While the others were finishing their breakfast Rathnal slipped outside taking a deep breath. The air was cold, but the sky was bright and it promised to be a clear if not a warm day. He moved down to the lakes edge and followed it beyond the tavern to a small grove of trees. After Jayden had told him of the spot where he had planted some of the seeds he had hoped to find the precious Wilds Flowers, instead it was a tangle of grass and weeds. Seeing some shoots he knelt down and carefully cleared the small plot hoping the Wilds Flowers would survive and thrive. He turned with a yawn smiling at Ayanna. "With luck they might survive."

"I hope so; we will need them in the days to come. I forgot to ask last night about the potential of Calling Crystals."

Stifling another yawn Rathnal shook his head. "The Knight Commander almost laughed in my face. He said even if they had such items which they don't, he couldn't just go handing them out and apparently they have no-one there with the skill to make them."

"Helpful."

"Indeed. I suppose it was too much to hope for."

"It's a shame we don't have the Calling Crystal from Ostagar, we could have told the Queen to get the one in Denerim. Though there is the one at the Peak."

"And it's staying there." He sighed at Ayanna's raised eyebrow. "Once we do get to Denerim we might have need to contact the Peak; I don't want any none Wardens knowing about them."

"You my friend are becoming as secretive as Duncan."

"Is it so surprising with nobles trying to kill each other and having no idea who to trust. No, for now at least we keep our own council."

"Yes Commander."

"Come on, let's get to Rainesfere and find out what news from her Majesty."

xXx

Ensuring the tome was protected in her pack Morrigan mounted her horse and followed the others, glancing back to the Circle feeling unexpected sorrow for those mages who remained trapped within its walls. She couldn't help but think of Anders and the horrifying knowledge that his own father had handed him over to the Templars. She imagined there was a similar story for any child brought to the Circle. It had made her understand the mages a little more, but even as a child she imagined she would have fought tooth and nail for her freedom. Imagining her mother handing her over to the Templars simply made her anger burn and she imagined she would have fought harder, but she suspected many children simply gave up. She had been almost grateful for how harsh and cold Flemeth had been with her, yet now she felt only fury burn. Flemeth had never seen her as a child, never showed her affection because she was merely a tool. The destiny her Mother had kept from her she now understood and she was furious and horrified. The pages of the tome she had rescued from the Circle were burned into her mind, the long years of her mother's life finally revealed. Shuddering painfully she wrapped her cloak tightly around her, urging her horse on as Rathnal picked up the pace. Anger burned within her, but now the shock was wearing off purpose was taking its place and she vowed to herself that she would never allow her Mother to succeed. For her life to continue Flemeth needed to die, but she could not do such a thing herself. Fists clenched around the reigns she ignored her exhaustion and tried to work out how to kill a woman she could not go near again if she valued her life.

xXx

As they were packing up camp Delilah moved to help Wynne who appeared to be struggling with her tent.

"Thank you; to be honest I have not had much experience with tents."

"Nor I." Delilah stated with a smile. "We shall muddle through together."

Wynne noticed Delilah's gaze move fleetingly to the Captain as he spoke briefly to those under his command, before joining Gabriel to help Dairren prepare for the days travel. "It is always the forbidden fruit that is the most tempting."

"I beg your pardon."

"The young Captain."

Delilah felt her cheeks warm. "I have no idea what you are talking about."

"I am old my dear, not blind. I understand how you could get caught up in things given the events at Haven. William can be very charming and he is very protective of you, but you are nobility and there can be no future for you."

"I hardly think this is any of your business."

"In my youth I became entangled with a handsome, intelligent and dedicated young man and it cost me more than I could ever have imagined. I merely seek to caution you."

Delilah sighed softly. "I thank you for your concern, but it is unnecessary."

"As you wish but please bear in mind any entanglement will have its consequences."

"What were yours? Consequences I mean?" She flushed at her bold question, but Wynne had started this.

"Losing the most precious thing in the world to me and a subsequent lifetime of regret; just think on what I have said my Lady."

Waiting until Wynne was occupied with Dylan and Robert, Delilah sought out Jayden gesturing him to follow her, heading to a thick knot of trees near the stream, smiling as Airyl stood as though on guard. Believing they were hidden from sight she sighed softly snuggling against him. "We will need to be more careful. Wynne cautioned me against your charms."

Jayden stifled a chuckle. "My charms?"

"Indeed. You were right; I think she assumes you are seducing me rather than me seducing you." She glanced up seeing his amusement. "Well I am seducing you! In a way."

"Oh I know. I think I spent more time in the stream than anywhere else last night."

