Slipping through the Alienage, being careful not to be noticed by the Arl's guards or those from Tevinter, Darrian, Shianni, Zef and a reluctant Soris met in the Night Elf base. Darrian had arrived first to ensure it was empty, ushering in the others as they arrived, his heart pounding wildly in case they were seen. He silently eased shut the door and felt his way to the stairs leading to the basement where Shianni had just lit a lantern. Soris was yawning loudly, clearly not appreciating missing sleep, Shianni and Zef were as ever standing close to each other, hands clasped, their worried looks mirroring his own.

"What are we going to do?" Shianni burst out. "They took Haren Valendrian today. He didn't have the blight; we would have known if he had."

"I don't think any of our people have the blight." Darrian stated, rubbing his neck to ease the tension. "I don't know what's going on, but I think we need to find out."

"How? They have men at both entrances to the hospice and when Gretchen tried to go after her mother she was taken too!"

Soris scowled. "Don't even think about getting taken!"

"What do you suggest then Soris?" Darrian snapped. "Because that's the only way I can think of to find out what is going on."

"Yes, you'll know, but you probably won't be in a position to help anyone! They could be in Vaughan's dungeon for all we know."

"We …" Darrian froze hearing footsteps outside of the door to the underground passages. "Someone's coming." They each grabbed a weapon. While Kara had made the entrance, that didn't necessarily mean she was the one coming through it and he had warned her to keep her distance for her own safety. His eyes widened as the door opened, a grin replacing his worried expression. "Will!"

Lowering the blowpipe Jayden clasped his offered hand. "Heard you were having some trouble."

"You have no idea how glad I am to see you, but you shouldn't be here."

"You know what he's like when he gets something in his head." Kara chuckled gently pushing Jayden into the room. "Best just to go with him then try to stop him."

"And of course, you weren't champing at the bit to get in here yourself." Jayden retorted.

"Well, maybe I was a little curious. So, what is going on?"

Shianni nipped at her lip. "They say people have the blight sickness, but they have quarantined people we know are healthy."

"And what exactly are they doing with those they have quarantined?"

"No-one knows because we can't get in to see them."

"Right then." Jayden stated making sure everyone was in the room. "We better see if these people actually have the blight sickness or not."

"Will, what if they have. You can't expose yourself to that." Darrian muttered.

"I have taken the preventative and we have a cure. If your people have the blight sickness, we can help them. What do you know about these men from Tevinter?"

Staring at him stunned, it was a moment before Darrian could form words. "The Tevinter in charge is a man named Caladrius, he said they had a means to help with the Blight sickness and were offering their help. I personally didn't believe a damn word they said, but he convinced Haren Valendrian by pointing out that if he could prove there was no blight sickness the lockdown could be lifted. That was enough for a lot of our people. They set up a hospice and said they found signs of blight on people we know were perfectly healthy. Then today they took Haren Valendrian. I had seen him only a few minutes earlier and he was fine."

Soris gazed at them fearfully. "What are they doing with our people?"

Jayden met his gaze. "We suspect they are slavers. I have people trying to find their ships, but right now we need to concentrate on making sure they don't take anyone else. Is this Caladrius at the Arl's estate or in the Alienage?"

"He wanders around the Alienage as though he owns it." Shianni hissed. "But you can't just walk around in here, the moment they see you they will raise the alarm and …" She hesitated as Jayden and Zevran shared a look. "What?"

Zevran gave her his most charming smile, taking a blowpipe from an inner pocket. "They cannot raise an alarm if they are incapacitated and they will never see us coming."

Shianni felt a flicker of hope.

"What about the Arl's guards?" Darrian asked cautiously. "You could make them sleep with those darts, but they will know something happened and report it."

"They won't know anything is amiss." Jayden stated. "We have a distraction in mind, one that won't alert the guards, but will make the Tevinters act."

Zevran leaned against the table, smirking slightly. "I think I could pass for a citizen of the Alienage, no?"

