Over the next couple of chapters a few ideas are introduced that aren't necessarily DA canon. This story is not a typical AU, but I wanted to emphasize that it will not be following the canon of the game. The reason behind this decision is that the story will not end when the games does and there are some fundamental elements that need to be introduced before Act III ends to drive the story forward. Thank you for your understanding and I hope that you will continue to enjoy the story.

Chapter 7 - No Air

"If I should die before I wake, it's 'cause you took my breath away

Losing you is like living in a world with no air, oh

I'm here alone, didn't wanna leave, my heart won't move, it's incomplete

If there was a way that I could make you understand

But how do you expect me, to live alone with just me?

'Cause my world revolves around you, it's so hard for me to breathe

Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air? Can't live, can't breathe with no air

It's how I feel whenever you ain't there, there's no air, no air

Got me out here in the water so deep, tell me how you gon' be without me?

If you ain't here I just can't breathe, there's no air, no air"

No Air - Jordin Sparks

Anders paced around the study as he waited for Rylee to finish speaking to Fenris. The elf was insufferable, his treatment of Rylee was inexcusable and that alone was enough to infuriate him, but what drove him crazy was her willingness to continuously give the former slave aid. She was devoting a large amount of her free time teaching him to read, but the elf seemed so ungrateful in his treatment of her and it seemed that he had no problem deliberately placing her in danger by involving her in his own personal mess. She had gone to that slaver's cave as a personal favor to him and he had the nerve to yell at her then stomp off abandoning her there. Then he had the gall to show up here to apologize, it had taken all of Anders self control not to strike him. Rylee had politely asked Anders to excuse the two of them, so Anders had come into the library, poured himself a brandy, drank it all in one gulp and then poured another.

That isn't going to solve anything, Anders.

No, but it will make me feel a hell of a lot better.

Anders you cannot allow yourself to become too emotionally involved in every aspect of Rylee's life. These are Rylee's companions, she has to be involved with their lives, but you don't.

What affects her, affects me too!

But you are more upset about the elf's behavior than she is and it's because you are allowing your feelings for her to overrule your judgment. You're going to get yourself killed trying to protect her, Anders. She is perfectly capable of taking care of herself.

I know she is….

Then stop trying to save her! She was running her life perfectly fine before you came along.

I can't help it…I'm so afraid of something happening to her and I can't lose her…I can't go back to life was like before her…she brought me to life.

He felt a soft hand rest on his shoulder and turned to see her. "Anders, are you okay?"

He nodded as an irrational fear of something happening to her gripped his mind.

Nothing will happen to her, Anders. Have faith in her and her abilities.

Justice was right. She had been fine for years, she was the most skilled rogue he had ever seen and that was saying something because he had fought beside Nathaniel Howe and Sigrun, the dwarf from the Legion of the Dead.

She looked at him with her eyebrows raised as she tenderly caressed his cheek, "Sweetie, are you okay?" She asked again.

He smiled at her as he pulled her into his arms, "Yes, I'm fine. Just tired."

Liar!

Shut up!

I'm better at this relationship stuff than you. Just tell her the truth.

Tell her that I have an irrational paranoia that she is going to die. No thanks, I would like her to continue to think of me as sane.

You have a Spirit inside of you; she can't think that you're all that stable in the first place.

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

She took his hand in hers and began to lead him up their bed chamber. She turned and looked at him and smiled, "In front of the Arishok?"

Anders chuckled at her continuation of their game. "I'll show you the real Qun, Sweetheart."

She laughed, "Oh, please do."

They both quickly changed for bed. She curled up on his chest and was sleep within minutes. He held her for a long time listening to the soft sounds of her breathing. He thanked the Maker every day that she was now a part of his life and cursed himself for staying away from her for so long and for all the wasted years that they could have been together. The rhythmic sounds of her breathing finally drew him into the Fade.

xxXxx
Rylee stood at the edge of a very large lake. It was beautiful as the setting sun's rays sparkled off of the water. It was very peaceful here. Although she didn't know where here was. She had never seen this lake or place before.

"Rylee," a deep voice came from behind her. She turned around and saw Anders standing there, but the voice wasn't his.

"Justice?"

"Yes, it's me."

"Where is Anders?"

"He's here, but because we entered the Fade in his sleep it's easier for me take control and distract his mind with other things. He is aware that I am talking with you, but he is too relaxed to fully comprehend the conversation let alone recall it in the morning," the Spirit explained.

She raised a suspicious eyebrow, "Why did you want to talk to me?"