Flushing Delilah struggled to stop her smile. "Did it help?"

"Not really."

Nipping at her lower lip she became serious. "You know we cannot … well … until we are married."

"I know." Jayden murmured, gently sweeping a lock of hair behind her ear.

"I almost wish you were less honourable." She whispered, smiling as he pulled her gently against him, his lips caressing hers with a whisper of a touch that left her weak at the knees. When he pulled back she gave a shuddering sigh. "I should … I should go … somewhere else." Her expression became one of thoughtful amusement. "Perhaps a stream."

Jayden smiled to himself as she made her way back to camp, glancing to Airyl who huffed softly. "What?" He rolled his eyes as she huffed again. "It was just a kiss!"

Standing and stretching Airyl yawned before nudging him to return to camp.

"So judgmental." He murmured affectionately.

xXx

By midday Teagan's estate was in sight and he couldn't help spurring on his horse eager to see his wife.

"Teagan!" Loretta cried out racing to the gates and all but throwing herself at her husband.

Laughing Teagan wrapped his arms around her kissing her, barely aware of the group with him.

"I have missed you." She whispered as they stopped to catch their breath.

"And I you love."

Loretta glanced over the group flushing slightly. "Forgive me please everyone come in you are most welcome, rooms are ready for you all."

"I must speak to the guards then I shall join you." Teagan stated gently kissing her again.

As the group headed towards the house Rosslyn pulled away from the window, her heart pounding, Gawain shifting in her arms sensing her agitation. Though hooded she knew the man closest to Teagan was Cailan, gazing at her son she wondered how he would truly react to being a father. She thought of her own family her heart aching. They would receive her letter soon if they had not already and Maker willing by the time they saw each other again they would be ready to accept Gawain.

xXx

Bann Oswald Trevelyan chuckled as his eldest daughter Caroline was almost knocked off her feet by her boisterous sons Gavin and Torwin as they raced to get to him almost knocking him over as well.

"Grandpa!" Gavin gave a toothy grin hugging him.

Oswald embraced them both, laughing as Torwin started tickling him.

Smiling warmly Caroline settled on a seat next to her mother who moments later was treated to a rather less exuberant, but no less loving greeting from her grandsons. "Maker they never stop."

"You would have them no other way." Helen stated warmly knowing her daughter was devoted to her children. "Is Ronald not with you today?"

"Papa is working today." Gavin informed his grandmother looking a little put out. "But he promised he will get here as soon as he can. He will won't he mom?"

"Of course he will darling." She smiled as Gavin raced over to his brother. "Have you heard from Rosslyn?" Caroline asked watching the boys as they giggled and play wrestled. "It has been months since I saw her last. I heard she was visiting Loretta in Ferelden, but with rumours of a …" She lowered her voice. "Blight. She cannot think to remain."

"You know our sister." Edward stated wandering into the room, finding his legs immediately hugged by the boys. Grinning he lifted them into the air chuckling at their squeals. "Good afternoon Mother." He bent over kissing her cheek. "Father." He stated clasping his arm.

"We didn't know you were coming darling." Helen smiled happily, delighted to see her only son. "Will you be staying, is Phillipa with you?"

Edward winced. "Mother, Phillipa and I …"

"Oh sweet Maker you have not ended another relationship."

"No Mother, she did." He sighed at his parent's startled looks. "You all know very well her heart still belonged to Quin and well he returned from Antiva, swept her off her feet telling her he regretted leaving her. I suppose I could have fought a dual for her, but why when she was clearly still in love with him. I would be a fool to try and stand in the way."

"Very honourable." Oswald stated gripping his sons shoulder in support.

Smiling as her mother began fussing over him; Caroline gave her brother a cheeky grin, having been aware of the breakup. Unlike her mother, she did not like Phillipa and was relieved she would not be joining their family.

Desperate to take the attention from himself Edward passed a sealed letter to his father. "This arrived as I did; I believe it is Rosslyn's penmanship."

Helen's eyes lit up. "Hopefully she will be returning home soon. I know she loves to travel, but really she should be settling down. What that girl needs is a husband and Lord Tumlt is most eager to see her again." She hesitated as she saw the colour drain from her husband's face. "Oswald?"

Edward glanced to his father startled by the worried tone from his mother. "Father?"

Sinking onto a seat Oswald reread the letter oblivious to his family's growing concern.

"Father!" Caroline snapped, concern for her sister bringing a slight tremble to her hands, relieved when he looked up. "What is it?"

Handing the letter to Helen he took her hand as she sank down next to him, a slight gasp leaving her lips.

