Hi and thank you to my latest reviewers, Chatoyant Tiger and Drustanus, and to my wonderful regular reviewers – you're the best!

Thank you so much to my wonderful friend, advisor and Beta Reader Jen – I love you girl! xxx

~Warning: Explicit M x M sex scene in this chapter.~

O~~~~~~~~~O

Teagan, Alistair, Allis, Blythe and Irving stood on the dais in Redcliffe's main hall as one by one, the Tower mages began to enter. Connor had remained in the room next door, guarded by one of the Templars from the Tower as the mages prepared. Blythe and Allis had decided that Cullen should not attend, even in disguise; they feared that if the Chantry found out he was there, even claiming he was a Grey Warden would not be enough to stop one of their agents from getting to him somehow.

Anders and Morrigan, relieved from their task of guarding Connor, also entered, along with the second Templar. Teagan beckoned the two mages to join him and the others on the dais. Upon spotting Allis, Anders ran over to the elf, lifted him by the waist and planted an enthusiastic kiss on his lips. "They told me you were here, Allis!" he exclaimed, ignoring the scandalised gasps from around the room, "how are you, you old tart?"

Allis, looking a little embarrassed, smiled nervously as one of Alistair's eyebrows shot up. "I, um…I'm fine, thanks," he replied as Anders put him down, "it's good to see you again, Anders. This is Alistair," he said, turning toward the Templar. "My, erm…my friend."

Anders extended his hand. "Good to meet you, Alistair!" he chirped. Alistair shook his hand but did not speak or alter his stony expression. Oh, crap, Anders thought.

Anders then turned toward Blythe, who had waited patiently with a huge grin on her face. "And how's my princess?" he beamed, "happy, now she's reunited with her prince?"

"Very happy!" she replied as they embraced.

"So," Anders whispered into her ear, "has he pierced you with his 'sword of mercy' yet?"

"Anders!" she exclaimed, before dissolving into a fit of giggles. Allis grinned to see Blythe laughing again.

"I'll take that as a 'no', then," Anders replied dryly, rolling his eyes, "I should have bloody well known!"

"You scallywag!" she admonished, dramatically prodding Anders' chest with her finger.

"Scallywag?" he scoffed, "I much prefer 'rogue' or 'scoundrel'. Goes down much better with the ladies, don't you know."

"Yes," she chuckled, "I can see you're fighting them off as we speak!"

Anders was about to reply when a tranquil mage entered, carrying a white bowl filled with glowing blue liquid, which he placed on a pedestal.

"Ah, we are ready," said Irving, addressing Morrigan, Allis, Anders and Blythe. "Which of you will be entering the Fade?"

"I will," Allis and Anders said in unison.

"Actually," said Blythe, annoyed that Irving assumed that she or one of her friends would do it, "I think Irving should do it. Show us youngsters how it's done, eh?"

"Me?" the elderly mage spluttered, "but I cannot enter the Fade. I shall be overseeing the ritual."

"Is there a reason another mage can't do that?" she said, folding her arms and tilting her head back defiantly.

"Well, no…but…" Irving replied, unable to think of a plausible excuse.

"I would be happy to oversee the ritual, First Enchanter," Allis offered helpfully as he stepped forward, casting a surreptitious wink at Blythe. "I am a senior mage, after all."

"I…er…oh, very well," Irving sighed reluctantly. "I shall enter the Fade."

"Good!" Allis replied, raising his hand to gain the attention of the Templar. "Would you join us, please, Ser?" he asked, and as the Templar stepped forward, Allis informed him that Irving would be entering the Fade to confront the demon.

"I see," said the Templar in a muffled voice from behind his helm. Allis fancied he could detect a smirk in his voice.

Irving stepped forward to the pedestal and held his hand over the bowl, as the Templar placed his hand on the hilt of his sword in readiness. Irving immersed his hand into the bowl of liquid, and as he lifted it out, a blinding stream of light emanated from it.

The old man crumpled, and Anders caught him, lowering him to the floor. Irving lay there peacefully, as though asleep. Occasionally, his body twitched, and the mages especially noted the tension of the Templar when this occurred. After ten minutes or so, Irving began to speak:

"You have nothing I wish for, demon. There will be no discussion."

The mages exchanged glances and the Templar removed his helm, wiping the heavy perspiration from his brow. Blythe, Anders and Allis recognised him as Ser Thomas.