"I am concerned about Anders. He loves you, Rylee. He loves you more than any rational man should and it's because of his deep love for you that he has developed an unfounded fear of losing you. If he allows this fear to fester it's going to get him killed."

Her eyebrows now furrowed, "Why do you say that?"

"When in battle, he is taking too many chances, leaving himself unprotected as he tries to protect and shield you. It's going to get him killed."

"I haven't noticed…"

"You haven't noticed that instead of fighting at a distance he is inching closer and closer to the center of battle. You haven't noticed that even if he is injured he will heal you before he takes care of himself?"

She hung her head, "N-no, I'm so consumed in the heat of battle, I hadn't noticed."

"As you should, as he should be, but isn't."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Don't take him on the most dangerous missions. Take Merrill, she has more battle skills…"

"But she is a lousy healer. There isn't a better healer than Anders."

"On the next couple of mission don't bring him with you so that he can see that you will return to him safe and sound."

"Anders won't be happy that I'm not taking him and he will ask me why. I don't have any logical reason not to."

"Tell him that on these missions you need warriors and I will remind him that the break will allow him to spend some much needed time at the clinic."

Rylee nodded. "That might work. Thank you for telling me about this Justice. I will consider what you have told me."

"That is all I ask."

The scene changed and she was running in field outside of Lothering, Carver and Bethany were chasing her.

The sun cracked through the window and shined across her bed. Taboo whimpered in her sleep and rolled over on the floor. Rylee looked down at her mabari and smiled. "Aaaww, poor girl, did Anders kick you out of bed again?"

"Me kick her out? Ha! It's more like her kick me out," Anders chuckled as he walked into the room carrying a tray of breakfast breads and a pot of tea.

"What? My little Boo would never do such a thing."

"Little my arse," Anders replied.

Rylee grinned, "Your arse is not small and not too big, it's just right."

"It's about time someone noticed the perfection that is my derriere," Anders chuckled.

Rylee's eyes glistened with lust, "Oh it's more that perfection. It's downright sinfully delicious."

"Sinful, huh? And what sin is it tempting you with?"

"The sin of lust which I am hoping will lead to the sin of carnal fornication," she purred.

Anders sat the tray down, crawled up the bed to her. "My favorite sin of them all," he moaned just before he captured her lips with his.

xxXxx

That evening Rylee, Isabela, Anders and Fenris made their way down to the docks. There was some suspicious activities involving Fereldans and Rylee was determined to get to the bottom of it. Although she had lived in Kirkwall for almost five years, in her heart Ferelden was still her home and whenever she could help her fellow countrymen, she did.

When they arrived at the secret rendezvous point, Rylee ordered everyone to stay behind as she shifted into the shadows and eased forward to hear the conversation. Anders shifted uncomfortably as he eyed the rather large and very capable captains. Anders started to edge forward and he felt someone grab his arm.

"You aren't the stealthiest mage, Blondie. You stay here and I'll back up our girl," Isabela hissed as she slid into the shadows.

Not able to detect either one of them any more Anders held his breath praying they went undetected. Everything seemed to be going well, but then something caught one of the men's eyes and he yelled, "We aren't alone captain."

Seconds later Anders saw both Rylee and Isabela appear behind the two captains and drive their daggers into them, but the captains anticipated the move and disappeared before the girls' blades made contact. Anders breath hitched in his throat when he saw Rylee and Isabela surrounded by at least a dozen highly skilled thugs. Fenris let out a fierce war cry as he charged forward. Anders began to rush toward the fray.

ANDERS, STOP! You're a range fighter. Stay back and cast protective and healing spells.

They are completely out numbered…

You will aid them more back here.

Anders knew he was right but his need to keep her safe was overriding his logic and he kept slipping toward the skirmish. He was on the edge to fight when Rylee spun around, anger in her eyes, "Anders, what the hell are you doing? Get back!" She yelled as she rolled under an incoming blade.

"You're out numbered, you need help," he yelled back.

She can handle herself. She is highly capable. Have faith in her.

A reaver swung his large axe at her knees trying to bring her down, she jumped high in the air and the blade passed under her. When she landed, she pivoted, swung her leg around, driving into the thugs chest, the man stumbled backwards, Rylee charged forward knocking the man to the ground and plunging her daggers into the man's chest.

She twisted around to face him, "Anders, you're going to get me killed if I have to worry about your safety too. Now get back!" Then she charged back into the fight.

Anders fell back just as Raiders from above decided to join the party. Anders stood his ground at the bottom of the stairs and impeded their advance by firing every primal spell he had in his arsenal.

