Anders had this same nightmare many times before. Karl standing with his back to him in the Chantry, only to turn around, showing that ugly red sun brand. Guilt of not being able to save Karl made this dream recurring for months after he had died. Leigh had walked in on a few of such dreams when they first started becoming friends. She had held him many times after such dreams. Now he was back here again and Leigh was not home. It was his fault she wasn't home with him. If he had not acted like such and ass Leigh would have woken him up by now. His could not help his feet moving to take him up the stairs. His heart pounded under his ribs the closer he got to the top on the stairs. The figure standing were Karl had stood was emerged in shadow. The nearer he got the more he wanted to wake up.

The person turned around and Anders screamed. Haunting gray eyes met his amber ones, but there was nothing there. The woman he loved was gone. A angry red sun was burned into her forehead. He fell to his knees and cried. The shell that was now Leigh moved to him, movements choppy, nothing like the fluid rogue he knew.

"Serah, please get off the floor. The place to pray is down in front of the alter." The chinking of armor made Anders jump to his feet. Meredith stood before him smiling. Anger welled in Anders and Justice threatened to surface.

"I will make you pay for this Templar!"

"Your the reason she met this fate mage. She gave herself over to us to save your life." Horror flooded through him, then rage. "Now that she can no longer protect you it is your turn. Hold him!" Out of nowhere hands took hold of him and Anders felt his mana drain away. Leigh stood there staring at him, but made no move to help. Anders stopped struggling and slumped down to the floor. Meredith had the Tranquility brand in her hand and made her way toward him. The last thing he felt was the brand burning into his skin and he screamed.

Both Bodahn and Orana tried to wake Anders, but he remained unconscious and thrashing. When he started to scream Orana backed away from him.

"What is wrong with him?" Bodahn having traveled with Wardens before knew about the nightmares and swore to Ashlyn he would keep the secret.

"He is a mage, he must be battling in the Fade. Please go get the Warden Commander. She is staying at the Hanged Man with Lady Isabela." Orana nodded and left to do as she was asked. "Master Anders wake up! By the stone where is Serah Hawke?" The sound on light footsteps behind the dwarf made him jump. Leigh rushed in the room and dropped her dagger belt on the floor.

"Please go get me a cold wet rag!"

"Yes messare."

"Anders wake up!" His body continued to spasm and it took all her strength to hold him down. "Whoever said mages are weaklings never had to stop one from thrashing." Bodahn had returned handing her the cloth and she pressed it to her lover's head. "I have it from here Bodahn. I'm sorry I should not have stayed out all night and left you to deal with this."

"I sent Orana to get the Warden."

"Good when she gets here tell her to come right up." The dwarf bowed and left the room. Leigh turned her attention back to the man shaking in her arms. "Please love wake up." Leigh tried everything she knew to wake him, but to no avail. The look of pure fear on his face made her feel helpless. She had one other thing she could do, she slapped him hard across the face. Bloodshot amber eyes flew open, then turned blue. "Justice, wait!"

"Why did you strike us?"

"I could not wake you. It was all I could think of."

"He was dreaming."

"I know, but that is the worst nightmare I have ever seen him have." The spirit sat up and rubbed his temples. "What was he dreaming about?"

"You...made Tranquil."

"Ah."

"I warned him that you would be a distraction." Leigh glared at Justice and shook her head.

"I thought you and I were past all this? I have done nothing but try to help both of you with your cause only to be shut out in the cold. I love him Justice. I would kill and die for him. What more do you want from me?"

"Let us go." The pain in his voice brought tears to her eyes.

"We can't. Pash loves you even though she knows you can't return it. I love Anders and do not want to know a world without him being with me."

"We will only end up hurting both of you. We can't bare the thought of it."

"Is this you talking or him?"

"Both of us. We are walking a path you both will not be able to follow. A path we would never let you follow."