"Very well!" cried Irving, as his body began to twitch violently.

"Is he alright?" Anders asked.

"Yes," Ser Thomas replied, "they must engaging in battle."

Blythe suddenly felt a pang of guilt for sending the old man into the Fade, but at the same time was relieved that none of her friends were there.

"I need help in here!" cried the other Templar from Connor's room.

Anders and Morrigan ran in, as they had tended to Connor previously. The boy lay on a bed, unconscious, and appeared to be having a seizure. Anders climbed onto the bed next to him on his knees and raised his arms, invoking a Lifeward to protect him. "It's alright, Connor," he soothed, stroking the child's forehead, "just hang in there. This will be over soon."

Back in the main hall, Irving's body had stilled. Allis and Blythe crouched down next to him, watching for signs of movement. Finally, the old man's eyes flickered open and he scanned the room, exhaling deeply. "The demon is no more," he mumbled.

Morrigan entered the main hall. "The boy is safe," she announced.

Teagan crouched down next to Irving and shook his hand. "I cannot thank you enough, First Enchanter," he said gratefully. "Is there anything I can offer you in return for what you have done?"

Irving chuckled wearily. "Have someone take me to a bed," he groaned, "I am not as sprightly as once I was."

"At once," Teagan replied, gesturing to two of his Knights, who walked over and gently helped the old man to his feet, taking him to a bedroom to recuperate.

O~~~~~~~~~O

After the departure of the Tower mages and Templars, and following a hearty meal, Bann Teagan gathered the Wardens and their companions in the banqueting hall. There, he gave his heartfelt thanks to them all for what they had done in service to Redcliffe, and presented each of them with a gift. Alistair, Cullen and Sten received a brand new set of heavy chainmail, fashioned from Silverite; for Leliana and Zevran, a tough but light tunic of reinforced leather, along with new boots and gloves; and for the mages, a brand new staff and set of enchanted robes. Even Reaper was presented with a brand new spiked leather collar.

Teagan then asked for their help one last time, in locating the Urn of Sacred Ashes, which he hoped would cure Eamon. Allis and Alistair were keen, but some of their companions were not so enthusiastic; Sten, Morrigan and Zevran being the most outspoken in their opposition. Allis asked Teagan to leave them to discuss the matter, and he complied, closing the door behind him.

"'Tis naught but a wild goose chase," said Morrigan, "and unworthy of our time, which could be better spent going after our enemies, which are many."

"I agree with the witch," Sten concurred, ignoring her glare. "We cannot chase after a fable when we have the Blight to deal with."

"I happen to agree with you both," Allis replied. "I don't hold out much hope of finding the Urn, if it even exists, but we do need Eamon, and I believe we should make every effort to save him. However, we should not lose sight of our true purpose in doing so."

He sat and thought carefully for a few moments. "I have an idea," he said finally. "I think we should split up – one group going in search of the Urn; the other continuing with the Grey Warden treaties. Does that sound fair?"

A few murmurs of agreement sounded from around the table. "Right," he continued, "this is how I think we should be split – group one will consist of myself, Alistair, Zevran, Anders and Reaper; group two, Blythe, Cullen, Sten, Leliana and Morrigan. That way," he explained, "each group has a healer, an offensive mage, a Templar, a warrior and a multi-talented rogue."

And the two couples stay together, he thought.

Cullen and Blythe grinned at one another from across the table. Zevran watched them, his face set in a impassive mask, his stomach churning uncomfortably.

"Does anyone disagree?" Allis asked.

"No," Sten muttered, "I should travel in the group containing the most women. They will need more protection." The three women looked at one another and rolled their eyes, but said nothing.

"Blythe?" Allis asked, "as the Warden, you will be in charge of your group. Where would you like to go?"

"Come on, let's confer," she said, gathering her new team around her. After some discussion, she turned back to Allis. "We'd like to go and visit the dwarves," she replied.

"Good," Allis grinned, "looks like the rest of us are going after the Urn, then."

"Does this mean we'll be going to Denerim," asked Alistair, "to find this Brother Genitivi?"

"That's right," Allis replied.

"Well, I was wondering if we could look someone up while we're there?" Alistair requested, "if we have time, that is?"

"I don't see why not," Allis replied, "anyone exciting?"