Theron moved to his side. "We both will. I will pretend to panic and make a fuss about the colour of my eyes. We take out the Tevinters in the hospice, how many of them could there be in there, while the rest of you get to the back of the building. We sneak out and no-one is any the wiser."

"No-one in the Alienage has facial tattoos." Darrian pointed out.

Zevran shrugged. "It is easy enough to hide with a concealing agent which we have with us. A suitable ruse, yes."

Darrian looked at the group at their determination to help them and grinned. "I think the Tevinters are going to be sorry they ever came to our Alienage."

xXx

Haren Valendrian eased himself onto the floor; he was by himself in the cage he had been pushed into, but not in the room. On each wall there were several cages like his own, filled with those already supposedly identified as having the blight sickness. He had been so desperate to have the lock down removed, afraid that his people would be attacked for fear they carried the sickness, that he had let himself be blinded to the truth. He felt the weight of responsibility and was exhausted by it. They would have taken his people regardless he knew that, but he had made it so easy for them. He saw families huddled against each other, children wide eyed and fearful, a simmering rage in the adults which could not be expressed for fear their children would be harmed. He slowly closed his eyes realising now they had taken those most healthy, those with families and therefore those able to work, or would soon be of an age to work. He had failed his people and he feared deeply for them all. He realised he must have dozed, waking up at the clanging of a door and seeing Caladrius walking down the steps. The slaver said nothing, checking the cages and ensuring they were secure. He forced himself to his feet when he stopped at his cage.

"My apologies for your current accommodation." Caladrius purred. "You will be moved soon."

"To where?"

"To one of several ships. Your new life awaits you in the Tevinter Imperium."

"How can you do this? How can you be part of ripping people from their lives?"

"Profit, it is very simple. You have probably heard terrible stories of the Imperium. I assure you my homeland is full of wonder and delights you cannot imagine. Your Alienage is cramped and run down. Your children go hungry and of course the Darkspawn move ever closer. In the Imperium you will serve your new masters in beautiful homes. You will see it is a better life."

"How can being enslaved be better?"

Caladrius sighed. "Is it not better to have full bellies? Is it not better to be useful and of service? You will see, in the Imperium you will be treated far better than you are here."

xXx

Krul and Brom quickly unloaded their packs of the rope and sleeping potions meant to secure the Tevinters, onto a table in the basement. Several other of Kara's men were in place along the route to ensure the transfer was without incident.

Jayden separated his team, Theron and Zevran would approach the Tevinters to be checked out for the blight, Leliana, Sketch, Zef and Soris would team up and be in place should the Arl's guards leave their posts at the main gates. Sketch had a hex spell that would keep them distracted and Zef and Soris were to guide them through the Alienage. Jayden, Gawain and Kara would remain with Darrian and Shianni and make their way to the back of the hospice ready to follow or assist if Zevran and Theron got into trouble.

Giving Theron a cheeky grin Zevran did a final check to make sure his blades and facial markings were well hidden, Theron doing the same. "Come then my friend, let us distract the Tevinters and find out what is in that hospice."

"Be careful." Darrian muttered, not at all liking that others were taking the risks he felt he should be taking. "We have only seen them move a few people out of there through the back alley and they posted guards after that. We don't know what they do to people in there, but chances are they will give you something to render you unconscious so you can't make a fuss when they move you."

"And you will be outside of the warehouse to rescue us should that be required." Zevran stated with his most charming smile. "Worry not, we are not strangers to danger or intrigue."

Glancing to Jayden, Darrian shook his head. "I still think it should be me going in there."

"Theron and Zev are unknown to them and will not be seen as a risk, a Night Elf on the other hand will have everyone alerted. Now, when Zev and Theron are taken into the hospice we move to the rear of the building. Sketch and Leliana will ensure the Arl's guards are distracted if necessary and join us when they can. If there are guards to the rear of the building, we render them unconscious as quickly as possible. Gawain, Kara and I have the blow dart pipes, hopefully we can do this long range. However, the rest of you have the sleeping powder. Only use that if you have no alternative, you have to be close to use it and are as likely to be affected yourself as your target. Let's get into position."

