Leigh found herself standing in the Fade, surrounded by stone pillars. She knew this place well, as it was the place she went to in her dreams as a child. Here she had honed her magic under the careful eye of her father and Pash. Here she would play with the other spirits who would stop to watch her. Her childhood had been lonely in the waking world. Her family could not afford to trust the wrong people, lest they be found and her father taken from them and then later her sister. The spirits had been her only friends. It was here she felt safest, here she was at complete peace. With a wave of her hands she made the scene change into Lothering as she remembered it from when she was a child. Her heart ached a little wanting nothing more to return and take Anders with her.

"It does not look like this anymore Leigh." The voice made her spin around so she could come face to face with a person she had not seen since she was seventeen.

"Papa?" Malcolm Hawke simply smiled at his first born and opened his arms. Leigh nearly bowled him over as she ran to embrace him. "I've missed you so much Papa."

"And I have missed all of you as well." He held her back for a moment to look her over. "You have grown up to be a beautiful young woman." All Leigh could do was blush and rest her head against her father's chest. "I am so proud of you, Carver and Bethany. I am glad to see you have found each other again."

"This time I will not let any harm come to them."

"Leigh you had no way of stopping that ogre from hurting your brother, just as you could not have stopped what happened to Bethany or your mother. I put too much on you making you promise to protect the family. You can not take everything on your shoulders and expect to stay standing forever. You are human, you make mistakes. It is how you learn from them that makes you a better person."

"Everyone I have failed has been hurt, or killed. Every one of them takes a piece of me away when that happens Papa."

"You still think of him often don't you?"

"Almost everyday, Anders has helped close that gaping hole in my heart, but I still feel..."

"Like something is missing?"

"Yes, I am happy with Anders, I love him completely, but...I still love Leo."

"You always will. He was your first love, Leigh, they are hard to get over and even harder to forget."

"Was Mama yours?"

"She was the only woman I ever loved, yes, but I was a Circle mage. Love was not something we were afforded."

"Anders has told me the same thing. I hate that is has to be that way for mages. It is not right Papa."

"No it isn't, but it will not change over night. Even if mages are given their freedom it will be a long time before they heal. They must be taught how to survive out in the world. Most have been in the Circle since they were young, just like Leo and Anders. Your mother had to teach me so many things, that to a normal person would be common. Like hunting, we would have starved if it had not been for her. Swollen belly and all she went out and found us food. You are so much like her."

"I never knew...you always seemed like the one who knew everything."

"Behind ever man is a great woman. Your mother was no push over Leigh. She was tough and wise beyond her years. That is why I fell for her. She made me feel safe. Just like you make Anders feel safe I am guessing."

"I guess I do, we share that role sometimes. He has been strong for me when I needed him to be. Now with..."

"Now with your twins on the way you are afraid you won't be able to protect him and them, am I right?"

"How did you...?"

"Leigh I am your father and a healer. Your also glowing my darling little girl."

"I thought that was a myth."

"Here is the Fade it shows better than in the waking world." Leigh let out a small laugh and placed her hand on her stomach.

"I wish Mama and you were here for this."

"We will always be with you and your siblings. Your mother came to visit you on the Hallow a few years ago. She wanted you to know she was alright."

"I have expected to see you, but..."

"I was with your brother. He needed me more than you at the time. I am here now because you need me. I would be shirking my fatherly duties if I did not come to you now. Something is coming that will change everything Leigh. You must have the courage to face it."

"I don't understand?"

"Life as everyone knows it will change. It will be a struggle, but I know you will persevere as you always have. Thedas will need you."

"Oh that is not ominous." Malcolm chuckled and wrapped a large arm around his daughter and began to walk. The scenery around them changed to a cliff over looking a grand castle. A brilliant white light beaned from the middle of it shoot up into the sky. "What is that?"

"That is the Golden City my dear." Leigh turned away from it and covered her eyes.

"I can't...no mortal is allowed to see it." A soft giggle came from in front of her and Leigh opened her eyes. A woman in a silver dress stood beaming at her. She looked a lot like the image of Pash Leigh had seen in their shared memories. She was just older, but no less beautiful.

