A/N: Happy holidays everyone! Here is a new chapter as either a belated Christmas present or early New Year's gift, whichever works. Sorry for the one-week delay, I posted the new Morrigan POV one-shot last week instead, as a separate story. So if you haven't checked that out yet, feel free to go have a look. The end part of it takes place at the end of Chapter 40, and it has some relevance to things that happen in this chapter. Also, if people like it and want to see more from her or Aedan, please let me know and I'll add it to that story!

Thanks as always to those who are reading, favoriting and following, though I'd love to hear what you actually think too! For example, what you like, don't like, want to see more or less of, etc.

Extra special thanks to the reviewers of last chapter: XZanayu, SquishyPenguin12, Candle in the Night, whinesss, and the anonymous guest reviewer. I hope to keep hearing from you guys!

PLEASE REVIEW. ONE SHOT GIFT FIC TO 150TH REVIEWER. THANKS!

Disclaimer: Bioware owns characters and original dialogue, I own the rest.

Hope you enjoy - this one is a bit of a fluff/filler chapter with lots of conversations in it - but it is necessary to set up all the things happening later, and we'll have lots of plot-heavy stuff coming up soon, so might as well take it easy first!

Chapter 41: Favours for Friends

Ayla headed down to the tavern for breakfast the next morning, smiling to herself as she remembered the events of the previous night. She was a little embarrassed to recall some of the things she'd said and done earlier when she was drunk, but as Alistair's reactions had been amusing, she found she couldn't regret it entirely. Fortunately, the effects had worn off quickly, especially once he'd seen to it that she no longer drank any ale.

She found it sweet that he had done his best to take care of her when she'd been so out of it, and she was quite relieved that one of her shifter side effects that she had almost forgotten about had worked to sober her up quickly. As she so rarely drank more than a couple of ales, due to the lack of control it brought about, she had almost entirely forgotten that shifters had an increased metabolism capable of quickly breaking down alchohol, as well as some sedatives and poisons. They could still get quite impaired if they drank large amounts, but the effects would wear off very rapidly after they stopped drinking. Which was what had come to pass last night, and it had enabled her to shake off the effects of the ale she'd drunk quite quickly.

She had actually been almost entirely sober when she'd sat in Alistair's lap for the second time that night, but she'd been tired of waiting for him to head up to their room, and had decided to take advantage of her supposed drunkenness to torment him, remembering his previous reaction to her sitting in his lap. His body had reacted precisely as she'd hoped, but with his excellent control, he had not immediately dragged her off. She'd eventually had to torment him in a far more direct fashion to get the desired result, but in the end, it had worked exactly as planned. Actually, better than she'd expected; he was becoming increasingly bolder and more dominating with her when they made love, and she was thoroughly enjoying it.

With that in mind, she'd almost been tempted to wake him up a few moments ago as he'd asked her to do last time, thinking of all the wonderful ways she could have brought him awake. But seeing how peaceful he was as he slept, and recalling how much the Deep Roads had worn on both Wardens, she hadn't been able to bring herself to disturb him. He deserved as much peace as he could get; if he hadn't awakened in an hour or so, she would bring him some breakfast and wake him up then. In the meantime, she would join anyone currently awake and have breakfast herself.

As she reached the tavern, she discovered that only Morrigan was there, already eating at one of the tables. "Morrigan! We missed you and Aedan last night; he never returned for drinks after he went up to your room." She grinned mischievously at her friend.

Morrigan's lips twitched with amusement as Ayla sat down across from her, signalling for breakfast. Her golden eyes gleamed as she replied, "I believe he had planned to come down for a few drinks, but once he arrived in the room, I decided I did not wish to share him with the others."

Ayla laughed. "I cannot say as I blame you. Had I been up in our room when Alistair went to wash up, he would never have made it back down either."

Morrigan snorted. "I do hope that means the fool is at least good at warming your bed, if nothing else."

Where once she might have taken offense to the statement, Ayla now recognized it as Morrigan's way of being concerned about her, and an attempt to discern whether or not Alistair was treating her properly. So she merely grinned wickedly at the witch in response. "Oh, you have no idea, Morrigan. He's a . . . very quick study."

"Oh?" the witch smiled faintly in return. "I am pleased for you, then. Am I to assume he still sleeps?"