"My sister, actually," Alistair replied in a low voice.

"Of course!" Allis exclaimed, "you told me about your sister. She lives in Denerim, then?"

"I hope she still does," Alistair replied. "I know where she used to live, at least. Perhaps we could try there?"

"Definitely," Allis nodded, "I can't wait to meet her myself, in fact!" he said excitedly, before turning to the rest of the group. "I suggest we all get an early night," he recommended, "and set out in the morning. We will all be able to travel together for a day or two along the Imperial Highway, before going our separate ways."

The companions rose and drifted toward their rooms. Alistair and Allis went to speak with Teagan to advise him of their decision. Anders approached Zevran before the assassin left the room and introduced himself.

"Well, looks like we'll be travelling together," he said brightly, shaking Zevran's hand. "The name's Anders."

"Zevran, or Zev to my friends," the elf replied, looking up at the tall mage.

"And which should I call you?" Anders asked with a grin.

"Well," Zevran replied, "we shall see. It all depends on how we get along, does it not?"

"Very true," Anders laughed, as Zevran smiled magnanimously and departed for his room.

"Does Zevran have something stuck to his back?" asked Blythe as she sidled up to Anders.

"Eh?" he mumbled.

"Well, you seemed to be staring at him as he left," Blythe replied with mock innocence.

"Hm? Who?" Anders asked with unconvincing nonchalance.

"Zevran," Blythe said firmly, "you know – the elf? You have a thing for elves, don't you?"

"Oh," Anders replied airily, "was he an elf?" Blythe shook her head and walked away, laughing to herself.

"Oh, hold on, Blythe," Anders said, catching up to her. "Go and sit back down for a minute. Cullen and I need to speak to you and Allis."

"What about?" she asked.

"Just go and sit down, Blythe," he sighed, "I'll go and round up Allis."

~O~

Alistair, Allis and Reaper were about to head upstairs when Anders approached them. "Allis?" he asked, "may I borrow you for a few minutes? Cullen and I need to speak to you and Blythe."

"Alright," Allis replied and turned to Alistair. "Carry on. I'll be up soon. I'll see if I can locate a bottle of wine on my way up," he added with a wink.

"Yes, don't worry, Alistair," Anders added cheerfully, "I'll let you have him back in a jiffy!"

"Thanks," Alistair replied dryly and turned to head upstairs. "Come on, Reaper," he called. The Mabari bounded after him enthusiastically.

~O~

Allis and Anders entered the banqueting hall once more, and Anders motioned for him to sit down next to Blythe and Cullen as he closed the door.

"Cullen and I have made a disturbing discovery," Anders said soberly as he took a seat, "which we think the two of you should be aware of – but it's to go no further."

Allis and Blythe nodded and leaned forward, their curiosity piqued.

Anders glanced at Cullen as he spoke. "When it was decided that the two of us were going to escape together, we knew that Cullen's addiction to lyrium would be an issue," he said quietly, then paused before continuing. "I endeavoured to discover the difference between the Templars' lyrium and the mages'. What I found was…horrifying."

Allis and Blythe's eyes darted between the two men. "What?" Blythe said anxiously.

Anders sighed heavily. "It turned out," he replied, "that the Templars' lyrium is laced with opium – laudanum, to be exact."

A heavy silence fell as Allis and Blythe stared back at Anders, their mouths hanging open.

"He's been weaned off it now," Anders added, "although he still feels its effects every day."

"Oh, Cullen…" Blythe murmured, placing one of her hands on his shoulder and taking his hand with the other, "I can't imagine what you must have gone through."

"Actually," Cullen replied, shrugging his shoulders, "Anders had the hardest time. I don't remember much of it."

"Do you feel you've recovered, now, Cullen?" Allis asked, leaning over the table.

"No," he replied, shaking his head, "several times a day I…well, I crave it. It's a constant battle, but I'm not going to let those bastards at the Chantry defeat me. I won't give in."

"I'm so proud of you," Blythe whispered to him, to which he smiled faintly.

"So," Allis said grimly, "the Templars' addiction is not an unfortunate side effect of taking lyrium, but a deliberate way for the Chantry to control them?"

"Exactly," Anders replied, "chills the blood, doesn't it?"

"Alistair needs to know about this," Allis said, standing up.

"Alistair? Why?" asked Anders.