Glancing to his sister in growing alarm Edward sank to his knees next to his mother, the boys having retreated to their own mother sensing something amiss. "Mother has something happened to Rosslyn?"

Blinking the tears from her eyes Helen took a calming breath. "It seems your sister gave birth to a son a little over a month ago." She glanced to her children meeting their shocked looks. "She went to Ferelden, to Loretta to give birth." She looked to her husband. "Maker how could she think we would make her give up a child?"

Sinking into a seat Edward shook his head. "The circumstances may be undesirable, but you would never do that."

Oswald felt a swell of sorrow, they were right, as much as it would have been a shock, children were far too precious. "It is my fault I was pushing her to wed Tumlt, she told me time and again she did not desire a life with him and in a moment of foolishness I said it was marriage or the Chantry." He rubbed his forehead in regret. "Maker I just wanted her to think about her future. Now of course neither will take place, Maker did she feel this was her only option to avoid them both." He sighed softly. "She said she intends to remain in Rainesfere with Loretta, she does not wish to travel with so young an infant." He smiled slightly. "Gawain, he has a fine name."

"Who is the father?" Caroline demanded. "Have they wed?"

"She says only it is a complicated situation and will explain in person." Oswald stated wondering what man had talked his headstrong daughter into such a situation.

Edward stood. "I will go to her and escort her home."

"She begs us not to come to Ferelden given the danger." Helen stated softly, aching to reassure her youngest child that she and her son were loved.

"I am not going to leave my sister and new nephew to the dangers of a Blight." Edward snapped.

"I agree." Oswald stated. "Your mother and I shall prepare a letter. You will take it to your sister and bring her and our grandson home. I will send ten of my finest men with you; Maker knows what state Ferelden is in."

Caroline rose and clasped her brother's hand. "Tell Ros we love her and she has nothing to fear either for herself or Gawain." She smiled as he squeezed her hand, glancing to her sons who were pressing against her.

"Can we go?" Torwin asked. "I want to see Aunty Ros's baby."

"Me too." Gavin grinned in delight, always eager for new friends.

"We will wait here my darlings and your Uncle will bring them home."

"Hurry Uncle Edward." They demanded.

"I better see about a ship."

"I should tell Genevin." Helen stated with a hint of excitement, turning as her husband clasped her hand.

"Perhaps it would be wiser to wait until we find out the situation with the father." They were a pious family, but when his daughter had joined the Chantry her views became significantly stricter, he suspected Rosslyn's reluctance to tell them the situation stemmed from her sisters views.

Helen sighed but acknowledged it would be for the best. "Just bring them home Edward, we will sort out everything else once they are safe and home."

xXx

It seemed hours passed though it was barely half an hour before Teagan and Loretta joined her, Rosslyn listening carefully to Cailan's alarming situation. "What am I to do?" Rosslyn whispered. "I … I cannot keep Gawain from him."

"Nor am I asking you to." Teagan stated quickly. "In fact I think you should tell him as soon as possible."

"You think it will help with his memories?"

"I have no idea, but he has a responsibility to you and his son. That takes priority. If you are agreeable I will fetch him."

Smiling Rosslyn gently squeezed his hand. "You are a good friend." She glanced anxiously to Loretta as Teagan left the room.

"All will be well. I can stay if you wish."

Biting her lip Rosslyn reluctantly shook her head, putting Gawain in the crib that had been brought into the solar. "I suppose I must do this alone."

"Even should he wish nothing to do with Gawain, which I doubt, Teagan and I will support you in any way we can."

"You are a good friend Loretta, I suppose I must simply wait and see." She moved to the window as Loretta slipped out of the room clasping her hands to stop their tremble.

xXx

Teagan gently gripped his nephews shoulder. "There is someone you must meet."

Curiously Cailan followed his uncle, stopping startled as he entered the room to see a woman standing by the window. As she turned he felt an ache of longing to hold her in his arms, a desire as fierce as the spasm of guilt that almost took his breath away, but this woman was not his wife. He realised he was searching her face, his heart pounding so fiercely it was all he could hear and then there it was, a name, as beautiful as she was. "Rosslyn." He whispered. He saw her eyes widen with shock, her gaze flitting to Teagan, he turned to see his uncle nod encouragingly. "I … I don't remember anything else; I …"

"Speak to her Cailan."

Nodding Cailan waited until his uncle had left the room before he cautiously walked towards the woman who had yet to speak. "I … I am sorry my memories …"

"Teagan explained your head injury and its consequences." Rosslyn stated softly.

"We knew each other before?"

"We did."

"How well did we know each other?"