Ayla nodded. "I didn't have the heart to wake him up." She smiled in thanks to the barmaid who had just set her breakfast down, and began to eat. After she'd swallowed a few bites, she looked back up at Morrigan. "Is Aedan still sleeping too? Did he mention when he wants to leave?"

"He is. I . . . was reluctant to disturb him, as well." Morrigan frowned, as though uncertain she should admit to such weakness. Ayla bit back a smile; she had the feeling that the witch had been as unsuccessful in guarding her heart against Aedan as she had been against Alistair. "He does wish to depart today, however. He fears we are running short on time, and 'tis a long journey back to Redcliffe."

Ayla sighed, poking at her food. As much as she wanted to leave the confines of the dwarves' underground kingdom, the thought that Redcliffe would be their next destination made her almost reluctant to do so. She suspected that Arl Eamon was not done trying to interfere with her and Alistair's relationship, and she was afraid that things would not turn out as she hoped in the Landsmeet. "Yes, Redcliffe. Don't remind me; I don't want to think of it any more than I have to."

Morrigan scowled. Ayla had told her friend all about the Arl's low opinion of her, so the witch knew exactly why she was reluctant to return. "Do not listen to that fool of an Arl. His opinion of you means nothing, and you should not allow it to disturb you. If you wish to remain with Alistair –" her lip curled as if to say she could not imagine why, but she continued – "then do so. He cannot stop you."

"Well, I'm certain he's going to try, but thank you, Morrigan." Ayla smiled at her. "It helps to know I have a friend supporting me."

The witch flushed. "I – you are most welcome. " She hesitated, before going on, "We – we are indeed friends, then? You truly mean that?"

Ayla frowned, her brows drawing together. "Of course I do. Why wouldn't I?"

Morrigan hesitated, looking strangely vulnerable before she began, "I am aware that I have . . . little talent for forming friendships. To put it lightly. 'Tis something I know nothing of, nor ever thought I needed. Yet you have always treated me as an equal, and have accepted me as I am."

"Well, of course I accepted you, just as you did me," Ayla reminded her gently. She knew Morrigan had trouble understanding such things, but she was trying to learn. This only proved it. "I wasn't used to others accepting my shifter nature so easily. It meant a lot to me when you did, and how could I do any less than return the favour? That is, after all, what friends do. And I am your friend, Morrigan."

Morrigan shook her head, looking confused still. "And that is what I do not understand. Of all the things I could have imagined when Flemeth told me to go with you and the Wardens, one of the very last would have been that I would find in you a friend. Perhaps even . . . a sister." She said the last slowly, as though reluctant to voice it aloud, but there was a look of hope deep in her eyes.

Ayla had to admit she was shocked, but pleasantly so. She had never thought to hear such a statement from her friend, but to hear it now warmed her deeply. She smiled broadly at Morrigan. "Yes, a sister, I think. I like the sound of that, I've only ever had an oafish big brother." She did her best to try to ignore the twinge of sadness thoughts of Mardin always brought up; she had found more here than she had ever hoped to have. She could not expect it to come without a price. If that price was that she never saw her brother again, there was little she could do about that. "I would be proud to call you sister."

"I . . . thank you," Morrigan smiled tremulously, her eyes shining with what looked like unshed tears. "I - I want you to know that while I may not always prove . . . worthy . . . of your friendship, I will always value it." She paused for a long moment, then continued, "I am reluctant to ask this of you, but I feel I have little choice. Might you be willing to do a favour for me?"

"Of course, Morrigan," Ayla agreed readily. She could see in the witch's gaze how much it cost her to ask for help, how much it stung her pride. She could not refuse her in light of that. "That is what friends – and sisters – are for."

"Do not agree before you know what it is I ask," Morrigan warned. She then proceeded to tell Ayla how Aedan had tracked down a grimoire for her at the Circle Tower that she had believed contained her mother's spells. Instead, after lengthy study, she had discovered that it detailed how her mother had remained alive for all this time, which was apparently by taking over the bodies of other witches, of her previous "daughters". She explained that she had already asked Aedan to confront and defeat her mother for her to spare her this fate, and he had agreed. "I do not wish for him to go alone, however," Morrigan concluded. "My mother is most powerful, and he is too valuable to risk. He is reluctant to order anyone to come with him on such a dangerous task, and so I had hoped that you might agree to accompany him."