"Because he's a Templar," Cullen explained. "Although he never took his final vows, and therefore never took any lyrium, he still has a right to know."

"Not only that," Allis muttered, "but Alistair may also be…highly placed some day. He may be able to do something about this."

"Highly placed?" asked Cullen, his eyes narrowing a little. Allis noted that he did not seem very surprised.

"Maybe," Allis replied abruptly, realising his faux pas. "We'll, erm…deal with that nearer to the time. I'd better go."

"Wait!" cried Blythe, turning to Allis. "We have something for Anders, remember?"

"Oh, yes!" Allis exclaimed with a smile. "Come on, Anders, you too, Cullen. We found something at the Circle Tower which Anders might like."

"Ooh, surprises!" Anders squealed, leaping from his chair. "A nice one, I hope!"

~O~

Allis led the other three to his room and opened the door. On his bed lay a ginger tomcat, who looked up and swished his tail in annoyance at the intrusion; then, upon spotting Anders, jumped down from the bed and approached him, rubbing his head and body against Anders' legs, mewing contentedly.

Anders looked down at the cat as a look of childlike delight lit up his face. "Mr Wiggums?" he exclaimed with laughter in his voice. "Where did you find him?" he chuckled, lifting the cat up and rubbing its nose with his own.

"He was hiding under a bunk," Allis explained. "We gave him some food and water and told him to stay there until we returned. We collected him on our way out."

"Can I…keep him?" Anders asked hopefully.

"Of course!" Blythe replied with a laugh. "We thought of you as soon as we found him. You always were his favourite."

"Oh, thank you!" Anders laughed, then his face fell and his brow furrowed. "Hang on," he muttered, "I won't be able to take Mr Wiggums with me – Reaper will be coming with us!"

"It's alright," Allis replied, "I introduced the two of them earlier. They were a little wary around each other at first, but I don't think Reaper has had any experience of cats before now, and doesn't realise he's supposed to eat them! They were playing together not long ago. I think they'll become friends."

~O~

Alistair opened his bedroom door to let Reaper out for a spell, and looked up the corridor just in time to see Allis and Anders embracing before they all said goodnight. He closed the door and leaned against it, shutting his eyes as he tried to shrug off the feeling of panic and dread that seized him. He walked over to the table and poured himself a second glass of wine, downing it in one gulp.

~O~

Cullen walked Blythe to her room. They stood outside the door, stroking each other's arms and talking about the prospect of travelling together. Occasionally, Blythe would grab his arm and try to steer him toward the door, to which Cullen would laugh and steer himself back again.

"You're such a tease, Cullen, do you know that?" Blythe whispered in his ear.

"A tease?" he exclaimed, looking both horrified and amused. "How?" he asked incredulously.

"Well," Blythe murmured, running her hand down his chest, "you walk around looking all handsome, you speak in that wonderful soft voice of yours, you smell so nice, and then you walk me to my room…"

Cullen had turned bright red. "And?" he chuckled.

"And," she repeated, "now you're going to be a gentleman, kiss me on the forehead and wish me goodnight! It's more than a girl can bear!"

Cullen laughed softly and looked up and down the hallway. "Come here," he whispered playfully, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close. He leaned into her and gently pushed her against the wall, eliciting a gasp from Blythe. He brought his hands up to her face, softly caressing its contours, as he brought his lips close to hers. Then, he moved upwards and kissed her forehead. "Goodnight!" he said mischievously as he walked away.

"You…you wretched man!" Blythe exclaimed hotly. Cullen turned and flashed her a brilliant smile as he disappeared around the corner.

~O~

Allis knocked on Alistair's door and entered, closing it behind him. "Ah!" he exclaimed, "you've started on the wine. Good. Pour me a glass, would you?" Allis sat on Alistair's bed and wearily pulled his boots off. "Look, Alistair," he said, "there's something I need to tell you about…"

"If it's about you and Anders, I already know," Alistair sneered from across the room. "He's not exactly subtle, is he?"

"What? Anders?" Allis asked, puzzled, "what does he have to do with anything?"

"Oh, come on," Alistair snapped, "it's obvious that the two of you were involved at some point."

"And what if we were, Alistair?" Allis replied irritably. "I have been with other men, you know. You know what goes on at the Tower. You must have known that about me."

