Teagan paces impatiently. The sound of the outer doors opening catches his attention. He looks up expectantly. He can hear the urgent murmuring coming his way. His heart races with hope. He smiles and closes his eyes with relief when he hears Cully barking happily. "Maker be praised…" He whispers under his breath.

Alistair grins at him producing a small leather pouch. He gently places it in Teagan's hand. "After what we've been through… that had better work." He chuckles.

Teagan stares gratefully at the pouch in his hand. His stomach is still in knots. "Where…" He bites off his question and shakes his head. He grins at Alistair. "Thank you, Alistair. Again you have given us hope when we thought all was lost."

Teagan walks towards the staircase to bring the ashes to the healers in Eamon's room. He stops short hearing Alistair's words. "She's taking a bath… you know how women are. She spends two months fighting the darkspawn, dragons, fanatics and Maker knows what and somehow in that twisted mind of hers, she thinks she needs a bath before seeing you." Alistair chuckles at Teagan's reaction. "Yes, well, one would have to be blind and stupid not to see how she feels about you, Teagan. Anyhow, I figured you would want to know where she is."

Teagan gives Alistair a sheepish grin. "Thank you. I should take these ashes to Eamon's healers."

Teagan turns on his heel and exits. His pace is lighter and quicker than before, leaving Alistair to either follow or remain behind. Alistair drops his head and sighs heavily. His own footsteps feel leaden and painfully slow.

They've watched and waited. Arl Eamon breathes easier. His color is slowly returning and for the first time since he fell ill to the poison there is hope and signs of recovery. Arlessa Isolde stays by his side day in and day out. Bann Tegan visits as often as possible leaving for meals, meetings and to sleep. Alistair is often found standing guard just outside the bedroom door.

Solona peeks in every so often yet prefers Connor's company to the watching vigil. She is still very uncomfortable around Isolde. Cully has taken to following her around and guarding doors while she sleeps unwilling to allow her out of his sight for too long. They sit around a small table in Connor's room and talk, or more accurately Solona sits and listens, answering what she can. Connor has many questions and she finds his eagerness to learn rather refreshing. It takes her mind off of other things that are happening inside and outside the castle.
Connor looks up from his book. His intense green eyes hold her in his gaze. "How old were you when you left for the Circle?"

Solona tilts her head. "I didn't leave for the Circle, I was taken. I was four at the time. If you asked me then of course I'd have said nearly five." She chuckles as he blushes knowingly. Cully huffs and sits up listening along.

"So a templar came…" He prompts.

"Yes, I remember healing a beast and a templar coming for me. It wasn't until recently that I was told the whole story by Wynne. It baffles me how the mind will block things deemed unimportant at the time. I was so intent on helping that poor animal…" She chuckles and shakes her head. Cully lays his head on her knee. She idly scratches his ears.

Connor's brow furrows. "And that is wrong?"

"Hmmm, using magic to do so, yes. Plus even a child of four years of age should know the dangers of being near wild beasts." She smiles as Cully huffs again. "It was a wolf that I was healing. His foot had been in a trap. The poor thing had been gnawing at it. The templars came. The wolf protected me." She sighs sadly. "They killed it to get to me." Cully looks up at her for a moment then lays his head back down on her knee.

"I'm sorry." She shrugs a shoulder and he moves on. "What's it like at the Circle?"

"It's like nothing you've ever experienced, I'm almost certain." She laughs at his dubious reaction with a sudden feeling of déjà vu. "Okay, you live in a castle with servants. I lived in a tower with tranquil. You have guards. The tower has templars. You have visitors. The tower has new comers who never leave." She leans on her elbows and grins at him. "Although you've led a rather sheltered life and have seen more than many your age has. Maker, I didn't face my first demon until two years ago at my harrowing."

"What is a harrowing?" Connor's eyes widen.

"I've already spoken too much of a harrowing. I can tell you that it is a ritual or rite of passage from an apprentice to a mage. You'll do well at your harrowing."

He peers at her. "Do you really think so? I didn't do quite so well against my first demon…"

"You were unprepared and unlearned. No one told you the dangers of the fade. You had to learn the hard way." She shudders involuntarily. Her eyes drop to the table between them. "Desire demons are difficult to deny even for a grown adult. They know your heart's desire and promise you things…" She frowns. Her voice tapers off.

Connor closes his book quietly and watches her. "What did she offer you?"

Solona shakes her head. "It doesn't matter. I wasn't willing to pay her price."

He grins sheepishly. "I will do my best, Solona. I promise I will not waste this chance you have given me."

"I know." She smiles at him. Cully nudges her hand. She tugs playfully at his ear.

"Connor?" The two look up as their visit is interrupted. As always when he enters a room, Solona's heart skips a beat. Cully has risen and moved towards the door in anticipation. "Mind if I steal Sol away again?"