Ayla hesitated. Had it been anyone – anything – else, she would have said yes immediately. However, as far as she could tell, Flemeth appeared to be this world's messenger, and to strike any blow against a messenger of the Goddess was utterly forbidden. "Morrigan – your mother – she is a messenger, is she not? A messenger of the Goddess, I mean? It is forbidden to fight them."

"A messenger?" Morrigan snorted derisively. "My mother is merely a powerful witch. Do you speak of the fact that she possesses knowledge she should not? 'Tis merely due to her powers, which come from a demon, not some . . . divine intervention."

Ayla frowned. It was true from all that she'd heard about Flemeth, that she did not necessarily sound like the paragon of goodness most messengers were, but this was a much darker world than her own, after all. "That may be true, but perhaps a darker world like this needs a darker messenger. " Seeing the look on Morrigan's face, knowing she was about to argue, she sighed and went on, "But I will go with Aedan and speak to her, at least. I will find out what she intends to do, and see if I can convince her otherwise. If she attacks us, then I will fight back, but not before. Does that sound fair?"

Morrigan nodded slowly. "It does, and I am most grateful. As I mentioned, I am unable to go with you, as I am not certain she would not be able to possess my body were I there. Perhaps, however, 'twould be prudent of you to bring Alistair along. He may be of some use."

Ayla shook her head. If she had her way, he wouldn't go anywhere near someone that dangerous. "I'll tell him where we are going, but I will not make him come with me. If he decides to come on his own, so be it, but I won't push him."

Morrigan tilted her head, frowning. "If you were to ask him to come, he would not refuse you. Despite his other faults, he is undoubtedly loyal to you."

"I know, and that's exactly why I won't ask him," Ayla replied, sighing. "I don't want him to feel obligated to help, when I am the one who agreed to the favour, and you two don't exactly . . . get along. So I will not make him go."

"I do not understand," Morrigan replied slowly. "But if that is what you wish, then so be it. 'Tis likely he will accompany you, anyway."

"Probably," Ayla conceded. She suspected he'd try to talk her out of it, and when that didn't work, he would end up going along to try to keep her safe. But at least that would be his choice, and she wouldn't feel quite so much that she'd manipulated him into it. "But at least I will know I did not make him go."

Following that, Ayla turned the conversation with her friend to other topics for a time while they finished their food. Neither Warden had made an appearance by the time they were done, so Ayla took her leave of Morrigan, promising once more to help as agreed once they reached Redcliffe. She talked the barmaid into giving her a tray of food, including a large wheel of cheese, before she went back up to the room.

Alistair was still sleeping in the bed when she entered, the covers tangled around the lower half of his body as he lay sprawled on his back, snoring softly. She smiled as she closed the door quietly and set the tray down on the table. She cut off a small piece of the cheese and climbed on the bed next to him, shaking his shoulder gently, and waving the cheese in front of his face when his eyes popped open.

He grinned when he realized what she was holding, sitting up in the bed as he did so. "You brought me cheese? Ah, my love, if you didn't already have my heart, you would now."

She laughed softly, leaning closer to him on her knees, the cheese in one hand, her lips only a few inches from his. "Oh really? Is this all it would have taken? Then I must have been wasting my time with everything else." When he leaned forward, his lips only a breath from hers, she pulled back, presenting him with the cheese instead as she smiled teasingly at him. "From now on, I will only bring you food, if that is all you need."

"Oh, you are a cruel, cruel woman," he sighed, his eyes sparkling as he watched her. "You're not going to make me choose between my unholy love of cheese and my very unholy love of your mouth, are you?"

She pretended to consider it for a long moment, grinning as he pouted dramatically at her. "No, I suppose I am not that cruel," she replied, giving him a lingering kiss before she popped the cheese in his mouth.

He chewed and swallowed before replying with a wink, "Good. Because that would be a very difficult decision."

She laughed, shaking her head at him. "Would it? Because I can go and leave you and the cheese alone, you know." She made as if to get off the bed, but his arm snaked around her before she got very far and he pulled her into his lap.

"No, don't leave me here all alone," he breathed, trailing his mouth over her neck. She shivered at the feather-light touch of his lips. "I find I am much hungrier for the taste of you right now."

His hand was sliding up under her tunic, much to her delight, before he suddenly paused and looked at the door over her shoulder. "Wait, Aedan's not expecting us to leave right away, is he?"

"Not right away," she answered, but when he grinned and went to kiss her, she admitted reluctantly, "but as soon as he wakes up, he will want to leave."

