Darkest Before The Dawn

by SnowHelm

Sequal to Sins Of Fathers. As the events at Ostagar ripple out across Ferelden, the survivors are left to come to terms with their catastrophic defeat. With whispers of treachery and a nation swamped with fear, they must plot their courses to continued survival. With hope in short supply, only one thing is certain; if left unchecked, the Darkspawn will destroy them all.

17. Holy Andraste's Will (Part I)

Ellowyn stared at the inscription on the altar, the only other item they could see apart from the flames. "Does that mean what I think it means?"

"I'm afraid so my dear." Genitivi stated looking slightly uncomfortable.

Delilah glanced around the group; it seemed such a bizarre thing to ask of them, though she supposed no more than all they had already faced.

"It is a test of our faith." Leliana stated softly staring at the wall of flame.

"Do we do this one at a time or all at once?" Ellowyn asked steeling herself, she would do whatever it took to save Oren, including walking naked through flame.

"Perhaps given we will be in a state of undress, together might be more appropriate." Genitivi stated.

Swallowing uneasily Jayden began loosening the buckles of his armour making sure he kept his gaze from the women.

Worrying at her lip Delilah hesitated only long enough to realise Ellowyn and Leliana were already half undressed. Maker where is my faith? She couldn't help glancing to Jayden unable to tear her gaze away, her breath catching as he turned slightly her cheeks flushing. She turned at Ellowyn's sharp nudge, her heart pounding fiercely, her flush deepening. Holy Andraste forgive me, but I am only human.

Genitivi stared at the flames, he had seen and experienced much in his life, but this Gauntlet was a test of faith unlike any he had ever faced. Steeling himself he quickly undressed and as one the companions walked into the flame.

Ellowyn felt a sense of deep peace fill her soothing her fear, grief and rage, a woman's voice flowing around her, knowing deep within herself the voice belonged to Andraste.

"Let go of the guilt and the anger Ellowyn, your family needs you now more than ever, to remind them of hope. Open your heart again, a life of love and joy awaits you; do not let the darkness extinguish your light."

Tears slipping down her face Ellowyn felt as though she had been cleansed and although the sorrow and pain was still within her, she also felt hope.

Sucking in a sharp breath as a beautiful voice seemed to surround her; Leliana sank to her knees in awe.

"You must make peace with your past Leliana if you are to fully embrace the role needed of you. You are a bard, a Chantry Sister, but you are much more and you are called to the Makers work. He is with you always, through your trials and joys, never forget that."

Feeling a rush of joy fill her heart, Leliana stood feeling a certainty and purpose that she had long ached for.

Swallowing nervously Delilah was startled by the sense of peace that filled her even as flames surrounded her, almost collapsing to her knees at the voice that seemed to wrap around her.

"Your father walks a dark path Delilah; sadly much of his own making, but you still walk in the light. Remain pure of intent and your heart will be whole again, this I promise."

Heart pounding Delilah felt filled with strength that she knew would see her through the darkness ahead of them, smiling and bringing her hands to her heart in silent grateful prayer.

Genitivi felt the whisper of flames over his skin, even as a musical voice flowed over him as soothing as a balm.

"Faith you have Brother, but you do not blindly follow, you question and seek and that is the greatest gift you give to those who look to you. Walk always in the Makers light."

Glancing to the others as they stepped through the flames Genitivi saw their looks of awe, his heart gladdened that Andraste had spoken to them all.

Delilah felt her heart lurch as she realised Jayden was still within the flame, seeing the Guardian walking towards them.

"You have been through the trials of the Gauntlet, you have walked the path of Andraste and like Her, you have been cleansed. You have proven yourselves worthy pilgrims. You may each take a pinch of the Ashes."

"Why is William still in the flame?" Delilah demanded anxiously.

"Be calm." The Guardian stated gently. "Andraste spoke to you all did she not; for him she also has a task. It is a great honour. I suggest you dress."

"But he's safe?" Ellowyn asked anxiously, wanting to scream as the Guardian simply smiled.

"Let us do as the Guardian suggests." Genitivi stated softly. "We cannot abandon our faith at this final test."

Delilah glanced to Ellowyn anxiously, the pair hesitating a moment longer before following Genitivi and Leliana, their gaze returning repeatedly to the wall of flame surrounding him.

