Sinking down hard onto a seat in the gatehouse Stephan stared at the floor in shock. He had been surprised but relieved by the summons; waiting for the Queens response for their request to enter the country had been excruciating. Each day to pass leaving him more agitated and frustrated. Now however after being told of what had happened to the Ferelden Order he was left feeling sick. "We should have been there." He muttered angrily.

"Then you would likely be dead too." Fergus stated. "Many lives were lost that day."

Daniel worried at his lip. Rathnal being Commander was as much a surprise as Duncan being dead and it was too much responsibility for one only a relatively short time in the Order, but he was not about to say that out loud, he didn't need anyone in Ferelden to doubt him and have the added burden of his command being questioned. "We need to re-join those who survived."

"The Queen is adamant that no-one crosses the border."

"But this is crazy!" Stephan spluttered. "We are Ferelden Wardens not Orlesian."

"Yes." Fergus stated gently. "And you come to the border with an Orlesian army. Perhaps if the former Warden Commander had informed her Majesty …"

"He had the Kings support." Stephan snarled, forcing himself to calm as Daniel's hand rested on his arm.

Fergus rubbed his forehead. "For what it is worth I am sorry."

"We understand." Daniel stated a hint of frustration in his tone.

Stephan shook his head. "The Orlesian Wardens just want to help and they are needed now more than ever!"

"Is it so surprising that the Queen is hesitant to allow entry to the country to the Wardens given the army they bring with them?"

"An army we need!" Stephan snapped. "Defeating an Archdemon has never been accomplished by one country alone!"

"Would you be privy to plans on a larger scale of the Orlesian army? Can you say for sure there is no intent to invade?" He sighed at their frustrated looks. "Queen Anora said your request is denied at the moment. Give it a little more time."

Stephan nodded miserably.

As Daniel stood he cleared his throat. "Thank you for telling us about the Wardens. I … it is important we tell the Commander about Duncan's loss and those of the senior Wardens."

"Of course; you have my deepest condolences for those lost."

xXx

Stephan shuddered painfully he could not imagine Duncan dead, let alone Gregior or Percy, but having to tell the Commander and Constable had made it horrifyingly real. So many had died seeking out the Archdemon and they had been forewarned about the possible devastation at Ostagar and yet given all the preparation he had never imagined such a defeat. He glanced to Daniel who slumped down next to him. "I can't believe they are gone." He whispered. "And that we can do nothing about it."

"Those who survived need us." Daniel stated firmly, not yet ready to acknowledge his grief. "We need to get into Ferelden."

"You will need a boat."

Both men looked up startled to see Blackwall and Riordan, the Constable having spoken.

Blackwall sighed deeply. "I will make sure you have supplies and Riordan can get a boat, it means going to Jader but needs must. Riordan is your Senior Warden, you will follow his commands and re-join with those left in Ferelden. Riordan will then take temporary command of the Wardens, this should not have fallen to someone so inexperienced at such a time. You will leave tonight."

"What about Commander Alisse?" Daniel asked curiously.

"This was her idea. We cannot allow someone so inexperienced to lead the Ferelden Wardens at such a time. Still this must remain unannounced, the Empress has many eyes and ears here and chevaliers entering the country through less than direct routes would certainly be seen as an invasion, not something we can be part of suggesting, even indirectly."

Stephan relaxed slightly. "Thank you."

"Meanwhile I will pray the Maker grants the Queen some sense."

"Send the Chevaliers away and things will be different." Daniel urged.

"The Empress was very clear that they are to remain."

"So she doesn't really want us to help Ferelden then." Riordan stated gruffly. "She would have known this would be the reaction."

Daniel snorted in disgust. "She hoped to have Ferelden crawl to her for help when we have no other option and she will assume by that point our country is so battered we would not have the means to remove her army once the Blight is over."

"I agree that is how it seems." Blackwall stated with a sigh. "But we cannot hope to know the intricacies of the Empresses plans. For now we do what we can and that means getting you three into Ferelden. I pray the Maker watches over you and speeds your way."