Alistair groaned, resting his forehead against hers, his arms still snug around her. "Then I guess I'd better get ready to leave so he's not waiting on us." He gave her a quick, smouldering kiss before lifting her off his lap and getting off the bed.

"I suppose you had better," she agreed with a reluctant sigh, watching the impressive play of muscles in his backside as he went over to his pack, digging out smallclothes and the cotton garments he wore beneath his armor.

She continued to sit on the bed and watch as he pulled the clothes on, wondering if this was the last opportunity she would have to be with him like this. Wondering if she would ever share a room with him again, wake up to him there with her, if this was the only chance she'd ever get to bring him breakfast in bed. She thought she was likely being overdramatic, but she couldn't seem to shake the feeling, however much she wanted to.

When Alistair looked up after he'd pulled his tunic on and met her eyes, seeing her watching him, he grinned smugly for a second before his face fell. "Is something wrong?" he asked, concern suddenly lining his face.

She shook her head, trying to push her feelings down, knowing that he must have seen the worry in her eyes. "No, nothing. You should eat the rest of the food I brought you before we leave. You must be hungry."

He frowned at her, though he crossed the room to the table and sat down, pulling the food towards him. After he'd taken a few bites, he looked back at her. "I know something's bothering you, Ayla. Tell me what it is, please."

She hesitated, unsure if she really wanted to voice her fears aloud to him, but when she saw the stubborn set of his jaw, she knew he wouldn't drop it. "Fine. I'm . . . worried that everything will change when we get back to Redcliffe. That . . . we won't be able to be together like this again."

His eyebrows shot up. "What?" He exclaimed, his voice muffled by a bite of food he quickly swallowed. "Why in the Maker's name would you think that? Didn't I tell you I had an agreement with the Arl that I would stay with you until I became King? Since that is never going to happen, nothing is going to change. We are going to be together like this again."

She sighed. She didn't want to tell him what the Arl had asked Zevran to do, but she did want him to understand why she would still be worried. "Are you so certain that he won't try to come between us anyway?" she asked carefully. "That he won't . . . want me out of the way so that you'll be more willing to become King?"

He opened his mouth as though to disagree with her, before he sank back, thinking it over. "I'd like to believe he wouldn't," he replied at last, frowning. "But even were he to try, what makes you think he would succeed? You don't want to leave me, do you?"

"Of course not," she snapped, annoyed that he would even ask her that. She got off the bed and began to pace back and forth, full of restless energy. "I was more concerned he'd find a way to make you leave me. To make you hate me, so you would be more willing to do your duty and become King."

"Ayla . . ." he shook his head, catching her arm as she paced by and turning her to face him. His face had softened, and his eyes were glowing with warmth as he looked at her. "I told you, my heart is yours. Nothing the Arl says or does will ever change that. Yes," he interrupted her when she opened her mouth to protest, obviously guessing what she was going to say, "he means a lot to me. But you mean everything to me. And though I owe him much, I do not owe him my future, my chance at happiness with the woman I love. With you."

"Alistair . . ." she stared at him a long moment, shaken by his declaration, by the conviction behind it, even as she was swamped with relief. How was he always so good at comforting her? She wasn't even certain what to say in reply, so she went for humour and a teasing tone of voice as she said, "You're getting really good at this whole charming, saying the right thing bit, did you know that?"

He grinned cheekily at her. "I've been practicing." He sobered as he pulled her onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her and holding her close. "Does that mean I've succeeded at easing your mind?"

"I think so," she replied quietly, returning his embrace and relishing in the feel of his arms around her. "Except . . . what if the Landsmeet does not go according to Aedan's plan? What if you do have to become King?"

He shook his head. "I won't." She must have looked doubtful, for he squeezed her and said, "Has Aedan ever failed us yet?"

"Well, no," she admitted, "but . . ."

"Whether or not his plan works," he interrupted her, "I am staying with the Wardens, and I am staying with you. I will do whatever I have to, to make that happen. You are mine, and I am keeping you."

She smiled, her doubts vanishing at the firm, unshakable conviction in his voice, the air of confidence and command around him that she had noticed more often lately. After all, had not the Goddess said he was her destiny? Surely it would all work out if they remained together in the face of all their obstacles, as they had so far. She let out a deep, relieved breath before looking up at him with sudden mischief in her eyes. "Is that so? I thought I was a handful?"

