A/N: So, I know it has been forever since I have updated. I have had quite the year. It started with writer's block, then Dragon Age 2 came out, then my mother got really sick and was hospitalized for a couple weeks and I spent the next month helping her out as much as I could. I have also taken an online class that will help me get a certification for my job. And let's not forget that a couple months ago I had to have my fourth back surgery in ten years. The good news is that my back is pretty much back to normal, well as normal as it can be for me that is, and my mother is doing great. I am going to try my best to get updates out more frequently... I won't leave this story unfinished!

Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Age Origins or any of its characters - They are the property of Bioware.

Chapter 9 – Traveling to Redcliffe

The view is truly spectacular, Leliana decided as she looked across Lake Calenhad at sunset from the very top of the Circle Tower. Jayden had made good on his promise to bring her up there. He stood quietly off to her side observing the scenery and lost in his own thoughts. They had been busy the last several days helping the mages and templars put the Circle back in order. Much had been destroyed due to one man's greed. This was the first break they had taken since the battle of the Circle of Magi had ended.

And what a battle it was… demons, abominations, blood mages. They were lucky to have survived it, let alone defeat Uldred and win the Tower back for the mages. Not everyone escaped without scars, though. But the thing to remember about scars is that they are not always visible, Leliana thought reflecting on when she was reunited with everyone in the fade.

* * * * * Flashback * * * * *

The sloth demon had trapped each of them in their own individual nightmare. Jayden had somehow broken free from his and was able to learn how to move around to the different realms in the fade. He was the reason they had all made it out alive. When the sloth demon realized he had lost control of his captives, he brought everyone back together to confront them. Ashlyn, Arrow, and Jayden had appeared in front of Leliana and Wynne. The little dark-haired elf was on her knees sobbing into her hands while Jayden did the best he could to comfort her. Leliana had later learned that Ashlyn had been forced to kill a demon disguised as her former love to escape her nightmare. Demons are horribly cruel creatures. My time in the fade wasn't easy, but at least I didn't have to fight against the faces of family and friends the way Ashlyn did.

Leliana had been tricked into believing she was back in the Chantry praying for peace with the Revered Mother. A strikingly handsome man with auburn hair had appeared out of nowhere expressing his relief that she was safe. She was positive she didn't know who he was, but her body sure seemed to recognize him. Her heart had fluttered and she had unconsciously moved towards the male mage until the Revered Mother had spoken up, reminding her that they were not alone. The Revered Mother had told the man that Leliana needed quiet and solitude.

However, the attractive man had been adamant that Leliana was going to go with him. All it had taken was the mentioning of her dream to bring Leliana back to her senses, the dream that had first convinced Leliana to leave the Chantry and search out the Grey Wardens. The Revered Mother had tried to persuade her to stay, but Leliana was already moving towards the man she then remembered as Jayden. She had been awed by the way he looked at her when she turned to walk towards him.

His expression suddenly changed once Leliana was halfway to him. Without a moment's warning, he struck out with a powerful spell. Leliana turned back to see that the Revered Mother had been paralyzed mid-transformation from elderly woman to a demon.

"Hurry!" he yelled. "I can't hold it much longer!"

How many times now has he protected me? I swear if we make it though this, I am going to confront him about what is going on between us, Leliana vowed to herself as she removed her sword and charged the demon. It had been a fast fight that ended with Leliana removing the demon's head.

* * * * * End Flashback * * * * *

Leliana pulled herself from her musings to covertly watch Jayden out of the corner of her eye. He truly is a wonderful man… someone I could easily fall in love with. Shaking her head, she refocused her gaze out on the scenery. Oh, what am I doing? I know better than to trust anyone… but why do I feel like I could be safe with him?

She had been amazed by Jayden's power when they fought the sloth demon that had trapped them in the fade. Every time the demon shifted into a new form, Jayden would transform himself too. She had been alarmed at first when his skin caught fire and he turned into the burning man, but she soon realized how beneficial his transformations could be when the sloth-turned-rage demon couldn't burn him when he came near. He nearly defeated the sloth demon by himself. Wynne, Ashlyn, and Leliana only aided with ranged attacks when they had clear shots at the demon.

If Leliana had been impressed with Jayden then, it was nothing to how she felt when he stood up to Uldred in the final battle of the Circle of Magi. Uldred was more than just a blood mage; he had become possessed by a very powerful demon. He tried to control everyone through blood magic, but Jayden's reciting of the Litany of Adralla kept everyone from being enslaved by Uldred's mind control. It had been a testament to teamwork when the two Wardens, Leliana, and the mages defeated Uldred and his abominations.

