Leo knew the longer they stayed together, the harder it would be to leave her. Every time the subject came up they would both dance around it. Neither of them wanting to face the prospect of not having the other around. It was killing him to know he would have to leave. Some nights he stayed awake just to watch her sleep taking in ever detail of her sleeping face. Everything about her was pleasing to him. Her voice, her looks, even the way she smelled drove him crazy. He had almost told her he loved her after their last lovemaking, but caught himself. Now he was again staring at her as she slept, praying he could get a sign to tell him what he should do.

"Your still awake? Didn't I wear you out?" Her voice made him jump as her eyes opened to meet his.

"Just thinking Dove, go back to sleep."

"This is the third night in a row you have been staring at me while I sleep. What's on your mind?" He gave her a look like a guilty child whose hand was found in a cookie jar.

"Can't a guy enjoy watching a very cute girl sleep?"

"They can, but you seem to have something on your mind." Leigh sat up, leaning herself against him and sighed. His arms wrapped around her shoulders.

"I do. Dove I..."

"I know you have to leave soon. It has been a miracle that they haven't found us yet, but the longer you stay in one place the easier it will be to find you."

"Dove, I...I don't want to leave, but I have to."

"I know." Leo cupped her chin before bending down the few inches to kiss her. "We will need to leave in a few days. I think Gwaren is about a week away. It might be less."

"I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"Leaving you behind. Hurting you."

"I knew going in to this you couldn't stay."

"Still, you deserve better than this. I will be forever grateful for what you have done for me."

"It was the right thing to do. We mages have to stick together."

"Yes we do." The sounds of the birds beginning to chirp signaled the sun was coming up. Leo grimaced at the approaching dawn. Time was running out for they and it was killing him. "So what is on the agenda today my dear?" Leigh yawned and stretched in his embrace.

"I guess it would be making sure you have a well stocked pack for your journey. Which means I better get up and go hunting." His arms tightened around her not letting her get out of bed. "Leo your not helping."

"You know if I had a silver for every time someone said that to me I would be richer than the king."

"Then you could buy me a pretty dress with cute little shoes. We would show up every noble in Denerim."

"Dove, you put Andraste to shame. She was a looker, but you my dear lady are angelic."

"I am no angel."

"No? Huh, could have fooled me."

"Your insane."

"Ouch, that hurt Dove." Leigh giggled and kissed his nose.

"There I kissed it and made it better."

"I swear woman your asking for it."

"You do remember what I did to those Templars right?"

"Point taken, alright you win I will get out of bed, but it is under heavy protest. So if you are going hunting what am I to do?"

"You are to make yourself some potions. I got you some herbs that you will need."

"Well, I better get cracking then and you my dear better get dressed."

"Am I tempting you?" Leigh stood up and wiggled her hips in front of him. His hands gripped her and pulled her back down in the bed. "I will take that as a yes. I think we have a little bit before I really have to go out and hunt."

"Hmm, I like that way of thinking. I still have a few things to teach you as I promised."

"Then teach away."

OoO

The smell of elfroot boiling reminded Leigh of home. She sat outside the cabin cleaning the fish she had speared for dinner while Leo was inside brewing potions. As she sat there her mind wandered to thoughts of her family. Her father was likely going insane with worry especially when he found out she had left her amulet behind. She was not looking forward to the dress down she would get from him when she got home. Pash would most likely do the same. The time she had spent with Leo she would not have given up for the world, but she missed her family. Leigh had run ever type of scenario in her mind to keep him with her. Every one of them were crazy at best. She knew in her head Leo couldn't stay, but her heart wanted to hold on. She sighed and continued to scale the fish trying not to think about it. She didn't want him to know she had fallen in love with him. It would only make it worse.