Connor rolls his eyes. "Oh, Uncle, really…"

Cully barks once, walks back to Connor and nudges him farewell before following them out. Solona waves at Connor as Teagan escorts her from the room. He pins her against the wall and captures her lips in a quick passionate kiss, their lips part leaving them both breathless. Her fingers weave in to his hair; her lips part begging for more. Teagan lowers his lips brushing them lightly against hers. She moans softly. "Maker, what did I do to deserve that?"

"Eamon is awake. He is asking for you." Teagan rests his forehead against hers. "Maker forgive me I had hoped he would take longer to awaken but the man is a paragon of determination."

Alistair is waiting for them at Eamon's door. He glances at Cully and gives Solona an almost pained look. "Alistair?" She squeezes his arm gently. "What's wrong?"

Alistair shakes his head quickly and tries to give an enthusiastic grin that fools no one. "Nothing!" Even Cully tilts his head at him.

Solona smiles patiently. "We'll be in momentarily, Teagan."

Teagan nods in understanding. "It will be fine, Alistair. You'll see. Eamon will be over joyed to see you're safe." Teagan looks at them one last time before giving Solona a kiss on her forehead and departing.

"Is that what's bothering you? You're worried what the Arl will say?" Solona prompts.

Alistair's shoulders sag. "Yes." He begins pacing before the door. "You saw Isolde's reaction to seeing me. I can only imagine Eamon will be just as thrilled."

Solona hisses. "Isolde..." She shudders visibly. "I don't like her. I don't care that she is the Arlessa. Only reason I didn't give in to Jowan's idea of blood magic is... well one its blood magic and two it would have upset you and Teagan." She winces. "Not very nice of me, I admit but still. Listen Alistair, from everything you said and everything that Teagan has said, I'm sure he will be happy to see you."

"Like Goldana was..." Alistair runs his fingers through his hair nervously.

"Two women who don't deserve to know you. Eamon knows you. He was kind to you. Remember, he took the time to get your mother's amulet fixed. A man that will do such a kind act will not send you away now." She threads her hand into the crook of his arm. "Besides you helped save his life, his son's life and his lands. That has to mean something to him. If it doesn't I don't think I want to know him."

Alistair chuckles and leads her in to the room. His laughter freezes in his throat as all eyes turn to watch them enter.

Eamon sits propped up in bed. His coloring has improved greatly. More importantly he is awake and alert. Alistair grins nervously and walks a step behind Solona as they enter. Her smile is genuine when she is introduced by Teagan. "The last of Ferelden's Grey Wardens; I give you Solona Amell and Alistair Theirin."

Eamon gasps, his face breaks in to a huge grin. "Alistair! Is it truly you?"

Alistair hedges and steps forward careful to position him in a way that Solona is between him and Isolde. "Yes, Eamon, it's truly me. I'm glad to see you're feeling better." His boyish charm shines through, Alistair grins at Eamon sincerely.

Eamon beams up at him. "You've certainly grown into a fine young man. It is good to see you, my boy." His eyes shift to Solona. "I hear my gratitude goes to you both for saving not just me but my family and the lives of those in the village." He sighs weakly. "I wish our meeting was under more pleasant circumstances and I have a sneaking suspicion that there is more news that I haven't heard as of yet."

Teagan clears his throat. "Yes, well..."

"Come now, Teagan. I am still Arl and I need to know what has happened. I'm sure there is much more to your tale considering you introduced these two as the last of the Grey Wardens!"

A huff is heard at the doorway. "Excuse me, Messeres." Solona nods cordially excusing herself. She walks to the door to find Wynne approaching with a note.

"I hear the Arl is awake." Wynne smiles in relief. "Will we depart soon?"

Solona glances longingly behind her at Teagan and nods. "Yes, very soon. I don't particularly care to go inside a mountain but if that is where we have to go next, then so be it. I've procrastinated. I'm sorry. Please let the others know we leave at first light."

Wynne pats her hand. "Of course."

Solona looks at the name on the note and walks back to the others. She holds the note out for Teagan. His fingers brush hers. She smiles shyly dropping her gaze. Her voice is hushed during this lull in the conversation. "Alistair, we leave first light for Orzammar."

Alistair nods quietly before addressing the Arl. "So we will take our leave, Eamon. You have a lot to discuss with your family and we have work to do. Contrary to what some believe, this is indeed a blight and we are gathering forces to battle it."

Eamon watches her for a few moments. His voice is a low gruff hush. "You were there..." He speaks almost to himself. "I was lost in a haze..."

Solona nods slowly as he talks this through for himself. "Yes, it is called the fade. You had been trapped there by a demon. I tried to speak with you but you were less than coherent at the time."

Eamon has the decency to avert his eyes shamefully. "I... I blamed you for keeping me from my family and here you were trying to help me. I... well, thank you."

Solona grins. "You're welcome. It isn't often that a non-mage enters the fade and when they do it is most often not by their choice. It can be unnerving and frightening." She bites back a giggle as Alistair shudders beside her.

"It's a nasty place even for mages…" Alistair grumbles.

Solona wrinkles her nose at him. "Agreed."