His eyes widened slightly before he laughed. "You remember that, do you? Well, then you'll also remember me saying that I don't mind, right?" His eyes darkened as his hands slid down to her buttocks, cupping and squeezing gently. She moaned softly at the sudden ache in her loins in response. He whispered huskily in her ear, "I do like having my hands full."

She rocked up on his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck and capturing his mouth in a heated kiss before trailing her lips to his ear. She bit on the lobe gently as she replied softly, "Good. Because I plan to keep them that way."

He growled low in his throat as she nibbled her way down his neck, one of his hands drifting up under her tunic again, sliding over her side and up towards her breastband. His rough fingers had just slid beneath the bottom of the breastband when a knock came at the door.

"Alistair, are you awake? We're going to be leaving right away, as soon as everyone's ready," Aedan's voice drifted through the door.

Ayla groaned, dropping her head to rest on Alistair's chest as he sighed, pulling his hand out from under her tunic. "I swear he does this on purpose," Alistair grumbled, making Ayla laugh in response before he called out, "Give me a few minutes, I just need to finish eating and get my armor on!"

"All right, I'll meet you down in the tavern!" Aedan answered, before they heard his footsteps heading away from the door.

"You finish eating," Ayla said as she climbed off Alistair's lap, "I'll get everything packed and get my own armor on."

Alistair sighed and nodded reluctantly, turning his attention back to the tray she'd brought up for him, while she went to get their packs together. Once they were finally focused, it did not take long to get everything ready to go and to get their armor on, though they were tempted to go back to what they'd been doing before. True to their word, though, they met Aedan down in the tavern as soon as they were ready.

The others were all there, packed and ready to go as they arrived, even Oghren, who looked a little the worse for wear and as though he had not even bothered to bathe since last night. He did not even tease them when he saw them, merely grunted out a greeting before Aedan led them all out of the tavern. They stopped by a few of the merchant stalls on their way out, picking up as many supplies as they could afford and carry, before finally heading for the doors out of Orzammar.

The guards at the gate thanked them as they passed, and at long last, they stepped through the large double doors of Orzammar and back out into the open air for the first time in weeks. Ayla raced forward down the stone ramp, stopping and tilting her face up to the open sky. Though it was a gloomy grey, with light flakes of snow twirling down out of it rather than the rays of sun she'd hoped for, it was still the sky, not stone. And when she inhaled deeply, it was fresh air that she breathed in, not dank cave air. Calm washed over her as she stood there, head tilted up, for a long moment. She could overhear Aedan behind her talking to Oghren, who was expressing a concern about falling off the world with all that sky up there, while she could feel nothing but overwhelming relief to see it.

"Feel better outside, love?" Alistair asked softly from behind her.

She turned to him, smiling. "Much better, thank you. Though I'd forgotten how cold it is out here." She pulled her cloak tighter around herself, shivering.

"Well, it is still winter," he replied, shrugging ruefully, "though we should have missed the worst of it while we were down there. By the time we return to Redcliffe, it should be starting to get warmer again."

"Come on, let's go," Aedan called as he passed by them, Oghren and the others following him down the ramp. "We need to get as far as possible before it grows dark."

She and Alistair fell into place at the back of the party, as they began to make their way back down the mountain path away from Orzammar. Seeing that they were out of earshot of the others, and Morrigan was at the head of the group with Aedan, Ayla said to Alistair, "There is one more thing I need to tell you before we get back to Redcliffe."

"Oh?" He turned to look down at her as they walked, his gaze curious and a little wary. "What's that?"

"Once we return and the Arl is getting ready for us to head to Denerim, I will be going to do a favour for Morrigan," Ayla replied carefully, wondering how much she could get away with not telling Alistair. "Aedan is coming as well. We'll be back before the Arl is ready to leave."

Alistair scowled, suspicion plain on his face. "Just what sort of favour is this? And why can't she go with you? Tell me all of it," he added, obviously noticing her brief hesitation.

Sighing, she gave in; she could tell he wouldn't be happy if he realized she was holding anything back. So she explained everything Morrigan had told her, and finished by telling him that she and Aedan would head to Flemeth's hut in the Wilds to confront her.

"You must be joking!" Alistair exclaimed, then glanced ahead at the others quickly and lowered his voice. "You're going to put your life in danger for that witch?"

