quickly as they were able given that time was a factor on all of their minds. Jayden moved on ahead deep in his own thoughts, Airyl taking the opportunity to run and free herself of the strangeness of the Gateways. The journey had been without incident, though most of the refugees were as thankful to be out of the other side, as they were to have such a swift and safe journey. While traveling however he had noticed several of the older women watching him closely and the young women with them, who he took to be their daughters or granddaughters giving him shy, furtive looks. It was not difficult to decipher their thoughts and Jayden did his best to avoid them, much to the amusement of his companions. Before they had parted company the older women made it a point to thank him in turn, introducing him to the younger women. He had politely extracted himself from each encounter as quickly as he was able. Leliana had attempted to help him, declaring Andraste's Champion to be chaste. Jayden was sure he was scarlet to his toes and even his most piercing gaze did not get her to shut up. To his alarm it only seemed to make things worse, the young women's looks becoming almost predatory. He had even had to threaten Lawrence with permanent privy duty, well aware he was encouraging them for his own amusement. He allowed himself a small smile at the absurdity of it, wondering why they would want to seek an attachment, he was sure being Champion would only bring trouble. He glanced to his left as Leliana joined him. "Why would you tell them I am chaste?" He muttered.

"In fairness I did think it would help the situation. Though I believe it increased their interest." She tried to stifle the smile as he looked at her. "Is it really so bad to be admired by women?"

Jayden remained silent; in truth he had found it deeply embarrassing, given he was under no illusions it was his title of Champion that had caught their attention and not any attribute of his own.

Smiling, Leliana dropped back to the handful of refugees who had family in Highever, Jowan was among them, trying not to look anxious. "Relax." She murmured softly. "Trust me, all will be well."

Everyone was tired when they finally left the caves, soldiers at the Highever side guarding the entrance and others there to escort them to the castle.

Catching up to Jayden, Leliana caught his arm. "I need a few moments of your time."

"Is something wrong?"

"Please just give me a few moments, we need to speak privately." She led them back a short way into the cave before stopping them out of earshot of the soldiers on guard. "I need you to be open minded and listen to the full story before you make a decision on whether you can help or not. This is a delicate situation and try not to be scary."

"I'm not scary!"

Raising an eyebrow Leliana shook her head slightly. "Come, he is waiting just around that corner." She smiled as she saw her friend where she had left him. "This is Jowan."

Jayden hesitated feeling a rush of shock, it couldn't be Anders' friend, yet he was exactly as Anders had described him, right down to the scar on his chin.

"Captain this is Jowan, he was until recently tutor to Arl Eamon's son, however you need to know that Connor and Jowan are mages. Lady Isolde employed him to teach Connor enough to stop it from being discovered. When the Arl discovered the truth, he demanded to know who had sent him there. Jowan is protecting someone he loves and so could not reveal those details to the Arl and so was tortured."

Apart from the obvious shock, Jayden felt his gut churn, if this was truly Jowan, then he was a blood mage and Maker knew what he had been up to and who he might control.

"I need the truth, how did you come to be there? How did Lady Isolde find you?"

"She didn't." Jowan glanced at Leliana anxiously.

"If you wish help Jowan you must tell him the truth, all of it." Leliana stated gently.

Trembling Jowan nodded. "I escaped the Circle with the woman I love. Our mentor arranged for our escape and our protection with a noble, but shortly afterwards I was visited by another noble who sent me to tutor Connor and … and to spy on the Arl."

Jayden glanced at Leliana before meeting Jowan's anxious gaze. "Who were the nobles?"

"We were placed under the protection of Arl Howe, but it was Teyrn Loghain who came and sent me to Redcliffe."

Jayden felt the blood drain from his face. "Teyrn Loghain?"

"Yes. I was told if I did what was asked, tutor Connor to control his magic in secret and spy on Arl Eamon then I would be protected. If not, we would be given back to the Templars."

Jayden noticed his tremble and took a calming breath. "So, you were afraid of going back to the Circle?"