Rosslyn felt the flush bloom on her cheeks. "We knew each other a few short weeks in truth, but in that time we came to have a deep fondness for each other and …" She swallowed nervously. "We had a moment together, a beautiful moment that was unexpected by either of us."

Cailan felt his stomach lurch, he did not know the type of man he was, but he had not expected to be an unfaithful one. "We were intimate?" He whispered.

"Yes."

"You said unexpected …"

"You invited Cordor, Teagan's cousin and I to dine with you. Cordor was … detained elsewhere so we dined together. We ate, drank a little, you drew me while I played the harp."

"I can draw?"

"Very well in fact." Swallowing anxiously Rosslyn took the carefully folded parchment from a pocket in her skirt and handed it to him.

Cailan stared at the drawing startled, the likeness was uncanny and he had managed to capture her playing the harp beautifully. He couldn't imagine being able to create something like this, but there was no reason for her to lie. He handed it back silently. "What changed from a friendly evening into more intimate circumstances?"

Rosslyn shifted uncomfortably. "I am not sure I should say; perhaps you need to remember …"

"It has been weeks and no spell, potion or tonic has enabled me to recall my life."

"You remembered my name." Rosslyn pointed out gently. "Perhaps more will come back to you now."

"Perhaps, but you say we were intimate, I need to know why I would betray my wife. Is that the kind of man I am?"

Shaking her head Rosslyn gripped his hands their gazes locking. "No, you were deeply upset, you said the Queen had betrayed you. Forgive me but I will not tell you how, you must remember or speak to your wife, I would only be able to tell you what you told me and there are always two sides to everything. That said you were deeply hurt and you were seeking … acceptance, warmth, you … you needed to know if … well if all was as the Queen had suggested during your intimate moments."

Cailan frowned then paled. "You mean I was insecure about my performance in bed?" He shook his head. "I dishonoured you for my own sake!"

"No it was not like that. I wanted to be with you too."

"I …" Cailan turned sharply at a tiny whimper, glancing to Rosslyn as she moved to the crib he hadn't even seen and gently lifted the baby who fell quiet once in her arms.

Rosslyn watched as Cailan's gaze fixed on their son. "His name is Gawain."

"You have a beautiful son my Lady." Cailan stated softly, approaching without realising it.

Swallowing painfully Rosslyn closed the gap between them. "We have a beautiful son."

Cailan felt the truth of it move like a shock wave through him, feeling a rush of such joy he thought he would burst, before the reality struck him. "Have I … did I care for you during the pregnancy?"

"You did not know."

"Why?" Cailan gasped.

"I feared a miscarriage; they are frequent in my family, especially in the later months. You want children so much Cailan, I did not dare give you such news only for it to perhaps be taken from you. In truth I was scared too, I did not wish to tempt fate and I … I feared the Queen's reaction."

Cailan stared at her stunned. "And what of your own family?"

"I have sent them word. I did not tell them because … well our situation is a little complicated. I expect nothing from you Cailan, but if you want to know your son …"

"Of course I do!"

"Would you like to hold him?" She smiled at his nod and gently eased Gawain into his arms.

Cailan stared at his son in awe, sucking in a sharp breath as Gawain opened his eyes, his tiny fist curling around his finger; blinking away tears as his son sighed peacefully and settled back into sleep in his arms.

xXx

Loretta finally had a moment to herself from ensuring all was well with their guests; despite the servants as always doing an excellent job, with so many she wanted to ensure there were no issues. Now however she was desperate to find her friend hoping all had gone well with Cailan. She smiled as Rosslyn joined her, tickling Gawain delighting in his gurgle. "Come let us take a walk in the garden, it is a little warmer this afternoon, perhaps Drakonis will bring with it warmer weather." As they walked outside Loretta pulled her cloak around her a little tighter, the breeze was still cold. "You look happy, I take it all went well?"

"He knew my name and he wants to know his son."

"That is wonderful; see all will be well."

Sinking onto a bench Rosslyn sighed. "Perhaps if I can stop myself from acting like a foolish girl when I am near him; when he looks at me I feel weak at the knees. He has an effect on me no other man has; Maker why does he have to be married and a King?"

"You have a problem with him being King?"

"Only in that I am not of sufficient social standing to even stand a chance of being with him even if he was not already married." She sighed and shook her head. "There is no point in thinking about things I cannot change. He wishes to know Gawain and that is all that matters."

"Have you told him of the circumstances surrounding your evening together?"

"In part though I have not explained what he told me of the Queen's betrayal. That must come from his memories or the Queen herself. I have probably said too much as it is."