"I am going to do a favour for my friend, Morrigan," Ayla corrected him, frowning. "And yes, it could be dangerous, but I have no intention of fighting Flemeth if I can help it. I just want to talk to her, find out the truth."

"And you honestly think Flemeth will just talk to you? Especially if she'd be willing to do something like that to her own daughter?" Alistair demanded sceptically. "Not to mention, that hut of hers is probably surrounded by darkspawn. Just getting there will be dangerous."

"Aedan will be there," Ayla reminded him. "He'll figure out a way to get us around the darkspawn. And yes, I do believe Flemeth will talk to us as long as we go in there with a willingness to listen."

"But Aedan is only just getting a handle on his darkspawn sense," Alistair snapped. "And Flemeth is an incredibly powerful mage. If she does decide to attack, you – ugh!" He scrubbed his hands through his hair, looking frustrated. "Are you really going to do this? For Morrigan?"

"Yes," Ayla said firmly, meeting his gaze steadily. "I gave my word to my friend, so yes. I'm going to help her. You don't have to like it; I just wanted to tell you so you would know where I was going when I left."

"Wait . . ." Alistair studied her, frowning, his brows drawn together. "What do you mean, you just wanted to tell me? You're really not going to ask me to go with you?"

She shook her head. "No, I'm the one that made the promise, not you. I didn't want you to feel that you had to come, knowing how you feel about Morrigan."

He sighed, looking ahead to where Morrigan was. "You're right, I don't like her, and I don't trust her." He held up his hand, forestalling the argument she was about to make. "But, I do recognize that she cares about the two of you, at least. So she would not ask you to do this if it wasn't important. I still don't think she's telling us everything she knows, but she wouldn't put the two of you in danger for no reason. Anyway, it doesn't matter how I feel about her. If the two of you are going, then so am I."

"You don't have to feel obligated," Ayla protested. "It is going to be dangerous, and I don't want anything to happen to you because I agreed to this."

"As you told me before, it's not about feeling obligated. If you're going to be in danger, then so am I, and if you want me to be safe, then you have to be safe." He smiled smugly at her as he tossed her earlier words about the Deep Roads back at her. She shook her head and sighed, though she was unable to stifle a smile because he looked so pleased with himself. "Anyway, I do appreciate you not using your stunning ability to turn me into a gibbering idiot to get me to agree to come along."

At this, she couldn't help but laugh. "I have the ability to turn you into a gibbering idiot?"

"Of course you do, and you know it," he replied, looking down at her with a warm, adoring light in his eyes. "With a dress, your words, or sometimes just a smile, you have me at your command."

She could feel her cheeks heat with an unaccustomed blush at his words. Just when had he gotten so good at flattery? "Well, I am truly a lucky woman."

"Oh?" he grinned broadly. "Why is that?"

"Because I captured your heart before you figured out how charming you could be," she answered, and though she was giving him a teasing smile, she was serious. "Otherwise, I'd be beating off other women with a stick."

His cheeks were turning pink, though his gaze was heated as he took her hand in his and brought it to his mouth, kissing her fingers lightly. "Maybe I only want to be charming for you."

"See, that's exactly the sort of thing I'm talking about," she told him, laughing as she pulled her hand away, though her body felt suffused with warmth at his words. "All those sweet words of yours turn my head."

"Well, as long as it works on you, that's all I need to know," he replied, smiling down at her. His tone went light and teasing as he continued, "Anyway, you wouldn't need a stick to beat off other women. You're quite terrifying enough without it; I'm sure they wouldn't dare come near me. After all, you did an excellent job of scaring off that barmaid in Denerim."

"I suppose I did," she acknowledged, grinning slightly at the memory. "But, seriously, Alistair, you don't have to come," she added. She would honestly much rather have him stay behind in Redcliffe, even though she knew he would be a big help even just getting to Flemeth.

"Yes, I do," he said firmly, the smile dropping off his face, "and I'm coming whether you like it or not. Besides," he went on reluctantly, "I do owe her. She's saved both of our lives before, whatever her motives, so this will give me the chance to repay that debt."

"Thank you," she told him sincerely, impressed with his willingness to help in spite of his feelings. "Well, since that's decided, let's hurry and get back to Redcliffe so we can take care of all of this. We've got a long way to go."

He nodded in agreement, and for the remainder of the day, they focused their energy on the road ahead, and how to get back to Redcliffe as quickly as possible.