Jayden stared at the flames as they moved like liquid over his body with gentle warmth not the burn he had feared. The flames seemed to expand until he was sure they filled the entire room. Heart pounding he sucked in a sharp breath, had he failed, had he been found unworthy, would the gentle warmth suddenly change? He thought of Father Eirik's promise that he would burn, feeling his throat constrict in fear; his eyes widening as a woman walked towards him.

"Do you know me?"

She seemed to glow, her voice like sweetest music and her presence seemed almost overwhelming; he knew instinctively who she was, even though everything in him sought to deny it. "My heart tells me you are Andraste; my mind is less convinced." He felt fear clutch his heart at his own words.

"You have no need to fear me. I was curious about you; a human protected in part by an Elven Creator intrigued me. You know of the bond within you."

Jayden nodded unable to speak, his heart pounding relentlessly.

"I learned something of the elves in our travels together, but the touch of a Creator is rare indeed and in a human … and protected from certain forms of blood magic, a great gift indeed. You have been blessed, though I would imagine there are times when it does not feel so." She smiled slightly glancing him over. "Your wound runs deep and for what comes next you should be whole. This flame cleanses, let it cleanse you now."

Jayden gasped in shock as the fire flowed over him; the heat penetrating it seemed to the bone. He gulped at the air as the pain of his wounds intensified for a brief moment, biting his lip to stop from crying out, before the pain of the wound the Alpha had inflicted upon him faded into nothing. He stared at her startled before removing the bandages at his abdomen, his fingers drifting across the healed skin that held no sign of a wound having been there. "How?"

"Did you not come here for a means to heal? Is it so surprising?" Slowly she pressed her hand to his chest over his heart. "I would suggest you take the preventative again, your struggle was not from the wound, but from the taint trying to take hold. I would not have you struggle so again."

Jayden dared to meet her gaze, alarmed that he was vulnerable to the taint. "Were you a mage?"

"Would that matter to you?"

"It could change everything for mages!"

"Could it? The truth is changed to suit the purposes of those in power, you know this."

"Are you saying the Chantry knows you're a mage and are hiding it?"

"I am saying that the accepted truth is not always the whole truth. Trust your heart."

"And if I don't trust my heart?" He sighed softly. "My heart tells me you are Andraste, but why would you be speaking to me? My faith pales in comparison to those I travel with. You are more likely a spirit."

"I am a spirit."

"But not necessarily who you seem to be."

"Ever have you been curious and questioning, I do like that about you. Very well then." She placed the fingers of her left hand against his forehead. "As I have come to know you, now you may know me."

Jayden gasped in shock as memories washed over him, the life of a slave, her call to the Maker, her joy that He had heard her. The memories surged on, battles fought and then the greatest of betrayals. He felt her fear as they lashed her to the stake, but greatest of all was her sorrow and disappointment, the feeling that she had failed not only her people, but the Maker. He wanted to scream as the flames surrounded her, pain and terror tearing through him before everything was light, the pain was no more and she was in the presence of a being that surrounded her in love and protection and acceptance. A being that was far beyond anything he had ever imagined. Jayden collapsed to his knees and wept, trembling as she knelt beside him, her thumbs gently wiping his tears. "Forgive my doubt." He whispered.

"There is nothing to forgive. You should question, there is too much in this world that is formed from trickery and deceit. Betrayal is a seed of hate, I know it well. You know it too, but you do as I did, cling to something greater to stop the hate consuming you. Your light still shines, but the seed of anger and loss burns within you, though you have hidden it deep within. Jayden look at me." She smiled as he gazed at her anxiously. "You search for the Maker, but he never left. He gave a part of himself to each of us; He is the light in us all. The choice we all face is to let that light shine, or to let it dim and extinguish. To remind you of the light I have something I would ask of you. Dragons are precious; their presence in this world is needed. The dragon you passed to get here has suffered much at the hands of the cult; they have bled her children and twisted her reason. It is time for her to go where she can be healed." Andraste smiled warmly. "Added to that the Temple must be claimed by those who will not misuse it; who will raise it to be the beacon of hope those who created it meant it to be. In time it will become a pilgrimage, a holy site, after the Blight people will need it. That is why the High Dragon cannot stay, her magic cannot be lost from the world, but if she stays she will be slaughtered. I cannot tell you what will make her leave that you must find yourself, but I know you can find it if you open your heart. She must be saved; will you do this? You have faced a dragon once before after all."