Less than an hour later the three men slipped unnoticed from the camp; retrieving horses that had been left for them. Daniel glanced back to the border wall and sighed deeply, politics would destroy his country as easily as the Blight if those in power continued their foolish game. We are coming Rath, the burden of command won't be yours for much longer.

xXx

Hearing something of a commotion Avernus turned from the fire in the main hall and glanced over the arrivals. He knew defeat when he saw it and he felt chilled realising the brutal truth before anyone had spoken. "Some new Wardens I see. You all that's left?"

Rathnal shook his head. "There are three back in Redcliffe too injured to make the journey. The battle was lost, I came for the treaties. We need to build a whole new damn army."

"Commander Duncan?"

"Dead along with every other Senior Warden we had. I am now temporary Commander until we can make contact with Weisshaupt."

Moving over to him Avernus shook his head. "Too much on such young shoulders."

Rathnal snorted. "I suppose you want the job."

"No, my time for such things is long over, but I will aid you in whatever way I can. You are my Commander now, as Duncan was before you." He turned to Morrigan. "You are no Warden."

"Indeed I am not." Morrigan sniffed looking him up and down. "I however have knowledge that will likely be useful."

Sinking onto a seat Rathnal allowed the warmth of the flames to seep into his bones glancing to those who had accompanied him. "Rest, bathe, eat, whatever you need to. Get your weapons and armour repaired if you can, I want to leave again as soon as possible. I want to get to the Circle and see what weight these treaties actually hold." He glanced up as Avernus stood over him.

"Do you at least have what you need to perform the Joining?"

Rathnal paled slightly shaking his head. "It will be in the Tower of Ishal and there is no going back there, not now at least."

"Then come with me Commander."

Standing reluctantly Rathnal followed him to Duncan's study. He inwardly sighed, now his study he supposed, until Weisshaupt sent someone more qualified for the task. He watched Avernus move to a bookshelf, noting him slightly twist a carving of a griffon, raising an eyebrow as a panel behind the shelf slid to one side revealing a space.

Reaching in Avernus carefully pulled out a box rectangle in shape, a griffin intricately carved on the lid. Placing it on the desk between them Avernus lifted the catch and opened it.

Rathnal gazed over the contents, a small silver chalice, a pouch of lyrium powder, a second pouch of various herbs and one vial of Archdemon blood, two others lay empty. He had never imagined he would be responsible for joining others to the Order.

"This was Sophia's and her Commander before her and so on. These things do not decay with time, we make sure of that. This is yours now Commander. I suspect you will need to take it with you. Try not to lose or damage it."

Running his fingers across the vials Rathnal nodded absently, glancing up at the hand on his shoulder.

"You will do fine Commander. I wish you luck."

Slumping into the seat behind the desk as Avernus left, Rathnal let out a huffed sigh, glancing to the Calling Crystal on its stand. One still remained in Denerim, but there were no Wardens there, the other was in the Tower of Ishal, if the Darkspawn hadn't destroyed it. Rubbing his forehead Rathnal worried at his lip before looking through the drawers in the desk, finding various bundles of parchment. One was the list of those Wardens lost in various Joinings. A second bundle was filled with the names of those lost while attempting to find the Archdemon. Heart heavy with sorrow Rathnal selected a fresh piece of parchment and dipped the nib of the quill in ink before writing down the names of those Wardens lost at Ostagar. He found a directory of sorts indicating the Commanders of each country and their bases. Nipping at his lip he wrote first to Antiva, explaining Commander Yantra's return to the Maker's side. He assumed Serris would be mobilising them anyway, but still requested their aid. He did the same with Orlais, though assumed Stephan and Daniel would be doing what they could. His letter to Weisshaupt was more detailed, including the names of all those lost at Ostagar. Eyes sore and his hand cramping from writing for so long Rathnal finally finished, sealing each letter and heading down to the part of the Peak, Levi and his family had made their own. The family were shocked and saddened by the losses, especially Duncan, but Levi swore he would have his best people get the letters to their destinations. Having done all he could for the moment Rathnal retired to his bed, the thought of food making him feel nauseous and drifted into nightmares where Duncan was killed over and over and the Archdemon taunted him that with him as Commander, the Blight had already won.

xXx

Waking with a start little over an hour later Rathnal glanced into the darkness of the room wondering what had woken him, nipping his lip in surprise as a hand rested lightly on his chest pushing him back. Relaxing as Rinna murmured a greeting in his ear, he smiled as she gently nipped the lobe before kissing him.