"The fact you think you are not worthy to see it makes you worthy. We have been watching you for sometime now Leigh Hawke. You have lived a life of grace and compassion. If that does not make you worthy to look upon my home I do not know what will."

"Your...Maker, your her. Andraste?"

"Yes, my daughter has spoken very highly of you. She does not give praise lightly."

"She...I don't know what to say, other than it is an honor to be in your presence."

"The honor is mine child. You are protecting those who can't fight for themselves. You remind me of myself when I was alive."

"I am not that wonderful. You freed thousands of people."

"You yourself have saved many people, all who would not be where they are now without you. Your friends, where would they be now if it had not been for your help and love. Fenris would be dead or even more bitter than he had been when you met him. Merrill would have been taken by a demon, Aveline would never had taken the steps to be with Donnic if you had not forced the issue. Sebastian would have fallen prey to assassins just like his family. Isabela would have been caught by the Qunari and killed. Varric would have no one to tell stories about and his life would be lesser without your friendship. Anders would be Tranquil like his friend Karl. All this you have done for them. You saved them and they in turn saved you."

"I never thought of it that way. Their my friends, I was just doing what is right."

"And there in lies the reason. If more people did what was right Thedas would be a peaceful place to live." Leigh looked back at her father who nodded to her. "I know you have many questions on why you were chosen for the magic you wield. I will answer what I can before you wake from here."

"Why is the Chantry the way it is now? I know from what I read from the scrolls Andres has that is was never meant to cage the mages."

"Jealously mostly turned the Chantry against the mages, but not from who you think. Spirits eaten away by hatred and envy at mortals. They wanted to be the chosen children. Mages were to use their magic to help man, not rule over him. I never said for magic to serve man. To serve is a forced thing. Help is a choice."

"Well they got that one very wrong. Mages are used as weapons and slaves. Abused and treated like beasts."

"I know and it pains me to see it."

"Why hasn't the Maker stopped it then? Why has he abandoned us?"

"The death of Drea by the hands of a magister made him...he was filled with a great sadness."

"Drea?"

"Sister to Compassion or Mercy as I know her. Drea's name means courage. She was a Templar."

"Pash has never talked about her."

"Mercy thinks she failed her sister. Both Justice and Drea where gravely injured when the magisters marched on the Golden City. She only had time to save one of them and Drea told her to save Justice." Leigh's hands flew to cover her mouth as tears welled up in her eyes. "Mercy was very lost after her sister passed."

"Do spirits die like mortals? Is there some other existence they go to?"

"Drea's soul broke into little wisps of light and descended into the mortal world. She gave the gift of Courage to those deemed worthy of it. You have a small piece of her in you. She wanted people to have the courage to stand up for what is right."

"You said she was a Templar? What was she like?"

"Very strong, devoted to the Order and her fellow Templars. It put her and her sister at odds for a few years."

"Why, did she hunt her sister?"

"Yes she did at the order of the Divine."

"She hunted her own sister?"

"Mercy was called a malificar for her views and her magic. She being the older of the two took my place as head of the true faithful. They had to hide from the rest of the world lest they be found and killed and my ashes fell into the wrong hands. Drea sent one of her order to spy on Mercy only to have it backfire on her. Justice fell in love with Mercy and defected from the order."

"My Justice? Well he's not mine, but..." Andraste laughed and nodded at Leigh. "He hates Templars."

"That hate came from his host more than him. Justice at first wanted nothing more than to bring Mercy in to pay for her crimes against the Chantry. Her compassion and wisdom changed his mind. He followed her til..."

"They were burned by the Chantry. Was it that event that changed Drea's mind?"

"No it was before that. The sisters met on neutral ground to talk after almost ten years apart. Mercy asked her sister to come back to Haven with her to see my final resting place. My faithful built a temple that tested your worth. Drea went through the tests and found a greater understanding of her sister and herself. She and a few of her order loyal only to her switched sides. The Divine did not take it well. Drea was not there when the Templars found Mercy and Justice. She was hiding their children so that the Chantry would never find them."

"What was the Divine so afraid of?"

"She was afraid she would lose her position and power it gave her. She was jealous of my daughters for their power and love of their followers, but what would you expect from a pride demon."