She brushes his hair from his face watching him as he sleeps. The longing in her heart is pushed aside for duty and her countrymen. She lays her head on his shoulder pressing as close as she can to him. His arm instinctively wraps around her waist pulling her closer. His eyes flutter open. "Can't sleep?" He stifles a yawn.

"Sorry..." She kisses his neck nuzzling up to him. He moans softly. "...okay maybe I'm not sorry."

Teagan chuckles and claims her kiss is longing and deep, nibbling at her bottom lip. "No, I doubt you are sorry."

He runs his hand down the length of her face, staring at her so intently she blushes. "What?"

"I'm simply memorizing everything about you. I look at every night together as our last. A gift of an evening to treasure. I never know when you will return or even if you will."

Solona caresses his cheek. "So you've learned at last."

His thumb caresses her jaw. "You were gone for so long to gather the ashes. Then Alistair reminded me you had only been gone two months. It was then that I realized how fragile time is and how precious your visits are." He kisses her jaw, her lips, running his tongue along them. "I love you, Sol."

She moans deeply. "I will always love you, Teagan."

It is a long voyage to Orzammar from Redcliffe. It is even longer traveling within the Deep Roads from thaig to thaig. She has a new found respect for the dwarven folks that hold outsiders in such utter contempt. Yet her greatest joy of this trip is meeting a darling and enthusiastic dwarf maiden, Dagna.

Before heading in to the Deep Roads she sent a letter to First Enchanter Irving relaying Dagna's wishes to study at the Circle making sure to outline all the benefits of accepting her. Upon their return to Orzammar, Solona found a very upset father who she could not apologize enough to and a letter from Bann Teagan Guerrin.

With a new king upon the throne, a promise of troops and a noisy nug in tow, Solona finds herself eager to leave the confines of the mountain. She breathes in the fresh air and is assaulted by the stench of their newest companion.

Oghren stands wide eyed gazing up at the sky. Solona smiles patiently. She knows how he feels. She had felt similarly when she was taken from the Tower. "Overwhelming isn't it. It takes a bit of getting used to."

"I feel like I could fall up in that blue forever." Oghren speaks more to himself than to her.

She puts her hand on his shoulder and gives it a friendly pat. "I know what you mean."

"Sol?" Alistair gives the guard a nod of thanks. He walks up behind them and shows her a note. "We need to get back to Redcliffe."

"Redcliffe?" Her heart stops. Why? "Why?"

"Eamon wants to see us." He gives her an apologetic grin. "I'm sure Teagan is fine."

Solona's eyes quickly scan the brief note. It was written weeks ago. Teagan… Her heart seizes in her chest. "Oghren, take all the time you need."

Without waiting for a response, she stumbles past them. Her face is blank. Her eyes are vacant, her pace is brisk. "Sol?" Alistair quickens his pace to catch up to her. His long strides make it easy for him. "Sol, we have to… Sol?" He sighs and grabs hold of her arm stopping her. "Breathe, woman."

Her eyes flash at him. Alistair quirks an eyebrow as if challenging her yet he releases his hold on her arm. She cringes and lowers her gaze. "I'm sorry… Wynne tried to warn me against matters of the heart. I wish I had listened…" She looks up at Alistair a tear escapes and slips unnoticed down her cheek. "I didn't want this. I never wanted any of this but here we are. I'm being tested once again and I am finding it harder to take each time." Her body shakes with a sob. "I should have never allowed myself to fall in love with him. I knew better."

"I don't beleive we have a choice in who we fall in love with." Alistair sighs heavily and pulls her in to his embrace. "I sometimes forget how vulnerable you are." He takes her bag and her hand leading her back to camp. "We'll leave soon. First we must break camp and get everyone together." He steals a glance at her. "Where were you going anyhow? Redcliffe is south."

They head south through the Frostback Mountain. The climate becomes warmer the further they travel. Periodically they encounter small bands of darkspawn and camp for a few hours rest before moving again.

It is during one of their resting times that Solona stands in a brook. Cully lapping the cold water eagerly, suddenly stopping and looking down stream. He huffs quietly and goes back to drinking. She has taken off her boots and is soaking her feet. She sighs heavily and returns to the small shore to sit and stare longingly at the stars. Wynne comes to sit beside her. They sit like this for some time, neither speaking nor moving. Cully eventually has his fill and walks a perimeter around them. Still they sit in silence.

"I take no pleasure in being right. I had hoped I was wrong." Wynne's voice is low and sympathetic.

Solona tries to be brave. She tries to smile and ease the older woman's worries but she doesn't have it in her. "Me, too." She closes her eyes and sighs. "The time for my girlish dreams of the perfect life and happier times is at an end. I knew it wouldn't last. I just had no idea it would hurt this much."

Wynn pats her back softly. "In time-"

"Wynne…" Solona sighs. "Please don't. In time I will heal. In time I will forget. In time he will have married this new woman that can love him and give him the family that he wants." Solona sobs. "In time I will be dead and buried. Only right now, my heart is breaking and my pain is too fresh to be sated by any well meant sage advice."

"Of course." Wynne gives her shoulder a soft squeeze before leaving her.