Lorelai sat there, looking around the camp. They were an odd band

, but what caught her eye was the group of mages with them. Strange, but then again nothing has been normal about my life lately.

"I hear that you require healing."

Lorelai looked up, and saw an elderly mage looking her over. There was warmth in her eyes but also a degree of suspicion, "Where does it hurt.?"

"My ankle, but if it's too much trouble-"

"Nonsense. This is what I do. You may call me Wynne."

"Lorelai."

The elderly mage knelt and examined

"Odd for a woman to be out here travelling alone."

"I have my reasons."

There was silence between the them as Wynne's hands glowed green and Lorelai felt the warmth of the healing magic sweep over her as the pain in her ankle began to subside.

"There. As good as new, though you might want to take it easy for the next few days."

"Thank you Wynne."

The mage nodded and headed back across the camp. It seemed that the camp dwellers wanted as little to do with her as possible. Sighing, she began sorting through her pack and unrolled her bed roll. It was still warm enough to sleep out in the open, besides she didn't have a tent and didn't think she was in a position to ask for one.

Zevran leaned on a nearby tree watching her. He heard Dairren approach but didn't take his gaze from her. He couldn't help but notice that Alistair was also watching her, albeit less discreetly. Such a beautiful creature. Zevran mused to himself, and she has managed to enchant the innocent templar.

"Zev."

"My dear warden, what can I do for you?"

Dairren followed Zevran's gaze "What do you think of her?"

"She is feisty and beautiful. Two qualities I admire in my women."

"That's not what I mean." Dairren sighed "Can she be trusted?"

"Your asking an assassin who tried to kill you whether you can trust a lone travelling woman, who as far as I'm aware has not yet tried to kill you."

"We don't know who she is, what she's doing out here and why she is travelling to Redcliffe."

"Ah I see. You want information? Leave to me. I have ways of making woman talk." This was going to be fun. Straightening himself up, Zevran casually strolled towards her. She was knelt down with her back to him, trying to make her bedding as comfortable as possible. He bent down and tsked in her ear "My my, what is this? Are you going to sleep out here in the open? You'd be much safer and warmer in my tent." Zevran smirked as he saw Lorelai shudder, involuntarily. "It would seem that you are not totally against the idea."

Lorelai turned her head and looked up at him. Zevran noticed with satisfaction that her cheeks were flushed pink. "That's kind of you, but those tents look too small for two people to sleep in."

"Who said anything about sleeping."

"Ah-hem"

Zevran looked up, smirking when he saw Alistair who scowled at him. "I was just leaving. By the way Lorelai my offer still stands." With that Zevran walked towards Dairren, fully aware that Alistair was staring daggers into his back.

"Here. I thought you might be hungry. It's not much but it's better than starvation." Alistair handed Lorelai a bowl of food, his expression softening as he sat down next to her.

"Thank you."

"So Dairren tells me your on your way to Redcliffe."

Lorelai nodded.

"I take it then that you've heard what's happened?"

"What do you mean?"

"You mean you don't know?The Arl. He's been poisoned."

"Poisoned? By who?"

"An apostate. Blood Mage. Hired by Teryn Loghain."

Lorelai's head began to swim. Loghain seemed to be attempting to get rid of anyone who might speak out against him. She knew her father would have, which meant Loghain must have played some part in her family's murder as well as Calian's death. The Hero of River Dane had fallen far indeed.

"That's not the worst of it." "There's also a demon possession in the Castle. That's why the mages here. We sought out their help. I only hope we get back to Redcliffe in time. " Without thinking, Lorelai reached out and squeezed his hand, he gazed down at her. Her emerald green eyes sparkled with understanding and reassurance. "The Arl is a strong man. Loghain will pay for his crimes, one way or another."

"I hope your right."