Leo stared into the fire under the pot he had his potion brewing in. He loved the way the flames danced and crackled. It was memorizing. The more he stared the more he could see shapes in the flames. Fire was always his weakest spell. He could conjure enough to make a weak fire ball or light a hearth if needed. It had always fascinated him though ever since he had seen the spirit that blessed him in the Fade. She had a flaming longsword that now reminds him of Templars. Part of him wondered if she had been Andraste herself, but that thought was ludicrous. What would the Bride of \he Maker want with him? Why would she protect him and keep protecting him these past eleven years? Now he sits here with another woman protecting him and instead of wanting to run, he wanted to stay.

Leigh finished up with the fish and readied herself to cook dinner. As she turned to go into the cabin a cold shiver went down her spine. She knew this feeling well. It meant Templars were near. She cursed loudly bring Leo out of the cabin.

"Did you cut yourself?"

"We have a big problem."

"What?"

"Templars are coming."

"Are...are you sure?"

"I wish I wasn't." Leigh felt they were too close for them to make a run for it. "Their too close, if we try to run they'll see us."

"Then you run and I will stay here."

"I am not letting you become a bloody martyr for me, thank you very much." Leigh ran to her pack and took out two small vials. One she thrust into his hand the other she kept. "Drink it!"

"What is it?"

"Magebane."

"But that..."

"Dampens mana, I know. I have plan to get us out of this so they will move on, but you have to drink that and play along. I promised you I wouldn't let them take you and I don't plan on going back on that promise. Now drink!" He tipped back the vial and gagged. He had never tasted anything so vile in his life. He took a small comfort hearing her choke on it as well. "Maker, that's nasty."

"So what is the plan Dove?" She smiled and led him to the bed. "Uh, not that I would ever not want to be in bed with you, but now is not the time."

"Your getting in bed, cover over and act sick."

"This is not going to work. They'll want to check on me you know."

"Not if you have something they don't want to catch. My father is a healer remember, I know a lot of different illnesses to say you have. Leo trust me." Her hand squeezed his tight.

"I do Dove. I just pray you have a silver tongue to talk us out of this. I don't want them to get you."

"They won't get either of us. I won't let them." Leo saw the red glow come back to her eyes like it did the first time he met her. Fear at the time stopped him from asking why her eyes glowed. He promised himself that if they get out of this he would ask her, even if meant hearing she possessed by a demon.

"You better stop your eyes from glowing or it will be a dead giveaway Dove." No sooner had the glow appeared it was gone just as quickly. She tucked him into bed and went out to meet the Templars alone. "Maker please let this work. I don't want those bastards to get her."

OoO

The force that greeted Leigh made her wish they had run. She counted at least ten Templars and there were two mages with them. A older man and woman both who looked very worried. She heard Shade paw at the ground and snort. A small hysterical giggle escaped her lips and she prayed they did not hear that. The lead Templar dismounted from his horse and took off his helmet. He too was a older man, maybe a bit older than her father. His eyes were far kinder than she expected. Now more than ever Leigh wanted to have Pash here with her. She was much more diplomatic.

"Evening Gents ow can I elp you?" She saw the older woman wince at her very poor speech. She and the other mage shared a look.

"We are looking for an apostate serah. Have you seen anyone suspicious around here lately or taken in a wayward traveler?"

"Sorry gents it is just me and me man here. We don't take kindly to strangers." Leigh kept her body relaxed even though inside she was scared stiff. She noticed on of the Templars poking around where she had Shade corralled. "Hey, getta way from me horse! She don't like anyone but us."

"May we check your home to make sure this man is not hiding here?"

"I would love to oblige gents, but me man he is sick. He has the pox and is with fever." The older woman stepped forward and smiled at Leigh.

"My name is Wynne and I am a healer. I could help your husband if you like."

"You a mage?"

"Yes I am, I am a senior enchanter for the Circle."

"Me man don't like mages. He says they are evil and control minds." Wynne gave a small chuckle as did the male mage. "Whats so funny?"

"Only blood mages can control minds my dear. We mean you and your husband no harm." Leigh eyed the woman suspiciously trying to keep up the act. All she wanted was for them to go away. The lead Templar tried to push passed her, but Leigh did not budge.