"That...that would explain a lot. So the Divine is possessed by a demon?"

"Ever single one since the first. Mercy knew what she was, but Drea did not want to listen at first. After the death of Mercy, Drea and her men stormed the Grand Cathedral to face the demon. Drea was the last one alive when she reached the main sanctum of the Chantry. She fought the demon to a stand still, but could not defeat it. When the Templars made it to where they were the demon turned back into the Divine. She ordered them to kill Drea. Having trained most of these men herself Drea dropped her weapon and let them end her life. She vowed with her last breath that she would return and end the demon's rein."

"How can she do that if she is gone?"

"She is not gone, just scattered. Every if one person has the courage to stand up to the Divine she will for fill her vow."

"And you think that it is me who can do this?"

"Perhaps or maybe it is the other marked by her sister that will. Only time will tell which of you is strong enough to do it."

"Who else is marked?"

"You know of him, his name is Leo." Leigh's eyes closed and tears slipped down her cheeks. That statement alone let her know he was still alive. She felt her father's hand on her shoulder and realized she was shaking. "He is alive and well. You will see him very soon if I am not mistaken."

"When?"

"Soon, that is all I can tell you. You must wake soon. I will give this warning to you, your father warned you something was coming that would change your life and the lives of all those around you. You will have a choice to make, it will keep all you love around you save one. It is your choice which one will leave your side forever. Choose wisely."

"I...I will try." Leigh knew if she asked anymore she would be told she would have to wait and see. "Wait I do have one more question if I may?"

'You may?"

"Was it you that saved my brother and kept him alive til Ori found him?"

"Yes, it was not his time."

"Thank you, I..."

"You are welcome, he has a part to play in this also, as well as your sister. Guard your family Leigh Hawke. They are your heart's blood without them you will not have the strength to survive what will come."

"Leigh it is time for you to leave and wake up. You will see me again before your little ones are born. Tell your brother and sister we love them and are together."

"I will Papa. I love you and Mama."

"We love you all so much. Wake up."

OoO

"Leigh wake up. I have lunch for you." Anders sat the tray down and went to their bed to shake his love awake. "Maker woman you sleep like the dead. Wake up."

"An...Anders?"

"You have slept most of the day away love, you need to eat something to keep your strength up." Leigh sat up and stretched her arms over her head. Her trip to the Fade still very fresh in her mind. She shivered a bit and rubbed her arms to stop the gooseflesh from rising. "Are you cold?"

"Just a bit. Care to sit next to me and warm me up?"

"As you wish my lady."

"Did everyone leave?"

"Sebastian did, but everyone else is still here. I almost felt sorry for him, he was acting very uncomfortable."

"Why?"

"Could be I gave him dirty looks from across the table or maybe it was Isabela and Raven's risque talk."

"Must you give him dirty looks?"

"No, but it is fun to watch him squirm."

'Your horrible."

"Can you blame me? He has been trying to steal you away from me for years now."

"Your dancing around what I did love."

"I try not to think about it Leigh. I can't say it doesn't still hurt, but I will not let it tear us apart. I love you and always will no matter what."

"I love you too. So what did you bring me to eat I am starving?" Anders smiled and kissed her temple before handing her the tray of food.

"I had Orana make you some soup and bread. I put some herbs in it to help with the morning sickness."

"Maker bless you, I don't want to throw up again today. It was awful."

"I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault Anders you can't control if I get morning sickness or not."

"True, but I am still sorry you don't feel well."

"I guess I better get use to it for the next how ever many months I have left to go." She felt Anders' hand on her side and the pulse of magic go through her and then back into his hand.

"I'd say about seven months maybe a bit more."

"How did you do that?"

"Lots of practice. You do not want to know how many children I have delivered."

"I only helped with one and that was your friend Shyira. I use to leave the room when my father would help deliver babies. I didn't like the screaming."

"How old were you?"

"First memory I have of it was when I was six, I think. Broken bones and bloody gashes did not phase me one bit. People dying didn't even frighten me, I guess the screaming reminded me of the Fade before Pash and her friends made it safe for me to go there."

"Demons?"

