More of the displaced citizens of Highever arrived at the castle the following morning, Ellowyn there to greet them and ensure they had an escort to their homes. Some homes had been ransacked and damaged by Howe's soldiers looking for diversion and would be in need of repair, though most remained in good enough condition for the families to move back in. Several of the Wardens had arrived with them, Ellowyn caught sight of Rory as he guided several children into the Great Hall, surprised to realise she felt nothing. Seeing the relief on his face as he saw her, she moved towards him. "It is good to have you back."

Hesitating he realised there was something different about her.

Only when all of those who had arrived had been seen to, did Ellowyn beckon him to follow her, leading him out into the garden. "There is no need to look so worried about me."

"You do not seem quite yourself."

"No, I suppose I do not." She sighed softly at his concerned gaze. "Everything is different Rory. Being here, everything that has happened … this was my idea I know; I suppose I did not expect it to change me so much, but it has. I am desperate to leave, to escape it."

"This is your home."

"No, this is where my parents were murdered. This place is tainted to me now, how could I ever see this as home again."

"Give it time, you always loved Highever."

"Not anymore." She sighed softly. "There is something else. I … I was just escaping with you too, holding onto a piece of the past, but what we had is as dead as my parents and I cannot resurrect either. Part of me will always love you Rory, but I cannot hold onto something that has no future. I need something that makes me feel alive, that will help me heal, but you and I … it is just more pain and loss. I cannot endure it."

Swallowing back his own pain Rory gently took her hand. "I understand and I just want you to be happy again, whatever that means for you."

"I am not sure I know; I cannot imagine being truly happy ever again."

"You will in time." Rory stated softly. "I … I accept there is no romantic future for us, but can there be friendship between us?"

Ellowyn met his hopeful gaze. "I hope so."

xXx

Jayden sought out Dylan, Robert, Matthew and Sten when they arrived at midday the last to arrive. Morrigan had arrived an hour earlier, but she was unconscious having been given a sleeping potion to prevent any discomfort in the journey. Jayden had sat beside her bed for a while relieved to see her, leaving only when a servant knocked on the door to inform him that those, he had been waiting for had arrived. Dylan in particular looked exhausted though he wasn't surprised after hearing his part in the fighting. Once the debrief was concluded Sten, Robert and Matthew went to get food leaving Dylan and Jayden to talk further.

Dylan sighed softly. "I'm just tired, no need to look at me with such concern."

"You are a very skilled mage Dylan, but this was powerful even for you. What happened?"

"I got angry." Moving to the windows Dylan stared out over the garden. "I felt so damn tired of people thinking they have a right to hurt others because they are stronger or in a position of power. I … I got angry at my family being separated by Templars, that I was taken away and basically imprisoned because of my magic. I was angry at people being afraid of me without even knowing me and I … I got angry because my sister was hurt because of me." He glanced at Jayden. "I told you about her once, didn't I?"

"Sophia." Jayden stated with a nod. "Your twin."

Dylan smiled, pleased he had remembered. "I miss her, I miss my whole family." He sighed and leaned against the wall. "To be honest I didn't realise I had that much anger in me. It all just sort of bubbled up." He straightened. "I'll be more careful in the future, emotions can make spells unstable and I knew better, I was better trained."

"We all get angry Dylan, sometimes that anger gives us strength, the motivation to put right a wrong, or just enough to keep us alive. I just wanted to make sure you were alright, not condemn you for your emotions."

"Still, discipline is important in spell casting, just as it is in weapons training." He flushed slightly. "Not that I need to tell you that." He yawned loudly. "Maker, sorry."

"Go get some food and rest, I want to meet up with you all again to discuss another matter, but that can wait a few hours and if you ever want to talk, about anything that is bothering you, you can come to me. I know I'm not a mage, but …"

Dylan smiled. "I appreciate that, really I do and thanks for understanding."

Jayden smiled as Dylan took his leave, he needed to speak to Rathnal and then he would check in on Morrigan hoping she would have woken, before meeting with Dylan and the others again.

xXx

Rathnal frowned slightly. "You're really going back to Haven?" At Jayden's nod he sighed. "Well, I suppose at least there won't be cultists and a dragon this time."

"Hopefully not."

"How do you feel about doing it again?"

"I'm not sure. It was gruelling, but it was also the most amazing experience of my life. I was hoping to come with you to find the Dalish, but I imagine you will be heading out before I return."

"To be honest I don't fancy wandering around the Brecilian Forest hunting for the Dalish without any idea of where they are. Any time we lose in waiting for you will be gained in having Theron as a guide and I am hoping the Dalish will be less likely to fire on us if he is with us."

"I could ask him if he will go with you."

"I doubt he will leave you; you know he believes he owes you a life debt. Besides he already said we are actually more likely to find them in the Brecilian Forest in a month or two. It will give time for Morrigan to fully heal and perhaps we can help Riordan."

"The Ashes may help him."

"Perhaps." Rathnal sighed softly. "Though I have mentioned it to him before and he fears they would undo the Joining."

"I don't think so." He thought of the vial of tears, surely if the Ashes could produce the same result, she would have told him. "Besides if they did would it matter? Once he is healed just do the Joining again."