Isabela popped up behind him and said, "Good job, Blondie, but I can take it from here. If you could cast a repulsion graft that would be awesome," the pirate asked as she rushed forward.

Anders did as asked then surveyed the group to see who needed healing. Both Rylee and Fenris were injured. Fenris wounds were move severe, but his instinct was to protect Rylee first.

"I could use some healing about now," Fernis cried out.

Anders casted the healing spell at Fenris. "Oh now you like magic…when it will save your miserable life…Hypocrite!"

The fight didn't last much longer and when it was over he made his way over to Rylee who was gripping her arm. He instantly cast a healing spell at the slice on her arm. She looked at him, but didn't say anything. He looked down at her and rubbed some blood off of her cheek. "I'm sorry," he whispered.

She continued to look at him, sympathy and love reflected in her eyes. "Anders…"

"I know, I need to stay back, but the need to keep you safe is overwhelming at times," Anders said softly.

"Do I look inept at handling myself?"

Anders shook his head, "No you are fiercer then most warriors I know and as deadly as any assassin. I understand this logically, but in the heat of battle, I'm overcome with this fear of losing you…I can't lose you, Ry…I just can't"

She took his hands in hers, "Anders, this is what we do. This is the life that I have chosen. There are dangers that come with it, but you have to have faith in my abilities and in my training. I can't worry about you and fight the way I need to fight."

She paused for a long moment then ran her hand through her hair in frustration. "Look, I have to go to the Wounded Coast tomorrow to help Aveline deal with some raiders. I think you should spend the day catching up at the clinic."

She is right Anders. You need to take care of your obligations at the clinic and let her handle this on her own.

"What? Not go with you? Ry, the Coast is dangerous, you need me there to heal you," Anders said.

She smiled, "I need warriors with me on this mission, Anders. I will bring Merrill with me. Her battle skills are strong."

"She sucks at healing. If someone is seriously injured they will die before they get back to Kirkwall. Don't do this, Ry. I promise I will stay back, out of the fight," Anders pleaded.

She smiled tenderly at him, "Anders you have neglected the clinic long enough. The few days that I'm gone will give you time to tend to your patience without distraction."

Finally the voice of reason!

"Worrying about you will be one damn big distraction," Anders retorted angrily as spun away to go heal the others.

xxXxx

Anders felt her quickly ease out of bed to get ready for her trip to the Wounded Coast. After they had returned to the estate last night they continued to bicker about her decision to leave him at home and had gone to bed mad at each other. He hadn't slept for a minute as the misery of the argument weighted on him and the comfort of her warm body pressed against his was absent since they had gravitated to separate sides of the bed.

Once she was dressed and her bag was packed she leaned down to kiss him. As much as he wanted to pretend that he was asleep, he couldn't let her leave without holding her and kissing her goodbye. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her to him. She fell on top of his bare chest. He tucked a loose hair behind her ear. "I'm sorry. You're right; I need to trust in your skills as a fighter. I promise I will work on it."

"Anders, no one enters a battle without fear. Courage doesn't mean that you don't have any fear. Courage is the ability to master your fear and use it to your advantage. If all you focus on is the fear and doubt, you can't enjoy the journey or the victory."

"How can you be so wise and so beautiful?' Anders said as he pulled her to him. His hand slid around to the nape of her neck. "Come back to me, Ry. Come back to safe and sound," he whispered before he pressed his lips against hers. The sexual current that was always there between them that lingered just below the surface surged through them. She immediately responded to him, kissing him back with no hesitation. Her lips parted as Anders tongue hungrily explored her mouth, a small moan escaped her lips. Anders grabbed her waist, rolled her over on the bed, rolling with her and never breaking contact with her mouth.

"Ry," he murmured as he ran his hands through her hair kissing a path along her jaw to her neck. His fingers nimbly undid the belt and hook on her Enasalin armor vest and slid his hand under the tunic. Rylee moaned and arched her back as he cupped her breast, his thumb gently teased her nipple though the breast band.

"I'm going to be late," she groaned.

"They'll wait for you, I guarantee it," Anders whispered as he leaned forward to remove the vest and pull the tunic over her head. With his hunger for her growing, he urgently removed the breast band, his mouth seized her nipple, and he lovingly rolled his tongue over the taut peak, nipping at it with his teeth. His hand cupped her other breast as his fingers pulled and pinched at the stiff nub. Rylee moaned as she ran her fingers up his back, and slid around his bare chest, she pulled and twirled his nipples between her delicate fingers. A groan tore from his throat, "Ry…my sweet Ry."