"We would not be taken back to the Circle, it would be Aeonar for us both." Sighing, Jowan slumped onto a rock, his head in his hands. "You have to understand the life of a mage, our lives were constantly under threat of brutality. Our mentor … he said forbidden magic was the only way to bring about mage freedom. I hated it and was never any good at it, but I learned what I could and we escaped." He glanced at Jayden anxiously. "We didn't hurt anyone, just adjusted their memories to think we were dead. Look I know that the man who poisoned Oren Cousland was under the influence of blood magic and I know it is probably the woman I love who is responsible for that, but I swear she is only doing what the Arl tells her because she is afraid for me, of what will happen if she disobeys him, just as I am afraid, but don't you see, if I can get to her, show her I am alright she would have no need to continue doing whatever the Arl demands of her." Jowan wrung his hands in agitation.

"Leliana can I have a moment alone with Jowan please."

Nodding Leliana gently squeezed Jowan's arm before she moved to wait for them near the exit.

Jowan stood and backed away fearfully. "I have never used blood magic since leaving the Circle, I swear!"

"I'm not going to hurt you Jowan, but I need you to tell me something. Was your mentor Senior Enchanter Uldred?"

"I … yes." Jowan whispered. "How could you know that?"

"Do you know what happened at the Circle?"

"I heard rumours that there was trouble, but not what."

"Uldred is dead along with many others, he used blood magic to try and take control of the Circle."

Jowan paled. "Maker, no!"

"I need to know why you turned to blood magic in the first place."

"I … my best friend was murdered by the Templars."

"What was his name?" Jayden asked softly.

Jowan met his gaze. "Anders."

"Meaning the mage with Arl Howe is Eloen."

"I … how do you know that?"

"Because the last time Anders escaped the Circle we met and travelled together for some time. We became close." He flushed at Jowan's shocked expression. "Not in an intimate way! He needed help and so did I. He told me Uldred had given him something to neutralize his phylactery. The Senior Enchanter was supposed to have told you that."

Jowan stared at him; his eyes wide. "So, Anders could have survived. Uldred played us. He knew we would never turn to forbidden magic without cause and he used our love of Anders." He looked sharply at Jayden. "Please, I'm begging you, help us."

"Eloen has done terrible things, but perhaps if she will testify against the Arl …"

"They will still take her to Aeonar, make her Tranquil or kill her, me too. Uldred lied and put us on this path. He used our grief and anger and then put us in a situation knowing having lost Anders we would never do anything to risk the other."

"Jowan I …"

"The nobles will need Eloen punished and all we want is to live and not be forced to live with the brutality of the Templars, there is a simple solution so everyone wins. Convince the Warden Commander to recruit us."

Jayden stared at him in disbelief.

"The Chantry wouldn't be able to touch us and from what little I know it's a bloody punishment in itself, but at least we would be alive and together. Please. You think I'm not ashamed and disgusted that we chose this path. I regret it every day. I allowed the need for vengeance to blind me, we allowed it to blind us." He shuddered. "Anders was so much stronger than me, he would never have turned to blood magic, but I …" He met Jayden's gaze. "I know you have no reason to trust me and even less reason to want to help Eloen, but I have to save her." He worried at his lip. "If Anders was here right now, what do you think he would do?"

"He would kick your arse for a start and probably yell at you for hours." Jayden sighed softly. "I can't promise anything, but I will try. Stay with Leliana for now, she will keep you safe."

xXx

Fergus hurried into the courtyard feeling a rush of relief as Oren raced towards, his eyes closing as his son wrapped his arms around his waist hugging him tightly.

"Papa we came through the Gateways, it was amazing!"

Fergus smiled warmly, kissing Oriana as she joined them. "It is amazing."

Oren tilted his head slightly. "People are saying Captain William can open the Gateway because he is Andraste's Champion, but he said it is runecraft." He nipped at his lip. "Can it be both?"

"I believe so."

Oren beamed. "Excellent." He glanced to the main doors leading inside, his discomfort obvious.

Fergus hunkered down. "I know it might be a bit scary to be here, but this is our home."

"I know."

"We will make it our home again. Your aunt and uncle are looking forward to seeing you."

Oren's eyes lit us as though on cue they came out of the main doors, letting go of his father and racing over to greet them.

xXx

Jayden was startled when Delilah hurried down the pathway from the castle and clasped his hand pulling him towards a small grove of trees before throwing her arms around his neck, kissing him. He sank into the kiss wrapping his arms around her waist.