"You lot better leave now!" Two of the Templars tried to grab a hold her and Leigh drew her blades. "Ow dare you! Come to me ouse and try to muscle your way in!" Her voice was a high shriek. The lead Templar held up his hand for his men to stop.

"Serah, we have not come here to upset you, just to find the apostate. The way you are acting tells me you are hiding something Now we can do this the easy way or the hard way. If you would let Wynne take a look at your husband it would ease our suspicion."

"Fine, but only er, you lot stays out."

"Wynne this is up to you."

"I don't think it should be a problem Knight Commander Greagoir. Lead the way my dear." Leigh stepped aside enough to let Wynne go through the door, but slammed it behind her after she slipped into it. Wynne placed a hand on Leigh's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Is that him in the bed?"

"Please wait." Leigh whispered just loud enough for Wynne to hear her.

"What is it child?" To her credit Wynne also kept her voice low.

"I...can't let them take him back, they'll kill him."

"The First Enchanter and I are here to see that doesn't happen. He needs to turn himself in." Leo stirred in the bed and sat up.

"You two can't protect me forever Wynne and you know full well what they will do to her for helping me. I won't let them hurt her." The look on his face caught the older mage off guard. She watched him wrap his arms around the young girl protectively and it broke her heart. He had broken the first rule of being a Circle mage, never fall in love. Wynne sighed and crossed her arms over her chest.

"Young man you are more trouble than you are worth at times. This young woman means this much to you?"

"And more. She saved me from Rolan and his cronies. They wanted to rape me Wynne, just to prove they could get away with it. Just like they got away with hurting Ori. You know what they did, you were the one who had to help me heal her. It's a miracle she is still alive and sane."

And..."

"No Wynne, I would rather die then go back to that. It's not right what they are allowed to do to us."

"Please help us." Leigh grasped Wynne's hands and her eyes pleaded with her for help. "I saw what they were going to do to him, I couldn't sit by and let it happen. Mages are not monsters, but they are feared."

"And you don't fear us then?"

"No, I never have. My cousin is a mage in Kinloch Hold. How am I to fear my own kin?"

"You are a rare one indeed my dear. And what of you, you know they will never give up looking for you?"

"Sooner or later they might catch me, but she will not pay for it now. Please Wynne, help me protect her."

"Maker's grace, yes I will help you for now, but I will warn you they know you were heading to Gwaren. If you go there they will find you and there will be no helping either of you then. Now I better use some magic to heal your pox or they will think something is amiss. Lay back down and cover yourself up."

"There is a special place beside the Maker deemed for you Wynne. You deserve nothing less."

"Remember that if I even have to teach you again. Maybe you won't give me such a hard time."

"Deal." Leigh stood back and watched Wynne weave a healing spell over his body, but saw it never touched him. She admired the control this woman had. Her father had the same control. All her life she wanted nothing more than to have the skill of healing like her father, her sister, but she was a destroyer not a healer. She was a fighter, a sneak and would always be that way.

"Well my dear girl that is all I can do for him. He will have to stay in bed for a least another week or so. Here are two droughts you can make for him with the plants found around here. He needs them both twice a day." Wynne raised her voice so the Templars outside could hear her. "I will take my leave now." Wynne gave Leigh a sympathetic smile and went out the door. "It is as she said her husband has the pox. If I were you Greagoir I would not send anyone in there. The pox is very catching."

"How is it you won't get it then?" Wynne narrowed her eyes at Rolan.

"I can protect myself from it as a healer, but I can not do the same for the rest of you. We should move on before night fall and find a place to camp."

"Too bad we can't use this place, would serve the bitch right for back talking us." Rolan did not see the gauntlet til it connected with his jaw. Through tear stung eyes he looked up at Greagoir standing over him in a fit of rage.