"Yes, I did…" Alistair said uncertainly, "it's just that when he picked you up in front of everyone, then kissed you…I felt like such a fool."

"Well I could hardly help that, could I?" Allis replied angrily, standing up, "the man's twice my size!"

Alistair sighed and sank into a chair. "So what did happen between the two of you, then?" he asked miserably.

"You really want to know?" Allis snapped, feeling like he was being interrogated, "we gave each other a hand job in a storeroom several years ago. It lasted for two minutes and was very forgettable. End of story. And he wasn't the only one, Alistair," he added, anger creeping into his voice, "there were several over the years. I can't even remember the names of some of them! Are you happy now?"

"Look," said Alistair weakly, "I…I didn't expect you to have lived like a priest, it's just that…"

"You know what, Alistair?" Allis interrupted, "I'm really not in the mood for this tonight! Blythe and I have just returned from the Tower, where we found pretty much everyone we ever called a friend dead or turned into an abomination…!"

Alistair stood up, his face racked with shock and sorrow.

"…No, Alistair," Allis continued, holding his hands up, "save it! I'm going to bed!"

Allis turned and headed toward the door, but Alistair ran ahead and leaned against it, blocking his exit.

"Please, don't go, Allis," Alistair pleaded, "Maker, I'm so sorry. I…I had no idea…but you wouldn't talk to me when you returned, and you shut me out…I felt…left out. I'm sorry. It was really selfish of me."

Allis sighed and his body went limp. He walked over to the bed and sat down heavily, staring ahead of him. Alistair tentatively walked over and sat beside him, placing his arm on Allis' back. "Please, tell me what happened," he asked softly.

Allis remained silent for a few moments then took a deep breath. He told Alistair how they had found most of the apprentices and Templars dead on the first floor, and that on the second and third floors, they'd encountered monstrous abominations and undead creatures. Then he recounted meeting the Sloth Demon on the fourth floor and how they had all been drawn into the fade, trapped in their own dreams. Finally, he told Alistair about their terrible battle against Uldred, and of Jowan's sacrifice.

"Jowan…?" Alistair said in disbelief. "I can't believe it."

"He was a hero, Alistair," Allis replied thickly, "if it weren't for him, we would all be dead, and I have no doubt that by now, abominations would have been roaming the countryside. Uldred was building an army."

The two men sat in silence for a moment. Alistair placed his arm around Allis' shoulder and pulled him close. "So, what did you dream about, Allis?" he asked gently.

Allis closed his eyes and Alistair felt the elf's body stiffen. "I…I don't want to talk about that, Alistair," he replied. "It's not that I'm trying to shut you out…it's just…too soon. Ask me again another time."

"No," Alistair replied, "tell me when you're ready." He felt Allis' body relax once again, and he planted a soft kiss against the elf's temple. "You'd best get some sleep, Allis," he whispered, "you must be exhausted. You can sleep in here, if you like."

"No, Alistair," he replied, looking into the Templar's eyes, "I don't want to go to sleep. We have a nice big bed, privacy for once, and absolutely no mud," he grinned. "I nearly lost you the other day, and Maker knows we don't get much time on our own. I want to be with you tonight."

"Are you sure?" Alistair asked, feeling a warm tingle rise up his body.

"Quite sure," he replied, standing up and turning his back on Alistair, "help me with this."

Alistair took a deep breath and stood up, unbuttoning Allis' robe, which he found tricky at first. He finally mastered the knack of undoing the buttons with one hand; with the other he stroked Allis' hair.

"Show off," Allis muttered. Alistair chuckled, and as he reached the last button, he pulled the robe down over Allis' shoulders, letting it fall to the floor. Allis turned around, placed his hands against Alistair's shirt, and began undoing his buttons. Alistair placed his hands on Allis' hips, leaned down, and took his mouth gently, feeling a wave of warmth wash over him as Allis responded. Alistair pulled back as he felt his shirt being tugged off, and pulled it off at the cuffs, throwing it to the floor.

Allis then moved his hands to Alistair's breeches, unravelling the laces, as he trailed kisses down the Templar's chest. Alistair closed his eyes and clasped Allis' head, raking his fingers across his scalp and gently tugging his hair.

Allis knelt down as he pulled Alistair's breeches and smallclothes down, Alistair helpfully stepping out of them. "Maker's Breath," Allis exclaimed, looking up the length of Alistair's body, seeing him completely naked for the first time. "You're magnificent," he purred throatily. "Sit down, Alistair," he said.