Staring at her stunned Jayden rubbed his nose, an anxious gesture he thought lost in his childhood. "I didn't have much of a choice, besides she wasn't really a dragon, just a form Flemeth had taken."

"You did not know that at the time." Andraste stated with an amused smile.

"True, but this is different, you are asking me to deliberately go up to a dragon, not be surprised by one!"

"Still this must be done. Will you?" She smiled as he nodded if a little reluctantly. "Good, this task is for you and you alone and do not approach her armed and with armour. You are not going to her to fight and I believe she has had enough of armed men to last her many lifetimes. You would not wish to antagonise her I hope." She smiled at his startled look. "Have faith."

Jayden felt a depth of trust he had never before known flow through him as she leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead.

Leliana stared through the flames to the Captain and the woman they could see, but not hear. She believed with all of her soul that she was witnessing a manifestation of the Holy Andraste. Her world seemed to shrink and then expand; she was meant for more than petty games of nobility, she was meant to do the Makers work. Silently Leliana swore to herself that once the blight was defeated she would escape Anora's leash and find Dorothea, for she believed now more than ever that her fate lay with the Mother who had given her the means to escape that cell.

Gazing at the astonishing scene playing out before them Delilah felt both anxiety and awe. "Why would Holy Andraste set him alone a task additional to all we have so far faced?" She turned to the Guardian who remained silent.

Genitivi glanced to the flames. "Perhaps because he has faced war as she did, or perhaps this is simply part of the Gauntlet, a final test of faith. We must exercise patience. All will be well." He assured gently.

Feeling as though he had been cleansed, Jayden watched as Andraste stepped back and a moment later she was gone, so too were the flames. He turned his head when a hand rested on his shoulder, glancing up and realising Genitivi was gazing at him with compassion.

"Can you stand?" Genitivi asked gently.

Realising his cheeks were still wet with tears, Jayden rubbed his hands over his face and stood.

"Deep breaths my dear boy and perhaps you should dress."

Realising he was the only one still naked Jayden nodded and moved to where he had left his things, everything seeming to have an almost dreamlike quality.

"Our Holy Lady healed and blessed you." Delilah whispered approaching him as he dressed, staring at his stomach where the bandage had been, daring to reach out and cup his cheek realising he was not quite himself, hoping to help anchor him.

Feeling words would never be enough to convey the experience; Jayden instead leaned slightly into her touch, feeling gratitude as Delilah helped him on with his armour.

Moving to his side Ellowyn looked him over anxiously, he was healed that was obvious, but that did not mean all was well. "Are you alright?" At his nod she hesitated for a moment before she glanced to the others. "Then let us get what we came for."

One by one they took the steps to where the urn stood, gazing reverently before they each took a pinch of the Ashes, placing them in the pouches they had brought; the Guardian ever watchful that they took no more than a pinch each.

Finally the Guardian gestured to the door. "Walk in the light." He remained watching as they filed out, each blinking in the midday sunlight.

"Were we in there so long?" Leliana murmured, startled as the door shut of its own accord, sucking in a sharp breath as suddenly there was only the stone of a wall where the door had been.

Dylan reached them first quickly followed by the others of their party, leaving by the entrance they had taken, the Guardian having told them their companions were outside. "Were you successful?"

Airyl stared at Jayden for a moment something within him had changed, before she jumped up at him, her paws on his chest as she licked his chin.

"Indeed, but as the dragon still sleeps I suggest we answer any questions when we are far from here." Genitivi murmured. Following his lead the group moved as swiftly and quietly as they were able to the mountain path the Brother had spied earlier.

Ellowyn sighed in relief when they made it unmolested. "We should hurry."

"Forgive me my Lady." Genitivi stated. "But I would stay, for a short time at least. My superiors will wish an accounting of all that is in the Temple."

"That can be done at a later date Brother Genitivi when you can be suitably protected."

"I will stay with him." Jayden stated moving to Ellowyn. "I cannot return to Redcliffe just yet. Holy Andraste gave me a task that must be completed before I leave here. Ell I must do this, I must prove myself worthy of her healing, of … of all she shared with me."

Ellowyn worried at her lip still in awe of what she had seen. "I do not think our Holy Lady would heal you if she did not think you worthy, but I will not interfere with whatever she has asked of you, but when you get back to Redcliffe you will tell me everything, promise me."

Jayden smiled warmly. "I promise."

"I think that is the first smile I have seen from you since Lothering." Ellowyn murmured, unable to hide her surprise.