"It is because of Templars like you Rolen we are not trusted. We serve the people not the other way around. What we are does not give us the right to take what we want. You better learn that soon or Maker help you I will hang you myself. Now wipe off your face and saddle up." The young Templar glared, but did as he was told. Irving caught up with Wynne and bowed his head to her ear.

"He is in there, isn't he?"

"No, just a very young couple trying survive out in the cruel world Irving. Anders is not here nor do I think he ever was. I think Rolen is so blinded by what happened to him he will lash out at anyone."

"But nothing really happened to him other being bitten up by a few bugs. From the story they told this mage could have done so much worse. Though in hindsight there is no mage that strong that can face down a group of Templars. Even Templars who are very green."

"Rolan is just a angry young man Irving. I doubt he wanted to be a Templar in the first place. Anders better hope he is never caught by that one." Irving nodded and went to go speak with Greagoir.

"What now Knight Commander?"

"We head to Gwaren as planned. The only other ports he could have gone to are Denerim or Amiranthine. Denerim has the main Chantry and an army of Templars. Anders is not so foolish to head into the lion's den or to a place that has a larger Chantry like Amiranthine."

"What of the story the men told us? About the woman mage helping him?"

"Irving if there was such a mage living in Thedas today then Maker help us. Someone that strong in magic could do a lot of damage. But it is a fairy tale made up by Templars who were embarrassed by a lone mage nothing more. We should move on before that girl gets it in her mind to chase us out of here. She did not look pleased at all."

"No she didn't." Leigh watched out the window of the cabin to see that they were moving on. Her heart was threatening to beat itself right out of her chest. She couldn't believe it had worked, well sort of. If it had not been for Wynne it would have turned ugly. Even with taking the magebane her mana was still there. She could feel it in her blood. She wondered how the Templars could not, but for that she was grateful. She could hear Leo shuffle up behind her. His warm arms wrapped her up as his chin rested on her shoulder. Neither of them spoke for a long time. Reality it felt had just kicked them in the teeth hard. With a small shutter Leigh turned and buried her head in his chest trying desperately to fight off the tears that were coming. All he could do was smooth her hair and hold her.

OoO

Leo stood there mesmerized watching her fight. They had run into a small pack of bandits on their way to Denerim. With Gwaren being guarded by Templars on the look out for him, they decided to go to the ports in Denerim. The bandits did not stand much of a chance between the two of them. Leigh dodged one of the bandits by disappearing in a cloud of smoke only to appear right behind the man. Leo heard a loud crack as her dagger hilt connected with the back of the man's skull. Neither wanted to really kill the men this close to the city.

"I think that was the last of them." Leo smiled at her and started to walk in her direction. He noticed her eyes narrowed at him and he stopped dead. "Dove?" She snarled as she ran at him both daggers bared. She moved to fast for him to block her attack with his magic. He had just enough time to put his arms up to defend his face and chest. All he felt was a breeze as she sailed by him to bury her dagger into the rogue that was sneaking up behind him.

"You will not touch him!" The wet sound of flesh being pierced and twisted made Leo cringe. He opened his eyes to see where they had landed. Her momentum forced the rogue back a good ten feet from where Leo had been standing. Leigh got to her feet only to fall to her knees again. "L...Leo..." She turned her torso just enough for him to see the rogue's dagger sticking out of her shoulder.

"Shit, hold still." He slide next to her hands already glowing with healing magic. "This is going to hurt Dove, but I have to pull it out."

"I know how much you hate doing that." He looked at her with both eyebrows raise and laughed despite himself.

"Only you would make a joke like that now. I doubt this dagger feels good in your shoulder."

"No, no it doesn't, but better my shoulder than your lung or throat. I can't heal remember."

"So you knew you would get stabbed?"

"Not really, but I knew if I did you would be here to save me." Leigh hissed as the dagger slid out of her shoulder. The warm feeling of healing magic washed over her sealing the wound.

"You're insane. Your life is worth more than mine."

"Your life is worth something to me Leo."