"That is not your decision is it? I am not a child Justice and I have every right to do with my life what I will, and I want to help." Strong hands gripped her shoulders painfully and stern glowing eyes stared into hers.

"You have no idea what you ask. Have you no sense of self preservation?"

"Not if I lose him." Amber eyes returned blinking back tears. A mournful sob escaped his lips and her collapsed into Leigh's arms. "I'm here, shhh."

"I'm so sorry love, I never should have..."

"Don't do this to yourself. I'm right here and will not leave your side ever. It will take a lot more than you yelling at me to chase me away." Ashlyn stood in the doorway and watched. Leigh knew she was there as did Anders with his taint sense so to speak, but neither acknowledged her presence. "Don't you know anything Anders?"

"Huh?"

"Hawks once they find their mates stay with them for life."

"It's true Anders my brother lost his hunting hawk that way. He found his mate and never came back." Leigh gave Ashlyn a grateful look. "I told you one of these days someone would get you and you never believed me." Anders gave a exacerbated sigh and leaned his head on Leigh's shoulder. He felt her fingers twist in his hair making him relax even more.

"Where did you go?"

"I wandered around for a while trying to cool my temper. I was furious with you and did not want to have a knock down drag out fight when I got home so I stayed away."

"We were all worried about you. Varric couldn't even find out where you were."

"When I don't want to be found, you won't find me. It use to drive Carver crazy."

"So you wandered Kirkwall all night by yourself?" Anders' voice rose a few decibels. It wasn't an angry voice, but it did make Leigh wince a bit.

"I can take care of myself dear."

"I...I know that, but Maker what if the Templars found you?"

"Normally they travel in packs of no more than ten. I can handle that many, magic or no."

"Love I don't doubt your fighting prowess, but ten Templars? Leigh not even you are that good." Leigh just chuckled a bit and let it go. She did not want to fight with him.

"Well if you now have your wayward love I have things to get done before I leave Kirkwall. I am sure I will see you both again before I head back to Ferelden. I will be personally escorting your sister back home Hawke."

"I can not thank you, the king and queen enough for that. I can rest much easier knowing my sister is safe."

"They were pleased to do it. As am I. Anders behave yourself and yes that is an order." She gave a bow and left the estate leaving Anders and Leigh alone.

"So are you still angry with me for using magic on the coast?"

"I wasn't angry with you love, I just...I'm afraid to lose you."

"I told you before you would never lose me. I plan on being around a long time."

"I hope so. I love you and it will kill me if anything happens to you." Her hand cupped his cheek and he leaned into her caress. "How can I show you how sorry I am, how much I love you?"

"You could start by kissing me." Anders gave her a lopsided grin and claimed her lips. One kiss turned into several. Anders felt Leigh's hands start to undo the tie on his linen shirt. He smiled against her mouth and let his own hands roam to get her out off her robes. It did not take them long to get themselves out of their clothes. The feel of his weight over her was a comfort to Leigh. Times like these were becoming so rare it frightened her, to the point she thought he did not want her anymore. She pushed the feeling of shame from her mind. She knew she would have to tell him, but now was not the time. After their lovemaking both laid in each others arms sweaty and sated. "I have missed this."

"Me too love. I love you and no matter what happens, that will never change." She nuzzled his neck laying soft kisses as she went. Anders tilted his head so she could get better access to his neck. "So ready to go at it again?"

"Always, you know full well if I could find a way for us to just stay in this room and never have to leave it I would."

"Our friends would miss us."

"They could still come and visit we would just have to put clothes on from time to time."

"You are incorrigible you know that right?"

"But you love me anyway."

"Yes I do, I always will."

OoO

"Andraste's tits, why in the world would the Carta decide to attack you?" Varric paced his room in the Hanged Man with a bloody, but uninjured Hawke and Anders. "And you said they tried to kidnap you?"

"Yes, they said to take me alive. Something about them wasn't right. I have had dealing with them before and they have never done this before."

"You alright Blondie?"