"I thought you might like some company." She murmured slipping into the bed running her fingers gently across his chest. "Your sleep did not sound pleasant."

"I was dreaming of the Archdemon."

"Then let me take your mind from such worrisome thoughts."

"Rinna wait." He gently caught her hand holding it to his chest. "We don't know what lies ahead; I suppose we never do, but more now than ever. I just … I want you to know you mean a great deal to me." He felt Rinna pull away feeling his stomach knot, meeting her gaze as she lit a candle.

Slipping back onto the bed Rinna met his gaze. "I care for you too." She smiled as he reached for her, gently pulling her back to him, his lips warm and eager.

xXx

Waking from a sleep blessedly free from the Archdemon, Rathnal smiled as he realised Rinna was watching him. "Enjoy watching me drool on the pillow do you?" He murmured.

"Always Commander." Rinna chuckled; nestling against him she pressed a kiss to his shoulder. "I was thinking, the Brecilian Forest is close to Gwaren is it not, perhaps after we find the Dalish you could make a detour and see your grandfather." She winced slightly at his startled look. "You tend to talk in your sleep and it is clear by your tone that you miss him."

"I do, but I'm a Warden now. I'm not supposed to go back."

"Are you not Commander?"

"Only until Weisshaupt sends someone else."

"Perhaps then you should think on it. This might be the only opportunity you have to see him and as you said yourself, we do not know what this life holds for us."

"Perhaps; it would be good to see him."

"Say you are recruiting if you must have an excuse, we are facing a Blight after all." Smiling Rinna moved to leave the bed, laughing as Rathnal caught hold of her pulling her back. "We have much to do today if we are to leave tomorrow."

"It can wait for another hour." He growled into her ear, returning her wicked grin.

xXx

Heart pounding wildly, each breath a pained gasp, Serris plunged into the Tellari Swamps glancing behind her for signs of pursuit. Never had she imagined she would be hunted by her brother and sister Wardens, but that was the situation she found herself in. Her arm smarted from a wound from an arrow that had thankfully been a glancing blow, the poison on the steel had however left her disorientated and feverish and she had lost valuable time to recovery. It had also nearly cost her, her freedom which had been the goal of course, but she had contacts and friends throughout Antiva and had been warned her fellow Wardens were coming with enough time to be gone when they arrived. Anger burned within her making her move faster. They had killed her horse to slow her down and she hated them for the senseless death of the animal simply because she would not allow Ferelden to face the Blight alone. Pushing herself harder she hissed in frustration as she tripped over roots, twigs tearing at her hair and clothing, wincing at the slash to her face as a branch caught her as she stumbled, feeling hot blood slip down her cheek. Moments later she was face down in the mud, stumbling to her feet and gasping for breath.

"We meet again."

Serris turned sharply gulping down her alarm at seeing Yavana barely an arm's length away from her. "I …"

"Be calm, I have given your pursuers something else to chase, most unusual for Wardens to hunt other Wardens, what have you been up to?"

"Nothing other than wishing to help defeat the Blight that threatens Ferelden." She snapped, straightening her cloak and brushing wild strands of hair from her face.

"I see. Come, I offer you shelter for the evening." She turned when Serris didn't move. "Is there a problem?"

"You would not offer something without expecting something in return."

"We can discuss that once we are inside."