Palms sweating and feeling nausea churn his gut, Soris let Zef take the lead as they got Leliana and Sketch to the vantage point they had decided upon. It was relatively easy to get there without being seen, but he still didn't like it and the Alienage was too quiet. They settled into place having a good view of the two guards at the main gates and two of the men from Tevinter who were stationed outside the hospice, while being hidden from all but the sharpest of eyes themselves. Soris shuddered as he hunkered down trying to be as small as possible. He hated this, all he wanted was a quiet life but with the cousins he had, that was never likely to happen. He let out a shuddering breath wondering that those with him could look so calm and comfortable. He returned Zef's reassuring smile with a weak one of his own.

Once they were out of sight Theron and Zevran headed openly across the square looking agitated and worried, noting the two Tevinters at the hospice straightened and watched them approach. "Please you have to help me." Theron gasped as he reached them. "I think something is wrong with me, look at my eyes!"

Marus stared at him startled. "What in the void!" He recovered himself quickly. "Of course, please come in, your friend too, just to ensure he is well."

Zevran noted the Arl's guards looked in their direction at the commotion, but they quickly looked bored and resumed their conversation.

Heading inside Theron noted several beds and three desks at the far end of the room. It certainly had the appearance of a hospice, enough at least to lull the unsuspecting into a false sense of security. At the middle desk was a man reading through several parchments.

Saritor glanced up from reading. "I am glad to see some of you are sensible enough to volunteer for testing."

"It's my eyes!" Theron stated in convincing panic. "They changed colour! Does the blight sickness do that?"

"In the late stages certainly." He stated getting to his feet. "Take a seat on one of the beds and let me have a look." He glanced from Theron to Marus who shrugged and looked unsettled. "Well, I admit I have not seen quite this reaction, but there is clearly something amiss."

Zevran glanced around, adapting his accent to sound a native of Ferelden. "Where is everyone?"

"Moved to more comfortable accommodation, it was getting too crowded in here. Your elder approved a new building for those with the sickness and is there himself, this is now simply the testing area. You need not be alarmed; a simple spell will identify if the blight sickness is present."

Feeling a tingle across his skin at the spell, Theron tensed and glanced at Zevran.

Saritor sighed and put on a saddened expression. "You do indeed have the taint friend, but we can help." He turned to Zevran, startled to see Marus collapse to the floor. "What is this?"

"This …" Zevran stated, glancing at him with a smirk on his face. "Is your chance to tell us what is happening here."

"Guards!" Saritor yelled, swallowing nervously when no-one came.

"I suspect they are otherwise engaged." Zevran purred, taking out a dagger. "Now, what is it exactly that you are doing here?"

"Helping to treat the blight sickness."

Sighing Zevran shook his head. "Alas it would seem you will not be helpful after all."

Backing away from them Saritor was startled by the sharp pain and his legs that no longer seemed to want to hold him up. His last sight before his eyes closed were the yellow eyed elf grinning at his companion.

Zevran moved quickly to the desk looking at the paperwork. Each page was divided into columns and each row had a different name, health status and monetary worth. "They are indeed slavers." He muttered showing Theron the pages, finding more in the top drawer of the desk, carrying out a quick search of the other drawers but finding nothing of note.

"We need to give these to Will." He moved over to a desk tucked into the far corner of the room. This one had drawers that while locked, opened to his nimble fingers. There was nothing in the top or middle drawer, but in the far corner of the bottom drawer was a key. Retrieving it, Theron glanced at Zevran. "It is too fancy for a door key in an Alienage I suspect."

Zevran frowned slightly. "Come, the others will start to wonder what is happening in here." Opening the back door Zevran raised an eyebrow at the four unconscious men propped up near the steps.

"About time." Kara stated with a slight grin. "Will was on the verge of breaking the door down."

Rolling his eyes Jayden grabbed the arms of the first Tevinter and with Gawain's help carried him up into the building. Once all four were secured he glanced over the paperwork Zevran handed to him. "They have been busy, well this makes it easier for us, we know who has been taken so that should help in making sure we get them back and this should be proof enough for them to face justice. He glanced at Kara returning her relieved smile.

