"You dare show your face here, Templar?" Anders immediately positioned himself between the traveler and Elaine.

"It appears there was no room in the city for me," the smug reply came. Then he looked past Anders to Elaine. "Hello my dear," he said to her seductively .

Elaine shook her head as she recognized the voice. Alrik stood before them, removing his gloves. "I will need food and shelter," he demanded.

Before Elaine had even one second to think, a bolt of lightning shot through the area. Anders had released his spell to knock Alrik back and then lunged at the man with full speed.

Alrik was knocked to the ground without warning, Anders jumped onto his chest, and punched Alrik in the face repeatedly. The surprise of the attack didn't allow for Alrik to defend himself at first, but he quickly rolled on top of Anders and attempted to restrain the mage.

Before he could attack however, Anders prepared his mind blast and Alrik fell back, stunned. Anders took the opportunity to jump up and aim his staff at the Templar. He began hurling fireballs at Alrik as he struggled to get back to his feet.

"Anders, stop!" Elaine screamed trying to get his attention.

He didn't though. The anger in Anders face was clear, and Alrik was going to pay for what he had done to Elaine. Another mind blast, then a swing of his staff to the Templars face as blood flew out of his mouth. Several more well-placed blows and Alrik was clearly very disoriented and unable to defend himself.

Alrik knelt on the ground, his face beginning to swell, and Anders stood over him, completely unharmed. He grabbed Alrik's armor and held him in place as he resumed punching the man with his fist until the Templar was barely conscious.

"You will never hurt another mage again," Anders growled at Alrik, whose eyes were now nearly swollen shut. Anders threw down his staff and wrapped his hands around the man's neck, determined to strangle the life out of the Templar.

Elaine made no move to stop him. She couldn't. Frozen in place both by the mere sight of this man who had once abused her so horribly, and the vengeful rage that had overtaken Anders, she could do nothing but continue to watch, almost hoping to hear the snap of the Templar's neck.

With the commotion of the fight, none of the three noticed the group of travelers coming up the road. Once they'd heard Anders yelling and had seen the light from spells being cast, they had quickened their pace to see what was happening. When they came upon the scene, they immediately intervened; the leader of the group pulling Anders off the Templar, and the others hovering over the Alrik, assessing his wounds. Anders struggled against the person restraining him, demanding he be allowed to kill Alrik, but now that they were outnumbered, this fight was clearly over.

"I will not allow you to kill this man," came the voice behind Anders.

"How dare you interfere here, stranger," Anders voice rose in anger. "Do you have any idea what he's done?"

"Besides being a Templar, it doesn't matter," came the voice of reason. "Last time I checked, murder wasn't on the agenda for the Grey Wardens."

Elaine looked away from Alrik for the first time, and thought she recognized the voice that was speaking. "Alistair?"

He released his hold on Anders and went to her. "Elaine, are you alright?"

She shook her head, body trembling, and collapsed into his arms.

As Alistair held her and tried to comfort her, Anders' anger was almost unstoppable. "You are Alistair?"

The man holding Elaine nodded, still rubbing Elaine's back trying to calm her down. "Then why in the name of the Maker would you stop me from killing this man after what he did to her?"

Alistair looked from Anders to Elaine, clearly not understanding what the mage was talking about. Elaine's eyes pleaded to Anders through her tears, but his anger was clearly in control over any rational thought. "He raped her, and you will let him live?"

The shock of the words was obvious on Alistair's face. He hadn't known; she'd never told him. A knot formed in his stomach and his throat seized from the unwelcome images which formed in his mind. Elaine, his first love, being brutalized in such a way. He released his hold on Elaine and walked towards Alrik, adding a punch of his own to the older man's face.

"The Order will hear of this Templar," Alistair told the man as he gestured for his companions to get Alrik on his feet. "Dump this man down the road. If he returns, kill him."

The men did as instructed, Alrik leaning on two of them as they led him away from the Keep. Alistair turned back toward Elaine, who was walking backwards away from Alistair and Anders. When Anders reached out for her, she turned and ran back into the Keep.