Anders knew she didn't have much time, but he needed to taste her one last time before she left. Anders slid down her body kissing a path down the valley between her breasts to her toned stomach. He quickly undid her pants and slipped them off. He kissed a path up her thigh, to the beautiful glistening curls at the junctions of her thighs. He paused as he inhaled her sweet musky scent. He looked at her, their eyes met and just smiled wickedly at her. He dipped his head between her thighs; nipped at the inside her thigh then brushed several kisses to her wet lips before he slowly ran the tip of his tongue over her shimmering curls to get her taste on his tongue, his body trembled as he savored her. She moaned and arched into him. He placed his hand on her belly and gently pushed her down.

Anders licked her wet folds apart then his tongue swiftly sampled her sweet nectar as he ran his tongue along the length of her sex. He slid his finger through her folds to her hot core, he slid his fingers inside her wetting them, then he slid them out and ran them up the length of her sex to he found the tight bundle of nerves. He swirled his fingers around the taut nub invoking a cry of pleasure from Rylee.

"You like this, love?"

"Y-yes."

He smiled as her body trembled against him. He dipped his head again, he plunged his tongue through her curls and grasped the glinting pearl with his lips and tugged. She moaned as she grasped handfuls of hair and pushed her hips into him. He sucked, licked and nipped at her nub as she bucked, moaned and writhed against his lips. He placed three fingers at the center of her hot core and began to teasingly caress the opening.

"Anders, p-please!"

"Please what? Tell me what you need, Ry."

"In…inside me. I need you inside me," she panted.

Anders slid his fingers deep inside her hot center, he curved his fingertips up so that he hit that spot that he knew would send her racing toward the edge. He closed his lips once again over the orb as his fingers worked her over from the inside. She cried out as he sucked and teased her, her legs quaked against him as she pulled at his hair, guiding him where she wanted him, she was completely lost in the throes of ecstasy and she never looked or sounded more beautiful. He heard her breath hitch then she bucked violently against him then her body went ridged as her muscles clamped around his fingers as the powerful release rushed through her and she cried out his name and pulled at his hair. He felt his erection hardening almost painfully, the sounds of her pleasure intoxicating, the longing to be in her, almost unbearable. She moaned loudly and gasped almost unintelligibly, "Andersbaby…please…in..m-menow."

Anders kissed his way back up to her, took her mouth with his, with the taste of her still on his lips she eagerly returned the kiss, causing another aching throb from his groin. He swiftly stood up, removed his bottoms and was instantly back between her legs. In one swift movement he plunged into her hot wet center. Her heat enveloped him as he surged deeper into her. An animalistic groan ripped from her throat as she arched into his thrusts. She moved with him, completely in rhythm they moved together as one, he felt her strength, her power, he felt every part of him connected with this amazing, beautiful woman.

"Mine," he moaned against her neck.

"Yours," she sighed as she wrapped her legs around his waist bringing him deeper into her.

He drove into her again and again, harder and faster. Their breathing was becoming ragged as beads of perspiration clung to their bodies. He crashed repeatedly into her and her body shook against him as the wave of ecstasy washed over her. She screamed out as her inner walls rippled around him. Over and over again he thrust deeper and harder into her; a guttural groan tore from his throat as he slipped over the edge in an intense cascade of exquisite pleasure. One final intense thrust inside her….then the sound of wood cracking as the bed collapsed to the floor.

She laughed into his the side of his neck. "We really have to stop breaking the bed, love."

He pulled back and grinned at her, "NEVER!"

She quickly cleaned up and got dressed. She came back over to the bed and kissed him goodbye. She turned to leave, paused and looked over her shoulder, "On the roof of the gallows?"

He grinned at her, "I have a gallow's pole you can swing from."

xxXxx

Anders spent the next four days working long hours in the clinic. Rylee had been right, he had neglected his obligations there and as a result he had a lot of sick patients to see. Justice was happy to see him back in the clinic and had reminded unusually quiet. By the end of the fourth day when the group hadn't returned from the coast he refused to allow himself to panic. It was winter, the weather could be very unpredictable this time of year and they were probably just held up by an unexpected storm. By the end of the fifth day when they hadn't returned Anders' imagination was completely out of control. He imagined everything, from her being kidnapped by slavers to giant ogres crushing her, flying dragons feeding her their young.

When Aveline had rushed into his clinic, first he was flooded with relief, but that quickly disappeared with one look at her face.

Anders stood up, grabbed his coat and staff and headed started for the door. "Where is she?"

"She is at the estate," Aveline said.

Anders headed for the cellar entrance. "What happened?"