Once Leliana's group were signalled, and they in turn signalled Brom, they waited impatiently until both groups arrived.

Brom grinned. "So far, so good."

"This was the easy part." Kara reminded him.

"We need to hurry!" Shianni snapped impatiently, heading into the alleyway. "Before the Arl's guards start to wonder why the Tevinters haven't returned to standing outside the hospice."

"We will get these moved to the base and follow. Make sure you mark us a trail." Brom stated.

Kara grinned, twirling a piece of charcoal between her fingers. "Just follow the arrows."

xXx

It had been almost too easy to follow the route the Tevinters would have taken with their captives, as the Arl's guards and some of the slavers were interspaced through the alleyways. They had incapacitated them all swiftly enough to avoid raising the alarm, though it was not without a fight. Kara realised she and Shianni had perhaps taken a little too much delight in putting them down. Now however their way was barred by a reinforced metal door unlike anything in the Alienage, indeed she had never before seen the like.

"That wasn't here before the Tevinters arrived." Darrian muttered in frustration trying to open it, but it wouldn't budge.

"What lies beyond it?" Zevran asked curiously.

"An alleyway leading to a large warehouse."

Jayden frowned, thinking of the numerous sheets of names. "Large enough to keep a lot of people before transporting them?"

Paling Darrian nodded.

"And is there any other way to get to this warehouse?" As Darrian shook his head Jayden sighed and sized up the lock frowning after a minute of attempting to pick it. He glanced at Theron. "You might have more luck than me."

"I think you might be right." He pulled the unusual key found in the hospice from his pocket. "Perhaps this will open it."

"It's worth a try." Jayden stated. "We can't break it down and explosives will alert them that something is wrong and we don't know what they will do."

Theron grinned at the click easing open the door, relieved that the alleyway and door leading into the warehouse were unguarded.

Pushing passed them Shianni was almost running when Zef grabbed her arm urging caution. "They could be doing anything to our people!"

"You can't help them if you are hurt or killed yourself!" Zef soothed. "That last fight you almost got yourself knocked out, racing in before those sleeping darts had taken effect!" He pressed a cloth to the blood on her forehead.

Ignoring him Shianni turned and hurried on, startled when a firm hand gripped her arm holding her back from entering the warehouse.

"Shianni stop." Jayden commanded. "Just because there are no guards here does not mean there are none beyond that door. You have a head injury; you are unsteady on your feet and you are risking yourself unnecessarily. Now I am not stopping you from coming with us, but you are going to let Sketch heal that wound first."

Shianni eyed the mage cautiously. "Will it hurt?"

"You might feel it pull a little." Sketch stated. "Nothing more."

Taking a deep breath Shianni nodded. "Alright." She felt a cool sensation move over the wound and a pulling sensation as he suggested before the pain and dizziness were gone. Reaching up she touched her forehead, the gash no longer there. "Thank you." She returned Sketch's smile before glaring at Jayden. "Now can we go?" She glanced at Zef startled as her husband nudged her and gave her a look that told her to back off.

Jayden glanced at the door and back to his companions. "Alright they won't be expecting anyone who shouldn't be here to enter, so with luck we should catch them off guard. Be ready to incapacitate them, if necessary, I would rather not waste time in another fight." At his signal he opened the door striding through as though he had every right to be there, the others quick to follow. Inside was an elven woman in armour sharpening her sword, a young man beside her doing the same and four other men at a table playing cards.

Devera stood and stared at the group that entered the room, but focused on the man clearly leading them, a soldier if she was not mistaken with a hard look in his eyes. "What is the meaning of this? We were told there would be no interference from the authorities."

"I don't seem to have received that information." Jayden stated coldly. "Where are the elves that have been taken?"

"They are in alternate accommodation while they … recover."

"So, you have the means to cure the blight then. Is it a spell, a potion?"

"That should hardly matter."

Jayden moved closer; his eyes dark with anger. "It matters." He growled. "Because if the Tevinter Imperium really does have a cure for the blight then I am going to make it my personal mission to find out why they have not shared that information before now. Because if they had, a lot of people wouldn't have suffered and died."