Unfortunately, they couldn't save all the mages. Among those that perished was Niall, who was originally responsible for going to the Circle's storeroom and retrieving the Litany of Adralla from Owain. Niall had also been trapped in the fade, but unlike Leliana and her companions, he had been there too long and the sloth demon had depleted nearly all of his life force. Before they left, Niall asked Jayden to take the Litany from his body and use it to defeat Uldred. Niall never woke up from the fade.

There were many others who didn't survive, but luckily First Enchanter Irving was among those alive at the end of the battle. Although, Leliana had never seen a man so heartbroken. I know he must feel as if he has failed his mage family, but so many more would be dead if he hadn't been there to protect them.

"What are you thinking about so seriously?" Jayden asked interrupting her reminiscing.

"How lucky we all are to be alive."

Jayden chuckled at her response.

"And speaking of that," Leliana continued, "I have been meaning to ask you something for awhile now. Back when we first met in Lothering, during the fight with Loghain's men, did you place some sort of protection spell on me?"

The mage ducked his head. She could see the beginnings of a blush covering his cheeks.

"Yeah, I did," he replied looking up to meet her gaze. "I thought I was keeping a weak, chantry sister from coming to harm, but it turned out she could handle herself better than most of the men in the King's army."

His compliment caused Leliana's own cheeks to warm.

"How did you figure it out?" he asked.

"When you put up a barrier that protected us from a rage demon's fireball, I realized then that it was your magic I had felt back in Lothering."

"And how does my magic feel?" Jayden asked as he stepped closer to Leliana.

"Like being wrapped in a warm blanket made out of the softest material you can imagine," she replied breathlessly at his nearness. It was a feeling of protection that Leliana had never experienced before. She wondered if it would feel the same just being held in mage's strong arms.

A gust of wind blew some of Leliana's short red hair in her eyes. Jayden lightly brushed her hair out of her face and smiled. "I have never heard it described quite like that before."

Leliana's breath caught as she stared into his mesmerizing green eyes. Just when she thought she was going to give into her emotions and pull the mage down to kiss him to determine if his magic really did feel the same as being intimate with him, Jayden again interrupted her train of thought.

"I saw you talking with Cullen earlier this evening."

Cullen was a templar who had been captured and then tortured by blood mages and demons. Consequently, he developed a huge grudge against all mages. "Oh yes, I was just checking to see how he was doing after his horrid experience," Leliana explained.

"That was incredibly kind of you," Jayden stated, although she could tell he was still a bit upset that Cullen had said all the mages should either be killed or made tranquil since any of them could still be harboring demons inside them.

"No one should ever be tortured," she whispered and dropped her head to look at her 's memories of her own torture came back instantly. Don't think about it, she reminded herself lest she start to cringe, or worse cry.

Jayden gently lifted her chin with his right hand. "You speak from experience?" he asked quietly.

Her expression must have given him his answer because he wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. Leliana couldn't hold back the tears after that. He just held her while she cried silently. When her tears lessened, he said, "Someday, I hope you can trust me enough to tell me about it."

"I hope I am strong enough someday to talk about it," she said pulling back and wiping her eyes. "Oh, I made your shirt damp. I am so sorry!"

"It's all right Leliana, really," he said drawing her attention back to his face again. He pulled her back into his arms for a comforting hug. "I wish I could have protected you then."

Leliana gulped at the sincerity she heard in his tone as she rested her head on his shoulder. "Thank you." I guess now is as good of time as any to confront him about my feelings. "Jayden, I have something I need to tell you-"

"Well, well. Isn't this cozy?" a voice interrupted.

Leliana and Jayden turned to see Morrigan approaching, and if looks could kill, Leliana was sure she would be dead.

"Morrigan," Jayden said uncomfortably as he released Leliana and moved to greet the female mage. "How was Redcliffe?"

"It was so much fun that we are heading right back there to try to save an abomination," Morrigan replied dryly.

"What?" Jayden and Leliana asked simultaneously.

"Our noble leader is going to ask the mages for help to save the Arl's son who is possessed by a demon," Morrigan answered. "And if you ask me, I think it is just a big waste of time. Aren't we trying to stop a blight?"

