The dressing gown Arais wore offered little protection against the chill in the castle. Still, she was flushed, her heart thrumming in her chest as she waited. The flames licked and spit as they danced merrily in the hearth, and she watched them, reminded of that night many months ago. Tonight would be different, though. The anticipation knotted her stomach, and she walked to the bed—already turned down for the evening—and sat, wringing her hands. There was a soft knock, barely audible, and she stood quickly, nearly tripping on the hem of her robe.

When she opened the door, Teagan stood with the rose in his hand, wearing a simple tunic and trousers. He handed the flower to her. "Is that a dried rose?" he asked with simple curiosity, and closed the door behind him as he stepped into the room.

"I—Yes it is. It was a gift, from Alistair." She looked at him, and determination fueled her next words. "I don't know why I held onto it for as long as I have, but I decided that I would make use of it one last time before I got rid of it." She walked to the fire. After one last look at the rose that she had kept for almost a year—a constant reminder of a man who had given her so much, and then taken it away—she tossed it into the flames, and stared as the petals blackened and turned to ash.

Teagan placed a hand on her shoulder, and turned her to face him. His eyes were filled with concern. "Are you all right?"

"Yes." She smiled, a smile more genuine than she could remember giving in a very long time. "I'm more than all right."

She leaned up and kissed him, slowly, but without hesitation. His rough beard contrasted with the softness of his lips, and heat bloomed within her as his tongue swept along her bottom lip. She relaxed against him, and she could taste the cinnamon and cloves that were so uniquely Teagan when her tongue slid against his. His hands slid to her back and pulled her close to him, and she moved hers to his shoulders, urging him backward until his back hit the wall. She pressed against him, and the dressing gown was so thin, she could feel the hardness of his body against hers.

The rumble of a groan tickled her lips, and she almost laughed, but before she could react he had turned them so her back was up against the wall. The stone was cool through the fabric of her gown, and she inhaled sharply at the warmth of his lips at her throat. He pushed the robe down past her shoulder, and nipped at the sensitive flesh of her neck. Warmth pooled in her belly, and her nails dug into his chest when he pressed himself against her and she felt his arousal hard against her stomach.

His hands slid down to her backside, and she gasped with surprise. The top of her gown slipped down even further, past her breasts, as he lifted her off the floor. She sought his lips and kissed him, and her hands tangled in his hair, insistent that he be closer. The soft cotton of his shirt brushed against her nipples and teased them into hard points. Her breath came faster as she bit down lightly on his bottom lip. He pushed her harder into the wall, his length pressing against her through his trousers, and his hand came up to cup her breast. His thumb flicked over her nipple, sending pleasure shooting through her. She moaned into his lips.

His hand moved around to her back. He held her tight against him as he carried her to the bed and laid her down, gentle despite his firm grip on her flesh.

He laid himself down beside her, and his fingers began to work at the tie of her dressing gown. He stopped, and looked into her eyes. "Are you sure this is what you want?"

"Yes." She nudged his hand out of the way to untie the robe herself, and shifted to slip the fabric out from under her and drop it on the floor. He leaned down to kiss her, and her skin rippled where he caressed her hip, her stomach. When he brushed his fingers along the underside of her breast, her whole body shuddered.

His lips moved from hers and left a trail of kisses along her jaw and down her throat, until she felt the warmth of his mouth envelop her nipple, and he sucked gently. She moaned softly. It felt so good. Arais pressed her head back into the pillows and arched her back, her hands absently reaching out to tangle in his hair. He moved over her, pressing his knee between her legs, and his lips moved to kiss between her breasts, and down her stomach. She let out a long sigh as his nails gently scratched along her sides to her hips.

She shuddered as he pressed his lips along her inner thighs and his beard scratched against her skin. When she felt the warmth of his breath at the apex of her thighs, she whimpered, and nearly cried out when his tongue dipped between her folds. Immediately, the tension began to build, slow and intense. A low moan slipped passed her lips when his thumb brushed over her sensitive nub, and she dug her nails into the bedding, pulling and twisting it between her fingers.

Pinpoints of light burst like stars in her eyes as she clenched them shut, and her hips lifted off the bed as she felt the pleasure spread from her belly and set her skin on fire. She hardly noticed Teagan's mouth leave her, nor did she notice him leaning above her until he kissed her, the bittersweet taste of her lingering on his lips. Never before had anything felt so good, so blissfully erotic.

Her limbs felt heavy and nearly immobile as she reached for the hem of his tunic, and pushed it up over his head. She dragged her nails down his chest, to his trousers, and he moaned into her lips when she pushed them past his hips and took his length into her hand. She stroked once, twice, but found it difficult to keep a rhythm when he pressed a single finger into her center, then another. They kissed, their lips moving together desperately, and her free hand gripped the back of his neck, pulling him ever closer. Oh, Maker. She could hardly breathe as he brought her very nearly to the edge once more.

