My Spanish speaking guest: Cullen is a favorite for me too. Thanks for the comment, Judy: Thanks. Kanta48: I always feel like I am cheating on Alistair when I write Cullen. I am glad you appreciated Jowan and Irving. I had always felt there was something more to helping him escape. And after his jealous confession in Redcliff the pieces clicked.

At the end of the dock Duncan stood talking to Bran as we waited for the boat. I looked curiously at the man traveling with Duncan. He seemed intent looking everywhere but me.

I had introduced myself. But he looked down his nose and said, "Great now we have a Mage. As if we don't have enough to deal with."

It stung and I swallowed hard. But I didn't try to speak to him again.

Instead I looked up at the dusk sky. It was even better than Anders described it. There was something magnificent about the way the oranges and reds melded into the purples and blues. In the eastern sky one moon had already risen high in the sky, bathing the lake in a soft yellow glow. But the second moon having a reddish halo was just rising.

"Beautiful, isn't it."

I was startled by Duncan question. "Yes, a friend tried to describe it to me. But his words didn't do it justice."

Duncan chuckled. "I don't think even the most gifted painter could do a Ferelden sunset justice."

I was interested and asked, "Then it looks different in different places? You've seen it in other countries?"

"Yes. My favorite is in the Anderfels, on the mountains where the sky touches the earth. It is almost as spectacular. When we go to Weishaupt I'll show you."

I was moved by his warmth. He was treating me as if I was already a Grey Warden. Not a criminal he just rescued.

When the boat sild up to the dock Duncan motioned for me to board first. There was some trepidation to be sure. Then shock when Ser Bran offered me his hand and helped me into the boat. The boat rocked and I let out an undignified squeal.

"You're all right. Just keep your weight in the center of the boat," Kester spoke reassuringly.

The man traveling with Duncan stepped into the boat just as I took my seat. The boat rocked just as violently as is it did for me, but he didn't seem concerned. Duncan's steel boots made a clunking sound like the Templars when they walked the hallways when he entered the boat.

He chose the bench next to me to sit down. Seated he told Kester we could get under way.

I don't know how long Kester paddled. I could still see the outline of the tower. But just barely. The small lanterned the boatman had tied to his bow only illuminated a small portion of the boat. I called mana an let it pool in my hand. Soon a small ball of fire bathed the boat and in a yellow orange glow and reflected off the water's surface.

"What in the Maker's beard are you doing?"

"Providing light to see by."

"Stop it right now. No one gave you permission to use magic. The boatman knows these waters. He doesn't want your help."

"Permission!?" I scoffed.

"Magic is to serve man, never…"

Aedan" Duncan interjected.

"By the Fade, don't you dare quote the Canticle of Transfigurations to me, you arrogant son of a cur. Duncan do I have to ask permission to use magic?"

Duncan gritted his teeth in weariness. He'd expected this to happen but figured they had at least a day before needing to play peacemaker. "No Rhiannon you do not have to ask permission to use your magic. As a Grey Warden you are expected to know when and how to use it."

"But, but" Aedan stammered. "A mage can't just… we have to be careful. Magic is foul."

"No magic is not foul. Magic is a tool. Just like a sword or a fork, or a smith' hammer. It can be used to create damage but so can words. We don't lock people up for saying stupid things."

"Stupid things? You think warning about the dangers of magic is a stupid thing? Everyone knows mages are weak and corruptible. We are not even an hour away from the Tower and you are already calling on magic like some heathen apostate."

Do you want me to turn the boat around sir?" Kester asked Duncan sympathetically.

Duncan shook his head no. "Aedan, Rhiannon is right. Not all magic users choose to use the gift the maker has given them irresponsibly. My Grey Warden mentor was a mage. And if it weren't for her magic, we would have died a hundred times over. I know what the Chantry teaches but Andraste's words are taken out of context. She was talking about slave owner's who had magic. Not just magic users. You can't fear magic."

Aedan didn't say another word he just sat in his seat and glowered at me. I wasn't sure if the right thing to do was put out the fire so Aedan would feel more comfortable. Or leave it up since Duncan had championed me and I didn't want him to think I was ungrateful.

I leaned over the side of the boat placing my hand near the surface of the water. When the fish broke the surface jumping into the boat I squealed in delight. I had never seen a live fish.

"Try that again Rhiannon. A few more and we will have dinner." Duncan said good naturedly.

I did as he suggested. I allowed the flame to intensify and almost go out. When I brought the flame back up, we were rewarded with three more fish in quick succession. As they flopped around in the bottom of the boat Aedan did his best to keep them contained.

Kester took pity on him and handed him the bucket he kept his lunch in and remarked, "Well I guess in this case magic did serve man. At least dinner."

Duncan was the first one to crack a smile. Followed by Aedan who laughed. Duncan and Kester couldn't hold back the mirth. Finally, unable to not to see some humor in the situation I joined as well, feeling a little like the butt of the joke.