Turning at the sound of a branch snapping Serris nodded and hurried after her, stumbling over roots and fallen branches, unsure how Yavana could be so sure footed in the terrain, glancing up and rubbing her eyes sure she had seen the undergrowth move to allow Yavana to pass unhindered. She felt a rush of relief as the temple came into sight, stepping between the columns glancing back.

"Fear not, I have shielded this place. Even those who know the location would not be able to find it unless I wished it. Come, you will wish to bathe and rest, then we will talk."

xXx

Leaning back in the tub, the water deliciously hot, Serris allowed herself the luxury of relaxing. Now in relative safety she allowed her mind to drift. She had no idea how she was supposed to tell Yantra she was no longer Commander, but she suspected that would be the least of their worries, with threats of blood magic and the first Warden clearly on the warpath. She took her time washing her hair of dirt and leaves feeling better than she had in weeks when she was dried and in fresh clothes. Moving out of the room she found Yavana already seated at a table, a pot of steaming stew on the table along with roasted vegetables, bread and cheese.

"I suspect you are hungry, please eat."

Sitting at the table Serris took a bite of the vegetable stew tasting various spices that happened to be her favourite. "Delicious. So ... what is the price for your shelter?"

"No price, but I do have a proposal. I require assistance of a magical nature and you are in a position to give me the aid I seek."

"What kind of magical assistance?"

"A location spell I have been having great difficulty with. I believe that which I seek is being shielded."

"And if my magic proves insufficient to the task?"

"You are a powerful mage Serris, but should our magics together still prove insufficient there is no foul. Succeed or fail you will leave here unharmed. In fact, either way I will ensure you reach Ferelden and swiftly, the Wardens there need all the help they can get."

Biting her lip Serris nodded. "So if I might ask what are you trying to locate?"

"Not what; who; someone who was taken from me."

"And you think this person is shielded."

"It would explain why the spell continues to fail."

Serris glanced at Yavana thoughtfully, before slipping an amulet from her neck, the large milky white crystal shimmering in the candlelight. "This may help; it will amplify our combined spells and should be enough to break through any shield."

A slow smile tugged at Yavana's lips. "Excellent."

xXx

The table was as Serris remembered it from her last brief visit, Thedas laid out before her on the smooth surface.

"Shall we begin?" Yavana stated briskly.

Placing the amulet on the table where they could both touch it, Serris centred herself and spoke the words of the location spell in time with Yavana, their voices raising as the magic began to build.

Yavana felt a surge of relief and delight as the map changed, moving towards Tevinter, failing to notice a faint glimmer at the Island of Seheron before the spell as always came to an abrupt and brutal end, both women hurled across the room.

Slowly sitting up Serris stared at the table and then to Yavana who was staggering to her feet. "Was it enough?"

Yavana stared at the map of Tevinter narrowing her eyes. "I would like to try again now we are closer."

"Can I have something softer to land on then?" Serris muttered limping back over to the table and gazing over the map.

Smiling slightly Yavana placed a finger against the amulet.

Sighing Serris joined her, their voices raising in the rhythm of the spell, the map shimmering before it vanished and the face of an elven woman shimmered briefly before they were once more hurled backwards. "What in the Void was that?" Serris demanded, falling silent seeing the shocked expression on Yavana's face.

"I know not, but whoever she is, she is powerful."

"I take it she was not who you were looking for?"

"No, but if the spell found her then she knows where the person I seek is. I must inform Mother. Wait here, I will not be long."

Slumping against the table as Yavana left the room; Serris glanced once more at the map which again showed Thedas. Her fingers drifted lightly over Ferelden. "I pray you are safe my friends." A smile graced her lips as she remembered her parting night with Percy, finding herself aching for his tender kiss and protective embrace. "With luck I shall see you soon." Turning from the table she wandered around the room before wondering where Yavana had gone. An hour passed and impatient Serris left the room to search for her, entering a room with what appeared to be a barrier of ice. Moving over to it she was surprised by the warm pulse recognising the energy barrier, her eyes widening as beyond the barrier lay sleeping dragons and shimmering eggs. She turned as the sound of movement, stunned to see a very young High Dragon watching her, purple scales covering her body apart from at her snout which gleamed with gold. Slowly Serris began to speak softly, a language her grandmother had taught her as a child, saying only that one day she would have use of it, smiling as the dragonling lay down watching her.