Sighing softly as their lips parted, Delilah gazed at him. "I hate myself for how I left things between us. I have been irrational and cruel and I hope you can forgive me."

"You were afraid for Thomas, I understand that."

"He is weak, but he is out of danger now and so I am able to go with you to Ostagar."

Jayden stared at her stunned. "No, absolutely not! We have no idea what we will find when we get there. Despite the Guardian's assurances it could be overrun with Darkspawn."

Swallowing Delilah straightened. "Nevertheless, I am going with you."

"I'm sorry Delilah, but you need to stay here."

Delilah's eyes narrowed. "I most certainly do not! I will go where I please."

"Not Ostagar! It is a place of death; you have to know that!"

"Yet you are going."

"I am a soldier and we have no choice if we are to end this magic."

"Is Leliana going?"

Jayden met her gaze and felt anger stir. "Why does that matter?"

"You would have Leliana join you, but not me. No doubt Morrigan and Serris will also be going! Who will you join in their bedroll I wonder?"

"Enough!" Jayden snarled. "I have never betrayed you and I never would. This jealousy is sickening and I have given you no reason for it."

Delilah shivered and turned away. "I know and yet it is there twisting inside me."

"Delilah, I don't want you to come to Ostagar because I don't want you in danger. Do you at least believe that?"

"I can handle myself." Delilah stated softly not turning.

"Not well enough for Ostagar! Don't you understand? The army was slaughtered, my friends, my comrades, so many fell and most were veterans."

"You almost died there and yet you are going back."

"I don't want to! No-one in their right mind wants to go back there, but it is the only way to save Cailan. Delilah if you got hurt, if you died I … I can't, I won't let that happen, so think what you like of me, believe I will betray you with another, believe I am trying to control you, believe whatever you want of me, but you are not going to Ostagar!"

"Alright." Delilah whispered; her voice choked.

Sighing, Jayden relaxed slightly. "Why must we argue so much?" His eyes closed as she nestled against him wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Love should not be like this should it? Cruel and untrusting. For years I saw my father go off with his other women and my mother was poisoned by it. I suppose when I see you with other women, when I hear other women are attracted to you, I fear living the life my mother did."

Jayden inwardly groaned realising that someone had either told her about those refugees who had taken an interest in him, or she had overheard someone talking about it. "I don't want a life like that either, I want one woman who is my wife, a family and Maker help me, love. I am not your father; I am not interested in having affairs."

"Perhaps when we finally go to Denerim we can go to the Grand Cleric, she knows who you are and surely she would have no issue in marrying us immediately."

Jayden pulled back from Delilah staring at her startled. "Is us being married suddenly going to make you trust me?"

Delilah's cheeks coloured. "If we are intimate, you will have no need to stray."

"Maker's sake has nothing I have said meant anything to you? What kind of marriage do you think we are going to have if you have no trust in me?"

"Can you truly blame me? Think how it will be for me when we return to Gwaren, Lyra will be there!"

"She's married!"

"What does that matter?"

"It matters to me and to her." Jayden growled. "Don't assume I would do what you were planning to do!"

"I beg your pardon!"

"Have you forgotten you used me to keep look out while you met with Albert; how you spoke about how the two of you would find a way to stay together despite your marriage to me!"

Delilah paled and backed away a step.

"We could have something real Delilah if only you would set aside this insane jealousy. We have no choice in this, we will be married because they will need us to, to help bring the country together after this nightmare your father instigated. I want a proper marriage, but if a political one is all we can have then so be it, but I will not spend my life fearing whose company I am in due to your paranoia. You say you love me, but whatever you are feeling it isn't love, Maker I don't know what it is. Now I am going to Ostagar and you are going to stay here where it is relatively safe and assuming I survive I will join the Warden's in searching for the Dalish. When I return things have to be different between us Delilah, because I will be damned if I am going to live my life like this." Turning he returned to the path and headed for the castle, his heart pounding brutally.

Delilah remained where she was, staring after him for a long time after he had left. "What is wrong with me?" She whispered in despair.

xXx

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