"Yes, and on that note, I am going to go see how our companions are doing," Leliana said to get away from the reunited couple. Leliana looked back before she headed down the tower and instantly wished she hadn't because she saw Morrigan seductively pull Jayden towards her for a kiss. If only Morrigan hadn't arrived when she had…

- - - - - With Ashlyn - - - - -

Ashlyn was more than ready to leave the Circle Tower. It wasn't that she didn't want to help the mages and templars restore their home, but she had started to feel imprisoned too. I don't understand how my elven brethren can stand to be locked up here for their whole lives. Being Dalish, Ashlyn had always been wanderer and enjoyed her freedom of being able to go wherever she wanted to.

Ashlyn's mind also kept returning to her time in the fade. She knew that it wasn't the real Tamlen in her nightmare, but it didn't make what she had done any easier. Throwing her daggers had been one of the hardest things she had ever had to do. It was a huge relief when Alistair, Arianna, and the others came to retrieve them and get the mages' help for Redcliffe.

Even though the Circle was still in need of repair, First Enchanter Irving readily agreed to travel to Redcliffe to try to save the Arl's son.

"Jayden, Ashlyn, and Leliana have done so much for the Circle. It is the least we could do to help you now," the First Enchanter said after hearing about how the Arl's son became possessed trying to save his father who had been poisoned.

Irving had also pledged to honor the treaty and stand with the Grey Wardens when the time came to fight the darkspawn.

They didn't waste any time before packing up and heading south for Redcliffe. Of course they had to wait for Jayden and Morrigan to resurface before leaving. They also ended up leaving with a new party member. Wynn had asked permission from First Enchanter Irving to accompany the Wardens on their mission to defeat the blight. Being on the receiving end of Wynn's healing magic during the battle of the Circle of Magi made the senior mage a welcome addition in Ashlyn's opinion.

Ashlyn enjoyed catching up with everyone while they traveled, including the stubborn Sten, who didn't understand why they were going out of their way to help this boy when their main objective was to defeat the darkspawn… a sentiment that was also shared by Morrigan. But Ashlyn knew why. It was important to Alistair, and therefore, it had become important to Arianna. It was obvious to the dark-haired elf how much her two fellow Wardens cared about one another. Even Alistair keeping his secret about being the heir to the thrown had not managed to dampen the developing relationship.

Ashlyn, too, couldn't be upset with Alistair for she was now keeping her own secret. During the battle in the Circle Tower, they had briefly stopped in First Enchanter Irving's private quarters. She had noticed a black grimoire lying in a pile of other books and scrolls. There was an open chest nearby that must have once held all the items scattered on the floor. After the battle, Ashlyn couldn't stop thinking about that black grimoire. She knew there was something peculiar about that book, and she wanted to get a more thorough look at it. So when it was time to start cleaning up, she went directly to Irving's quarters. Someone had beaten her there though as the room was already put back in order. She went directly to the chest, but discovered that it was locked. As if this lock could keep me out, Ashlyn had thought while quickly pulling two pins out of her hair and going to work on the chest. Once she had it opened, she searched through the chest until she found the black leather bound book with a tree on the cover that she had seen before. A quick glance through the book revealed that Ashlyn didn't understand much of what was written. There was one name that popped out at her though… Flemeth. So Ashlyn decided to keep the black grimoire. The book was now secured in her backpack, and Ashlyn was waiting for an appropriate time to approach Morrigan with it.

The opportune time came later that evening when the Wardens and their companions stopped to make camp. As usual, Morrigan set up her campsite a good distance away from the rest of the group. Ashlyn saw her opening to confront the witch alone when Jayden went to help Wynn set up her tent.

Ashlyn cautiously approached the beautiful, but solitary witch who was busy starting a small campfire.

"And what do I owe for the pleasure of your elven company?" Morrigan asked without looking up from what she doing.

"I have something for you. I am not sure how useful it will be, but then again, I don't understand exactly what is in here," Ashlyn said before handing the book over to Morrigan.

A look of surprise passed over Morrigan's features. "What? You found Flemeth's Grimoire?"

"It was locked away in a chest in First Enchanter's living quarters."

"You are a delightfully sneaky rogue, my friend," Morrigan said as she flipped through the tome's pages. "This grimoire was stolen from Mother by templars when I was a young girl. 'Twas the closest those fools ever came to catching us… Mother was furious that one had gotten away with this book. She would be even angrier to learn that I am now in possession of it."

"Why is that?" Ashlyn asked.

"Mother can be very stingy when it comes to sharing the secrets of her magic," the witch said looking up from the grimoire. "Ever since we discovered the condition of the mage's tower, I had wondered if it might be recoverable… but I had yet to speak of it to anyone. How fortunate that you found it on your own. You have my thanks. I will begin study of the tome immediately."