"Teagan," she moaned against his lips. "Teagan, please."

His eyes were dark and hooded as he stared into hers, and he separated himself for only a moment to remove the remainder of his clothing. He positioned himself between her thighs, and he pushed into her slowly, oh so slowly, and his lips found hers as a moan escaped from deep in her chest. He pulled out just the slightest bit, then slid back in, and a new burst of pleasure erupted inside of her. Her head lolled to the side as she whimpered. His lips trailed along her jaw, her throat, and he nipped at her collarbone before soothing it with a kiss.

She turned her head to recapture his lips, and her hand came up to delve into his auburn hair. She gripped his shoulder with her free hand, and braced herself as she rolled him onto his back, not once allowing her lips to leave his. She rolled her hips in tandem with his, and, over and over, he thrust just right, and the tension built so quick and high. She wanted more of him, needed more of him. She leaned back, and he groaned as she took him deeper, so deeply she pushed herself over the edge, a throaty cry slipping past her lips.

Teagan sat up, and his arms came around her and held her to him. Her fingers tangled in his hair, and she pulled his head back, her mouth hungry as it latched onto his. He continued to move within her, drawing out her climax with such exquisite ease. Arais bit into his shoulder to muffle her cries, and his breath came hot and quick on her back. His pace quickened, and he buried his face in the crook of her shoulder, moaning with his release, and his arms tightened around her, as if to bring her just that much closer to him.

When his body relaxed, Teagan's hand came up and gently urged her to face him. He kissed her so tenderly she could feel her heart melt, and she ran a finger along his jaw line.

They stayed like this – Arais had no idea how long – until, after innumerable moments of gentle caresses and soft kisses, he slid out of her and laid her back on the bed, and pulled the blankets over them both. Arais pressed herself against him, and slung her leg across his, her head resting on his chest. He placed a kiss on the top of her head, and a long silence stretched on between them, and the only sound she heard was his heartbeat as it thrummed against her cheek. It felt so good, so right, to lay with him like this, their bodies as entwined as their lives had become over the past year.

Drowsiness began to settle in, and she propped herself up on an elbow, and he eyed her curiously. "Is something the matter?"

She trailed the tip of her finger along a scratch mark on his chest. "No, nothing, I was just wondering if you might . . . stay here? With me?"

He turned onto his side, and his hand rested on her waist. "If that is what you wish," he said, "then of course." His hand cupped her cheek, and he brushed his thumb along her cheekbone. He looked upon her with reverence, as if he had received a great gift. "You are so beautiful, Arais."

Her cheeks burned hot, and she leaned down to kiss him, unsure of any other way she could respond.

Teagan eased her onto her back, and moved over her, balancing on his forearms. "If I'm to stay the night, wouldn't you agree this would be the perfect opportunity to make up for lost time?"

"Lost time? Whatever do you mean?" She let out a soft laugh, which was cut off sharply when his thumb pressed against her, intimately. "Oh, Maker."

His lips teased the lobe of her ear as he all but whispered, "Shall I take that as yes?"

She turned her head and caught his lips in a deep, longing kiss, and they lost themselves in one another again.

Arais awoke to the sensation of lips on her throat, soft kisses that trailed up to her jaw. Her eyes fluttered open, and she rolled over, the corners of her lips turned up in lazy grin.

"Morning," she murmured, and Teagan smiled.

"Good morning, milady." He pushed a strand of hair off of her face. "Did you sleep well?"

"Mmm." She leaned up to kiss him, and for a few moments, Arais simply allowed her hands to wander, setting to memory every muscle and curve of his body within reach. A knock at the door forced them apart, and her head fell back into the pillow. Oh, Maker. Had either of them thought to lock the door?

"My lady?" The voice belonged to Nessa, the handmaiden from the previous evening. "Are you awake?"

"Yes," she called.

Arais' heart skipped a beat when the door opened.

"Her Majesty has asked that I . . ." The elven girl froze, and her cheeks darkened deeply. "Maker's breath, I'm so sorry, my lady. I should have asked before coming in."

"It's all right," Arais said, and her own face burned. "Um . . . could you maybe return in ten minutes?"

"Yes, of course." With a brief bow, she hurried out of the room, and the door practically slammed behind her.

"Oh, dear Maker." Arais buried her face in Teagan's chest, and she felt the rumble of his laughter. She looked up at him, her eyes narrowed. "Why are you laughing?"

"I have to say, this is a first for me. In all my years, I have never been walked in on by a servant."

She sat up and rubbed her hands over her face. "What are we going to do? Surely she's going to tell someone?"