Alistair sat on the bed, expecting Allis to sit next to him, but the elf stayed on his knees and moved in between Alistair's legs, running his hands down the Templar's muscled and hairy chest, placing soft kisses on his belly, and occasionally plucking a chest hair, causing Alistair to hiss sharply. "Allis…" Alistair murmured, his breath becoming laboured, as he gently grasped Allis' hair with one hand, and stroked his shoulder with the other.

Allis moved up to Alistair's chest and took a nipple into his mouth, sucking hard and biting gently, causing Alistair to throw his head back and grunt loudly, his breath coming out in ever shorter bursts. Alistair's mouth fell open as Allis moved down between his legs, his one hand moving to Alistair's thigh; the other, softly caressing and squeezing his balls. Alistair sank back on his elbows and moaned as he realised what Allis was doing, and shuddered as he felt a warm tongue slide up and down his engorged shaft.

"Allis…please!" he cried, desperate for release, pulling Allis' head toward him, crying out and bucking his hips as he felt wet heat envelop him. Allis' hand moved to Alistair's shaft, stroking rhythmically, as he sucked and nibbled, before taking his lover's length fully into his mouth.

"Ah, Maker, Allis…" Alistair cried plaintively, no longer able to control the movement of his hips as his whole body began to burn and throb. "Ah…Allis!" he cried finally, crashing backwards onto the bed as Allis took his juices into his mouth. He lay there, panting and still not in full command of his faculties, as Allis settled down next to him on the bed.

"Are you alright?" Allis asked with a huge grin on his face.

"Oh…" Alistair mumbled incoherently, "that was…that was…oh, Maker!"

"Good!" Allis replied, as Alistair propped himself up on an elbow, still giddy, and leaned over, taking Allis' mouth in a robust kiss, forcing the elf onto his back. Alistair pulled away gently and ran his hands down Allis' chest.

"Now, what can I do for you?" he asked suggestively.

"Well…" Allis replied, biting his lip, "may I…what we talked about?" he asked hesitantly, "only if you're ready though. You don't have to."

Alistair grinned shyly. "Alright," he replied, "but just a little bit at first."

"Of course, Alistair," Allis replied, feeling himself stiffen painfully as he looked around the room.

"Hair oil, top drawer," Alistair instructed, knowing what was on Allis' mind.

Allis leaned over and retrieved a small bottle of scented oil from the drawer as Alistair turned onto his side. Coating his palm, he lay flush against Alistair's back and coated his shaft with the oil, before placing his hand between Alistair's buttocks and gently massaging. "Are you sure about this, Alistair?" he whispered, his breath already catching just at the thought of what was to come.

"Yes, Allis," Alistair replied, rolling onto his stomach. "Go easy on me," he chuckled.

Allis knelt between Alistair's legs and stroked down the length of his back, placing one hand on Alistair's shoulder to afford purchase. With his other hand, he placed his shaft at Alistair's entrance. "Ready, Alistair?" he asked breathlessly.

"Mm-hmm," Alistair replied.

"Let me know if you want me to stop," Allis whispered, as he positioned himself and edged forward a tiny amount. Seeing that Alistair remained comfortable, he eased himself in a little further, grasping Alistair's shoulder firmly and grimacing as a fire raged in his belly. "Are you alright?" he asked, panting.

"I'm fine," replied Alistair, feeling nothing but a stretching sensation, "keep going."

Allis moaned and bit his lip as he eased himself in further, desperately fighting the urge to thrust. "Keep going," Alistair whispered.

Allis grasped Alistair's hip and shoulder and pressed himself further in, as slowly as he could, all the time watching Alistair's face for signs of discomfort. "That's enough," Alistair said, "but I'm fine, Allis."

"Thank you, Alistair," he moaned, and tensed his thighs, making tiny movements with his hips, "thank you…"

Allis' eyes flew open and he cried out sharply as Alistair tensed his muscles once. "Alistair! Do that again! Please!" he cried. Alistair grinned and started to tighten his muscles, building into a slow rhythm as Allis panted frantically, a deep growl emanating from his throat. He plastered himself against Alistair's back, one arm wrapped around his belly, the other grabbing his hair as he devoured the Templar's neck and shoulders. Alistair began rocking his hips back and forth and Allis, unable to control himself any longer, started to thrust as Alistair pulled him deeper in and tensed faster and faster.