"Hmm, well she took an arrow to her thigh," Aveline replied uneasily.

"Okay, well that isn't that bad. I'm sure she is in a lot of pain, having to make it back to Kirkwall with that in her leg, but we should be able to fix it quickly," Anders stated.

"Well…Anders…that's the thing…Uh-hmm, before anyone could stop her, Merrill removed the arrow to heal Rylee. As she removed the arrowhead she nicked an artery and her healing skills weren't strong enough to heal her… she couldn't stop the bleeding. Rylee has lost a lot blood. I tied a tourniquet around the leg to slow down the flow of blood… she hasn't been conscious for days. Merrill has continued to try to heal her and I believe it's been these feeble attempts that have kept her alive."

"For days…when the hell did this happen?"

"Two days ago…we were lucky we came across a merchant with a cart and he brought us back to the city."

Fear gripped Anders heart as he flat out raced for down the dark tunnel toward the estate. Please, don't let her be gone. Please, Marker not her.

Anders sprinted up the stairs taking them two at a time; he skidded into their bed room and came to a complete halt. Surrounded by her companions, Rylee's unconscious form rested on top of the blood stained sheets. She looked so pale… almost blue, but he could see the shallow rise and fall of her chest. Thank the Maker, she lived. He could… he would save her as long as there was still breath in her body.

I should have been there!

Now is not the time to think about that. She needs you. She needs you at your best!

Justice was right. Anders blocked everything else out as he gathered his strength and began to focus on the task at hand.

Merrill stepped up to him, "Anders… I'm so sorry. I…"

"Not now, Merrill," Anders said as he made his way over to the bed.

He raised his hands and began to examine her. Aveline was right she had lost a lot of blood, there was barely enough left to flow through her heart to her brain, but he sensed that her brain wave patterns were normal. "I'm going to need lyrium. There is a chest in the library. There are plenty of vials there," Anders ordered and he heard someone hurry off to gather them.

Anders immediately closed off the wound to stem the flow of blood then he repaired the veins and arteries that were damage. It wasn't pretty, but it would do for now. He could come back to it once he healed the rest of her. None of her internal organs were damage, but they needed more blood before they began to shut down in an effort to protect the body's core. He needed to get her blood levels up and flowing properly very quickly. He needed to generate more blood, but the only way to do that and it was through blood magic. Fuck! Let her die or use a form of magic he detested. There really was no choice for him.

He looked over at Aveline and Fenris, "Can you please leave me with her?"

They all nodded and headed for the door. "Merrill, I need you to stay."

They all looked at him questioningly, but Fenris was the first one it registered with, "Blood magic!" He hissed.

"Would you rather she died?"

Fenris said nothing as he spun on his heels and left, Aveline following closely behind.

Anders turned to Merrill. "We need to generate blood in her quickly. She has lost a lot of blood, more than your tiny body holds. I am larger than both of you, so use my blood to save her."

Merrill looked at him shocked. She knew how he felt about blood magic. He had lectured her repeatedly about it. "Anders… Are you sure about this?"

"It's the only way to save her and to ensure that she is returned to us completely healed. My only concern is the taint in my blood," Anders replied.

"The ritual cleanses the blood from impurities as it transfers it, so by the time it enters her body it should be taint free," Merrill explained.

"Should be?"

"It will be. Anders, she is going to need a lot of blood. It requires more blood than what was lost to replace it," Merrill explained.

"I'll be fine. I am twice her size and you won't need it all," Anders said.

She nodded. "Okay, you need to lie down beside her," the elf instructed.

Anders stretched out beside her. Merrill drew out a blade; she took Rylee's hand and slashed a gash in her palm. She did the same to Anders and then bound their hands together. The elf then cut her own hand and began to chant. Anders felt the heat of the blood magic spell wash over him, pulsing and burning through his veins as it forced the blood out through the cut. Anders felt dizzy as the room began to spin; he closed his eyes trying to make it stop. He felt his body grow very weak as his limbs grew cold. He began to shiver just before everything went black.

A/N – Rylee's comment on fear was inspired by these quotes.
"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear. Except a creature be part coward, it is not a compliment to say it is brave." - Mark Twain
"A mind focused on doubt and fear cannot focus on the journey to victory."- Mike Jones

*Thank you once again to everyone for your reviews and for adding this story to your alert and favs list. I truly appreciate you taking the time to read and review this story. It's wonderful hearing your thoughts and comments.

* Last, but never least I would like to thank Beta Goddess Jinxy for her mad crunk beta skills and for her friendship and support. You're the best!