"She … helped me find some peace I suppose."

Moving to him Ellowyn hugged him tightly. "Be safe my friend and return to Redcliffe swiftly. I cannot linger, Oren …"

"I know. The Ashes will save him Ell I know it." He pressed the communication runestone into her hand. "Aedan will want to know you have them and the moment Oren is healed."

Ellowyn bit her lip to stop its tremble wrapping her arms around his neck. "I thank the Maker I have you as a friend." She whispered.

"And I you."

Releasing him Ellowyn wiped the tears from her eyes. "You will need protection in case there are more cultists."

"I have Airyl."

"I will remain." Sten stated, curious as to what task had been given to him.

"Me too." Terrance added quickly.

"I am also staying." Delilah stated firmly.

Jayden nodded turning to Dylan, Matthew and the two Redcliffe soldiers. "You will protect Lady Ellowyn and Sister Leliana and get them back to Redcliffe as soon as possible." He focused on Dylan. "Use magic if you can, Oren needs you back with all haste." He watched them hurry down the mountain path before he turned to those who had remained. "I suggest we get inside before the dragon wakes up."

xXx

Leaning against the doorway Sten remained aware of Brother Genitivi looking through the mountain of scrolls in the room, while watching the Captain. They had retraced their way through the tunnels, passed the bodies of Kolgrim and his followers and those of the drakes, staying clear of the awful chamber where the young and newly hatched dragons had been slaughtered for their blood. Moving instead to the chamber where the eggs had been hatched. The warmth of the crystals made it a pleasant temperature and it could easily be defended, added to that were the cots at one side of the room, clearly for those caring for the eggs for those who desired rest. The Brother and Delilah had explained briefly what had happened during the Gauntlet; the Captain remaining silent throughout the telling until Terrance had asked what had happened within the flames and he had simply stated he had been given a task to complete. Sten was not interested in the Maker or the Ashes of some long dead prophet and he was wary of a task given by a spirit, yet he could not deny the Captain had been healed, nor could he dismiss that he appeared different somehow, as though a great weight of sorrow had been eased if not eradicated completely. He glanced down to Airyl who had walked over to him and handed her a cookie, the last of the batch he had taken from Redcliffe's kitchens before they had left. "What manner of task was he given?" Sten muttered.

Airyl whined softly before padding her way back to Jayden.

Worrying at his lip Jayden glanced to Airyl. "Cookies? Really?" He chuckled softly at her whine before turning his attention back to the egg. He suspected that for this particular dragon who in being worshipped had lost her children in the most brutal of ways; her last egg was what she would want the most.

"What are you doing dear boy?" Genitivi asked curiously, his eyes widening as Jayden explained the task given to him, torn between it being a test of faith and a suicide mission.

"I'm sure the answer is the egg, but it's how to get it to the dragon without getting incinerated or eaten."

Airyl gave a soft whine not in the least liking this turn of events.

Dumping everything out of his pack, the group watched in alarm as he carefully wrapped the egg in his spare clothing. Grunting slightly at the weight he carefully put the egg into the pack adding some of the crystals that had surrounded it, the heat radiating out through the cloth that bound them, before removing his armour and weapons.

"You cannot be serious about this!" Delilah gasped, horrified by the look that told her he was very serious; glancing to Genitivi as though expecting him to stop him. "But it is a dragon!"

"I am aware." Jayden muttered wishing he hadn't explained the task and gone while they were asleep, but climbing to the ledge the dragon seemed to favour would have been lethal in the dark, especially with the weight of the pack he would be carrying.

"My boy, are you sure about this?" Genitivi asked cautiously.

"I am." Carefully fastening the pack he stood. "Hopefully I won't be long."

Worrying at his lip Terrance helped him on with the pack before gathering his Captains belongings as though keeping them in his possession would ensure his safe return.

Jayden hesitated as Sten bared the way.

"While magnificent creatures, dragons are powerful and dangerous and need to be destroyed. Together we could defeat the beast."

"I don't want to kill the dragon Sten; that is not what was asked of me."

"Only a fool would face such a creature alone and I did not take you for a fool."

"If your Arishok was to give a mission of great difficulty would that stop you from attempting to accomplish it?"

"This task was not given by a leader, but by a spirit." Sten growled.

