As they set up camp within one of the tunnels, Delilah tried not to think of the earth above them that could to her mind crush them at any moment. Despite Sereda's assurances that the tunnels built by Dwarven hands had stood through many ages, she simply could not find comfort in it. The only way they had to confirm the passing of time was Fergus's contact with them on the evening of each day to ensure they were all still alive and a far too brief conversation with her brother. Some days it seemed to Delilah to take an eternity for them to make contact, but Thomas swore it was the same time each day. She had tried to focus on the architecture of the Deep Roads themselves and the statues that often lined the roads, lit by the soft glow of the runestones built into the walls, but as they passed collapsed entrances and tunnels created from claw rather than tool her anxiety continued to build.

Disturbingly they had seen no sign of life apart from a single young nug whose leg had been injured and it had been unable to run from them. She glanced over to Sister Leliana who had coaxed it to them using some of her rations. The tiny creature was curled up sleeping in her arms having had its leg healed by Serris. The Sisters face had such a contented look that she wondered what that small creature truly meant to her, or perhaps it was simply her belief of protecting one of the Makers creatures. She glanced across the camp towards Sten, the sound of his whetstone gliding down his blade seemed to echo in this place and she feared it would draw something to them. Smiling gratefully as Jayden passed her a cup of herbal tea she felt better as he sat down near to her, close, but not so near they could touch. She longed to curl up in his arms, feel safe and protected, but she didn't dare. The Sister might appear to be preoccupied with the nug, but she had sharp eyes and seemed to know everything that was going on. Airyl on the other hand had no problem sitting pressed against her. She knew the mabari treats she carried had a lot to do with it, but she was also beginning to hope the wolf was coming to like her.

"How are you holding up?" Jayden asked softly blowing at the contents of his steaming mug.

"I almost wish I had stayed at the compound, but then I suppose that would not be such a test of my faith." Before they had departed he had told her of the potential dangers of the Deep Roads not just the Darkspawn, but possible ghouls, giant spiders, blighted creatures and the inner torments of being underground for long periods of time. None of it had prevented her from joining them of course, but she couldn't quell the fear building within her and she had struggled to eat anything without her stomach churning, passing on the stew that evening despite its palatable smell.

"You really should try to eat something." Jayden coaxed gently.

"I feel sick at the thought of food. Do you think this Anvil of the Void is real, its very name suggests we should not have anything to do with it?"

"While it does have a bit of a disturbing name, I suppose they couldn't just have called it the Anvil that makes Golems." He smiled as Delilah brought her hand to her mouth, amusement lighting her eyes.

"I suppose not, but what if we do all this and there is nothing at the end of it, not this Anvil, not golems and not the Paragon we are supposed to be following."

"I suppose we just have to have faith."

"I suppose we do." Delilah murmured, turning her attention back to her drink. "I wish that foolish King had just given us part of his army."

"It would have made things simpler, that's for sure, but nothing about this Blight or any other I would imagine has been simple."

"It is strange to think that Sereda should have been Queen. So many things had to happen to bring us to this point. My father's betrayal, the defeat at Ostagar, Sereda's exile and so many other decisions; it makes me wonder how we know what course is right."

"We can never know the outcome of our decisions." Jayden stated softly thinking of his own past. "We just have to be guided by conscience and necessity."

"Sometimes they are deeply opposed." Sighing she put down her mug. "Will you pray with me?"

Jayden was not deaf to the almost pleading tone. He felt a spasm of guilt at the other times she had asked and he had found other things he needed to do. It was such a small request that he knew he shouldn't deny it. "If you wish." Kneeling beside her he let himself sink into the meditative state the Templars had taught him, letting Delilah's soft voice lull him, letting go of the stress accumulated through the days of travel, feeling the tension in his muscles ease even as his worries were temporarily soothed. He was barely aware of the Chant of Light spoken from his own lips, they were words only to him, but he knew they held significance for Delilah; yet when he finally went to his bedroll sleep was elusive. The last time he had been in the Deep Roads they had been buried alive, many lives had been lost and he had been bound to a spirit who had taken the form of his mother to lead them out. He stared at the Deep Roads that stretched on as far as he could see wondering what they would hold for them this time, until finally his eyes closed and his thoughts tangled into his dreams.

Rathnal had taken first watch with Alistair and Sten, the trio alert to every sound. He glanced to Jayden who had finally fallen asleep, a soft moan of distress leaving his lips, wondering if he dreamt of the last time they had ventured beneath the surface together. For a moment he felt the weight of those rocks on his back, a sense of suffocation, glancing up startled as Alistair touched his shoulder.