"Your the only one who thinks so." Leigh cupped his chin and leaned in to a kiss. "Ever since I found out I was a mage I have been called freak, worthless, evil, but you Dove have never looked at me that way. It means more to me than you ever know that you care about me, that you love me." She opened her mouth to speak, but he gently shushed her. "I know you do, so don't deny it. Only someone that loves would do what you have done for me. I wish I could...Maker I hate this. I can't..." It was her turn to silence him.

"I don't need to hear the words Leo. I know you can't. I understand."

"Someday you will make some man very happy Dove. I will envy him til the day I die, because I know it will never be me. I will be that secret smile you have that he will never know."

"A woman's heart is deeper than the ocean, no one knows what is buried beneath the waves. We...we better get you to a ship." He nodded solemnly and helped her off the ground.

Denerim was bustling, making it easy for them to blend in to the crowds. Leigh left him hiding in the shadows by some shop or another so she could go scout out where the docks were. When she finally came back to him the look on her face made his heart drop to his toes.

"The Templars are here!" Her voice came out a harsh hiss.

"The main Chantry is here Dove, so it would dictate that Templars would be here." She shook her head violently and pointed to the square. Leo cursed and punched the side of the building. There in the square was the Templars that they had fooled just a week earlier. Wynne and Irving were with them. Leo saw Rolan scanning the crowd, sour face as ever. "They know I'm here. Maker I thought they were going to Gwaren."

"I was able to get close enough to overhear them. They received information stating you were headed here. Some woman saw us and contacted them to recapture you. We need to go now and try to head to Gwaren or back to the Wilds just til I can think of someway to stop them." The Witch's words echoed in his head. He had to let her go, he had to save her from a life in a cage.

"Dove, it's over their too close for us to run. I...I want you to go home."

"No! I am not leaving you, we can..."

"If you love me you will go."

"Please don't ask me to do this. I won't. I know I promised not to become a clingy lover, but I lied. I promised I would not let them take you away, I keep my promises." Both his hands cupped her cheeks so he could stare into her eyes. His thumbs trailed under her eyes wiping her tears away. "Leo, no...please..."

"I have to. You need to stay free. If they take you Dove, they will kill you and at that point I won't want to live. If I go quietly they won't hurt me. Please Dove, don't try to stop me and don't attack them." Leigh threw her arms around his neck so she could crash her lips against his. She kissed him with all the passion and desperation she was feeling. Leo kissed her back with just as much fervor before breaking the kiss. His forehead touched hers, his fingers entwined in hers trying to gather the strength to leave her.

"I love you. You will always have my heart."

"Don't close yourself off to love just for me. I want you to be happy always." In a fast movement she took her hands from his and unclasped one of her earrings. Leigh took a pin out of her pouch and quickly stabbed it through his ear. Once she had the guide hole Leigh re-clasped the earring on his ear. She had been so quick about it Leo barely felt any pain.

"Think of me."

"Always Mo Anam Cara." Before she could ask him what that meant he was gone. She watched him cross the square right to the Templars. She felt them use their mana drain on him and her teeth clenched. She wanted to rain fire down on them all, but knew she couldn't. All she could do was witness them taking him away and she knew this would be the last memory of him she would ever have. Heartbroken and defeated Leigh snuck out of the city and went to gather Shade for the long, lonely journey home.

OoO

It could have been worse he guessed. A month in solitary confinement was better than getting flogged or worse made Tranquil. Anders' head turned to the door when he heard the familiar click of the key in the door. He was expecting the guard to just throw his food at him like always, but the person in front of him was a surprise.

"To what do I owe this honor Wynne?"

"I wanted to make sure you were alright. I know the last time the put you in here you...

"Went stark raving mad, I'm fine. It hasn't been that bad this time around. I have Mr. Wiggums for company and my memories." Wynne settled herself on the floor next to him and wrapped her arm around his shoulders.