Anders brought Alistair into the Keep and introduced him to Varel and the others. Varel was more than happy to fill Alistair in on the current situation, while Anders searched for Elaine. After checking her usual hiding places and not finding her, he returned to the main hall as Alistair was greeting the rest of his men. "I'm sorry, I'm afraid we missed out on a proper introduction," Alistair said cordially. "I am Alistair," he bowed.

"Anders," the mage said politely. "I apologize for the not so warm welcome earlier."

Alistair nodded and asked Varel for accommodations for himself and his men. Varel gave him directions to a set of rooms, and Alistair asked Anders to walk with him. After Alistair's men dispersed and he was alone with Anders again, he spoke openly with the mage. "I have to admit, this is a bit awkward for me."

"For you," Anders said laughing, "not at all awkward for me. The ex-Templar slash ex-boyfriend finding the current boyfriend slash mage beating up another Templar? It almost sounds like a bad joke."

"Ah," Alistair nodded. "So you are the current boyfriend, then."

Anders shook his head. "I am really sticking my foot in it today, aren't I. Anything else you'd like to know that you aren't supposed to? It seems today is the day to ask Anders!"

Alistair chuckled at his joke. "No no, it's alright. She's entitled to a life. Our breakup was mutual and on good terms, no hard feelings here." Alistair rubbed the back of his head. "Although I wondered why she was trying to keep me from coming up here."

Anders shrugged. "I don't think that was personal. There was a lot going on to think about adding new recruits to the mix."

"From what Varel tells me it's still going on."

Anders stopped walking and leaned against the wall. "It'll be fine. She makes it fine."

Alistair turned when he didn't hear Anders behind him any longer. "Wow, you've got it bad."

Anders turned to look at him. "Is this appropriate for us to talk like this?"

"Oh I dunno," Alistair said leaning against the wall opposite Anders. "Brothers in arms and all that comradery? I don't think there are rules for this sort of thing. Although maybe there should be?"

"Am I interrupting?" Elaine asked as she entered the hallway and saw the two men standing there.

Anders opened his mouth to say something, but when Elaine refused to make eye contact with him, he stopped himself.

"Oh you know, Grey Warden business and all that," Alistair said with an almost serious face.

Elaine nodded. "Then perhaps you should join me in my office, Alistair," she said walking between the two men as she continued on.

"Uh oh, I know that tone," Alistair said falling in step behind her. "Am I in trouble?"

She kept walking without responding and Anders watched her and Alistair disappear around the corner. He sunk to the floor and sat there, unsure what to do.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Alistair questioned as he sat down in the chair in front of her desk.

Elaine sighed and practically fell into her chair. "It's been a very long few days Alistair, do we have to?"

He shook his head, "Nope, not at all. If I may Elaine, you look terrible."

Her shoulders moved slightly as she gave a soft laugh. "Thanks, good to see you too."

Alistair leaned forward and set his elbows on her desk, placing his head in his hands. "Really though, are you alright?"

"Define 'alright'?" she asked avoiding the question. "I could use a break after all this. I'm sorry, I didn't even notice, how many potential recruits have you brought with you?"

"Six are here in the Keep, and four more about two days out."

Elaine looked surprised. "You let them travel alone?"

Alistair looked offended. "I'm not stupid you know. No, they aren't alone, and you're avoiding my original questions regarding your well being."

She copied his position, propping her head up in her hands as she rested her elbows on her desk. She stared at him for a few minutes, realizing she almost missed the warmth of his eyes and his obsessive need for perfect hair. "I just watched the loving, caring man that I thought I knew almost kill another. Days after he decided he wants a spirit from the Fade to merge and possess him. Add in everything that has happened here; feuding darkspawn wanting me dead, and having to see Alrik again not once, but twice… No, I suppose I'm not alright." She turned her face down in her hands and took a breath, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall.