"Like you would not believe. They would fight over which one of them was the strongest to possess me." Leigh's face went pale at the memory. She had not thought of it in years. It was her earliest memories and her most frightening.

"How did you meet Pash?"

"My father was trying to protect me in the Fade, but he was getting over whelmed. I saw Justice first as he stormed into the demons. Pash stood behind my father and I, putting up a barrier to protect us. I remember Pash talking to my father off away from me after the demons fled, leaving me alone with Justice. To a four year old he was so tall."

"He remembers that too. He said you showed no fear of him."

"I thought he was a knight like in the fairy tales Mama would read me. Don't look at me like that I was four. You know that when we were fighting Corypheus was the first time I had ever seen what he looked like under the helmet."

"And?"

"And what, I can see why Pash thinks he is handsome. He is." A blush flushed Anders' cheeks. Leigh gave a lighthearted laugh and put her hand on his cheek. "Pash and I are both very lucky girls to have such wonderful, handsome men in our lives." Her hand snaked around the back of his neck and pulled him forward into a kiss.

"We are the lucky ones, that both of you put up with us."

"So have you decided if we are leaving with my siblings or are we staying a little while longer in Kirkwall?"

"I need to make sure the Clinic will be alright without me. Since you are not feeling well I dare say it might be a bit longer before we leave here, but no more than a month."

"That will give me a chance to turn this place over to my cousin and my uncle. I guess in two days I say goodbye to my brother and sister again, but this time it won't be years before I see them again."

"Any ideas where is Ferelden we will go?"

"Lothering is gone, tainted, maybe Highever or Redcliffe. Or maybe we can find a little out of the way place that is just us."

"I like the sound of the last one, somewhere between Highever and Denerim so we can visit family."

"I see you are liking the idea of having a family."

"I adore Bethany and Carver, well...we will see how that goes. At least I know Ori is safe with him. Addler would be a fool to cross your brother."

"Yes he would, but I think your Commander has first dibs on ending his pathetic little life."

"That's the wonderful thing about having an assassin as a friend."

"So that is what she was before she became a Warden?"

"That and more, but that is for her to tell not me. Now I want you to eat before this get's cold." He set the tray up at her writing desk and she sat down to eat.

"I'm surprised how quiet the others are being."

"They are out in the courtyard talking. Varric is trying to get Raven to regale him with some of the messes we use to get in when I was a Warden. I swear he wants to know every embarrassing thing I have ever done so he can pad his stories."

"Take it as a complement. Varric is very fond of you."

"He has been a true friend, they all have for the most part. Even Fenris is being civil, Sebastian is the only one who hates me."

"He doesn't hate you love. He just doesn't understand. He has been so brainwashed by the Chantry that he can't see the truth. Magic is meant to help man and never rule over him."

"I thought the saying was "Magic is to serve man, not rule over him". I could be wrong though, I did sleep through most of the Chant when I was in the Circle."

"That is how they write it, but not how it was meant to be."

"So you finally got around to reading those scrolls."

"Something like that, yes." He gave her a questioning look, but she just shrugged and continued to eat her soup. They sat in silence for what seemed like forever when Anders finally opened his mouth.

"Has Pash ever talked about her sister?"

"No."

"Justice won't talk about her either."

"How did you hear about her other than the scrolls?"

"The spirit of hope mentioned her when she was protecting us. She said she died fighting the magisters who trespassed on the Golden City. I am surprised a spirit would believe that mages did that."

"They did Anders, furthering the nail in the coffin for mages. Corypheus squandered his gift and angered the Maker."

"Angered the Maker?"

"Pash and her sister were his children. The death of one of them made him give up on us."

"Aren't we all his children?" Leigh sighed and got up from her chair to sit by him on the bed. Her hand found his and gave it a light squeeze.

"We are, but only those two were his by his bride. They were his most beloved." A confused frown graced Anders' face and he shook his head. "Come on my love, enough of the mage talk, I want to spend some time with my family before they have to leave."

"I haven't told the rest we are leaving yet. Varric is the only one who knows and he is keeping it quiet til we are ready to tell them."

"I am not looking forward to telling them."

"We have time Leigh, let's enjoy them being around while we can for right now."