"I'm more concerned about Leigh. We got separated and I overheard they say they needed her blood."

"Why didn't you tell me this?"

"I didn't want to worry you love." Varric looked between the two of them and held his hands up.

"Before this turns into a fight let me see what I can find out. Go home and I will drop by when I have anything." Putting his fingers in his mouth and letting out a sharp whistle Varric motioned to two rather large, burly men. "Please escort the Champion and her companion home." The men nodded and followed Anders and Leigh out the door. Varric continued to pace for a few more minutes thinking of who he could get information from. He had not heard Isabela come in the room.

"You look perplexed."

"Oh, hey Rivani, just trying to figure out why the Carta would want Hawke's blood."

"Other than to spill it. I know they don't like her much since she has stopped some of their bigger deals. Most of the mercenary bands hate her, which is funny since she started out as one when she first came to Kirkwall."

"It doesn't make sense, care to help me go digging?"

"Sure I have been a bit bored lately."

"Your a real humanitarian Rivani."

OoO

"So Hawke I found out where this group is hiding and it is not going to be easy to get to."

"Where is it?" Leigh was sitting on Anders lap in the over stuffed chair that sat in the study.

"The Vinmark Mountains. From what I have heard their lair is off one of the old trading routes. It is one that is no longer used so the path is a bit treacherous. I just got over going to Sundermount, but there is no way I am letting you two go without me." Leigh went to speak, but a gentle knock on the study door stopped her. Bodahn entered the room followed by Cullen. Leigh's heart stopped beating when she saw the look on his face.

"Where's Bethany! Is she alright!"

"She's fine Leigh. Orsino was able to heal both of our injuries." Leigh breathed a sigh of relief and sank back into Anders embrace.

"What happened?"

"We were heading for the ship to get out of Kirkwall and were attacked by a group of dwarves. The thing is we have no idea why we were attacked."

"They attacked Anders and I too. They wanted me, so I think when they couldn't get me they went after Bethany."

"If it had not been for the Warden and the soldiers on the boat I don't think I would be here to tell you this."

"Is Bethany well enough to travel?"

"Yes, she is waiting for me to return and we are leaving. I wanted you to hear this from me and not from the rumor mill."

"We will take you down to the docks. I have been so busy with this I forgot you both were leaving today."

"I know she will like to see you before we go."

"Let me gather my friends and we will go in force. I'm not taking any chances."

"Thank you Leigh, I will meet you down by Sol's with Bethany."

"See you soon." Leigh waited for him to leave before turning to Varric. "We need everyone here as soon as possible. Anders and I will go get the Hightown crew. Can you go get the others?"

"Sure thing Hawke. I will be back in a half hour."

"I will go get Aveline, love. I will let you get Fenris and Sebastian."

"Will the three of you never get along?"

"I doubt it. Fenris hates mages and me in particular. And please don't start me on Sebastian. He has been chasing after you since he found out I moved in here."

"He is a brother in the Chantry, Anders he does not chase."

"He is a man and yes he does. You can't tell me you haven't noticed the way he looks at you."

"I..."

"Exactly." Leigh scowled at Anders, but he did not back down. "If he could he would steal you away from me." Leigh's face fell. Pash had tried to hide the memory from her, but her will was too strong, the spirit could not erase it. She had to tell Anders what had happened and prayed to the Maker he would forgive her.

"Anders...there is something I have to...Maker..."

"Love what is it?" Fat tears tracked down from her eyes. She felt his hands on either side of her face, his thumbs brushed the tears away. She took a deep breath and told him everything that had happened two weeks prior. The look on his face felt like a dagger in her heart, a dagger she herself had placed there. Once it was all out she waited for him to explode, but he didn't, Anders just stood there staring at the floor. Leigh turned her back to him, crying silent tears. She knew she had undone everything they had together with one stupid drunken night with Sebastian. She heard him move and waited to hear the door slam or him to scream, what he did surprised her to say the least. "I drove you to it." Leigh spun around looking at him like he was mad.