"You speak the dragon tongue." Yanava stated in surprise, smiling as the young dragon darted over to her nestling against her.

"My grandmother taught it to me."

"Few knew it, fewer still remember it. You are lucky to have been given such a rare gift."

Serris froze as she felt hot breath against the back of her neck. "Is there a dragon behind me?"

Yavana smiled and moved passed her, her hand resting on the side of the dragon's snout, whispering softly, chuckling as the young dragon jumped onto her mother's tail.

Serris turned staring at the dragon in awe. "Beautiful."

"They are new to us, survivors, refugees if you like from Ferelden. It is good they came, with a Blight massing if they were not slaughtered on sight before they would be now."

"How did they know to come here?"

"I am not sure; her mind is fractured by terrible abuses. It will take time before communication between us is meaningful enough to understand how she came to be here. Though magic beyond her was involved given the swiftness of her flight that much I could discern. Now however we have other matters to see to. Come, it is time you returned to Ferelden." Moving into another room Yavana gestured to the far wall.

Serris glanced over the large mirror knowing it for what it was, watching Yavana as she activated it; following her through. She looked around startled by the numerous Eluvians that surrounded them. "So many."

"Indeed, but many are dark, either damaged or corrupted. Others are locked, only a few are open or can be opened, if one has the key."

"Is there a way to restore the Eluvians that are damaged or corrupted?"

"Power and lots of it; Mother is doing what she can." Yavana gestured to an Eluvian ahead of them. "This will take you to Ferelden. It leads to the Dragonbone Wastes in Western Amaranthine."

"Should I expect dragons on the other side?"

"None living at the moment at least; there you will find the ruins of Drake's Fall."

"Drake's Fall. Why is that familiar to me?"

"The Tevinters sought the power within the bones of the dragons who had gone there to die and built a city to claim the right. They delved deep into the earth and took the bones of the dragons who had long since gone there to take their last breath. They used what they took to make many items including armour and weapons. I would imagine if your grandmother taught you the language of the dragons you also learned something of their history."

Serris nodded remembering sitting by the fire listening to her grandmother for hours. "Thank you Yavana."

"I wish you luck, the Blight must be stopped."

Shifting her pack slightly Serris watched Yavana activate the Eluvian and staff in hand she walked through, finding herself in a cave, mercifully alone. Turning she saw the Eluvian darken. Hesitating for a moment giving Yavana time to leave she sent her magic to the Eluvian, smiling as it activated, should the need arise at least there would be somewhere she could go where few could follow. Turning she picked her way carefully through the cave, stepping out into the ruins of what she suspected was once a magnificent city. Whatever failings Tevinter had, even the bones of their cities were astonishing. Turning west she steeled herself, it would make more sense to go to the Peak and contact Ostagar via Calling Crystal to explain what had happened and find out where she would be of most use, wondering how the battle had fared.

xXx

Hurrying to the gates, Tanya her handmaiden and protector at her side, Loretta squinted trying to make out Teagan in the approaching group, feeling disappointment as she realised he was not one of them. She raised an eyebrow recognising one of the men. "I do believe that is William, what in the Makers world is he doing here? And Maker preserve us is that a Qunari?" As they approached and identified themselves, Loretta signalled for the guards to open the gate. "It is good to see you again William, if a little unexpected."

"And you Lady Loretta; I apologise for arriving without word." Jayden quickly made introductions, noting her uncertainty as he introduced Sten. "If I could explain the reason for our arrival in private."

"Of course, you and your party will of course stay here tonight to rest your horses and dine with us, I will not take no for an answer."

"That is most generous my Lady and if I may, do you have a vault. There are items on the cart that require safekeeping until Bann Teagan and Lord Fergus Cousland decide what to do with them."