OoO

"Isabela you still cheat!"

"Why Warden Commander I don't know what you mean?" Raven glared at the pirate and threw her cards down. "Zevran is not here to help you this time kitten."

"I didn't need his help for me to know that you cheat. I just didn't want to offend you by grabbing your hands and proving it. I needed to learn to be a duelist."

'Needed or wanted to?" Isabela licked her lips and batted her eyes at Raven. A small blush crept up the Warden's neck making the pirate giggle.

"Bitch!"

"Whore!" Varric stepped between the two and tried to keep the peace.

"Now, now ladies please, Hawke will kill us if we wreck her home." Leigh stifled a giggle from the doorway and let Anders go in the room first. "Hey Blondie can you help me here?"

"Oh no, I am not getting in the middle of two women with daggers. I'm crazy not stupid." Varric looked up at both women and stepped back.

"I think your right Blondie better to have my bits intact than not." Leigh saw that Sebastian had returned and was sitting next to Fenris. He looked very uncomfortable under Anders' glare.

"Are all Fereldans like this?" Leigh put her hand on the prince's shoulder and smiled.

"No just the good ones."

"Are you feeling better Hawke?"

"Nothing my wonderful healer can't fix. I just was feeling under the weather, but I am fine now." Sebastian put his hand over hers.

"I am glad." Leigh heard Anders huff from the other side of the room. The prince noticed it too and quickly removed his hand from Leigh's. He stared at the floor so not to catch the mage's gaze.

"Can I see the two of you in the other room now?" Anders nodded and went to the library room and Sebastian followed. "We will be right back, try not to wreck my dining room please." She turned on her heels and joined them. Once she shut the door she rounded on both men. "I have had about enough. I have spent years of you two strutting around like a bunch of peacocks on display and it bloody ends now."

"Hawke..."

"No, you will let me finish. Anders you need to stop giving him dirty looks. You want to make the eyes of death at someone than you'd better do it to me. I am the one who made the mistake. Sebastian you are a dear friend and that is all it will ever be. I love Anders, I have chosen to be with Anders and Maker willing I will be marrying Anders. If you two can't get along for the short time I still have left living here, then I swear by Andraste I will beat the shit out of you both." Her emotions were running haywire through her, and she did not know why. Normally she would be much calmer than this. "Pregnant women have mood swings Leigh." "Oh bloody great, just what I need." "It will only get worse." "Andraste's knicker weasels!" "Where id that come from?" "Anders." "The man needs help." "So does yours."

"What do you mean by short time left to live here?" Leigh mentally smacked herself and drew a ragged breath to calm down.

"I am going home. Kirkwall is not my priority anymore, my family is. My brother serves Ferelden's king and so will my sister when she gets there. Kirkwall stopped being home when my mother died. I have stayed for my friends and for my sister, but with Bethany no longer chained in the Gallows I can leave."

"But what about becoming the Viscountess and changing things?"

"I don't know the first thing about running a city, nor do I really want to Sebastian. I am tired of fighting, I want to settle down, live a semi-normal life with the man I love. Is that too much to ask? Don't I deserve to be content?"

"Of course you do. I...I should never have pushed in the first place."

"When you asked me to take the seat I wanted to, but now...I can't see me doing it. I have other things that are far more important than ruling a city hellbent on self destructing. I'm sorry Sebastian."

"You need not apologize Hawke. I want you to be happy. If he makes you such than I can not complain."

"He makes me very happy. I pray you will find someone who will make you just as happy. Your my friend I wish nothing but the best for you."

"Thank you. I need to return to the Chantry for vespers. If it is alright may I come back by later if everyone is still here?"

"You are always welcome here Sebastian." He gave a bow and left the estate. Anders began rubbing Leigh's shoulders and felt how tense she was. "Maker that feels wonderful."

"You need to relax love, too much stress is not good for you or the little ones."

"I know, but I could not take it any longer with you two. It had to stop."

"I'm sorry love, it just..."

"I know." Leigh's face scrunched up into a mask of guilt and sadness. She turned away from him so she could stop the tears that were stinging her eyes. Anders gently turned her and crushed her to his chest. Her head nestled itself under his chin.