"He needed to know." She tickled Gawain's chin before turning back to Rosslyn. "Your family should have received your letter by now." She glanced to her friend seeing the flicker of anxiety in her eyes. "I am sure your family will embrace Gawain as one of their own."

"They will." Rosslyn stated softly. "In time, but I suspect Genevin will make things difficult."

"Forgive me but since becoming a Sister she really has become rather unbearable; besides your family is far too sensible to align themselves with such backward views."

"You know how pious my family is, but you are right, there is no point in worrying myself about it." She gave a soft sigh. "Oh for a world where Cailan and I have a chance at being together."

Loretta gently hugged her. "It will work out; I have no idea how, but I have faith it will."

xXx

Fergus watched Cailan pace the room before reaching out and grabbing his arm. "Cailan for Makers sake sit down and tell me what is bothering you."

Flopping onto the seat opposite Fergus he shook his head. "I have a son."

"Cailan you and Anora have not had a child."

"I know."

"Then …" Fergus frowned and then paled slightly. "You and Lady Rosslyn? Her son Gawain …" They had met only briefly at a late lunch, but now it was not hard to put the pieces together.

"Is my son; Fergus he is wonderful, so healthy and happy."

Fergus stared at him in shock; Cailan seemed to be glowing as he talked; animated and joyful in a way he was not sure he had ever seen. He remembered his own joy when Oren was born and saw himself in his friend.

"It was one night Fergus, Rosslyn told me. I … we …" He sighed. "You told me Anora and I were having problems, but I … I never imagined myself as unfaithful. Rosslyn said I felt betrayed by Anora but she refuses to tell me why. She said she does not wish to influence me further, I must remember on my own or speak to Anora. Maker what kind of man am I?"

Remaining quiet for a few moments Fergus shifted slightly. "There were certainly rumours of your affair, and I spoke to Anora a little time after that and she confirmed you had spent a few hours with another woman because you believed she had betrayed you with another." He shook his head. "I asked her if she had and she said no, but she said she had betrayed you. She would not explain and I do not know what she meant."

"I do not understand any of this, but despite being married to Anora, Rosslyn has my child and I … Fergus I … I cannot stop thinking about her."

"Well whatever happens with Anora and Rosslyn, you have a responsibility to your son."

"I will acknowledge him of course and he will want for nothing."

Fergus couldn't help returning his enthusiastic smile, but in a corner of his heart he feared how Anora would react. As he thought of Anora he thought of Jayden and knew he couldn't keep what he knew to himself any longer. "Cailan there is something we need to talk about. Something Anora confided in me and it explains why I know she is not in league with Orlais."

"Then we should get Teagan, he needs to know too."

xXx

Settling into a comfortable chair Teagan watched as Fergus paced in front of the fire. "Fergus, my wife is rather fond of that rug, would you tell me what is concerning you before you wear a hole in it."

"Sorry I … this is just very sensitive information." Fergus bit his lip, telling Cailan he did not feel was a betrayal as before his injury he knew what he was about to disclose, but he had no idea if Teagan knew. Swallowing the lump swelling in his throat he wondered how Jayden would react to what he was about to do.

Teagan focused his attention on Fergus. "This information that has disturbed you so much; it was given to you by Anora?"

"Yes."

"Information you felt my brother should not be party too?"

"Forgive me Teagan, but I am not sure who to trust anymore, but Cailan knew this information before his memory loss and my mother was adamant that we were to trust you and not your brother. She made that very clear to Aedan and Oriana."

"Very well and this information explains why Anora is not in league with Orlais as my brother suggested."

"Yes. I was unaware of this information before speaking to Anora at the border; but her brother is in Ferelden; in fact returned to Ferelden a short time after he left."

"Fergus what are you talking about?" Cailan's frown deepened as Fergus explained, glancing to his Uncle who looked as astonished as he felt.

"Teagan I have known Anora my whole life, she would never betray us to Orlais. Orlesian assassins hunt for Jayden even now, that is why he is in hiding."

"Then who is he?" Cailan demanded, feeling a rush of protectiveness that surprised him given his lack of any feelings regarding his wife.

"This cannot go further than this room; we cannot know who to trust with this information."

Teagan nodded. "Sadly I agree."

"You know him as Captain William."

"But … sweet Maker are you sure?"

"Why would Anora lie?"

Cailan paled. "He almost died to save me."

"It certainly helped me to understand why you did not want me to fire the trebuchets."

Standing Cailan paced the room in agitation. "I feel this protectiveness towards him and yet I have spoken to him and there was nothing, no memories, no feelings." Sweet Maker when he finds out about Rosslyn and Gawain Maker knows what he will do. "I want to speak to him." Cailan demanded. "Now!"

xXx

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