"True, but Holy Andraste is no simple spirit. I know you don't agree with this Sten and you may not understand it, but I was given the gift of healing and I will prove myself worthy of that gift. I gave my word; to walk away from this would be to lose my honour. If I have nothing else I still have that."

Sten searched his face realising he would not be swayed and stood to one side.

"Thank you."

The group followed him back through the tunnels, all feeling slightly relieved when they realised the dragon was sleeping.

Jayden stared at the cliff face, he had certainly climbed worse. Taking his pouch of Ashes he handed it to Genitivi. "If this goes wrong please give this to Warden Commander Rathnal to use as he sees fit."

Taking the pouch Genitivi swallowed down the lump of anxiety swelling in his throat. "Very well; Maker watch over you."

Smiling Jayden clasped his arm, closing his eyes as Genitivi pulled him to his chest and hugged him gently.

"Be careful my boy, please."

"I will." Hunkering down next to Airyl, Jayden sighed at her soft whine, keeping his voice low enough only she could hear. "If this goes wrong I want you to return to Redcliffe and watch over Cailan, he needs to be protected." He raised an eyebrow at her low growl. "Airyl I mean to do this."

Airyl stepped back growling again her heart pounding wildly, he almost always got hurt when they were seperated and she could not join him where he was going.

"I will be careful." Jayden stated his voice firm, smiling slightly as she moved to him licking his nose. Hugging her gently he buried his face into her neck. "I love you too."

Delilah moved to him as he stood, pressing her lips hard against his trying not to give way to desperation and failing; trembling she finally pulled back. "You will return to me or Maker help you I will never forgive you."

Startled by their public kiss Jayden was held by the fierceness of her gaze realising that Delilah's affections were deeper than he had realised. "I will return."

Biting her lip Delilah nodded and stood next to Genitivi, flushing slightly at the surprised look of the Brother and the knowing look from Terrance. She shifted slightly at Sten's disapproving gaze before she gave him a look that had silenced nobles and once even a Chantry Mother, feeling relief when he turned his focus from her.

Turning to Terrance, Jayden gripped his shoulder. "If need be you get them back to Redcliffe is that understood?"

"Yes Captain." Terrance stated his voice trembling slightly. "Captain I … good luck."

Folding his arms Sten scowled as Jayden turned to him. "Should you die in this foolishness I will return to Redcliffe and fight with the Wardens."

Jayden nodded and turned towards the cliff scanning the rock and searching out the best route.

With a soft huff Airyl sat next to Brother Genitivi, never taking her eyes from Jayden as he headed across open ground to the cliff leading to where the dragon still lay sleeping.

xXx

Fear radiated through Jayden's body as he finally eased himself over the ridge, but the dragon for the moment at least still appeared to be sleeping. Giving himself a moment to catch his breath he gazed at the dragon in awe of such a beautiful and deadly creature. Gathering his courage he moved; step by cautious step he eased towards her, heart pounding, mouth dry, wondering at what madness had gripped him that he had thought he could survive this; stopping when he had covered half the distance towards her. Slipping the pack from his shoulders he eased out the egg and the crystals and placed them gently on the ground, freezing as he looked up and met the gaze of the dragon; her eyes dark with a level of grief he had only experienced a fraction of. His heart ached for her, to have experienced such loss for Maker knew how long. The dragon lifted her head, a soft growl rumbling in her throat, seeing the grief in her eyes turn to rage, feeling her hot breath wash over him before a movement drew both of their attention as the egg shuddered, tiny cracks appearing over its surface. The dragon lowered her head towards the egg as a leg broke free, a noise of frustration and longing coming from inside. While the High Dragons attention was focused on something other than himself Jayden knew he should make his escape, yet he found himself unable to move, watching a new life come into the world, willing the dragon to free itself from the shell. He watched in awe as the baby dragon triumphantly forced its way out, finding himself transfixed by golden eyes. He wasn't sure when he had sat down, only feeling shock ripple through his body as the tiny High Dragon, her scales a vibrant purple with gleaming gold across her snout held his gaze with the same trust he saw in Airyl and the Halla. Wondering what it was they saw in him he gazed in awe as her tiny wings unfurled, startled as she rubbed her head against his hand, before she gave a chirping bleat turning and half running, half stumbling to her mother. Jayden watched the dragon who had been ravaged by loss, tenderly bring her snout to her child, wrapping her tail protectively around her and drawing her close. Slowly getting to his feet Jayden eased towards the edge as the mother tended to her child, thinking this sight the most precious gift he had ever been given. He froze again as the spirit of Andraste appeared before the dragon, an aura of fire around her. He watched as she lay her hand on the dragon's snout, the other on the head of her child, speaking in a language he had no knowledge of. He took a startled step back as the dragon rose and unfurled her wings, watching as she gently scooped up the baby dragon and the crystals he had brought with the egg, before launching herself into the sky, driven to the ground by the downdraught of air caused by her wings. He watched until they were specks in the sky suddenly realising Andraste was watching him a smile on her face.