Alistair moved his hands to cover hers and she allowed their fingers to intertwine as they used to. He wasn't used to seeing her like this; the Elaine he knew was always strong, stoic, and never let anything bother her. Seeing her vulnerable made him a little sad. He didn't bother to offer her any words, but hoped the warmth of his friendship would help in some small way.

After a few moments she looked up at him and smiled. "I need to go find Anders," she said squeezing his hands.

Alistair nodded, standing up. "Probably a good idea. Once you get your affairs in order, I'd like to proceed with the Joining ceremony as soon as possible."

Elaine gave him a curious look. "So soon? What's the rush?"

Alistair surprised her with a stern look. "Oh I dunno, the hordes of darkspawn lingering around, the lack of Grey Wardens in this area, duty and all that?"

She nodded, feeling slightly ashamed for being so wrapped up in her own problems. "You're right, as always. I'm sorry for getting off track. I will finish with my personal business and we'll perform the ritual tonight."

Elaine got up and walked toward the door when Alistair grabbed her arm, spinning her to look at him. "I didn't mean it to come out so cold," he said softly. "You know I care for you, a great deal." She moved to turn away from him but he pulled her in for a soft hug.

The tears came then, softly falling on his armor. She struggled with the truth that was within her; the fear of seeing Anders in such a way. It was the first time she had ever seen him so violent, so destructive, so intent on killing another person. And the guilt within that - it was because of her he was like that. His love for her drove him to that madness. Elaine didn't know if she was afraid of him or for him after seeing this new and violent side of him.

She knew she couldn't resolve this on her own; she'd have to speak with Anders before either one of them could move on. She thanked Alistair with a kiss on the cheek and went to look for him.

When she didn't find Anders in his room or in the kitchen, her next logical stop was Justice's room. The two had grown quite close over the time they had worked together, and if Anders would call anyone a friend, it would be Justice. As she approached the door she heard raised voices within.

"There will always be injustice in the world of Templars and mages unless someone does something about it."

"I suppose that someone is supposed to be me," she heard Anders say with a note of sarcasm.

"Who better than a mage to bring to light what the Templars have done in this world?" Justice said with conviction. "You and I together will bring that justice forth."

"Justice is a noble idea," Anders argued, "but not a realistic one. At least not in the world we live in."

"Only because no one stands up for what is right. You mortals are frustrating; complain and cry and run away but do nothing to solve the problem."

"You don't understand," Anders sighed. "Things aren't as black and white as you may think they are."

"Perhaps I will understand once we are joined. As of now it is clear something must be done."

"I'm not saying I don't agree with you Justice, only that I wouldn't know how to even begin."

"Then let us join brother, let us send assurances to this realm that no mage will be harmed such as the Commander was again."

Elaine felt her face flush with anger. Anders had told Justice as well? Did everyone know? She opened the door to the room without invitation and glared at the spirit and the mage. "I'm here to discuss this joining of yours," she said casually. "Do you still plan on doing this?"

Anders stood as she entered and began to walk toward her, but her body language was clear that she wasn't ready to discuss what had happened. He looked to Justice who encouraged him with a nod. "It can't be done," Anders explained. "I have the ritual, but it would require two mages and I can not be one of them."

Elaine leaned against the door frame. "So you just need another mage to make it happen?"

Anders nodded, eyes searching hers for a reason for this line of questioning. "I thought you were against this?"

Elaine shrugged. "I know someone who can help. I will reach out to them and we can do the ritual when they arrive." She left the room and turned down the hall.

Anders followed behind, as she suspected he would. "Elaine, please wait a minute," he said catching up to her fast paced strides.

She continued walking to her room without stopping or acknowledging him, but left her door open as she entered, allowing him inside. She sat on her bed and crossed her legs, waiting for him to join her.

Anders sat on the edge of the bed next to her, but remained with his back to her, afraid to look into her eyes. He felt Elaine shift behind him, leaning back against the wall and moving a pillow to her lap. He smiled to himself as he knew what she was doing without even looking; mindlessly playing with the tassels on the ends of the pillow. It was something he had seen her do numerous times when there was something on her mind. "Are you angry with me?" he asked apprehensively.