"Oh!" Allis cried as every nerve ending on his body became inflamed, and with one final thrust, filled Alistair with his seed. "Alistair…"he groaned as he withdrew and collapsed onto his back.

Alistair turned himself over to face Allis, who lay spent and exhausted on his back. "Are you alright, Alistair?" he asked weakly.

"Yes," Alistair grinned, "that was quite fun, actually!"

"Really?" Allis laughed as Alistair wrapped his arms around him.

"Mm-hmm," Alistair mumbled, "in fact, I think I'd quite like to have a go."

"That's wonderful," Allis grinned, "just…give me a few years to recover, first!"

"Not a chance," Alistair laughed, "you've got an hour!"

O~~~~~~~~~O

Blythe, after unsuccessfully trying to sleep for what seemed like hours, pulled herself up and sat on the edge of the bed, pouring herself a glass of water. The notched candle she had lit before retiring had only burned down a little; indicating that only half an hour or so had passed. She sighed heavily and closed her eyes.

Dead mages Demon Cullen Jowan

She opened her eyes abruptly and shook her head in the hope it would dismiss the images that troubled her, and walked over to the window, looking in the direction of the Circle Tower; although in the gloom she could not see it. She glanced over at her bed. Although she felt overwhelmed by tiredness, she was afraid to close her eyes, as each time she did, images of what she had witnessed at the Tower rudely forced themselves into her mind's eye, and refused to leave. She pulled on her robe and exited the room, walking up the hallway toward Cullen's room.

Upon reaching his door, she hesitated for a moment before knocking three times.

"Who is it?" Cullen called.

"It's Blythe," she answered, "may I come in?"

"Erm, just…just a second," he replied as he covered himself up. "Alright, you can come in now."

Blythe looked around and turned the knob, entering Cullen's room and closing the door behind her. He was sitting up in bed, a sheet pulled over his bare chest. "I didn't wake you, did I?" Blythe asked apologetically.

"Oh, no," Cullen replied, "I was just dozing. "Is…everything alright?"

"I can't sleep," she murmured, walking over to the bed, "and was wondering if I could get in with you?"

"Erm…I…" Cullen said hesitantly, clearing his throat.

"I promise not to ravish you," Blythe grinned shyly, "I just wanted to wake up next to the real you, that's all."

"The real me?" Cullen exclaimed, his stutter gone, "what do you mean by that?"

"Oh, take no notice of me," Blythe replied hastily, "I'm tired and don't know what I'm saying."

"Come on, then," Cullen said as he pulled the bedcovers back, watching her expression carefully as she sat on the bed. "Erm, I'd better let you know before you get in…" he warned, "I'm not wearing anything under here."

Blythe grinned as she swung her legs into the bed, keeping her robe on. "You're lucky I'm so tired," she replied, stifling a yawn, "any other time I may have broken my promise not to ravish you."

Cullen threw the covers back over her, and leaned on his elbow as she snuggled close to his chest. "Blythe," he said softly, "what…happened to you in the Tower?"

Blythe sighed and closed her eyes, realising that the haunting images were no longer there. "I will tell you, Cullen," she promised, "but not tonight, hm?"

"Alright," he agreed, kissing her cheek. "Listen," he said quietly, "I want you to stop calling me Cullen. It reminds me of when we were at the Tower. I want you to call me by my first name."

She looked up at him. "Oh, you mean Sebastian?" she grinned.

"What? How did you…" he spluttered, then broke into a grin of his own. "Alistair," he said wryly.

"That's correct, Sebastian," she giggled, wrapping her arms around him. "I think it rather suits you, actually."

"Really?" he murmured, drawing his head closer to hers.

"Really, Sebas…" Blythe replied, unable to finish her sentence as Cullen's mouth covered her own in a deep, sweet kiss. She moaned as he drew away and stroked her cheek.

"Goodnight, Blythe," Cullen whispered, gathering her into his arms.

"Goodnight, Sebastian," she replied, before muttering "bloody tease," causing them both to laugh. Finally together, they relaxed and closed their eyes, and Blythe snuggled against his chest, softly lulled to sleep by the sound of his beating heart.

.