"You did well."

"Where have they gone?"

"To the Queen of Dragons herself, they will be safe with her. You have rendered Thedas a great service this day."

Jayden slowly got to his feet. "I doubt many people would agree with you."

"Perhaps." Smiling Andraste handed a vial to Jayden. "These are my true tears. They will cleanse the taint no matter how corrupted from any man, woman or child, but it is only one dose. There will be great temptation to use it, but remember once the dose is given it is gone forever."

"I … why are you giving me these?"

"Because I wish to."

Jayden stared at the vial, the contents inside shimmering like moonlight. "Could they cleanse animals, or something in the form of an animal?"

"You speak of the Archdemon." She sighed at his nod. "I am sorry, truly I am, but despite the many thousands of tears I shed in my life, even together they would not be enough to cleanse such a being." She gave him an encouraging smile. "This evil can be defeated, it has been halted in its tracks four times, it can be done. Live well Jayden, son of Loghain, son of Garath and may the light shine on you always."

"Wait, please!" Biting his lip Jayden swallowed uneasily beneath her gaze. "Will these tears cleanse a Warden?"

Andraste smiled sadly. "They will, but bear in mind Wardens are needed now more than ever. Choose the recipient and the time wisely."

xXx

Slowly moving away from the archway where they had pinned themselves after the dragon had taken flight, Delilah stared at the cliff almost in tears, there was no sign of Jayden. "Where is he?"

"Perhaps the dragon ate him." Sten muttered, staring at Delilah as she punched his arm, not sure which of them was more surprised.

Biting her lip to stop herself from crying out in pain Delilah held her hand to her chest fearing she had damaged herself. "Someone needs to go up there!"

Terrance stared at the cliff. "My Lady I have no idea how the Captain got up there in the first place, we need ropes and …"

"I don't believe that will be necessary." Genitivi stated with palpable relief, smiling as Airyl darted away from them barking excitedly.

As Jayden reached the ground he grinned as Airyl jumped at him hugging her tightly. "See, no need to worry."

Too excited Airyl knocked him off his feet, jumping around him and licking his face.

"You are supposed to be a warrior." Sten muttered as he approached.

Airyl turned sharply and growled leaving him in no doubt that she was fully capable of tearing out his throat if the fancy took her.

"Easy Airyl." Jayden chuckled getting to his feet glancing to Delilah; he was pretty sure she was either going to kiss him or punch him, though he couldn't for the life of him guess which. He was unnerved when instead she turned and walked away from them towards some ruins against the cliff edge, that being somehow far worse.

"I would go and speak to her my boy." Genitivi stated gripping his shoulder. "But walk carefully; she might just be more dangerous than that dragon."

Worrying at his lip Jayden headed after her finding her sitting on a chest, one of many tucked against the crumbling wall. Sinking to his knees he gently took her hand, feeling his stomach plummet when she wouldn't look at him. "I'm sorry if I scared you."

"I was not scared." Delilah snapped.

"What then? Talk to me Delilah."

"I was terrified! How could you do that?" Snatching her hand back she stood and moved to the other side of the chests. "I thought you were killed at Ostagar and then when I saw you at Lothering it felt like a miracle and then you went straight back into battle despite your injuries and in the Gauntlet you were surrounded in flames and I thought … and then you just wander off to see a dragon with no weapon or armour! Have you no sense of self-preservation?"

"Would you have had me refuse Holy Andraste her task for me?"

"No I …" Delilah stared at him despairingly. "It will always be like this with you won't it; you rushing from one danger into another. You were the same as a child, Deep Roads and giant spiders and ..." She sank into his kiss, finding herself between the cold of a stone column and the warmth of his body. She pressed against him exploring his mouth, her heart pounding wildly. Her anger, her fear, all lost beneath the haze of desire that became her entire world. She whispered his name against his lips, pulled him closer, alarmed by how much she wanted him, by how much she wanted to be with him in that moment. Barely able to catch her breath she met his gaze, lost in storm grey eyes that mirrored her own need. She almost wept as he stepped back from her, her heart pounding as he raised her hand to his lips.