"None of that. I have forgiven you love, now you have to forgive yourself."

"Easier said then done."

"Try for me, please." Leigh sighed and nodded into his neck.

"For you."

OoO

Raven left the Hawke Estate early in the evening after dinner. Her heart troubled by the sense of another of her kind moving around the city. She had her spies keep an eye on the Templar turned Warden and what they reported back made her uneasy. He has allied himself with Meredith and her cronies. The bad part of it was Meredith knew Anders was here, but could not make a move on him for fear of what the Champion would do, but Addler was growing impatient. He wanted revenge for the death of Rolan and the others. She was so deep in thought on how to get him off alone so she could dispose of him she did not notice her old guild mate come up behind her until the cold steel was at her throat.

"That was a rookie mistake Raven. I had you dead to rights."

"Asha, thank the Maker."

"Kirkwall is not a city you want to be deep in thought in, even if you are safe in your home."

"So I see. What is he up to now?"

"He is trying to get the Grand Cleric to order the Templars here to take the Champion and Anders into custody. Stupid prig did not like her answer."

"And that was?"

"The Champions companions have done nothing but good for this city. Without proof she will not take an innocent man away from his patients."

"Without proof, ah his phylactery. Fat chance of them ever finding that."

"I have a feeling you had a hand in that my friend." Raven just let the grin on her face talk for her. Asha shook her head and chuckled. "He is a very lucky apostate to have you as a friend. You really are a advocate for the underdogs aren't you?"

"Someone has to be."

You and the Champion are a lot a like. Even down to one of your trainers."

"Huh?"

"Leigh Hawke was a student of mine years ago. It was before I joined the guild. I was a loner and ran afoul of some bandits. Her father found me half alive and healed me. In return I trained his oldest to be a rogue. I dare say she could give you a very big run for your sovereigns. She vanishes better than any I have ever seen, even you friend."

"That would explain why some of her moves were familiar." A buzzing in her head gave Raven a warning of another Warden heading their way. She and Asha backed into the shadows and let them hide their presence. As the buzzing got closer Raven relaxed she knew this person by their voice through the Taint. "Sigrun over here."

"There you are we have been looking all over for you since this morning. Nate wanted me to tell you it is done and we are ready."

"Good, I have a very bad feeling it will be soon."

"I hope not."

"This city is at the boiling point Sigrun. It will take only a little bit more heat to boil over."

"Balls!"

"My thoughts exactly." The three woman finished their discussion and went their separate ways. Each having their own job to do to make sure their plan worked.

OoO

"Sister?"

"Up here Carver." Carver Hawke headed up the stairs of his sister's estate. He wanted to take to her before he had to leave. With all of her friends hanging around most of the day he did not get the chance. "Where?" Leigh came out of a room on the left of the stairs and beckoned him to come in.

"This was Mama's room." Carver took a deep shaky breath and looked around the dimly lit room. "I haven't had the heart to change anything in three years. Orana comes in her and dusts every week, but other than that..."

"It wasn't your fault, it was the bastard who took her from us."

"I come in here sometimes and I swear I can hear her talking to me. I miss her."

"I do too, at least you and Bethany got to be here for her when...well when I was not here."

"She never stopped mourning you. Her little boy. You know she visited me on the Hallow right after her death three years ago."

"Papa was with me. Telling me I wasn't alone, no matter what I had my sisters. I thought there was no way, you all had to be dead. We were surrounded, but here you are alive and well."

"I asked Mama to tell Papa and you I said hello and that I loved you both so much, but she told me to tell you myself. So I waited for you to show up every Hallow since and now you are here right before the next Hallow. So hello Carver and I have missed you." Carver threw back his head and laughed. His arms wrapped around his sister's small frame and hugged her tight.

"I have missed you as well Leelee and I love you." Leigh pushed back a bit from him and smiled.

"I have something for you." She broke away from him for a moment and rummage through her mother's chest of drawers. Once she found what she was looking for she returned to his side. She placed the object into her brother's large hand and closed it before he could peek. When he opened his hand a small gasp escaped his lips.

"Maker she kept this?"