Devera shifted uncomfortably. "I …" She hesitated, turning slightly as the young man beside her stood and whispered in her ear, glancing back to Jayden and realising his likeness to the posters in the Chantry and throughout the city, of Andraste's Champion. He was wanted by Arl Howe unharmed though she could not imagine why. She swallowed uneasily, suddenly less inclined to lie to him. "You are Andraste's Champion. Is it true, did you truly speak with her? Did she heal you?"

"It is true on both counts." He noted her sharp intake of breath and that of the men with her. "Tell me the truth, is Caladrius a slaver?"

"I …" She realised with some surprise that now knowing who he was, she was too afraid to lie to him. "Believe it or not we have been given dispensation to do our business here. You Ferelden's talk a great deal about how very wrong slavery is, but isn't it funny how quickly the smell of gold overcomes such ideals."

"And who gave you this dispensation?" Jayden growled.

"For that you would have to ask Caladrius."

"Take us to him." He moved a step closer, his eyes darkening slightly with anger. "Now!"

"Very well, follow me." She led the way quickly through the labyrinth of corridors and rooms, her men given no choice but to accompany her, no-one was being given a chance to alert the Arl's, until a door opened out onto a balcony with stairs leading down to a large room. "Caladrius, you have guests."

Catching her look Caladrius glanced up at the group entering the room and followed her gaze to the dark-haired young man recognising him from the posters in the city. "I see."

Shianni gave a whimper as they saw cages lining the room filled with their people, many looking terrified, seeing Haren Valendrian looking utterly defeated.

Jayden was seething as he glanced over the mage, both he and his henchmen were all heavily armed. "So, you're the slaver."

Caladrius gave a wide smile. "I am Caladrius and you, I assume, must be the Champion I have heard so much about."

"It would seem your reputation precedes you." Zevran murmured.

"Indeed." Jayden muttered regarding the slaver.

"Perhaps we can make a deal." Caladrius smirked.

"Not a chance!" Darrian snarled. "You are going to let everyone you took go."

Caladrius laughed loudly. "Ah, another elf and you have come right to us. The Arl will be most happy and with those elves we have already taken, his pockets will overflow with coin." He smirked at their furious expressions. "So righteous, but one must have coin to wage war and Ferelden's coffers were so depleted after the search for King Maric."

"I know you took people from Highever." Jayden snarled. "How long have you been operating in Ferelden?"

Smiling Caladrius shrugged. "I am afraid I am not at liberty to say."

Jayden gave a snarl of impatience and vaulted over the balcony taking out the nearest guard with a vicious jab to his throat. The guard staggered backwards, the others moving forward to intercept him.

Caladrius's eyes widened as his men collapsed, all sleeping, a spell having been cast, but also darts fired, seeing the pipes from several of his companions. Even Devera was on the floor. He stared wide eyed as the Champion gripped his throat, a startled whimper leaving his lips, he was rarely at a disadvantage and he did not like the feeling. While an accomplished mage himself, he relied on his guards to protect him and with them incapacitated he felt more vulnerable than he ever had.

"Now, with which Arl did you make your filthy little deal?" Jayden snarled.

Swallowing anxiously Caladrius kept his voice low. "Arl Howe."

"How did you come to make a deal with him?"

"He made the contract with the Magister I am currently working for." He finally gasped out as Jayden squeezed a little harder.

"Enlighten us as to the full terms of your deal with the Arl."

"The deal was a fair one. I have a letter …" He gasped. "From the Regent himself. Take it."

Jayden snatched the letter from trembling hands. "Sketch." He stepped back as a partial paralysis glyph shimmered to life beneath the slaver, trapping Caladrius in its grip, but enabling him to answer questions. He glanced at the seal, there was no doubt it was his father's. He carefully opened the parchment, the blood draining from his face. Even if the seal had been forged the writing had not, he would recognize the penmanship anywhere. He stared in growing horror; his father's own words condemned him as actively participating in slavery. "Who gave this to you?"