"No, this is not your fault, it's mine and his. I was the one who was falling down drunk, as was he. You had nothing to do with this!"

"Yes I did. I was the one who...pushed you away. I treated you like shit Leigh. This is my fault." Anger flooded Leigh's mind most of it was at herself, but also at Anders for thinking such an idiotic thought.

"Maker's balls Anders, This...Is …..Not...Your...Fault! You might want to be the martyr for everything, but this is on me. I am the one who did not come home. I am the one who decided to get drunk and somewhere in my drunken mind I was the one who slept with Sebastian. You are blameless in this."

"I am not blameless, if I had not been such a prig out on the coast you never would have...I did this to you, to us. I tore everything we had to shreds because of my own fear and hatred. I did the one thing I never wanted to do, I hurt you. I drove you into his waiting arms, whether it was his intent or not he...took you from me."

"I don't want him! I want you, only ever you. I did not plan this. I don't even remember any of it really. Pash even went so far to try to hid it from me that is why I did not tell you when I came home two weeks ago. She thought she was protecting me. Anders I love you, but I made a horrible mistake and I...it cost me you." Neither of them looked at the other for a few minutes. Leigh slowly crept her way to be closer to him. She wanted him to push her away, to hurt her as she had hurt him. She wanted him to fight, not close down. He noticed she was right next to him, and Anders could not help himself, his arms wrapped around her pulling her close. He buried his face in her hair and wept. "I...I'm so sorry...I know what I did will never be forgiven, but I do love you Anders with all my heart. I never wanted this."

"I know love." He dropped to his knees taking her with him. His hands found her face again and held it so he could look into her eyes. "I have hurt you so much these past few months, Maker knows I deserve a worse punishment than this. There is nothing to forgive, I love you and...if you want me to leave I will."

"NO! I told you I wanted you with me til the day we die, I don't want you to leave. I'm so tired of losing everyone I love because of my failings. If I lose you I might as well just walk myself to the Gallows and turn myself into Meredith. I will have no fight left in me." Now she saw anger raise in his expression. His hands gripped her face harshly, but she did not show it.

"I would never let you do that. I would rather be made Tranquil than let that bitch anywhere near you. Leigh...I'm not going anywhere. If it takes me forever to make all this up to you I will do it. I can't lose you." His lips crushed hers as if he was trying to wash away any trace that Sebastian might have left. Anders felt her fingers twist into his hair and he lost himself in her embrace. Justice railed in his head to hunt down Sebastian for taking advantage of Leigh in her drunken state, but he drowned him out. Nothing mattered, but claiming her back, making her his again. He had to ask even though he was not sure he wanted to know the answer. "Do you love him?"

"I care for him as a friend, a brother nothing more." Her hand took his and moved it over her heart. "It beats for you and only you. You are the only one who can fill or break it, but it is yours always." Her oath made Anders' heart swell.

"Then I better take care of it."

"Yes you better."

"We need to hurry and gather the others so we can see Bethany and Cullen off."

"I will let Aveline get him."

"I think that is for the best. You will need to have Pash ready just in case Justice..."

"She is. Anders..."

"I know, we will work through this together Leigh. I have made so many mistakes when it has come to us. Your one mistake will not break us unless you want it to."

"I don't want anyone else ever. Just you and if it takes the rest of my life I will make up for this somehow."

"You have nothing to make up love, I am not going anywhere." Leigh sighed and leaned into him. Anders tucked her head under his chin. "You would have to kill me before I leave you." Guilt welled up in him. He knew if he became a murderer she would kill him, though he knew she would be far kinder than any other person to do so. Time was running out for them and it killed him to think about it. "I warned you this would end badly." "I...it was nice to be happy if only for a little while again." "They will live Anders. Hawke and Compassion will mourn us, but our path can not be strayed from. Mages need to be free, they deserve justice." "Yes, they do. Leigh deserves to be able to be who she truly is without having to hide anymore." "She will be my friend. We will make sure of it." Leigh pulled away from him just a fraction so she could stare up into Anders' eyes. He could see the pain she was in and he gave her a reassuring smile. She gave him a weak one back and raised herself on her toes to kiss him. "I love you, always."