Hesitating only a moment Loretta signalled to a guard. "Transfer the contents of the cart to the vault." She turned to Jayden. "Do you have an inventory of everything?"

"We do my Lady."

"Very well then." She turned to her housekeeper who was hovering close by in case needed. "Mistress Warren please see to our guests."

"Of course my Lady."

"William if you will come with me I think an explanation is certainly in order."

xXx

Loretta slowly closed her mouth, her heart pounding at the startling explanation she had been given. Her fear and horror had flared at discovering Oren had been poisoned and she wished more than ever that her husband would return home. To then be told the Ashes of Andraste were not only real, but a pinch lay in the possession of each of the five who had undertaken the Gauntlet; that they had faced and beaten a dragon cult and Andraste had spoken to them was beyond belief.

Jayden worried at his lip, he had said only that Andrate had spoken to him as she had the others, but had given no details on what she had said to any of them.

"You have yet to explain how you came upon the treasures you brought with you."

"It was in the ruins, we presume it belonged to the cultists. Brother Genitivi agreed that he would not count anything outside of the Temple as Chantry property and we will badly need the coin for the fight ahead of us. Therefore I ask for your discretion."

"You have it of course and you did right to come here. Carrying such items without a full guard was dangerous, despite how well you covered the cart. William I … Teagan wrote to me of Alistair. How is he?"

"He is well; as well as can be expected given the circumstances."

"It is too cruel that he and Bethany were torn apart; so young and with their whole lives ahead of them."

"He will return to her my Lady."

"But I thought Wardens never returned to their families."

"I swore to him I would find a way and I will."

Loretta smiled warmly. "You are a good friend to him William." She winced as he stifled a yawn. "Forgive me; I have kept you talking for hours. You will want to bathe and change before evening meal."

"That would be appreciated my Lady."

"Come, I will show you to your room, we will eat within the hour."

xXx

Quickly washing and changing his clothes Jayden hurried down to the dining hall as the bell sounded, finding everyone else had already arrived.

Loretta smiled and waved him over. "William may I present my dear friend Lady Rosslyn Trevelyan and her son Gawain."

Jayden turned to Lady Rosslyn only just managing to conceal his surprise, knowing she was the woman involved in Cailan's brief affair and it didn't take a genius to realise that her son was also Cailan's. He felt a swell of love for the child mixed with pain and a rush of sadness for his sister. He knew how much Cailan wanted a family and he knew he would be devoted to his son; there would be tough times ahead for the King and Queen of that he was sure. "It is a pleasure to meet you. You have a beautiful son my Lady."

Rosslyn smiled happily. "Thank you William, he is my joy."

"Well, let us all sit." Loretta smiled, gesturing them all to their seats.

Jayden found himself sitting next to Rosslyn, smiling as Gawain managed to catch hold of his sleeve.

"Forgive me, I cannot bear to be parted from him and as you can see my son has yet to learn the etiquette of table manners."

Jayden returned her smile. "There is plenty of time for him to learn that; I'm not sure all of us at this table have mastered it."

Laughing softly Rosslyn made sure Gawain was comfortable before taking a delicate bite of a potato roasted in herbs. "Mmm, delicious." She smiled indulgently as her sons arms reached upwards. "This is not for you, not yet at least."

Delilah subtly watched Jayden and Rosslyn as they chatted about trivial things, more engrossed with the baby than in making real conversation. As young as Gawain was she had a fair idea of who the father was and she imagined Anora would be none too pleased when she discovered his existence, wondering if Cailan knew of Rosslyn's pregnancy before his memories were lost to him. She found herself smiling at Jayden's interaction with him, feeling excitement stir as she imagined him with his own child, with their child. She forced herself to focus as Lady Loretta asked her a question, but her gaze returned to Jayden throughout the meal, imagining the family she hoped one day they would have.

xXx

In an effort to get a moment alone with him, Delilah stood with Jayden in the garden shivering in the cold wind, smiling as he took off his cloak wrapping it around her, blowing on his hands to warm them. "Rosslyn is a beautiful woman and unless I am mistaken her son is Cailan's. He told me of their night together and how it came about. It was foolish of Anora to do what she did, despite her reasons. I wonder if he knows about the child, well if he knew about him." Delilah hesitated. "Please tell me you knew about them." She sighed in relief at his nod.