"You are most welcome." Ashlyn hesitated for a second before continuing. "I am glad there are mages out there like you, who live away from the confinement of the Chantry. I do not understand how those mages stand being imprisoned all their lives."

"Only one as free as the Dalish would have that opinion," Morrigan said with a smile. "Flemeth raised me to respect the Dalish. There is old magic that runs through the elves. And even though you are no mage, you still possess talents and strengths that no city elf could ever have."

Ashlyn was happy to hear the admiration in Morrigan's voice when she spoke of the Dalish. "Thank you, Morrigan. I will leave you so that you can get started on that grimoire."

The witch nodded her head. "I do not intend to squander this opportunity to learn more than Flemeth wished me to know. This should be… interesting."

Ashlyn took off back towards the main camp. Arrow came running up to greet her near the main campfire. It looked like dinner was going to be a little longer so she decided to go lie down and rest until food was ready. As she walked towards her tent, thoughts of Tamlen resurfaced. She realized she needed to put her grief behind her, but it was so hard when just thinking about him made her sad. And that stupid sloth demon's nightmare didn't help at all with putting the past behind me.

The elf had just reached her tent when a feeling of being watched startled her. She immediately scanned the area before focusing on a large maple tree on the outer edge of their campsite. She watched for any sign of movement, but all she saw were leaves blowing with the wind. At least whoever or whatever watching us isn't intent on attacking at the moment. Giving up on finding the presence she sensed, Ashlyn went on into her tent determined to stay alert for the remainder of the trip to Redcliffe.

- - - - - With Jayden - - - - -

Jayden was relieved when Ashlyn went to speak with Morrigan. That meant he had more time to think things over while Morrigan was distracted. And it looks like she might be distracted for a while, Jayden thought when he saw the witch eagerly start flipping through the pages of a black leather bound book that Ashlyn had given her.

Jayden was confused about what to do concerning Leliana and Morrigan. He enjoyed spending time with Morrigan, a.k.a. getting naked and sweaty with her every chance he got, but the beautiful witch had made it perfectly clear that she didn't want anything more than a casual fling. It was her total aversion to relationships that made Jayden realize his dream in the fade wasn't real. The sloth demon had put Jayden and Morrigan together living in a quaint little cottage on the edge of Lothering in a world without darkspawn. In his dream, Morrigan acted the part of a sweet, caring wife who loved him and wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. It didn't take Jayden long to figure out that the Morrigan in his dream wasn't the real Morrigan.

Although, looking back on what the sloth demon created, Jayden couldn't help but wish for it to be true. Falling in love and starting a family was something he would have never been allowed in the Circle. Now that he was free, Jayden longed to know what it was like to form such a deep personal connection with someone. He saw what was going on between Alistair and Arianna, the longing looks and the light touches, and he had to admit he was jealous. He was ready to try a real relationship. But would Morrigan ever go for it? Now Leliana on the other hand…

Jayden still couldn't believe he had almost kissed Leliana atop the Circle Tower. The pretty little redhead had felt amazing in his arms. I can see a future with Leliana, something I don't think Morrigan would allow. I know Leliana has a secret past, but in time I would hope she could open up to me. It almost seems as though Leliana wants me too. She was getting ready to tell me something, and it must have been serious by the tone of her voice. If only Morrigan hadn't interrupted…

Jayden knew he would eventually have to choose between two women. Morrigan had made that perfectly clear after Leliana had left them at the top of the tower.

"I am not fond of sharing," she had said.

He did the only thing he knew would distract her from that topic… locked them in the closest unoccupied room and spent the next hour catching up physically.

Jayden truly enjoyed Morrigan's company, and he knew he wasn't quite ready for what they had going to end. I will just wait and see how things turn out with Morrigan. Until then, I can't let myself get too close to Leliana

After he was done helping Wynn with her tent, Alistair approached him and asked him to take a walk with him.

"There is something you need to know," the male warrior said as they walked around the camp's perimeter. "Arl Eamon was poisoned by a mage, someone that you know."

Right after they left the Circle Tower, Arianna had brought Jayden, Ashlyn, Leliana, and Wynn up to speed about what was going on in Redcliffe. She had mentioned that the Arl had been poisoned, but nothing was said about it being a mage who did it. Most of the information shared was about how they had helped Bann Teagon defeat an army of the undead and how the Arl's son, Connor, had become possessed because he thought a demon would help him save his father.

"Who?" Jayden asked surprised.