OoO

The sight of this eclectic group was impressive. It had been a long time since they had all been together. Leigh was at the head of the group with Anders less than a step behind her. The rest fell in step with Varric in the middle keeping the peace. Sebastian and Fenris brought up the rear. The people out and about moved out of the way as the group passed by. Leigh held out her hand to Anders and he took it in kind. From the back of the group Fenris growled softly.

"Do she not know she makes herself a target by doing that?" Sebastian looked up from the ground and made a face seeing the lovers holding hands like a normal couple. To those who know them there was nothing normal about them, any of them for that matter. The rogue sighed and looked away. He had tried everything to get her away from Anders, but nothing had worked. Even after the night they had shared two weeks ago she still saw him as nothing more than a brother, while she looked at Anders like he was everything. His heart ached every time he saw them together, but for as much as it hurt he could not say no to her. Sebastian would rip himself apart rather than tell her goodbye.

"She is fully aware of the danger she is in Fenris. It is her life as she keeps so eloquently telling me."

"Her fame will only save her for so long. She would do well to get on that ship with her sister today and never look back and take that abomination with her." In his head he knew it was the best thing she could do, but Sebastian's stomached dropped to his feet thinking about never seeing her again.

"I thought she was your friend? Why do you want her gone?" The elf smiled fondly at Leigh's back before answering.

"She is the greatest friend I have ever had. I do not wish her to leave, but knowing she is out there safe would take away the pain of never seeing her again. I care for her that much that I would let her go."

"You are a far better man than I Fenris." Fenris clapped his hand on the other man's shoulder. Isabela came up between them and wrapped her arms over each.

"What are you two gentlemen talking about so intently?"

"Nothing really." Sebastian tried to keep his voice disinterested. He was not about to share anything with Isabela. She had a habit of being loose lipped especially around Hawke. The two women were thicker than thieves.

"Don't they look so cute together?"

"Who?"

"Oh don't be coy, you know who. Anders and our Lady Hawke, they look simply smashing together."

"I guess so, I hadn't really noticed."

"How can you miss that. I am not a believer is true love, but I am damn sure they are as close as anyone is ever going to get. Am I right Fenny?"

"Whatever you say."

"My room, after dark is what I say." Fenris smirked and nodded his head. Isabela went up to the front of the group to antagonize Aveline. Leaving a stunned Sebastian to stare at Fenris.

"You and she...Maker's breath."

"She doesn't ask questions and she is fun to be around." Fenris shrugged and left it at that before catching up the to pirate queen. His arm slung possessively over her shoulder. They had reached the dock and found a ferry to take them across to the Gallows. Sebastian sat as far away from Leigh and Anders as he could. Guilt began to build in his heart as well as rage. Leigh acted like nothing had happened between them. She was leaning on Anders and they were talking and smiling, it made the prince sick to his stomach. Anders noticed he was staring and gently slipped away from Leigh to head toward him. Leigh grasped his hand and her expression was one of fear and shame. The mage turned back to his lady love speaking softly before continuing his course. He came and sat next to Sebastian and leaned close so no one would overhear.

"She told me what happened."

"She...she did?"

"Yes, my only question for you is did you take advantage of her drunken state?"

"No, I would never do that to her. I was...I drank with her. Years of not partaking has taken away my tolerance."

"I know why she was drinking and it was my fault. I will not let that happen again. I know you love her, and she cares very much for you, but if you ever touch her again while she and I are together I will let Justice do what he wants."

"You forgave her then?"