"You would be surprised." She looked over at him, an eyebrow raised. "What with Cailan's reputation, the servants have likely learned to be discrete. Even if they were to talk among themselves, there is little chance that word will get to Anora so quickly." He touched a finger to her cheek. "You still seem concerned."

Arais sighed. "I don't know why I am. I had no intentions of hiding this. I just would rather have everyone find out from us."

"They still can, Arais." He slipped out from under the sheets and began to dress. "I assume she came to help you dress for breakfast with the queen." He sat on the edge of the bed, and pulled on his boots. "When she returns, I will go back to my estate and change into something more appropriate, and join you for breakfast."

Now fully clothed, he handed her the dressing gown she had worn. She stood and slipped it on, and secured the tie about her waist. "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely." He took her face in his hands and kissed her. "I only planned to keep this to myself for as long as you were comfortable. You were never meant to be a dirty little secret I kept hidden away, not to be seen."

"I . . ." she frowned, and realized just how hurtful it must have been of her to ever think he would do that to her. Or to anyone, for that matter. Maker, but she could be dense, sometimes.

Another knock, and Nessa's voice was soft as she asked, "Is it all right for me to come in, Mistress Amell?"

"Yes, it's fine."

She entered, her cheeks still dark and mottled. "I apologize again."

"Don't concern yourself overmuch," Teagan said. The smile he offered the girl was contrite. "You couldn't have known I was here." He turned to Arais. "I will return shortly."

He bowed to both women, and then left the room.

"Breakfast will be served shortly," Nessa said, and she seemed to have difficulty looking directly at Arais. "Would you like help getting dressed?"

"That isn't necessary, Nessa." Arais smiled, though she wondered if the girl even noticed. "If you could let the queen know that Bann Teagan will be joining us for breakfast, that would be very helpful."

"Of course, mistress," she said, and left the room.

Well, that was awkward.

As she moved to the water basin, she noticed the pleasant soreness with every step. There was little about the night that hadn't been pleasant, and as she washed her face and cleaned up, she smiled to herself, momentarily forgetting the uncomfortable encounter with Nessa. Something had definitely changed between her and Teagan beyond the obvious, of that she was certain, but where it would lead was anyone's guess. For now, she was content to let their relationship unfold.

She rummaged through the wardrobe and pulled on her robes, and leisurely brushed her hair. As soon as she felt herself to be presentable, she left the guest quarters, and made her way to the dining room. Anxiety weighed heavily in the pit of her stomach, and she wondered exactly what she would say by way of explanation, when the subject of her relationship with Teagan was brought up. She didn't doubt that it would be accepted, but more that it might not have been appropriate to have a guest in the royal estate. She stopped just outside the dining room, and waited for a few moments. Hopefully Teagan would be quick, and she wouldn't have to worry about saying anything at all.

When Arais at last walked through the door, Anora and Loghain were already seated. She was surprised to see Isolde there, as well; Anora must have invited the arlessa during the ball.

"Good morning," Arais said, and took her seat across from the queen at the round table, an empty place setting between herself and Isolde.

"Good morning, Arais." Anora smiled. "Nessa tells me that we are to expect Teagan any moment."

"Yes, I know."

"You know?" Isolde's furrowed brows conveyed her surprise.

"I—yes." She looked down at the table, an assortment of dishes laid out. "Though, if it wouldn't be too much trouble, I would rather wait for Teagan to arrive to explain."

"Wait for me to explain what?" Teagan asked, a warm smile on his face as he entered.

"Arais was just telling us how she knew you would be joining us this morning," Loghain said, and though he acted as if he knew nothing, Arais was sure he suspected. After all, he had walked in on her and Teagan, the night before they left Redcliffe.

Teagan, who had seated himself beside her, looked to Arais. "Would you care to explain, or should I?"

Though she desperately wanted him to be the one to explain, she now felt it to be her responsibility. "I will." She glanced at their three companions, her cheeks warm. "I asked Nessa to tell you all Teagan would be here. She came to my room this morning while he was visiting."

"Judging by the color of the girl's cheeks, I suspect she found him more than just visiting," Loghain quipped.

"Maker's breath, Father," Anora began, and gave Loghain a stern glare, "sometimes you can be so tactless." The queen looked smilingly across the table at both Arais and Teagan. "I, for one, am happy for the both of you. Truly."

"As am I," Isolde said. "Though I've suspected something more than friendship between you two for quite some time." Arais' eyes widened slightly, and she cast a glance at Teagan. He did not seem nearly as surprised as she at Isolde's declaration. Perhaps he had mentioned something to her? Or maybe their interactions at the Redcliffe estate had been less subtle than Arais had thought?