"I know you loved her Anders. You did the most unselfish thing by letting her go and turning yourself in."

"Mark it down on the history books, Anders isn't the colossal prig everyone thought he was."

"Do you know when I was younger I hated being here. I wanted nothing more than freedom. When I found out I was with child I wanted that freedom even more, but I never had the courage to run."

"You had a child?"

"Yes, my dear I did and the Chantry took him from me. I always wondered had I been braver would I have been able to keep him."

"Do you know what happened to him?"

"Irving, Maker bless him, told me he was sent to another Circle when it was found out he was a mage. I don't know which Circle, but I have faith he is safe and well."

"I hope so."

"One day Anders I hope you stop running and except the path the Maker has given you. It is far easier when you stop struggling."

"Maybe one day, but I doubt it Wynne. At least I will be out of here by my name day."

"The Hallow right?"

"Yes, it is another thing she and I share. We where both born on the Hallow."

"It is a blessed day to be born. I will try to find a way to sneak your friends down here to see you. Orianne was beside herself with worry over you."

"Has...have they been leaving her alone?"

"Yes, once Greagior found out what happened he sent Addler away to Denerim and Rolan is also leaving."

"Why?"

"He had a nice little row with the Knight Commander and struck him."

"Rolan never was much on brains. At least those two will be gone when I get out of here. Thank the Maker for small miracles. Tell Ori and the rest I am alive and well and will see them in a months time."

"I will, I know you hate being here Anders, but I for one am glad you are back."

"Thanks Wynne, for everything." The older woman smiled and left him to his punishment. The Templars could steal his freedom, his pride, but not his memories. The earring his Dove had put in his ear had healed and was a reminder to him of what he lost. He vowed to never let his heart feel anything other than friendship ever again. Anders let himself drift off thinking of her and hoping she was safe and happy.

OoO

It had been almost a month since Leigh had seen home. She stood at the edge of the woods and stared at her family's cozy little cottage. Her heart still felt like it was still ripped in two, but she was glad to be home. She turned around to talk to the woman at her back.

"Well there it is. Home sweet home."

"Then I shall leave you to go see your family again."

"Thank you for helping me get back. I guess I better come up with a story on why I am returning short a horse."

"Tell them that I ran off during a storm."

"Well that would be the truth wouldn't it. You did run off during those storms. What I don't understand is why did you shapeshift into a horse and stay here all that time?"

"I was curious about you and your family. It is hard to hide one apostate let alone three. Now my curiosity has been sated and I must return home."

"Shade?"

"Yes, Leigh?"

"Do you think I will ever see him again?"

"The future is unknown, but I think so. The true test will be will you want to when the time comes. Will he be the man you knew or will he be someone you will end up hating?"

"I will never hate him."

"Time will tell. Take care of yourself Hawke. You have a hard life in front of you, but I think we will meet again."

"Maker watch over you Shade."

"Keep your Maker, but I do appreciate the thought. Go...your family has missed you." Leigh watched the woman shape into a wolf and take off into the dark of the forest. After she was sure Shade was gone she headed toward home. She heard her family in the house talking about her. Carver's voice was the loudest only offset by the sound of a chair slamming to the floor and the door swinging open . Leigh stopped like a spooked deer and watched her brother stare into the moonlight. His fists were clenched and she swore she could see tears running down his face.

"Carver...come back. You can't go after her if you don't know where she went son."

"She should have been back by now! I swear if those Templars have her I will go to the blighted Tower myself and gut every single one of them!"

"Carver I didn't know you cared." Both men spun around to find Leigh standing near the old oak tree in front of the house. Malcolm reached her first pulling her into a bear hug that squashed all the air out of her lungs, but Leigh didn't care. She was so happy to be home. When her father finally put her down she was accosted by the rest of her family. Bethany and Leandra had heard the commotion outside and came out to see what was going on. Bethany squealed and slammed into her sister knocking them both over.

"Oh darling your home, your home. We were so worried."

"I'm fine Mama."