"Are you alright?"

"Sorry, just remembering something."

"Something unpleasant by the look on your face."

"Being buried alive doesn't exactly make for pleasant memories. I've managed to keep it at bay, but tonight seems different somehow."

"Maybe talking about it would help." As they walked the perimeter Alistair listened in growing horror to the events that had occurred. "But the Archdemon wasn't there?"

"No, if it had of been all of this might not have happened, but Duncan was sure it had led us into a trap. We must be vigilant Alistair."

"Do you think it is still in the Deep Roads somewhere?"

Rathnal swallowed uneasily. "Maybe. Listen Ali; Duncan said he heard it that day in his mind. He had been a Warden for a long time, but if that thing can enter our minds …" He unconsciously touched the broach each Warden was wearing.

"Do you think the broaches will protect us from the Archdemon knowing where we are?"

"I don't know and it scares me."

Alistair remained silent, contemplating the horrific being he had witnessed at his Joining, entering his mind again, it was not a reassuring thought and he had to stop himself from clutching at the broach. When Jayden, Morrigan and Faren took over watch he slumped into his bedroll praying for normal dreams.

xXx

Barely an hour later Alistair woke with a start, his cheeks flushed and wet with tears, his throat strained and parched as though he had been screaming. He glanced to Jayden who was hunkered next to him. "Is something wrong?" Alistair croaked.

"You tell me, sounded like you were having a bad dream."

Slowly Alistair sat up. "I was dreaming about Bethany. There was a great wall of water between us. I could see her, she was sitting by a window and she was crying. Kolby was with her and I shouted and shouted but they couldn't hear me." He lowered his head afraid Jayden would see more tears. "I just wanted to love her for the rest of our lives."

"And you will." Jayden soothed. "After this we will likely be looking for the Dalish. I'm sure we can make a detour to Gwaren; I doubt Rath will pass up the chance to see his grandfather." He smiled as Alistair's eyes lit up.

"I just hope she's safe. I … I wanted to be a good father." He whispered. "I swore I would be there for my child always."

Jayden felt his heart ache at the torment in his eyes. "You know in a few years I bet we are talking about all the mischief our children get into together and all of this will just be a memory."

"That sounds really nice." He thought of his brother and Gawain and longed to talk to Jayden about it, but he had promised Cailan he would say nothing until he had spoken to him, afraid of the distance it might create between them. "Will you promise me something?"

"If I can."

"No matter what happens we will stay friends."

"Always, besides our friendship was blessed by a falling star remember."

Alistair couldn't help the broad grin. "I remember."

"Try to get some more sleep." Jayden soothed.

Still smiling Alistair lay back down drifting into sleep in moments.

Slipping back to the edge of camp Jayden met Morrigan's searching gaze.

"Tis true enough, love is a weakness."

"Perhaps at times, but it can be a strength too. Whatever is thrown at him, Ali will strive to survive it because he loves Bethany and their unborn child and he will do whatever it takes to get back to them."

Morrigan thought of the ritual her mother had demanded of her and her own glimpse of her future. "You have a desire for children of your own do you not?"

"I do."

Morrigan felt her stomach tighten at the smile that lit his face. She glanced to Delilah, no matter what happened she would never believe her to be good enough for her friend. "With her?" She fell silent at his warning look feeling uncertainty grip her; the longer he spent with Delilah the more opportunity she would have to get her claws into his heart and she needed to ensure when the time came he would help her. "We are friends yes and friends help each other."

"Yes of course."

"Then I must extract a promise of aid from you."

"Alright what do you need?"

"I cannot tell you, not yet."

"Morrigan …"

"Do not ask me I cannot tell you." She met his searching gaze with determination.

"This has something to do with whatever you saw in that glimpse of the future doesn't it?"

"Yes. Now swear it." Morrigan demanded. "No matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, when I come to you, you will help me and do as I ask."

Jayden met her gaze seeing fear, determination and desperation. Gently taking her hands he squeezed. "I swear Morrigan." He smiled at her look of relief. "I will always help you surely you know that by now and you said whatever this is will save lives. I trust you." Jayden frowned seeing sorrow and fear in her eyes. "It will be alright Morrigan." Watching her move to the other side of the camp an agitation in her stride, Jayden glanced to Airyl who whined softly. "I know girl, I wish I knew what it was all about too, but despite all her mystery and hard edge she would never put me in danger."

xXx

Having not expected to sleep well, Leliana was surprised to find herself feeling rested upon waking. She felt movement at her arm smiling as the nug sniffed the air. "Hungry?" She carefully picked up the creature rummaging in her pack for breakfast for them both.