Alistair looked reluctant to answer, but he finally continued, "Your old friend, Jowan."

"What? That's impossible! He was to be taken to Aeonar, the mages' prison."

"Yes, well apparently, Teyrn Loghain found him first. Loghain hired him to poison Eamon in exchange for settling matters with the Circle of Magi due to being a blood mage," Alistair explained.

"I don't understand. How did he get close enough to poison the Arl?"

"Eamon's wife, Isolde, had hired him to teach Connor to control his powers and conceal them from others."

It took a moment for Jayden to process everything. At first, he felt relieved that his old friend was all right, but that relief quickly turned to anger when it sank in that Jowan was responsible for what was happening to Arl Eamon and Redcliffe.

"Stupid idiot," Jayden muttered. "He never learned his lesson." The two men walked on in silence. Jayden finally stopped their progress near a large maple tree and turned to Alistair. "Where is he now?"

"He is locked in the dungeon at the castle. He offered to use his blood magic to enter the fade and free Connor from the demon's control, but he was going to need a blood sacrifice. Isolde offered, but I couldn't stomach the thought of Arl Eamon waking up to discover how his wife died. I can't tell you how thankful I was when Ari suggested going to the Circle of Magi for help."

"Ari?" Jayden said with a smirk.

"What? Can't a guy give his girl a short nickname?" Alistair asked jokingly.

"Of course you can, but since when is she your girl?"

The warrior had a goofy smile. "Since the night before our two groups split up. We are taking things slow though. It's not like I know what I am doing anyways. I don't have much experience in this area," Alistair rambled.

"Well, if you need advice, you know who to come to."

"Thanks," Alistair said before his expression turned serious again. "Look, I just wanted to warn you about Jowan before we got to Redcliffe."

"Thanks man, I appreciate it."

"No problem," Alistair said and started to head back toward the campfire. Before he got very far, Jayden called out to him, "And Alistair, we will find a way to heal Arl Eamon once Connor has been saved."

Alistair gave a weak smile and nodded once to Jayden before continuing back to camp.

- - - - - With An Antivan Crow Spy - - - - -

Zevran Arainai, an elven Antivan Crow, was stealthily hidden in a large maple tree overlooking the Grey Warden camp. He was surprised by the number and diversity of individuals he saw. He was sure Teyrn Loghain had said there would only be four Wardens, but there were over twice that many people in the camp. There were two dwarven merchants, several mages, and even a Qunari of all things.

Imagine the orgy this group could have, Zevran thought with a smile. I have to admit, these Wardens keep the company of some formidable companions.

Zevran had learned much from this scouting excursion, such as there were many beautiful women traveling in this group. In fact, a pretty blond woman seemed to be the one in command as she directed those around her. And the male templar, Alistair I believe the mage said, was in a relationship with her. Although, it sounds as though the man could use a few pointers. Now, if I were him, I would start on 'Ari's' delectable backside…

He had also learned that the Wardens were traveling back to Redcliffe. And I know just the place for the ambush tomorrow. He knew this was probably a suicide mission. If truth be told, he was counting on it… until he saw a dark-haired elf walk into the main campsite.

How did I miss her? Zevran thought to himself as he watched the gorgeous elf rub a wolf's ears and head towards a tent. He quickly glanced in the direction she came from to see a female mage's campsite a little distance away from everyone else. The elf must have been visiting that mage. Why is it that the mage secludes herself, I wonder?

Zevran quickly refocused on what was sure to become his newest fantasy. She is exquisite… and one of the Dalish, Zevran realized when he noticed her armor and light elven tattoo on her forehead. She looks like Rinna, same slight features and black hair, only Rinna was human. Zevran couldn't take his eyes off the lovely elf, and he wondered why she seemed sad as she approached her tent. Why couldn't the templar and male mage have gossiped about her?

It took Zevran a moment to realize he was lost in her bright green eyes, eyes that were staring right in his direction. She senses me, Zevran thought amused. He knew he was completely hidden from sight, so he was highly impressed with her Dalish survival skills for picking up on his presence at all. Beautiful and skilled… a deadly combination.

Zevran watched as she shook her head as if to clear it and go on into her tent. A marvelous female specimen. What I wouldn't give to spend one night with her alone in that tent. Oh, who am I kidding? I might need more than one night with that elf to do everything I would want.

Deciding he had enough information to pull off the attack tomorrow, Zevran withdrew from the Wardens' campsite. He was saddened as he headed back towards his own camp. I will never get to act out my fantasies with that Dalish elf, because after tomorrow… one of us will be dead.