"What of the boy?" Leigh closed her eyes and shook her head sadly. Her father did not press the matter any further for now.

"What happened to your demon horse sister?"

"She ran away during a storm. We looked for her for days, but we couldn't find her. I'm sorry Papa."

"Leigh you are much more important than some silly horse. I'm glad you are safe."

"He saw to that. He let the Templars capture him so that I could get away. He said he did not want me to pay the price of helping a runaway Circle mage."

"Then he showed honor and courage that is not seen much in mages."

"I have seen it everyday of my life Papa, I see it in you. I...I'm tired."

"Let's get you in the house and to bed then. Tomorrow we can talk more about your adventure." Carver helped Leigh to her feet as well as his twin before slipping Leigh amulet over her head.

"You left this behind." Leigh felt the mana in her blood quiet almost immediately and Pash's voice sounding in her head again. It was both comforting and depressing. She enjoyed being herself for once in her life without fear or doubt.

"Thanks Carver. I've felt naked without this."

"See you don't forget it again sister. It is very important." Leigh raised a questioning eyebrow at her brother and he just smiled. "It is a family heirloom isn't it?"

"Yes. Malcolm cleared his throat and urged his family inside the house. Leigh spent the night listening to Pash lecture her of how much danger she was in, but she didn't care. After a while she fell fast asleep and dreamed of Leo. She prayed to the Maker he was alive and as safe as he could be in Kinloch Hold. Her heart felt empty and withered. Part of her was missing and always would be. She knew it would get better as time rolled on, but the hole would always be there. She would always ache for a man she could never be with again.

OoO

Anders stood in Vigil's Keep watching the next batch of poor slobs to take the Joining. Part of him prayed two of them would choke on the blood and die, but he was never that lucky. The Chantry had sent Rolan and Addler to join the Wardens. Ashlyn had returned to the palace and this new Commander was a simpering fool. Even Nathaniel was gone for now at least. Ogrhen and Sigrun were still around, but he did not feel close to them like he did to Nathaniel or Ashlyn. Velanna had made a short return to her clan to bury her sister. They had found her body right before Ashlyn had taken her leave. Justice was still around, but his body was failing. It was getting harder and harder to be around him because of the stench. It hurt Anders to see his friend suffer so much. He had tried researching how to send Justice back to the Fade, but came up with no answers save one. He had to bond with a living, willing host. Then and only then would he be able to return to the Fade once that host dies. Now came the tricky part finding someone willing to carry around extra baggage for a while. Not much hope in that from what he could see.

"These four have survived the Joining. Will the rest of you please take them to their new rooms til they wake."

"Lazy sod, why doesn't he carry them there? Their his bloody men not ours."

"My Anders you are in a right foul mood today." Sigrun took the other end of Rolan to help Anders move him.

"I know both of these blighted Templars and I know why they are here. I swear I will run again before I let them lay a hand on me."

"But they are Wardens now. If they try to hurt you they forfeit their lives."

"Do you really think that bloated bag of wind up there cares two bits for us Sig? He hates us. He is bitter because we aren't loyal to him."

"Well he really hasn't done anything to get our loyalty either. I miss Raven."

"Me too, more now than ever. She would put these two bastards in their place. Truthfully if she or Nate was here, these two would not be."

"Very true. Raven hated being told who to take as a Warden. I have never met anyone who could judge character like she can."

"Raven is a rare woman indeed. Ah here we go this is their room. I am tempted to just throw them in here and lock the door, but my luck they'll like it."

"Well they can sleep in their armor for all I care. Let's go get his friend and be done with this. I promised Ogrhen I would spare with him later."

"I think I am going to go visit Justice down in the cellar. It is a sin the way they are treating him. It's not his fault that Kristoff's body is a little ripe."

"Just do yourself a favor and dab some menthol oil under your nose. It helps with the smell."

"Thanks, alright two assholes in one room. Check. I would say our work here is done Sig."