"There was nothing to forgive. I hurt her with my words and she turned to whiskey and you for comfort. Comfort I should have been giving her. As I said it will not happen again." Anders began to rise from the bench when Sebastian caught his arm.

"She still deserves better."

"I know, but she has made her decision and she chose me. I will not take that for granted anymore. If something happens to me I need your word that you will be there for her."

"You have it." A unspoken truce passed between the two men. Sebastian release his grip on Anders and let him make his way back to Leigh. The archer's eye met Leigh's for a second before she turned away. He saw shame and pain in her eyes. She turned away from his gaze and stared into the mage's eyes. Sebastian felt bile rising from his stomach. He had ruined his relationship with Hawke in one drunken night of passion. The desire demon was right about him. He wanted what was not his even though he knew deep down he was the better man.

OoO

Leigh stepped off the ferry and practically ran to the gate for Templar Hall. Bethany and Cullen were waiting for them. Leigh noticed Meredith standing at the gate a displeased look on her face. The Warden Commander was standing beside Bethany as well as a few well armored and armed soldiers. Bethany was wearing a cloak that covered her face in shadow. It made Leigh want to laugh since she had done the same. The closer they go the more Leigh was able to see the crest on the guards. She had only ever seen it once at Ostagar. These men belonged to the Teryn of Highever. The sight of a slight elven mage made Leigh do a double take. She had seen this woman somewhere, but for the life of her she could not remember where or when.

"It's about time sister."

"Well, you know how it is, everyone wants the Champion of Kirkwall to solve their problems."

"So you have to squeeze me in right?" Leigh rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue at her little sister. "In all seriousness I am glad you are here. I was afraid I would not be able to say goodbye to you."

"Beth this isn't goodbye. Anders and I will be coming back to Ferelden hopefully soon."

"I thought you were trying to get the Viscount seat."

"I really don't want it, but I will be trying to get the ice bitch out of it before I leave. I am hoping that won't take too long."

"I hope you can, Kirkwall deserves better." Ashlyn walked up to the sister followed by a very large armored man. His face was obscured by his helmet. The elven mage was right by his side.

"Champion this is Orianne from the Ferelden Circle. She is here on behalf of First Enchanter Irving."

"Well met Champion. I will be filling your sister and Ser Cullen in on the workings of life in the Palace. I am the court mage for Highever at the queen's request I have accompanied the Warden Commander."

"It is a pleasure." Anders made his way to Leigh's side and Orianne gasped.

"Anders? Is that you?" It took him a moment to recognize the woman.

"Ori? Maker, how are you?"

"I am doing well and may I say you look very well preserved for a dead man."

"Well the rumors are not true as you can see." Leigh raised a eyebrow at her lover. "Leigh I would like you to meet Ori, she and I were good friends in the Circle. She tried to talk me out running away most of the time."

"I just didn't want the Templars to hurt you like they hurt Jowan. You do know it was Irving that saved you most of the time right?"

"I know, I owe that man an apology, but I will not apologize for wanting to be free."

"I never expected you would. I know how much you hated being there. I did too." The elf's eyes turned haunted and Anders put his hand on her shoulder. Something passed between them.

"Rolen is dead Ori and Addler, well he can't touch you now." Recognition clicked in Leigh's brain to where she had seen this woman before, she had been at Ostagar. She kept it to herself though, for now.

"Addler wouldn't dare come near me now. He likes living too much."

"The Warden Commander is a scary woman."

"Watch it Sparklefingers. I am not the reason Addler can't get his slimy hands on her anymore. Her husband would be the reason." The large man towered over the small elf, but she just looked back and smiled at him. Ashlyn chuckled seeing the confused face on her fellow Warden. "As you can see, he would break Addler in half as well as anyone who wants to mess with him."

"Maker he reminds me of Carver, he use to stand behind me like that when we were kids." Bethany whispered in Leigh's ear.

"He did have a presence doesn't he. You know what they say..."

"What?"

"They grow em big in Ferelden." Bethany giggled and her eyes ran over Cullen.