No response came, and for a moment he wished she would say something, anything. Her silence was deafening, and very rare, so he shifted uncomfortably thinking about what to say next. Fear overwhelmed him at the thought of losing her. Their closeness in the castle seemed a lifetime ago as he felt the heavy distance between them now. He recalled the look in her eyes after confronting Alrik; shock, sadness, and fear. She was afraid of him he realized, and this saddened him more than anything. He had only wanted to be her savior, her protector.

Anders shifted toward her and saw the quiet tears that streamed down her face. His heart filled with pain in that moment, watching a tear slide down her cheek, drift off her chin, and disappear into the material of the pillow she held. He wanted to reach out to her, hold her and comfort her, but he was the one she was afraid of now. He didn't know how to fix this. "Tell me love," he asked, "how can I make this right?"

Elaine looked up at him, melting into his eyes and the love that shone from them. "You did nothing wrong Anders, and no I am not angry with you." She reached out for his hand and he accepted it, releasing a breath he wasn't aware he'd been holding. "But for the first time since I met you," she whispered, "I was afraid of you."

He closed his eyes, her words burning his soul. She sat up on her knees and put her arms around him from behind, resting her chest on his back and her head on his shoulder. He grabbed her hands in front of him and pulled them close to his heart. "Whatever you wish of me, it is done," he said bringing her hand up to kiss it.

She positioned her chin on his shoulder, and her cheek was tickled by the stubble on his. "This merge with Justice," she broached the subject, "is it something you really want to do?"

Anders leaned against her face, soaking in the warmth of her. "Imagine a world where mages never have to fear another Templar. Justice says that together we can make that happen." He paused, waiting for a reaction from her. When she said and did nothing, he continued. "I want to do this for you love, for us. Freedom to be who we are without shame, discrimination, hatred. Freedom from the Templars and their hold on us and our magic." He wiped away a random tear that fell from his own eyes. "I want to be able to protect you. From anything."

Elaine rested her head again on his shoulder and thought about what he had said. "Are you certain the ritual would be successful? Nothing would happen to either one of you save the joining?"

Anders nodded. "I would not risk my life, risk losing you, if I wasn't certain," he said. "I would only trust you to do the ritual though, and anyone you'd trust to assist you. You said you know of someone that would help?"

Elaine released her hold on him and sat back again, grabbing her pillow once more. Anders lay back and put his head on the pillow looking up at her. She stroked his hair while looking down at him. "If this is what you want, I will make it happen," she said to him.

He reached up and held her neck, bringing her down to him so his lips met hers. "I love you," he said once he'd parted from the warmth of her mouth. "I will create a better life for us both."

She smiled at him, ignoring the lingering doubt in the back of her mind.

Elaine opened her closet and retrieved her old pack from the floor. She dumped it on the bed, small reminders of her past falling randomly across the blanket. A cloth with a dried rose from Alistair, some poetry written by Zevran, braided ribbons Leliana had made for her, even Oghren's old flask that she had won from him in a card game. She smiled at the memories before her, and focused in on what she was looking for.

The small wooden box had fallen off to the side alone, and Elaine took a moment to smile at the irony. She opened the box and removed the ring it held; two bands of silver intertwined that joined in an emerald green stone. Elaine sat on the floor and slipped the ring on her finger. Taking a deep breath, she shut her eyes and concentrated as she was taught to do. She focused her magic on the image of the stone in her mind and waited.

I did not expect to hear from you so soon, the voice said in her mind.

I know, I'm sorry, Elaine said with her thoughts. To be honest I didn't know if this would work.

Is this a test? the voice asked.

No, Elaine answered. I have need of you.

A brief hesitation. I require a week to travel. And for you to get rid of him.

I understand, Elaine sent.

She opened her eyes as she felt the connection end, and she removed the ring and placed it back in the box. Now that help was on the way, Elaine knew there was no turning back.