Though they all did their best to make the journey shorter, it was still a very long way from the Frostback Mountains to Redcliffe, and they still needed as much rest as they could get. There was not much they could do to cut down on the time needed to return, and so it took nearly a full four weeks to get back, especially considering the roads had grown increasingly dangerous since they'd left. More darkspawn and bandits than ever before roamed the countryside.

They were ambushed by one such group only a day out from Redcliffe, as they were climbing a hill that circled around a small waterfall, and arrows began to rain down on them from the higher ground above. At first Ayla thought they were just another group of bandits, but the longer they fought, the more she realized they were far more skilled and better equipped than most of those that they ran into. Exchanging a quick look with Zevran, who fought by her side, she could see he thought the same thing.

Still, with the full strength of their party, they were able to defeat them without anyone coming to serious harm, and they reached the top of the hill where Aedan had been fighting the last one, a man in finely crafted plate armor. He had the man down on his knees at swordpoint when Leliana, coming up behind him, said quickly, "Stop. Don't kill him."

Their entire party had crowded around at this point, watching Aedan and the man at his mercy. Aedan glanced quickly over his shoulder at Leliana. "Why shouldn't I kill him?"

"He is no common bandit," Leliana replied, confirming Ayla's suspicions. "None of them were. Their weapons and armor are of fine make, and they are well-trained. You know what I'm talking about, don't you?" she demanded of the man. "Who are you?"

Aedan stepped back, sheathing his sword and allowing the man to rise. He was far outnumbered now, and of little threat without the others; Ayla could see in Aedan's face that he was more curious than anything now, as was she. "Answer the question," Aedan prompted.

She glanced quickly at Zevran, murmuring under her breath, "More Crows?"

Zevran frowned thoughtfully, studying the man. "No, I do not believe so. They do not appear to have the same training."

The man had finally gotten to his feet, coughing, and met Aedan's gaze. "Someone who regrets taking you on. Was told it would be an easy job. Kill the little red-haired girl, deal with the others as we pleased."

"What?" Alistair snarled, striding forward from where he'd been standing slightly behind Aedan and seizing the man by the front of his armor with one hand, while reaching for his sword with the other. "Who told you to kill a red-haired girl? Who?!"

Ayla was a little startled at the man's words herself, but then she thought there was no way he could possibly be referring to her. Who would even know her well enough to want her dead? She hurried forward next to Alistair, demanding, "Are you talking about me? Or her?" She pointed at Leliana, who was wide-eyed with shock.

"Let him go, Alistair," Aedan said, putting a hand on Alistair's shoulder. "We need to find out what he knows."

"No, not you," the man was saying hastily to Ayla at the same time, as Alistair let go of him with a noise of disgust, sending him stumbling back several steps. "Didn't know there was going to be two girls with red hair. But no, it's her we're after, the archer." He pointed to Leliana.

"You came to kill me?" Leliana asked slowly, coming forward to confront the man. "Who sent you? Why am I wanted dead?"

The man shook his head in response, coughing. By the looks of the dented armor on his chest, Aedan had dealt him quite a few harsh blows already. "I don't get paid to ask why someone wants someone else dead. I just need to know what to do, and where to get my money." He shook his head. "Ha, money! I'll be lucky to get away with my life, it seems. Maybe we could work something out?" He looked hopefully at Aedan, who had gestured to everyone else but Leliana to back up. "You'll like the idea."

Aedan turned to look questioningly at Leliana, who snapped at the man, "Speak quickly."

"I've no real quarrel with you," the man replied quickly. "Wasn't me that wanted you dead, but I know how you can find the one who does."

Aedan sighed heavily, looking at Leliana again, who nodded. "Your life for the information, then," Aedan stated.

"I have some directions written down on how to get to the house. It's in Denerim." The man dug a folded bit of parchment out of his armor, handing it to Aedan. "Here - - it's the best I can do."

"Thank you. Now leave," Leliana said coldly. "I never want to see you again."

"Yes, leave," Aedan agreed, before fixing the man with a deadly glare. "Should you ever attack any of my friends again, however, I won't hold anyone back from killing you this time."

"Don't worry. I'll not trouble you no more," the man replied, hastily turning and going back the way they'd come, one hand clutching at his chest.

"It seems you are in the habit of sparing the lives of assassins, my friend," Zevran said cheerfully to Aedan, clapping him on the back.