"What are you going to do with that?" Faren asked a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Leliana narrowed her eyes. "What do you suggest?"

"Well I've always found nug quite delicious if cooked in the right way." He grinned as she hugged the nug tighter against her. "Relax sister; the nug is off limits I get it."

"Have you really eaten nug?" She demanded.

All amusement left Faren's face. "The alternative was starving."

"I'm sorry."

Faren shrugged. "That's life for the Castless."

"Doesn't anyone do anything to help the Castless?"

Faren laughed. "We don't exist. The Castless are less than dirt." He sighed at her horrified look. "Don't worry about it Sister, we survive."

"Life should be more than survival."

"That's all life is." Faren cleared his throat. "Keep an eye on that nug, there's a lot here that will eat it if given half a chance."

Watching him cross the camp Leliana glanced down to the nug meeting its trusting gaze. "Is this why I am here Maker, to help bring your light to those Castless who have been forsaken by their own?" She worried at her lip, but it would likely be weeks before they returned to Orzammar, time enough for a solution to present itself.

xXx

Foot tapping in agitation Rinna stared in the direction they would be travelling, no different to her than the section of the road they had already travelled.

"It is not like you to show your agitation." Serris murmured sitting next to her.

"I just keep thinking of our last trip into the Deep Roads. So many were killed; I … I never imagined coming to Orzammar would mean another trip. I just cannot help wondering, what if the Archdemon is still in the Deep Roads somewhere."

"Then we will kill the damn thing."

Rinna met her gaze and nodded. "That would stick it right to the dwarven King, coming back and telling him his help is unnecessary.

"That would be fun to see."

"So probably not the most appropriate time or place, but how are you holding up?"

"Just fine."

"Liar."

"Yes, but there will be time after we solve this mess to grieve."

"I just feel I should say Commander Yantra was …" She hesitated at Serris's look. "I am sorry."

"She died doing what we do. Her Calling was here so she was going to be dead either way."

"But you still were not prepared for it."

"Can you be?"

"And how do you feel about the new Commander?"

Serris met her searching gaze. "Are you asking for you, or on his behalf?"

"Me."

"I think he is young in age and experience as a Warden, but he is learning and he has a fierce heart. He is Ferelden's Commander and I will stand with him to whatever end."

Rinna smiled. "I knew I liked you."

xXx

Packing up camp the group set off again not wanting to linger long in any part of the Deep Roads. It was what he took to be midday when Jayden first felt they were being watched; yet every discrete search with his gaze yielded nothing. He slowly worked his way to the back of the group trying not to be obvious, he didn't want to be the butt of Faren and Sereda's teasing if there was nothing there, it had been bad enough feeling people's stares when he was following the spirit no-one else could see. He glanced to Airyl who he had encouraged to move throughout the group; he had recognised she felt ill at ease likely with no wind and strange scents that made no sense to her. He wondered if her past experience in the Deep Roads haunted her as much as it did himself and the Wardens. He glanced behind again, but with no sign of anything out of place he continued on. Yet the feeling grew as the hours passed, but there was still no sign of anyone following, or of anything that would be causing his unease. He heard Rathnal say there was a cavern up ahead they could camp in; glancing sharply behind him at the sound of a small stone bouncing against the wall and landing at his feet. Frowning Jayden hunkered down picking up the smooth stone, slowly standing his hand moving to his sword as he saw something move in the shadows. Whatever it was moved fast, his cry of alarm cut off as he was slammed against the rock, a hand pressed to his mouth. Jayden's eyes widened as the ghoul's face stopped barely inches from his, head tilted watching him curiously.

"You … are … familiar to me." The ghoul hissed, words forming crudely, rasped from parched lips as though speaking itself was something he was only just learning. "Watched you … to be sure. I know ... you."

Jayden's eyes widened his heart pounding brutally as he searched the features of the ghoul; bald, face and hands blotched with the blight, eyes milky white and yet there was something in the way he was looking. His eyes widened in recognition, the ghoul slowly removing his hand. "Theron?" Jayden gasped.

The ghoul stared bleakly at his own hands. "Not … Theron … anymore." He shrank away from Jayden's compassionate gaze. "Only … darkness."