"Yes they do."

"Bethany!"

"What you should know you had him first."

"Holy Maker, what did they teach you in the Gallows?"

"I didn't learn that from there, well not all of it. Isabela is a good teacher."

"Remind me to smack her upside the head later. She turned my sweet innocent sister into a...a..."

"Woman? I was never really that innocent Leigh, I just played it well."

"Maker save me. We should get this show on the road."

"It is kind of like the Antivan circus isn't it?" Leigh could only laugh as she looked at the very large diverse group. "Warden Commander we are ready when you are."

"Then let's be off." After finding a ferry large enough for their army, the group made their way to where the Commander had her ship. Leigh noticed the name on it and stopped walking.

"Love, are you alright?"

"The Lothering Rose?" Ashlyn came up beside her and smiled.

"When Alistair and I came through Lothering after Ostagar he found a rose in the Chantry courtyard. It was on a bush that everyone believed to be dead, but the day before we arrived it appeared. He did not want it to be destroyed by the Blight so he took it and gave it to me."

"He loved you then?"

"Still does, but he has his responsibilities and I have mine. He also has his queen whom he loves with all his heart."

"Which leave no room for you."

"He and I will always have a piece for each other. We never forget our first loves."

"No we never do." A distant look crossed over Leigh's face. She shook her head violently to clear it. "It is fitting really that this ship is the one to take my sister home."

"Hopefully one day you will come home too."

"I hope so." Bethany pulled her sister away from the others so they could say goodbye privately. "This is it. Off to bigger and better things. I'm jealous, you get to live in the palace in Denerim and I get to stay here."

"You know you could always come with us."

"No, I have things here I have to do besides you need to have your own life Beth. I know Carver hated being in my shadow I don't want you to feel the same way."

"I am going to miss you so much Leigh. Here take this so you can find me if you have to." Bethany handed her sister a small vial of blood. Leigh raised her eyebrow and dug a matching vial out of her pocket.

"Are you sure that we weren't the twins and Carver was the odd one. I had the same idea. Cullen can do what he does best and find me if you need me."

"Great mages think alike. Take care of yourself and Anders."

"I will. Go say bye to Varric before he cries. You know how much he hates to cry."

"I am going to miss all of you." Bethany went and said farewell to all Leigh's companions. Aveline screwed up her face so she wouldn't cry. Varric made jokes, but when he hugged Bethany tears showing in his eyes. Merrill had to be pried off the young mage by Isabela who in turn did not want to let her go either.

"I just got you back Kitten, and your leaving again."

"You can come and visit me. Give the nobles in Denerim something to talk about."

"I will Kitten. You better treat her right Cullen or so help me, it will be a race to see if Hawke or I get to you first." Cullen gave a audible gulp and nodded. Next came Sebastian who bowed to Bethany and kissed her hand. Fenris ever gave up his normal scowl and gave Bethany a warm hug. Anders was the last to say goodbye. He shook Cullen's hand and embraced Bethany.

"Your free now."

"I know and it is thanks to you."

"I didn't do anything."

"You did more than you will ever know Anders. Be good to my sister. She is very special even for a mage. She is so new to this, I worry it will swallow her whole. She needs you."

"And I need her. Take care Bethany." The air suddenly was filled with shouting and screaming arrows. The Carta had decided to ambush them again, but this time they brought a much larger force. Leigh and Ashlyn yelled out orders to their respective companions. Ashlyn ran down the gangplank and backflipped over a small group of dwarves that had encircled Bethany and Cullen. She slashed her way through two before noticing the blood that covered her blades was black. Just like darkspawn blood.

"Shit! Don't let their blood get on you! They carry the taint!" Anders head snapped around to meet Ashlyn's eyes. He felt it now too and put himself between the dwarves and Leigh.

"We need to end this before someone..." One of their assassins stabbed Anders from behind cutting into his lung. Leigh watched in horror as he slumped forward. The mage Orianne was closest to them and ran to help.