Jayden nipped at his lower lip. "He never said anything about the pregnancy and I'm not sure he would have been able to keep something like that to himself, but I agree. If that boy is not Cailan's then I'm an Orlesian."

"You look concerned."

"I am. They had one night together Delilah, one night and she conceived his child. To those who do not know what Anora did it will cause suspicion, especially since Enchanter Tyris checked both Anora and Cailan and confirmed there should be nothing to prevent them conceiving a child together. Once Arl Eamon finds out about Gawain he will no doubt realise what has been going on, he is not a stupid man and he will call a Landsmeet as fast as possible. He wants Cailan to set Anora aside and marry Celene."

"I would not concern yourself; any thoughts of Cailan and Celene will be gone when Eamon discovers Gawain. The Empress will certainly not want to compete with an heir for her own child and Cailan will most certainly acknowledge him as his firstborn. My concern is Anora and how she will react."

"She will not be happy of course, but she will accept the situation, she has no other choice. She refused him a child, this way she does not have to have a child and Cailan has a son which he will be overjoyed with."

"You look sad."

"Selfish reasons, I always imagined being the uncle of Cailan's children, our children playing together."

"There is no reason why that cannot happen."

Jayden sighed softly. "You know Anora, I said she will accept this but not happily. I do not imagine she would want me to have any involvement with him and who is to say Rosslyn would want me anywhere near her son when she finds out who I really am." He smiled slightly as Delilah nestled against his chest accepting the comfort she was trying to give him, resting his chin on the top of her head. He thought of the Gauntlet and his experience within it and let go of his concerns, what would be would be and worrying about it would not change it. "Lady Loretta has asked Brother Genitivi to remain here until we return, both she and Lady Rosslyn are fascinated by the Temple, but he said he must return to Denerim, that the Grand Cleric needs to be informed of what we discovered."

"You worry for him returning to Denerim?"

"Lady Loretta is giving him several guards to ensure his safe return, but I …"

"You will miss him."

"Am I that obvious?"

"In this, yes. All will be well." Pressing her hands to his chest she gazed up at him. "There is no need to fear the Chantry."

"I hope not." Wrapping his arms around Delilah he lowered his head, losing himself to the sweet intoxication of their kiss.

xXx

As the light of a new dawn gleamed in the sky Genitivi hugged Jayden tight to him. "Be careful my boy."

"You be careful too and give my best to Weylon, I hope to see you both soon." He pressed two sealed letters into Genitivi's hand. "I would be grateful if you would give these to Sister Theohild and Sergeant Brom upon your return."

"Of course." Sighing Genitivi hugged him tightly again before releasing him. "I pray that those who needed the Ashes have returned to health." He glanced to Delilah and smiled slightly. "You are an honourable man Will, please stay one."

Jayden glanced in the direction he was looking and flushed slightly. "I would never dishonour her I swear."

"I know my boy, but it helps sometimes to be reminded. Now on you go, your soldiers at Redcliffe will be wondering where you are." He glanced to Airyl and stroked her head. "You be careful too; I'd like to see you both back in Denerim in one piece." He chuckled at her bark, feeling his heart ache as they mounted their horses and with a wave they headed out of the gates, Airyl darting ahead. He turned as a hand rested lightly on his arm.

"Can I not convince you to stay?"

"Ah Lady Loretta, while I would like nothing more, I suspect the Grand Cleric would not be happy if I delay my departure further."

"Then I would like a promise from you instead Brother Genitivi, that when you are able to do so you will return, I would love to hear of your travels."

Genitivi smiled at the excited gleam in her eye. "I fear they will seem far less exciting in the telling, but I will be happy to return when duty allows." Besides, I believe this current adventure is far from over.

xXx

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