They fell into comfortable conversation as they ate, discussing the coronation and other, less uncomfortable topics than that of Arais and Teagan's relationship. She was surprised at how quickly the situation had been resolved, and with so little awkwardness. Teagan seemed completely unfazed, and occasionally, Arais glanced over at him, and would catch him looking at her as well. A small smile spread across her face.

"Excuse me, Your Majesty," a young boy said from the doorway. "I have a message from the Chantry for the Warden-Commander."

Isolde's expression crumpled into a mask of anxiety, and Arais felt her own heart sink into her stomach as her smile disappeared. There was no doubt this had to do with her request; indeed, she hadn't expected this to go unanswered by the Grand Cleric. But still, she had hoped she would have more time to prepare.

The boy handed her the letter, and, fingers shaking, she broke the seal and read the contents.

Warden Amell,

You have put me in an awkward position. While I do not believe you have the authority to dictate how the Chantry handles the templars, your request that mages be given the right to see their families is not so simple to cast aside.

This is far from over, but you will not have to contend with the Chantry regarding visitation, at present. Word has been sent to the Knight Commander that he must comply with your request. It will be left to the mages to contact their families, however.

Grand Cleric Elemena

She reread the letter once, and again. Maker's breath.

"What does it say?" Isolde asked, her voice strained; she seemed to be holding back tears.

She took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. "The Grand Cleric, as I expected, was not happy with my request."

"She made no attempt to hide her disdain, from what I recall," Loghain said, and Arais nodded.

"I saw her face. I knew she would not let this go without giving her opinion on the matter." Arais looked to Teagan, and then settled her attention on Isolde. "She insists she will contest my request, eventually, but for now . . . she's allowing it. You will still be able to visit Connor, and sooner than I originally expected—she has already sent word to Greagoir that he has to comply, for now."

The reaction was immediate: Isolde slumped in her seat, and covered her mouth to muffle a choked sob. Anora was at the other woman's side in an instant, and rested on the arm of the chair as she placed her hand on Isolde's shoulder. Isolde turned, and her arms wrapped tight around the queen. Not far behind, Teagan held his sister-in-law's hand, and Arais was only a little surprised to see his own eyes shine with emotion. Drawn by her need to comfort, she moved to stand beside him, and squeezed his hand gently.

When Isolde began to regain her composure, she looked up at Arais. "When could we go to the Circle? To see Connor?"

"Realistically?" She thought for a moment. "We could leave today, before the winter truly settles in. We would arrive in just over a fortnight, weather permitting."

Isolde nodded, and wiped at her eyes with her sleeve as she stood. "Then we will leave as soon as possible."

"Eamon needs to be told, Isolde," Teagan insisted, with a passing glance at Arais. "Connor is his son; he has a right to know."

Isolde looked conflicted, and when she spoke, her voice was tense. "You are right, of course. It shouldn't take very much longer to go to Redcliffe, first. It would be better to tell him of this in person." She bowed to Anora. "Now, if you will excuse me, I must go make the necessary arrangements. Thank you for having me."

"Of course, Isolde." Anora took the older woman's hand. "Please, let me know when you return to Denerim."

"I will." Isolde smiled, though it seemed almost forced, and then left the room in a hurry.

"I should go, as well," Teagan said, and turned to Arais. "We will meet you outside the palace, when we are ready." He leaned in to kiss her on the cheek, and whispered, "Thank you," before excusing himself.

Loghain, who had watched everything unfold from his seat, now stood beside Anora. He smirked at Arais. "Leave it to you to manage the impossible, even now." Arais cocked a brow, and he shrugged. "I believe the Grand Cleric is intimidated by your newfound political advantage. You are the Hero of Ferelden, friend of not only the queen, but also a number of nobles whom you helped during the Blight. The Guerrins included, and it is no longer a secret that Connor was brought to Kinloch Hold. It would be quite a risk to completely deny your request, with so much to contend with."

Arais shook her head and sighed. "Regardless, Elemena seems intent on fighting this, when she feels she can."

"Then she will have to go through me," Anora said, her voice firm. "As my father said, you are my friend, and a friend to Ferelden. There is a very good chance she does not expect me to defy her, but I will, if that becomes necessary. That they still believe mages should be locked up after all you have done for Ferelden is ridiculous."

"It has been this way for centuries, Anora," Loghain said. "However, if anyone could stop her, it would be the two of you. You are both too stubborn for your own good, sometimes."

Anora stared at him, her eyes chastising. "Thank you for the vote of confidence, Father." She looked to Arais. "Will you need helping preparing for your travels?"

"I appreciate the offer, but I think I'll be all right. Nearly a year constantly traveling has made me a master at packing quickly, when necessary."

She nodded her understanding. "Then I won't keep you any longer. Good luck."