"How?"

"Tamlen … mirror …" He shuddered painfully his head in his hands. "Darkness."

Jayden stumbled as Theron suddenly grabbed him pinning him to the wall.

"It won't … let me … die!" Theron shrieked, ignoring Jayden's wince of pain as his grip on his arms tightened. "Always … in my … head. You … kill … me."

Heart pounding Jayden tried to free his arms but the grip was vice like. "I might have another way." As Theron began shaking his head, Jayden hissed in pain, nails digging painfully into his skin. "Theron please, I will help you but you have to let go. If my friends see you hurting me …"

Theron's eyes lit up. "They … will kill … me."

"I swear there is another way. I may have a cure to the Blight sickness. You would be yourself again."

Theron slowly released his grip shaking his head pointing to the blotches on his hands and arms. "Too … late."

Rubbing his arms Jayden met his gaze. "I don't believe that. You are still yourself or you would have killed me. The chances of us meeting here; now, no Theron we were supposed to meet, this will work and if it doesn't I will end it."

"Swear." Theron demanded hearing the sound of people running.

"I swear." Jayden turned as he heard the others shouting for him, alarmed as an arrow shot passed him just missing Theron. "Stop! I'm alright!" He yelled, moving protectively in front of him.

"Get away from that creature!" Delilah cried out in horror her sword in one hand a dagger in the other, turning to Leliana who had a second arrow aimed waiting for her chance.

"Listen to me I know him! Sister Leliana put down the bow, please!"

"The person you knew is gone." Leliana stated. "It would be more merciful to end him now." She glanced to Airyl who prowled forward.

"Airyl stand down." Jayden commanded.

Hesitating Airyl sniffed the air, the creature was not quite like those they had fought at Ostagar, but it was dangerous. Trouble seemed to find Jayden wherever he went, but this was different she sensed need in them both. She moved to his side and sat, though she continued to watch the creature as it watched her.

Raising an eyebrow Morrigan glanced to Rathnal and Alistair, all three seeing the look on Jayden's face and knowing he would not be swayed. "Who is he?" She demanded.

"His name is Theron; he was part of the Dalish clan I met. I won't leave him to this fate Morrigan."

"T'would be better to end his suffering, tis unlikely the cure will work on such an advanced state."

"But it might and if he is willing, we have to try!" He looked to Rathnal. "The only way you are getting to him is through me, so let me at least try to help him."

Rathnal glanced to the ghoul remembering him, unnerved as he watched them from behind Jayden, eyeing their weapons with an odd look in his eyes. "And what if the cure doesn't work?"

Jayden held his gaze. "Then I will kill him myself."

Sighing Rathnal ran his hand through his hair. "Fine, the cavern up ahead is defensible enough." He shook his head at Jayden's grateful smile. "Damn I hope this works."

xXx

Theron huddled himself into a corner his gaze darting to each of them, or their weapons at least a hungry look in his eyes.

Rathnal caught Jayden's arm. "Are you sure about this?"

"Yes of course."

"No, I mean what you will need to do if it doesn't work."

Jayden glanced to Theron and then back to Rathnal. "I would want the same mercy." Heading over to Theron he hunkered down and handed him the vial. "I need to warn you this has never been tested and I don't know if there will be any side effects, but I do promise this will end."

Theron nodded and drank the contents of the vial; his eyes wide with terror as a terrible burning sensation moved through his body.

Serris moved swiftly to his side and pressed her hand to Theron's chest casting a sleep spell. "It was not entirely unexpected that the taint would fight back, you certainly had a fight of it when testing the preventative."

Jayden simply nodded; anxiously watching over his charge. Hours passed with no change; yawning and rubbing his eyes Jayden stood as he felt himself about to drift to sleep, pacing restlessly.

"You should rest." Delilah coaxed gently.

"I can't sleep. I need to be here when he wakes."

Delilah frowned slightly. "The marks on his arm, weren't there more?"

Moving to Theron, Jayden's eyes widened, not only were there fewer blotches, those that were there were reducing in size. "It's working!"

They sat together watching over Theron as the elixir supported his body to fight and build up a resistance to the taint. They watched as grey mottled skin became smooth with the faintest flush of pink.

Delilah leaned over and carefully pulled an eyelid up; her eyes widening to see the cloudy white becoming a deep moss green flecked with gold. "Amazing."

xXx

Theron slowly became aware of his surroundings; the burning sensation that had torn through him was no longer present and while there was heat he realised it was outside of himself. Slowly opening his eyes he glanced to the fire; deeply inhaling the smell of spices and whatever else was cooking in the pot. Sitting up he glanced to his arms crying out; a noise of shock, joy and bewilderment. He touched the skin on his arms; his fingers tapping across his face feeling no raised harsh skin. He pulled off the armour he was wearing looking over himself finding no hint of the taint.

Smiling Delilah handed him the hand mirror from her pack.

Theron took it cautiously and raised it to his face. A low cry left his lips; no longer did the twisted face gaze up at him from pools of rank water, he was himself again.

Jayden caught the mirror as it dropped from Theron's shaking hands; passing it to Delilah before he gently held him as he sobbed.

Theron shuddered fearing this was one more cruel dream inflicted upon him by the Archdemon.

"How about some food." Jayden stated gently when Theron had stopped shaking; coaxing him over to the fire and handing him a bowl of stew, tucking into his own.

Theron ate like a dying man given his last meal; each morsel savoured, each spoonful eaten reverently. He had existed on deep mushrooms and nug for so long he had never imagined eating anything else. He shuddered remembering Tamlen turning on him, the hunger for flesh driving him. He remembered their struggle; that their friendship vanished in the face of survival and he had killed him. He remembered sobbing in the dark as he held his friend's body before he managed to escape. He had no idea how he had retained his mind but the Archdemon plagued his thoughts and he feared he still would. "Will … will the Archdemon still be able to enter my mind?" He swallowed; startled with the ease with which he now spoke.

Morrigan hesitated and put her spoon back into her bowl. "T'is possible, but unlikely; the Blight appears to be gone. T'is not an experience you will soon forget however."

Rathnal glanced him over. "For whatever it is worth, I sense no blight."

Theron nodded; his hands drifting unconsciously to his head feeling the smoothness of his scalp, turning to Jayden. "Thank you; I can never repay you for this."

Jayden smiled. "I'm just glad it worked."

xXx

Sitting near the campfire Theron stared at the flames lost in thought. He had believed he would end his days as some twisted creature, yet it appeared that was not to be his fate. The group he found himself in was surprisingly welcoming, though the dark haired, golden eyed woman who kept looking at him filled him with a sense of unease. She was apparently keeping an eye on him to make sure the cure did not reverse a terrifying prospect so he tried to maintain a sense of calm beneath her piercing gaze. He remembered Rathnal from his visit with Duncan to the clan, saddened to hear of the former Warden Commander's death and startled to discover Rathnal was now Commander. It was a terrible burden to bear, akin to Merril taking over from Marethari when she still had so much to learn. He had promised to help in any way he could, but he wasn't sure what help he could be to them in this underground world. He had spent most of his time hiding and to his alarm when Sereda had shown him a map he realised they were heading back in the direction he had been trying to flee. He told them of the massing Darkspawn, but he had never seen the Archdemon in the flesh. He sighed softly aching for sunlight and the scents of the forest, but if the Creators demanded this of him having granted him a second chance then he would not turn away. He glanced up realising someone was approaching.

Hunkering down Jayden smiled. "So you'll need a weapon now you don't blend in." He handed over his bow and a dagger. "Rath remembers you being a good shot and well no-one should be without a dagger or two."

"I cannot take these." Theron whispered stunned by the craftsmanship, gazing at the runes woven into metal.

"Consider them a loan until we get you weapons of your own. I have my swords and other daggers."

"I … thank you Will, truly."

"Can't have you unarmed down here."

"I meant for everything. Even if I don't get out of the Deep Roads alive, at least I will die as me."

"Theron …"

"I came to terms a while ago with never seeing the sun again." He gave a trembling breath. "Or my clan."

"You know I think you have more chance of getting out of here if you decide you are going to make it back to them. Besides we will be searching for the clans to invoke the treaty with the Wardens, we may even meet up."

"You're a kind man Will, but Keeper Marathari was going to take them to Sundermount in the Free Marches. However, I might be able to help you find others."

"Any help would be very much appreciated and after the Blight I will help in whatever way I can to get you back to your clan. You have my word."

Theron smiled slightly. "I already have a debt to you I can never repay, I do not expect any help when this is over."

Holding out his hand Jayden smiled. "Friends help each other and you have no debt to me."

Clasping his arm Theron returned his smile, reminded of the human boy he had met so long ago. "Friends then."

xXx

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