Aedan rolled his eyes at the elf. "Only the ones with loose tongues, Zev. Now come on, everybody, let's get moving. We're nearly back to Redcliffe."

Zevran went on ahead with the others; Morrigan, Oghren, Sten and Wynne, who had stayed back as ordered and merely watched the proceedings without comment, while Aedan, Ayla, and Alistair remained behind for the moment with Leliana, who looked shocked and thoughtful.

"I lost my temper when I heard the red-haired part," Alistair whispered sheepishly to Ayla, who smiled. "I thought he was talking about you; it didn't even occur to me that there shouldn't be anybody around who knew you."

She looked up at him fondly; it had actually been rather arousing to see him so protective and angry on her behalf. "That's okay, it startled me for a second too. Besides, it was sweet of you to defend me . . ." she leaned up to whisper in his ear, "and I found it rather sexy, too."

"Oh?" He raised his eyebrows, his gaze turning heated as he looked down at her, murmuring huskily, "Did you?"

"Mm-hmm," she nodded, continuing quietly, "and perhaps I will find the chance to sneak into your room at Redcliffe and show you just how sexy I found it." She pushed at him lightly. "Now, go on. I want to talk to Leliana."

He nodded, fixing her with a heated look of promise before he went after the others. Leliana, apparently having finished working through her thoughts, looked up to meet Aedan's gaze as Ayla came up next to him.

"Could it have been that woman you told me about?" Aedan asked her quietly. "The one that drove you away from Orlais?"

Leliana nodded, reluctantly. "It's Marjolaine . . . it has to be."

Ayla remembered the story that Leliana had told her about this Marjolaine, as well. The woman she'd loved who had betrayed her, and was now apparently trying to have her killed, as well. She wondered when Leliana had told Aedan, but she knew he did make a point of trying to talk to everyone in the party as much as he could. He had not done so as often in the Deep Roads, likely due to the strain he and Alistair had been under, but had resumed it more regularly on the way back to Denerim. Leliana must have told him during one of those discussions. "But why now?" Ayla asked her friend. "Haven't you been in Ferelden for some time now?"

Leliana shrugged, looking both distressed and confused. "Maybe someone saw me . . . maybe she's finally found me and wants to finish what she started."

"Do not worry, we won't let her do anything to you," Aedan told her firmly. Ayla nodded, in complete agreement with his statement. Anyone who attacked one of her friends would pay for it.

"She needs to answer for what's she done to me," Leliana stated, looking angrier than Ayla had ever seen her. "When we return to Denerim for the Landsmeet, I would like to seek her out, if we have time."

"We will find some time, I assure you," Aedan told her. "We should hurry and catch up to the others, though."

Leliana nodded, and moved to follow Aedan as he went after the others. Ayla fell into step beside her. "How are you feeling?" she asked softly.

"I – I am not sure," Leliana replied slowly, looking somewhat shaken. "I had thought I was done with her, and now, she has sent someone to kill me. Why could she not just leave me alone?"

Ayla shook her head, taking Leliana's hand and squeezing it gently in a show of comfort before releasing it. "I don't know. Maybe she found out where you were, and was afraid you would eventually come to confront her."

"But I would not have," Leliana protested. "I did not ever want to see her or have anything to do with her ever again."

"Yes, but she doesn't know that," Ayla pointed out gently. "She might have thought of what she would do in your place, and decided to eliminate you before you came after her. But don't worry. Like Aedan said, we won't let her do anything to you. We'll stop her before anything else happens."

"Then . . . you will come with me, as well, to confront her?" Leliana asked, looking at her hopefully.

"Of course, I will," Ayla assured her. "I did tell you I would be happy to help you if you ever needed it. Besides, I still owe you for that excellent advice you gave me." She grinned at Leliana, who smiled in return.

"I told you that you did not owe me anything for that," the bard replied, shaking her head. "But if you wish to come along, I . . . would be grateful."

Ayla nodded. "Absolutely. We'll make sure she never sends anyone after you again. Now, let's get to Redcliffe. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can move on to Denerim and confront Marjolaine."

"Yes," Leliana agreed softly. "She will pay for her betrayal."

The two of them hurried to catch up with the others. Ayla was no longer reluctant to go there; instead, she was eager to get it over with, and she felt sure now that everything would work out as planned. She was going to stay with Alistair, and she was going to keep the promises she had made to her friends.