"Yes, it was all we had to remember you by." On a chain was a silver medallion with the royal emblem. It was given to Carver for joining the king's army to fight at Ostagar. It was a symbol of unity for those not formally trained, but brave none the less. "I still have mine as well."

"We did try didn't we?"

"As best we could. Their was nothing we could have done to stop it Carver. All we can do now is move on and live."

"It is much easier now that I know you and Bethany are alive and well. It is like part of the nightmare is over. Lothering is gone, but we remain stronger than ever."

"Hey is this just for you two or can any Hawke join?" Bethany had tears in her eyes seeing her older siblings getting along for the first time ever. Leigh opened her arm as did Carver and Bethany walked over to join the embrace.

"Papa and Mama are smiling from the Fade at us."

"I hope so. Seeing what Papa had to do to keep mother safe, it...he really was a brave man wasn't he?"

"The bravest Beth."

"Now Carver is the man of the family."

"No pressure there, little sister." Both sisters laughed at their brother and hugged him tighter. "I guess I should have listened to him all those years ago. He told me that one day I would appreciate my sisters. Well today is the day. Maker who would have ever thought this?"

"Papa." The three siblings laughed while leaning on each other. They did not notice the rest of Leigh's friends watching from the small hallway. Aveline and Varric shared a look and walked away giving the Hawkes their moment. Anders hung back for a minute more and met Leigh's gaze. He smiled at her and went back into the main room of the house.

"She looks happy." "Yes she does. I fear that it won't last." "She is strong my friend do not give up on your life with her." "If I become a murderer she will not love me Justice. I will break her heart and that will kill me more than the Templars can." "You think she will kill you for that?" "Justice would be served if she does. You will be free and hopefully changed back." "She doesn't know does she?" "Maker, no how can I tell her that?" "Easy, you just say Leigh I am..." "NO!" "Alright your choice, but it will come out and it will be better coming from you."

OoO

"Sebastian you look upset." Grand Cleric Elthina had been watching her young charge for over and hour now. His shoulders were slumped and his face a mask of sorrow.

"It is nothing Your Grace. I received some bad news today is all."

"Come and walk with me Sebastian. Let me hear your troubles." He bowed and fell in step with the older woman. "I have not seen Serah Hawke of late. Is she well?"

"I believe so, I have not seen her much in the last two months. She is leaving Kirkwall soon."

"Is she, and how do you feel about that?"

"I...don't want her to go. Maker forgive me I...love her and she only sees me as a brother, a friend." Elthina placed a sympathetic hand on the young rogue's arm.

"You covet what you can not have and miss what you do. She has been you friend for years. She has cared for you and protected you from harm. Take heart in that and know you have a friend for life." Sebastian nodded, but inside his heart he was dying. He had tasted what it was like to wake up beside her and envied Anders greatly. He could still feel her warm body next to his. Her hands resting gently on his waist while they slept. The smell of her perfume and the fire in her eyes when their bodies met. How was he to forget how that felt? How was he to let that go?

"I will pray on this Your Grace."

"Sebastian, there is time for praying and there is time to deal with your feelings."

"I have voiced them to her, but she loves Anders, even though he will get her killed."

"Ah the apostate, you are not the only one who wants him gone."

"Who else wants Anders?"

"A Warden Templar who has told me Anders killed his friend. I do not know if I believe the man though. He is full of anger and hates mages."

"Anders murdered a man?"

"And did not murder a troop of men? It might not have been at your own hands, but you put it in motion."

"I...your right Your Grace. I have no room to judge."

"No my dear boy you do not. Nor does anyone have the right to judge you for your actions. We are human Sebastian, we all make mistakes. It is how we learn from them and live our lives after that defines us. I am excusing you from your duties here for the next few days. You need to reflect away from here. The Queen of Ferelden is here in Kirkwall. If I remember correctly you two are childhood friends. Go talk to her Sebastian, clear your head. Maybe you can confide more in her than in me."

"I will Your Grace and...thank you. You have always been good to me, even when I am a total brat."

"You have grown into a fine young man right before my eyes. I am proud of you. Now go and I hope when I see you next you have that smile I have come to love back on your face."

OoO

"Sebastian it is good to see you again. Please come in."

"Ashlyn it is good to see you too. How are you?"