"Don't touch his blood." The mage gave quick nod and set to healing Anders. Her warrior husband stood back to back with Leigh to defend the ones they love. Leigh was thankful for this man's help. She could now see why Orianne said no one would be able to hurt her with him around. He was a beast, more ferocious than Fenris and much more powerful than Aveline. "Varric behind you!"

"Say hello to Bianca you bastards." Varric swung his crossbow around and shot right through three of them. "Hey Hawke, Choir boy looks like he needs help." Leigh heard the warrior behind her growl to go help Sebastian. She ran to him only to skid to a halt when the dwarves brought him to his knees, a knife to his neck.

"Stop or we will kill him!" Leigh dropped her daggers and held up her hands in surrender.

"What do you want?"

"For you to come with us. We need the Hawke." Bethany went to open her mouth, but Isabela covered it.

"I will come with you if you let him go unharmed."

"No Hawke, my life is not worth yours."

"Shut up Sebastian!"

"No..." One of the dwarves kicked the prince in the stomach making him double over. Leigh growled baring her teeth at the men.

"Leave him alone. I will go willingly just don't hurt anyone else." Leigh held up her hand to her friends behind her. Bethany noticed the vial of blood in her hand. She nodded to her sister and held the others back. "Alright take me where ever it is you want me to go." The Carta and Leigh disappeared into the shadows leaving all her friends behind.

"Cullen I need you to do what you do best."

"What?"

"Track my sister with this." She handed him the vial of blood her sister had just given her. "She gave this to me so I could find her if I had to. I know you have hunted before, now I need you to hunt Leigh." Anders groaned from where he was on the ground. Orianne helped him sit up slowly. Ashlyn was by his other side holding his shoulder.

"Thank you Ori. Did we win?" The others would not look at him and dread crept up inside him. "Where is Leigh?"

"Calm down. She...she went with the Carta so they wouldn't hurt any of us."

"Calm down! Calm down, those bastards want her blood. Normally that means cutting and perhaps killing her and you want me to clam down." "We have to get them back!" We will Justice. Leigh gave me something to help find her if I need to. I am not letting Carta hurt them." "We need to go now Anders."

"Anders we can track her. She gave me a vial of her blood Cullen can find her."

"I swear Anders we will bring her back safe." Cullen tried to look confident for Anders' sake, but inside he worried.

"Then let's get to this I want her back safe with us. I...I can't lose her." Bethany put her hand on his shoulder.

"Leigh can take care of herself. Those dwarves won't know what hit them." Ashlyn helped Anders to his feet and went to ship and found it damaged.

"Those sons of bitches. I have to get this fixed before we can take to sea. I have to stay behind to oversee it. Ori could you and your husband go with them to help?"

"Yes, it looks like Anders and Bethany will have enough on their minds. What do you say love?"

"Fine by me, though magey there looks like he wants to murder someone." Orianne gave her husband a stern look, but he only barked a laugh. "So what does the Carta want with that woman anyway?"

"You really don't listen when it comes to things that don't have to do with eating, sex or fighting do you love?"

"You know me to well my darling wife. I am listening now, so who is she?"

"That is the Champion of Kirkwall Leigh Hawke."

"Wait, what? That is not possible she's dead."

"I assure you she is alive and well, at least for the moment." The warrior stared out though his visor at the crowd in front of him. He saw the red haired woman and stiffened. The woman she was talking to took her hood down. The warrior could only stare at a woman he thought dead. His blue eyes glassed over with tears before turning to Ashlyn and his wife.

"Those Carta dwarves are going to know the meaning of pain when I am done with them. Come on Ori let's show them how we do things back in Ferelden." With that the warrior stomped over to the group, but let Orianne do the talking. His mind was on what he wanted to do to the Carta when they found them and on what he would say to Leigh when they rescued her. Either way he thought it was going to be ugly.