"Arl Howe. All negotiations were carried out with Arl Howe and Arl Vaughan, but with the full backing of the Regent, as this letter can testify."

"This is a forgery, it must be. Why did you never meet with the Regent?"

"I would imagine his time is taken up with more pressing matters. He does have a war to wage. You have the letter, now let us go about our business, we will leave tonight I swear."

Jayden fixed him with a piercing glare. "You will not be leaving."

"You should not get involved in this; the Arl is a dangerous man."

"I am aware." Jayden snarled. "However, I will personally remind him that slavery is not tolerated in Ferelden, under any circumstances.

"No!" Caladrius protested as Sketch dispelled the magic on the cages allowing the elves within to be released.

"This is not everyone." Darrian stated moving to help Haren Valendrian out of the cage.

"They have been taking small groups of us out." Valendrian whispered, gripping his arm feeling unsteady on his feet. "This is all my fault."

"It's their fault." Darrian soothed.

"Where were they going?" Jayden demanded of the slaver.

"I am afraid … I … cannot … say." Caladrius's gaze darted around the room hoping that at least someone was waking from the sleeping potion.

"I wouldn't expect anyone coming to help you any time soon." Jayden held his gaze, his voice though low had a menacing edge. "Where were they to be taken? Where were those from Highever taken? And the ship of children taken from Highever. I suspect you know where they are too." He watched the slaver squirm. "I suggest you tell me what I want to know."

"If you kill me, you will never get the information."

"I would imagine those of the Alienage caught up in your scheme might like some time with you." He smiled as the slaver paled. "Perhaps we understand each other a little better after all. Now, where are the children?"

"They remain on the ship; it is at anchor a few miles east of here in a secluded cove."

Having sailed the route from Gwaren to Denerim many times as a child, Jayden knew the location. "Why are they being kept there?"

"Close enough for Arl Howe to get there quickly should he have need of them." He shrank back at Jayden's frown.

"What need could he have for children?"

"I could not say, you would need to speak to him."

Jayden glanced at the letter, the man he knew, his father, would never condone slavery. The writing was his fathers, but perhaps not all was as it seemed. Eloen would not be able to control his father; the bond would protect him from her influencing his mind, but perhaps magic could make writing appear as another's. He growled impatiently at his own desperation, Morrigan might know and while he could contact her via Fergus, he wished she was with him.

Zevran eased behind the slaver. "Do we need him for anything else?"

"I gave you the letter!" Caladrius squealed.

"He stays alive for now."

Zevran moved over to Jayden. "Is it wise to keep him alive?"

Jayden stared at the letter in his hand. "I need answers; I need the name of the Magister and where they were taken, he stays alive until I get them."

"Indeed, but I should point out, whichever Magister is involved paid coin." Zevran stated softly. "To them it was a business deal, a legal transaction."

"They took people without their consent." Jayden snarled. "That's an attack. They will be rescued!"

"I am not disagreeing; I am simply making you aware of the situation from their point of view. Perhaps there is a way to avoid bloodshed and still get these people back."

"You mean giving the coin back in exchange for those they took?"

"Ah they would require significant compensation to return them, but it is possible. Perhaps you would allow me some time with Caladrius. I will help him to part with some … useful information."

"Find out everything you can about the Magister he is working for and where these people were being taken."

Darrian shuddered. "If the Regent is part of this then we don't stand a chance. They will just come for us again!"

"The General would never have anything to do with slavery." Jayden stated forcefully. "He has always done everything possible to ensure freedom for Ferelden citizens."

"That letter proves it!" Shianni stated angrily. "Don't you believe what you see with your own eyes!"

"It's a forgery." Zef stated startling his fellow elves. "Shianni, trust me I know the General. I am friends with his son. He would no more turn against us than Vaughan would suddenly support us." He caught Jayden's grateful look.

"I still don't think we can trust him." Soris muttered.

"This is Vaughan and Howe's doing." Jayden stated. "I will prove it."