"As good as to be expected. Orlais is being a right pain, but when are they not."

"Is this because of what Leigh did?"

"It wasn't just her or the Qunari Tallis. It is because they have never forgiven us for fighting back and winning. My poor Alistair is a beast against darkspawn, but with politics, he is lost."

"I know how he feels. I can't stand the posturing nobles feigning support, just to cut me down later. It is sickening."

"This is why Alistair has me. I can spot out the fakes and help ally him with the good. We will help as much as we can, you need only ask."

"I would have thought my rakish ways would have turned you against me."

"You know full well I can not judge you, not after what I did."

"Ah, yes the runaway noble. You were gone for how many years?"

"Three, just long enough for Anora to marry Cailan and for me to be branded a coward and a whore."

"But your not..."

"Did not matter then, but it does now. Alistair is the only man I have ever loved completely. I might add the only one who I have ever been with in the Chantry sense too. I had a hard fight to change minds about me and it is still a struggle. The Hero of Ferelden has a higher standing with the people then I ever will. She is a symbol much like the Champion of Kirkwall. Her status is what has kept Orlais from marching here and on Ferelden. They fear her power over the people. She is a natural leader."

"I know full well. I just wish she...no it is a foolish thought."

"Speak freely friend, something is weighing you down, it is better to get it off your chest. Trust me you don't want it eating you from the inside out." Sebastian sighed and the words poured out of his mouth. He confessed his love for Leigh and his indiscretions with her. He let the guilt and anger out with every word. Ashlyn sat and listened, comforting when he needed it and gave wisdom when it was called for. "How long have you held that all in?"

"Too long. How can I be a good ruler when I am jealous of a man who has nothing, but the clothes on his back?"

"The fact you question yourself is what will make you a good ruler. Tyrants never question, they just want power and control. You want the best for your people."

"I can't help but still love her and want her beside me. How do I get past that?"

"The love will always be there, but you have to choose if you will let it poison your heart or lift it. I do think she loves you too, but not in the way you want. It is love none the less."

"You have changed much Ashlyn. It is good to see the woman you have become."

"I could say the same about you. You are not the spoiled little boy I knew, drinking and whoring his way through life. Elthina really did tame you."

"I tested her so much, I surprised she did not turn me over to the Templars to beat the willfulness out of me."

"She saw the man you could be." Sebastian stood to ready himself to leave, but Ashlyn stopped him. "No matter what happens you must never be bitter. It does you no honor."

"I will try. Thank you Ashlyn for everything. It was good to get this off my chest."

"You are quite welcome my friend. I am here for two more days if you need to talk further. Just send a message first to make sure I am here. My steward knows how to find me and I will return to talk to you."

"I will see you before you leave then. Good night."

"Good night Sebastian." She made sure he was gone before sinking into her chair. "Maker, this is really not going to go well." She looked over the plans her and the other Wardens have practiced for the last two months. She hoped it was enough to see them through this. "The things I do for my Wardens."

"And we all are grateful for it."

"Hello Velanna."

"We are ready. Let's just hope Justice does his part and give us a signal with enough time to get it done or we will be dead."

"He will, he has never let us down before, Anders on the other hand..."

"Vel don't. He has changed."

"I know Commander, but he is so much trouble."

"Yes and so were you, if you remember. Anders at least did not try to kill me when I met him." Velanna just rolled her eyes at the queen.

"Well you know how us crazy Dalish are, you call one of us sister."

'Shy is not crazy."

"She is not a normal Dalish and you are not a normal shem."

"No I guess I am not. Normal is boring."

"Crazy is so much more fun." Both woman laughed and shook their heads. "It is worth it Ashlyn, the mages must be freed and your Chantry changed."

"I know, but the price of it...let's hope it won't become necessary. I am retiring for the evening. It has been a long day."

"Sleep well, we will keep watch."

"Rotate shifts we all need to be on our game the next few days."

"Yes Commander, good night."

"Good night Vel." Ashlyn gave one last look to the plans and threw them back on her desk. "Maker keep us safe and bring me home to Alistair and Duncan. Help us find a peaceful solution to this. If not guide us with grace and compassion through the hard times to come."