"If they give you a hard time Oggie and I will back them off. Hopefully Nate and Vel will be back within the month and it will be us against them."

"I hope so. I have a really bad feeling about them being here. You better go and find Ogrhen before he gets too drunk to fight. I'll be alright."

"See you at dinner then." Anders turned and looked at the still forms of the men who had made his life a living nightmare for a time. Now they were here to plague him again. The only comfort he could take was at least Orianne would never have to deal with their cruelty again. They would also find he was not the same weak mage they had seen the last time. Now Anders was much stronger and had learned to fight with or without his magic. A staff still was no match for a great sword, but the bastards would have to catch him first to hurt him. He was grateful for Ashlyn's training and her friendship for those few short months. He let out a sigh and shut the door. The urge to run again was there all to sharp in his mind. He thought maybe talking to Justice would quell some of his fears. His fingers mindlessly played with the one earring he had worn for years now. After hearing that almost the entire south of Ferelden was destroyed his heart sank. It hurt even more to know his Dove was most likely dead or worse and he shuttered at the thought of her being a broodmother. He shook off all thought of her as he descended the stairs to see how Justice was fairing. Even in his weakened and decaying state he was a force to be reckoned with. Anders had learned early to stay by the stronger fighters. It made people think twice on attacking you.

"Ah Anders it is nice of you to visit." The sight of Justice made Anders cringe on the inside. His decay was progressing far faster than he had thought. The flesh in some places was gone leaving only bone and rot behind.

"How's life treating you down here in the crypt Justice?"

"The damp earth is furthering this body's decay. It will not be long before I am just bone."

"I'm sorry my friend. I know this is not easy for you. I wish..."

"You wish what?" The milky dead eyes bore into Anders. He could not take seeing any especially a friend suffer like this. Something in him screamed to just be a man and tell him you have a way out for him. Tell him you are done being a selfish coward.

"No I don't wish, Justice I found a way for you to return to the Fade."

"How?"

"You have to join with a willing host and when that body dies you and the host's spirits return to the Fade."

"Who would do such a joining? It is not a small task the host would take on, nor I for that matter."

"I...I would. With the taint in my blood I have thirty years tops left to live."

"You would do this for me?"

"Yes, I would. Your my friend Justice I want to help you. I know you must be in constant pain in that body. At least in mine you won't have to feel yourself decay."

"There must something I could do to repay you for this kindness?"

"The only thing I want Justice is to be free and I have that already. Well I would love to get me cat back as well, but that can wait."

"What of the other mages still held under Chantry rule? Could we not find a way to help them be free?" Anders remembered the long running conversations he had with Justice over the plight of mages in Thedas. The spirit had all but belittled him for not helping his fellow mages be free. It had always seemed to much work to fight a war you were never going to win. If he had his Dove at his side again maybe they could win it, but tht was a fool's dream. She was gone and he for the moment was free and relatively safe. At least until Rolan and Addler woke up. He answered in the only way he could to stop Justice from harping on him again.

"I guess we could, but change does not come overnight Justice it could take years, decades, even centuries before that happens. You and I will be long gone."

"True, but it is an idea."

"Give me a few days to track down the ingredients I need to make the transfer over to my body. We won't be able to do it here, not with the Chantry dogs that have joined our ranks."

"This new Commander is incompetent. Raven would never have allowed it."

"Neither would have Nate. I will be back in a few days then we can go over this together."

"I will be waiting til then." Anders took his leave not knowing the path he had chosen would change him forever. Gone would be the carefree selfish man he once was and in his place would be a man driven by hate and fear. Justice would be his only friend after that. No one would want a spirit possessed man in their lives. He resigned himself to be alone, but life sometimes comes around full circle. What was lost can sometimes be found again. Even if you don't want it to life has a way of showing us what we need. He found it that day Leigh walked into his clinic and asked for the maps of the Deep Roads he had. Time had changed them both, but fate had still destined them to be together, at least for now.