Once everyone had been released from the cages and the Tevinters taken into custody, Kara spoke with Haren Valendrian regarding where would be safest for the elves to stay until the Alienage was truly liberated.

Jayden had moved into a side room staring at the letter, hoping that somehow by looking at it enough the letters would change and no longer appear as his father's handwriting. He glanced up at the knock on the door seeing Zef watching him anxiously.

"Can we talk?"

"Of course."

"Listen, I know your … I know the General would never have anything to do with slavery and I know you will find a way to prove that. The others, they don't know him and they are just scared and angry."

"I know Zef, but this letter …" He clenched his fists. "That bastard will do anything."

"Who?"

"Arl Howe?"

"You think Arl Howe is framing the General. Why? He is his friend."

"No, he's not." Jayden snarled. "He's just damn good at fooling everyone."

Frowning Zef gripped his arm, startled that his friend was so angry. "What's going on?"

"I can't …" Jayden choked back the rage, the grief and the desperation to blurt it all out. "Just know Arl Howe will pay for every harm he has caused, to you, to the Couslands and to my family."

Zef sighed. "I wish I could take Shianni and Darrian to the Alienage in Gwaren, show them what life can really be like. I've described it, but I don't think they really believe it." He hesitated as the colour drained from Jayden's face. "What is it?"

"Listen Zef, the majority of people are safe, your parents and Lyra are safe, but Gwaren was destroyed by the Darkspawn."

Knees weakening Zef slumped against the wall. "It's gone? All of it?" At Jayden's nod he shuddered. "The Vhenadahl?" He whispered, tears in his eyes.

"Zef I'm so sorry." He watched as Zef slid down the wall.

"Tell me what happened."

Sighing, Jayden sat on the floor next to him and told him about the assault on Gwaren and the attempts to defend it. He glossed over the Alpha, saying only a small team of them had distracted the enemy so the people could get to the ships.

"You have more lives than a damn cat." Zef murmured, lowering his head. "Maker, is there nothing good happening in this world?"

Swallowing painfully Jayden forced a smile. "She will probably kill me for telling you, but Lyra's pregnant."

Zef's head snapped up. "It's Gilon's right?"

Jayden let out a long, low breath. "Yes Zef, the baby is her husband's."

Zef's flush reached his ears. "Sorry I just ..." He sighed as his friend hugged his knees to his chest. He mirrored him offering a rueful smile. "Can you be happy for her?"

"I am happy for her, for them."

"What about you, do you have someone?"

Jayden made a choked noise before sighing deeply. "I thought so, but it's a mess and …" He shook his head. "There are more important things to deal with than romantic entanglements."

"The right person makes everything better."

Jayden smiled slightly. "I take it Shianni is the right person for you."

Grinning Zef nodded. "I can't believe I was so scared of marrying her, but we … we just fit."

"I'm glad."

Zef nudged him gently. "You'll get your happiness."

Jayden swallowed painfully. "I think I missed my chance."

"You and Lyra …" Zef shook his head. "I know you don't want to hear it, but we don't live in a world where it would have worked between you. She wanted to be a Night Elf so much and you … well you will have your own duties one day."

"Gwaren's destroyed Zef, unless we find a cure for blighted land I will never have those duties."

"Maybe, but now you are Andraste's Champion. You were never just going to have a normal life."

"What if that's all I want."

"You are who you are, a name doesn't change that. You were always destined to do more. What you did for the Alienage, for my dad, that was proof enough of that."

Jayden met his gaze before he stood up holding out his hand. "Come on or Shianni will give me another tongue lashing for keeping you."

Zef chuckled. "She's very fond of you, you know."

"Well maybe ask her to show it sometime, you know, just to be different."

Zef caught his arm and squeezed gently. "I have faith in you, I always have and I have faith that somehow, one day we will stand in Gwaren together, my children and yours playing together."

"That would be good."

"Wouldn't it." Zef grinned, though there was sadness too in his eyes. "Our home may be gone, but maybe this is an opportunity to make Gwaren better than it ever was."

Jayden returned his smile. "Maybe it is."

xXx

Author Note: Thank you for reading, it is always appreciated.