"I'm sorry I upset you." Jayden whispered huskily, fearing if they didn't stop this now they would both be swept up and whatever else might happen between them; he had no intention of dishonouring her. "But I am who I am Delilah; I don't set out looking for trouble."

"No, but it seems to look for you." Pressing a soft kiss to his lips before leaning against his chest, Delilah gave a soft sigh. "We live in such dark times and I cannot expect you to avoid danger, but please, please try to stay alive." She smiled as his arms encircled her.

"Of course." He murmured.

Sighing she glanced up. "So, what do you think is in all of these chests?"

"Why don't we find out."

xXx

"Offerings to the dragon perhaps." Genitivi mused staring at the open chests seeing armour, weapons, coin and more interestingly to him scrolls.

"It's a wonder the dragon didn't take some with it." Terrance stated.

"She had the only treasure she needed." Jayden stated softly, smiling at the memory of feeling the tiny dragon's scales brushing against his skin.

Sniffing loudly Terrance rubbed his neck. "Well I think since you got rid of the dragon Captain this should belong to you." He glanced cautiously to Genitivi. "Begging you pardon Brother, but it seems to me the Chantry will have enough in the Temple."

Genitivi nodded thoughtfully. "Oh I quite agree. My inventory does not need to include anything out with the Temple itself."

Glancing at the chests thoughtfully Jayden frowned slightly. "We would need a cart to take all this with us."

"I think I saw one back down near the Chantry." Terrance urged with a hint of excitement. "And our horses are still there, well I hope they are. I'm sure we could find something we could rig up so they could pull the cart."

"There might still be cultists." Jayden warned. "And it will slow us down getting back to Redcliffe." He glanced over the contents of the chests, knowing they would need coin for an army and the weapons and armour were of exquisite make. "But leaving this would be foolish. Alright, but we all stick together."

xXx

Several hours later, the last rays of sunlight gleaming in the sky, the chests were on the cart and Genitivi with their help had put together a basic inventory of the contents of the Temple. It would be enough to ensure the Chantry would wish to preserve it. Smiling to himself Genitivi led the horses back down the mountain, Sten just ahead, with Terrance bringing up the rear. Delilah was walking along with Airyl at her side.

Jayden gently squeezed Delilah's hand before moving over to Genitivi.

"Quite the haul my boy."

"Once we reach Redcliffe I will give it to Lord Fergus, he can use it as he sees fit."

Genitivi raised an eyebrow. "You will just hand it over willingly?"

"Well in exchange I'm hoping he won't make a fuss about me keeping the scrolls." His eyes gleamed with excitement. "They will take pride of place in the Archives I intend to build."

"So the life of a scholar still appeals to you?"

"It always has, I had to join the army because of the Blight, but once it is over assuming I survive, well I can turn my attention to other things."

Genitivi subtly looked him over. "So it's true then, the great witch of the wilds Flemeth showed you the Blight was coming."

"She did." Jayden turned to Genitivi as his hand gently squeezed his shoulder.

"Why didn't you tell us?"

"I was afraid I suppose, those I did tell didn't believe me and even those who at least considered it didn't truly believe it."

"You must have felt very alone."

Jayden nodded but gave him a warm smile. "I'm not alone now."

"No you aren't. So tell me Flemeth … is she as fearsome as her reputation suggests."

"Yes and no. I think she has known great sacrifice and has so much knowledge that I think she acts out of what she believes is necessity seeing a greater plan and forgetting people aren't tools. She means a great deal to me and if it came to it I would protect her with my life, but that doesn't mean I think she is right and I know she has done some awful things." He gave a rueful smile. "Whatever else she may be she is human and she makes mistakes like the rest of us, has regrets and pain, but there is kindness and compassion in her too, she just doesn't like to show it, I think she is afraid it makes her too vulnerable."

"Well I hope she appreciates the generosity you extend to her."

Jayden smiled slightly. "In her own way." As they reached the village he gestured for them to continue on. No one wanted to stay anywhere near the village and it was only an hours journey, at most two given the cart slowing their progress, to the small grove next to a waterfall which promised to be a much more pleasant place to spend the night.

xXx

Author Note: Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed.