After several days travelling Zevran was growing weary of the suspicion still cast towards him by the group. Once again, he was assigned the task of digging the latrine trench, apparently the only job that could be entrusted to him. Even then one of the companions was always nearby watching him, usually Sten, Theron or Morrigan. Over the days of their journey he had watched the interactions of the group, eager to find a way to ingratiate himself. He understood that trust would be slow, he had after all threatened their lives, but he had now allied himself with them and he had Rinna who spoke for him, vehemently at times and yet he remained the focus of their suspicion. He needed to find a way in, he had no intention of betraying them, but proving that was going to be a long road it seemed.

His gaze drifted to Rinna as it often did; the only person who had always trusted him. His future was once again uncertain; he had been prepared to leave the Crows with her once before and he realised he was prepared to do it again. He longed for her despite having believed he had walled off his heart, but whatever was between her and the Commander was preventing anything from rekindling between them. Rathnal was attractive and it would not be the first time he had been with Rinna and a third person, but he could not imagine what would thaw the Commander towards him. He smiled warmly as Rinna joined him after he had completed his assigned task. "My dear Rinna, tell me, how might I sooth your Commanders concerns regarding my intentions towards this eclectic group?"

"I wish I knew Zev; I am sure you would both get on, but he won't let himself even consider the possibility. Maybe if you could get Will to accept you Rath would soften, but I do not know how you could do that either."

"Perhaps the way to convince the Captain I am thoroughly likable is to convince the wolf."

Rinna chuckled softly. "Good luck with that Zev, be warned, if Will thinks you are a danger to Airyl he will not hesitate to try to kill you."

"If the Qunari can convince the wolf he is friendly enough surely I can do the same."

"Sten did not kidnap the human she is bonded with."

"Ah, then I have my work cut out for me."

"You do indeed." She leaned closer, smiling slightly. "I believe Sten used cookies."

Grinning Zevran glanced over at Airyl who was sitting beside the Captain at the fire; a wolf with a sweet tooth, perhaps this would not be so difficult after all.

xXx

Hand on the hilt of her dagger, Delilah strode across the camp towards Zevran as Rinna left him. The Crow was leaning against a tree, a slightly alarmed look on his face at her approach.

"I would be grateful if you did not come any closer my Lady; I fear the Captain may be inclined to have me meet the pointy end of his sword if you do."

"I wanted to ask you something."

Intrigued Zevran nodded. "Of course."

"When my father gave you the contract to retrieve me, how did he seem?"

"You wish to know the state of his health?"

"I wish to know if he appeared in full command of himself."

"I saw no sign he was being forced to hire my services. He was a little put out that I am not human, but he asked for the best and I am the best."

Nodding thoughtfully Delilah turned to walk away.

"If I may ask a question my Lady."

Turning Delilah eyed him suspiciously. "Very well."

"How does one get on the good side of the Captain?"

"Perhaps avoid drugging or kidnapping him and those he cares about. Perhaps try to avoid attempting to murder them too."

"Quite so my Lady, but alas it is too late for that."

"Do you really expect us to ever trust you?"

"As I have tried to explain, the contract was business, not personal. I bear none of you any ill will."

Delilah sighed softly. "It may surprise you to know I understand, but William is a very suspicious man and I cannot imagine a time he would trust you. Why does it matter? Once you have spoken out against my father you will likely never see him again."

Zevran glanced in Jayden's direction. "I find him intriguing and I do not wish an enemy of him."

"Well I would stop trying to flirt with him for a start." Delilah muttered. "If he is not irritated by it I am."

"Noted my Lady."

She shook her head at his charming smile and retreated back towards her tent.

xXx

From the tree stump he was sitting on as he sharpened his blades, Jayden watched Airyl as she padded across the camp and sat next to Sten. It had become something of a ritual, her joining the Qunari after the evening meal for a short time and he suspected Sten had got his hands on more cookies. He frowned as he saw Sten attempt to stealthily pass her the treat, a low growl rumbling in his throat. Airyl caught his disapproving gaze and tone and whined slightly, but it didn't stop her from taking the cookie. His attention was diverted as he realised Zevran was approaching them, tensing as he produced a biscuit of some variety from the pouch on his belt, relaxing as he began to eat it, scowling when he realised the Crow had Airyl's attention. He watched Zevran finish the biscuit and take another from the pouch offering one to Sten. Jayden's scowl deepened at Airyl's soft whine as Sten refused, her eyes fixed on the sweet treat. His eyes widened as Airyl carefully took it from Zevran's outstretched hand, lying down next to him as she crunched it.

Zevran glanced up as Sten stood and moved away, he wasn't sure, but he thought the Qunari looked very uncomfortable, realising why as he saw the Captain moving towards them and he did not look happy.

Airyl whined as Jayden reached them.

"You're a wolf." He muttered. "You shouldn't be eating biscuits, let alone ones from assassins!"

"Perhaps she realises I am not so bad." Zevran stated softly. "Surely as a practical man you understand the contract was business and nothing personal."

"I understand." Jayden stated carefully. "But trust must be earned."

Zevran grinned broadly. "Then I will do my utmost to prove I can be a trusted companion."

"Well you can start by not giving Airyl biscuits. That goes for you too Sten!" He stated firmly knowing the Qunari was listening. He heard him mumble something in his own tongue. "I mean it Sten, she is a wolf not a lap dog." He raised an eyebrow at Airyl's whine hunkering down beside her. "You know better." He murmured softly, smiling slightly as she rubbed her head against his.

Watching as the Captain stood, Zevran wondered at the flash of conflict on his face, before he caught a small pouch tossed at him.

"If she comes looking for biscuits again give her a mabari treat, nothing else is that clear?"

"Perfectly." Zevran stated keeping a serious face realising how much it must have taken for the Captain to have taken such a step.

Crossing the camp Alistair gestured to Jayden to follow him, before he could return to caring for his weapons, moving out of earshot of the others. "I feel I need to remind you the Crow kidnapped you and Delilah and tried to kill the rest of us."

"I remember." Jayden muttered shifting uncomfortably.

"Then why are you softening towards him and I know you are. I can't believe you gave him mabari treats, what were you thinking?"

"I know. I just …" Jayden sighed deeply and leaned against a tree. "There is just something about him … he reminds me a little of Zef actually."

"He isn't Zef though and he's a Crow!"

"I know that." He glanced across the camp to where Zevran was sitting alone by the campfire. "Sometimes I just wish Zef was with us. Selfish I know. Maker, I wish Anders and Garrett and Carver were with us too." He winced. "I'm sorry Ali, I'm not the only one missing people."

"I miss Bethany so much it hurts, but do you know what stops me from wallowing in the fear that we will never be a family again …" He gently gripped Jayden's shoulder. "You. You never give up and you are so certain we will find a way to get me out of being a Warden." He shifted slightly. "Rath intends to take a slight detour to Gwaren when we go to the Brecilian Forest. He gets to see his grandpa and we will get to see Bethany, Anders and the others. I miss Carver and Garrett too, it will be so good to see them and maybe depending on when we go, I might get to be with Bethany when she gives birth. I would give anything to be there."

"She can't have long to go."

"Two months." He stared at his hands. "I know she is not alone, but I should have been with her through her pregnancy. Maker I wanted to be with her through it all. Now I … I'm not sure what would be worse, to never see my child, or to see him or her and then have to leave." He bit his lip hard. "I'm not sure I could leave them. Maybe I shouldn't go to Gwaren."

"Ali you will twist yourself in knots if you don't go. Just remind yourself that ending the Blight is for Bethany and your child to keep them safe, let me worry about getting you home for good."

Alistair smiled slightly. "You know, I'm really glad you like horses or we might never have met."

"Horses or not, how could two people with such a love of cheese not be destined to meet and be friends."

Chuckling loudly Alistair shook his head. "True enough. Just be careful with Zevran promise me."

"Relax Alistair I won't let my guard down."

xXx

Relieved when they finally reached Rainesfere, despite Zevran's astonishingly compliant behaviour, Rathnal's mood shifted back to uneasy as people stopped to look at the group, whispering softly to each other and gazing after them. "When did we become something to talk about?"

"Must be our dazzling good looks." Rinna stated with a grin.

Zevran snorted chuckling softly.

As they passed the Chantry Delilah's eyes widened in alarm. "Or perhaps it is that?"

The group glanced at the notice board where she was pointing.

Jayden felt his blood run cold, dismounting and striding over; there in the centre of the board was a parchment of his likeness; he quickly scanned the words beneath.

Rejoice! The Ashes of our Holy and Beloved Andraste have been discovered, signifying our Holy Lady watches over us in this time of strife.

By trial of the Gauntlet, She in her infinite wisdom and mercy has chosen a Champion to aid us in this dark time. Captain William of the Denerim Guard, a man already chosen by the Maker and given a vision to warn us of the impending Blight, was cleansed, purified and healed of the wounds sustained at the Battle of Ostagar in Her Holy Flame.

By order of the Chantry and Queen Anora, the Champion is to be given any and all aid in defeating the Darkspawn menace that plagues our beloved Ferelden.

Tearing the parchment off the board Jayden stared at it in growing horror.

"Hey! What are you doing you can't remove …" The Brother stopped short. "Oh … it's you I um … forgive me, of course you can take that I have another."

"Where did this come from?" Jayden demanded.

"I … from Denerim; the Grand Cleric herself."

"When did you receive this?"

"Well it was Mother …" He hesitated unnerved by his darkening expression. "That is to say a few days ago."

"Thank you." Jayden stated doing his best not to let his anger out on the Brother.

"What is it?" Rathnal asked in concern, alarmed when Jayden thrust the parchment at him.

"Either the world has gone even more crazy while we were in Orzammar, or this is a sick joke."

Rathnal stared at the poster in shock. "I …"

"What is it?" Alistair demanded, taking the parchment and wincing. "Well they might have asked you first."

Mounting Luna, Jayden snatched back the poster as the others were trying to see it.

Leliana glanced to Delilah, the pair just having managed to read it. "Perhaps this is a good thing." She ventured.

Jayden twisted on his saddle; his eyes dark with fury. "I doubt you would say that if it was your face plastered on the damn thing Sister!"

"Will …"

Jayden turned away cutting off the conversation, the parchment crumpled in his fist; realising Fergus, Cailan and Teagan must have known about it and had chosen not to tell him. So much for remaining hidden!

Delilah remained silent, her mind spinning at the possibilities; as Andraste's Champion Jayden would have power and influence that could potentially rival royalty. She swallowed painfully understanding a little better why her father would go to the trouble of hiring a Crow to retrieve him. While a knot of anxiety formed in her stomach, she also acknowledged the excitement it provoked for one day she would be the wife of Andraste's Champion. Delilah felt a sense of calm move through her, she was well aware of how to navigate the Chantry her grandmother had taught her well and she would use that knowledge to help guide Jayden in whatever was to come. If they thought they would control him they were going to be in for a surprise.

xXx

As the group neared Bann Teagan's home, they split into two, the Wardens intending to take Zevran straight to Alistair's cottage; the others heading straight to the estate. Rathnal signalled to Jayden the pair moving out of earshot of the others. "Try not to lose your temper."

"I am in perfect control." Jayden growled.

"Of course you are. I mean it, you lose it with Lord Fergus and the others and you will regret it."

"They must have known about this Rath! Why let me find out like that?"

"Maybe they thought they would get to speak to you before you saw anything. Listen, just hear them out, promise me."

Sighing Jayden nodded. "Be careful with Zevran, he is a master manipulator."

"Don't I know it, not to mention an outrageous flirt."

"I noticed, though he suddenly stopped his flirtations with me. Foolishly I find myself wondering why." He shook his head smiling slightly as Rathnal chuckled. "Have you spoken to Rinna?"

"Not yet. I know I need to, but there have been more pressing concerns than my love life. Once we have him secured … I mean settled I will come over to the estate. Just remember, be calm."

"Fine, but I am not going to hide the fact I am not happy."

"Is it really so bad to be named Champion?" Rathnal asked cautiously.

"How would you feel if it was you and no-one had bothered to even ask you?"

Rathnal sighed softly. "I know it's not quite the same, but I didn't have a choice about being Commander."

Sighing Jayden felt his anger drain a fraction. "So, you think I should just accept this?"

"I'm not sure you have any more choice in this than I did. We better go, just listen to them at least before you do anything."

xXx

As the group reached Bann Teagan's estate and the gates were opened to admit them, Delilah took Luna's reins. "I will ensure she is seen to; you go and sort this out before your agitation leads you to do something foolish and please try to stay calm."

Nodding Jayden turned to Theron. "Sten will show you where you can put your things, hopefully this won't take long." At Theron's nod he dismounted and strode quickly across the courtyard.

"Is it really so bad to be named Champion?" Leliana asked curiously. "Surely it is an honour."

"And maybe he would have thought so if asked." Delilah murmured.

xXx

"William!" Loretta's smile fading as she saw the conflicted expression on his face. "Is everything alright?"

"No, my Lady." The parchment crumpled in his fist. "I need to see his Majesty, Bann Teagan and Lord Fergus as soon as possible."

"Of course, they are eager to see you."

"I bet they are." Jayden growled under his breath. He followed Loretta and was shown into the study, momentarily startled out of his ill temper as Genitivi and Weylon stood.

"I will let my husband know you are here." Mouthing good luck to Genitivi and Weylon as she slipped out of the room.

"Well, well the wanderer returns." Genitivi smiled warmly. "Been adventuring in Orzammar without us I hear."

"I have, it is so good to see you both." Jayden grinned hugging them.

"And you Will." Weylon smiled, wishing it was under different circumstances. "I bet you're wishing you had stayed a research assistant."

Chuckling softly Jayden shrugged. "Dragon cults not included I assume."

Weylon shook his head. "You two are far too alike, you could find trouble in an empty barn!"

"So, what brings you here; are you going back to Haven?"

"Not yet." Genitivi sat on a seat gesturing to the other two to sit. "My boy I had to report Haven and the events there to the Grand Cleric; you should know it was she who sent me on the mission for the Ashes."

Jayden paled and smoothed out the poster. "Please tell me you didn't bring this."

"No, that arrived after we had been sent to discuss this situation with you." Genitivi sighed softly. "Unfortunately, during your time in Orzammar, despite my plea to wait until your return to broach this matter, the Grand Cleric decided the announcement could not wait."

"Was I ever to have a choice?"

Genitivi sighed softly. "I believe you know the answer to that my boy."

"I don't understand why this is happening."

"When I explained the events at Haven to the Grand Cleric, the Gauntlet, your being healed and then the task Holy Andraste gave to you, well … William the Grand Cleric believes in this dark time the Maker has provided a Champion, you."

Jayden remained silent for a moment. "Did you have to tell her about the dragon?"

"I'm sorry my boy I got carried away, but dragon or not, this would still have been the outcome."

"What happened in the Gauntlet and after was a test. I was only given another test because She healed me and to prove myself worthy of that because my faith is not like the rest of you, I am not as devout, or not in the same way at least. Using that situation in this way …" He shook his head in horror. "This is blasphemy!"

Weylon gently gripped his shoulder. "Will what if … what if you being Her Champion was why She had you face the dragon, testing your worthiness."

Shaking his head Jayden moved over to the window, unlatching it feeling the cool breeze on his flushed cheeks. "I can't be that." He whispered, glancing to Genitivi as the Brother moved to his side.

"It is a lot to ask of anyone my boy, but in all the time I have known you, you have been dedicated to helping others, doing what is necessary. See it from the Grand Cleric's perspective; you appear in Denerim having seen a glimpse of the future, a future that is now upon us. Did you think your apparently natural ability to defend against magic to control the mind would go unreported to her? Then you were healed by blessed Andraste herself and given a task that still terrifies me when I think of it. The Grand Cleric believed that once the people found out you were healed; they would have named you Champion themselves. Understandably from her point of view she wishes your influence to be seen as for the Chantry."

"That is ridiculous, so I am either with the Chantry or a threat to it?"

"I believe my boy, your inclinations towards mage freedom is part of the concern."

"What does she think I'm going to do, lead a revolution?"

Weylon nipped at his lower lip in agitation. "Will if you're not with the Chantry then you are against it. It isn't right, but it is what it is."

"Why are those my only choices? I am not going to parade myself as some Champion of the Chantry and the Grand Cleric can threaten me all she likes, what is she going to do, imprison me? On what charge, getting healed by the bride of a deity?"

"Will!" Weylon gasped. "Maker please see you can't fight this."

Seeing real fear in Weylon's eyes Jayden felt sick. "Weylon this is madness you have to see that." He turned as Genitvi cleared his throat.

"The Grand Cleric and the Queen herself wrote you letters. Perhaps you should read them. Come Weylon, let us give William some space."

xXx

Barely reaching the stairs Delilah smiled as her brother hurried towards her hugging her tightly.

"Maker, I am so glad to see you."

"I am glad to see you too. How are you?"

"Better now that you are here and safe. Come, tell me everything."

Smiling Delilah followed Thomas up the stairs towards their rooms. "Do I at least get a chance to get out of these travelling clothes and into something clean?"

"That can wait, there is something we need to talk about first."

Following him into the room Delilah frowned slightly hearing the tone of concern in her brother's voice. "Has something happened?"

"I believe so, but you will need to tell me." He sighed at the confusion on her face. "I want you to tell me what happened the night we did not speak. The Warden Commander made an excuse that you had retired for the evening, but we made a promise to speak each night, I do not think you would have broken that promise lightly."

Sighing Delilah sat on a chair near the windows feeling the warmth of the sun on her face, relishing it after so long underground. "Father has taken out a contract with the Crows to bring to him alive and unharmed myself and Captain William." She watched her brother pale. "We were ambushed. There were to be no witnesses."

Thomas listened in growing horror as she explained what had happened.

Lowering her voice to a whisper Delilah grasped her brother's hand. "Jayden saved my life, if not for him I fear I would have been a meal for those creatures."

"I am grateful of course, but that means you were alone with him, all night!"

"Indeed." She sighed at his frown. "Relax Thomas nothing happened between us; well a kiss or two, but he was a perfect gentleman."

"Delilah …"

"Thomas, we had no idea what had happened to the others, they could have been dead for all we knew and that included Airyl; do you think that made for a romantic setting?"

Sighing Thomas gently squeezed her hand. "I just worry about you."

"I know, but where Jayden is concerned there is no need."

"So, what happened to these Crows?"

"There was just one, the rest were hired mercenaries. He is alive and with us and has agreed to testify that our father took out the contract knowing full well we were travelling with the Wardens, one of which was Aedan Cousland."

"I cannot imagine a Crow would turn against his Guild like that."

"There are special circumstances in this case. He and Warden Rinna have a past. The Warden Commander will meet with Cailan, Fergus and Teagan where he will inform them of the situation."

Thomas nodded thoughtfully. "So, father has been tracking our movements then. Does this Crow know how?"

"Taoran Hawkwind, a Blackstone Irregular from Denerim."

"That little worm!"

"You know him?"

"Unfortunately and he has desired you for a long time." He shrugged at his sister's shocked expression. "Many men desire you Delilah, surely that is no surprise."

"But I do not even know him!"

"And why would that matter? He has a particular liking for beautiful women of status."

"Then I am glad his attack before Orzammar did not succeed."

"As am I, for that is one man who is no gentleman."

Standing to rid herself of the unpleasant image Delilah brushed dust from her hair. "I believe I shall change then find William, hopefully he has not done anything foolish."

Thomas frowned then winced. "I take it he knows about being named Champion."

"From a poster on the board at the Rainesfere Chantry."

"I think Fergus and the others were hoping to speak to him and explain the situation in person to avoid any misunderstandings."

"This will be difficult for him to accept." She murmured thinking of their conversation in the hunter's hut regarding his anger with the Chantry.

"Perhaps you can persuade him."

"Perhaps I can."

xXx

Jayden gazed at the sealed parchments losing track of time as he thought of the consequences of opening them. Maker Anora hated me before, now she probably wants to kill me herself. Carefully breaking the seal, he took a deep breath and opened the parchment from his sister.

Captain William,

First let me commend you for your actions both at Ostagar and Lothering. I appreciate your dedication to your King and your decision to search for him.

The Grand Cleric informed me of the search for the Ashes of Andraste and the Gauntlet you participated in to obtain some of the Ashes to heal both Oren Cousland and Arl Eamon. Your actions were brave and honourable.

The Grand Cleric would ask you to stand as Andraste's Champion, to be a hope, a beacon for our people in this Blight. (The Grand Cleric is now fully aware of your past).

I have discussed this with the General and while on a personal level we would not wish such a role to rest on your shoulders, there are times when duty must come first. The Grand Cleric is right, Ferelden needs hope and I ask you to take up the mantle of Champion, for Ferelden, for us all.

Be safe and well.

Queen Anora

Slumping against the wall Jayden slid to the floor feeling sick to his stomach. After a few moments he broke the seal on the Grand Clerics letter. It spoke of the need for hope, for him to take up the mantle Holy Andraste had given him through action and to do his duty for Ferelden. He read between the lines of the flowery language, do this or face the wrath of the Chantry. Pulling his legs to his chest Jayden rested his head on his knees thinking of Ostagar and the Deep Roads. While he and Rathnal had made their peace with each other his words still tore at him whenever he thought of them. "I am no Champion." He whispered. Getting shakily to his feet he tucked the letters in a pocket having no idea how to stop this madness. He glanced up as the door opened, meeting Delilah's worried gaze, offering a weak smile as she closed the door and crossed the room to join him.

"You seem even more troubled if that is possible." She frowned slightly as he passed her the two letters, reading them in surprise. Carefully folding the parchments and handing them back, Delilah met his worried gaze. "What will you do?"

"Fake my death in battle and take on a new identity." He sighed at her unimpressed look. "What would you have me do Delilah? I am not Andraste's Champion. If She had wanted me to be, She would have said so."

"Actions in this case speak louder." She took his hand squeezing gently. "I think the Grand Cleric and Anora are right, sometimes duty must come first and having seen what I did I think Andraste did what She did so that this could happen. That the people could have hope and faith renewed from Her through you in a time they need it most."

"Delilah I am no Champion I ..." He fell silent at the caress of her lips.

"Yes, you are."

"She spoke to us all!"

"True, but she bathed you in purifying flame and healed you." She smiled slightly. "Does your practical nature need to be soothed? Ellowyn could not claim to be her champion given the contentious position of her family, the same is true for me. Brother Genitivi while devout is hardly the figurehead we need to inspire the country and some would simply see it as Chantry manipulation. Leliana, while a Sister and so subject to the issues Genitivi would face, is also Orlesian, in part at least, that would not go down well."

"So, I get picked through the process of elimination? Delilah you must see the trouble this will cause and should I survive the Blight it will extend beyond that. The Chantry will attempt to use me for their own ends."

"I know you do not wish to accept this, but that is precisely why we need you too."

"Delilah …"

"The Maker has a plan for us all, look at all the things that have brought you to this point, for you to have the ability to give hope to our people in a way none of us could. I know this has been a shock and you feel trapped, but I believe this is a great honour and I know you will do it because Ferelden needs it of you."

"Duty before all else? My life will never be my own. Our lives will never be our own. Every move we make will be scrutinised by the Chantry. Is that really the life you want?"

"As Andraste's Champion you will have the protection of the Chantry. Our children will have their protection and with us as their parents they will need protection!"

Slumping against the wall Jayden shook his head. "The Chantry is a double-edged sword Delilah and it will demand more than it gives."

"Would you rather have Chantry support or condemnation?"

"I would rather neither!"

Delilah gently took his hands. "Have you thought that as Champion you can hold the power? That this will work in your favour with Orlais? Charm them, misdirect them and then … well build allies, destroy enemies, the Game caters to all possibilities. Whatever you decide I will stand with you." Gently cupping his cheek, she pressed a soft kiss to his lips. "We can face whatever comes, together."

xXx

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