"I will suggest it, but the man is more stubborn than Duncan was. Just concentrate on getting the Ashes for the King, if we are going to stand a chance going up against Arl Howe we need him with his memories intact."

Stretching Jayden hissed feeling the pull of his wound.

"You need to get that seen to."

"It's fine, besides there are those with worse injuries than this."

"Perhaps, but they are being sensible and resting until they are healed, not heading straight out again. Do me a favour and see Ayanna before you go."

"Rath honestly it's fine."

"Maker, sometimes I want to make you a Warden just so you will do what you are told." He sighed at Jayden's mischievous grin. "Go see Morrigan, I don't need her wrath about being the reason she has not seen you yet."

xXx

Sitting up in bed Morrigan smiled as Airyl prowled around the room. "Tis safe enough."

Huffing Airyl lay down watching the door.

Smiling Jayden sat on the chair next to the bed. "How are you feeling?"

"I am well enough, 'tis unnecessary to remain in bed."

"Dylan said you need a few more days to rest."

"He is infuriating."

"Glad I'm not the only one." At her huff he leaned slightly closer. "He is a skilled healer Morrigan, he would not suggest anything idly."

Sighing Morrigan nodded. "Tis true he is competent."

"High praise indeed."

Rolling her eyes Morrigan met his gaze. "And your own injuries? I will not believe you came away from this unscathed."

"Sore, but manageable."

Frowning slightly Morrigan realised there was no point in pursuing the point. "And you will be returning to Rainesfere to bring the others?"

"Yes, with a detour to Haven."

Raising an eyebrow Morrigan nodded slightly. "Twould make sense for the King to seek the Ashes I suppose. Be on your guard at Haven, there will likely be many emissaries of the Chantry there."

"Indeed, but remember I can be incredibly charming should the situation warrant it." He grinned as Morrigan laughed.

"You will return and continue on with the Wardens I assume?"

"That is the plan, so far at least."

"I assume she will be tagging along."

"If you mean Delilah, I doubt it. She will likely remain with her brother, besides I'm not sure she wants to be anywhere near me right now." At her request he explained all that had happened.

"So, she wished you caught so you could help no-one."

"She is just worried about her brother and speaking from fear and anger."

"Tis a mystery to me why you bother with her."

"You know why Morrigan."

"Because she is your betrothed, indeed."

"And I care for her."

"Twould be better for you if you did not indulge in coddling her; her hysterical nature will not serve you once you return to your rightful place."

Jayden stared at her stunned. "She was upset, angry, I would hardly call that hysterical."

"Call it what you wish, she time and again puts herself forward as your support, yet turns on you if you do not acquiesce to her demands."

"Morrigan …"

"We will not discuss this further; I have no wish to argue before you leave. I do wonder however, if you feel this was worth it; your part in taking back Highever."

Smiling slightly at her swift change of subject Jayden nodded. "These people deserve freedom and this is the Cousland's home. Fergus is the rightful Teyrn and he will protect these people."

Morrigan nodded thoughtfully. "This is quite the castle I admit, though granted my view was from the outside."

"I remember loving exploring it as a young child."

"Is it like your castle?"

"I don't have a castle Morrigan, my family has an estate, which you know."

"Tis a castle when compared to a hut in the Wilds."

"True enough, though I would be just as happy with a hut in the Wilds."

Smiling Morrigan knew he spoke the truth. "Tis what I like most about you, you make the best of what you have. You have a very practical nature, it is admirable."

Smiling Jayden stood and moved to the window seeing the sea, he sighed deeply startling even himself.

"What are you thinking?"

"As a child I longed to travel Thedas and seek what lay beyond. My thoughts have been filled with Darkspawn for so long, but for a moment I felt that old pull, a desire to explore as I wanted too then."

"Tis likely you will see much of this world."

Turning he raised an eyebrow. "And why is that?"

"As Andraste's Champion t'will be likely many will wish to meet you and speak of the events at Haven. If you saw that as an opportunity you could see a great deal of Thedas and perhaps even on the coin of the Chantry."

Jayden chuckled softly. "Very devious."

Morrigan smiled smugly. "Tis only practical and it would greatly increase your contacts and social circle, should you ever find yourself in need of such things."

Moving back to the bed Jayden gently squeezed her hand. "I need to speak to the others about Haven."

"Indeed, then I shall lay here and rest until you return."

Jayden grinned. "We both know you won't, but get as much rest as you can, once on the move again we will get little of it."

xXx

Having commandeered a private room for their meeting, Jayden gathered Theron, Leliana, Sten, Dylan, Robert and Ser Matthew. "I will be going back to Haven to accompany a party to the Gauntlet, but then I will be returning here. Assuming all goes well I intend to join the Wardens in finding the Dalish. There is much to do here, so you can either come with me to Rainesfere and Haven or stay here, the choice is yours."

"I will remain at your side." Theron stated firmly.

Leliana grinned. "And you do not get rid of me either."

Dylan shifted slightly. "There are still wounded here and Morrigan is not yet ready for travel. I would not like to just abandon my patients."

Jayden smiled. "As it should be." He turned to Matthew. "You will stay with Dylan I assume?"

"Of course. If I might also suggest, Enchanter Robert should also remain here. If he goes with you there will be no Templar supervision and I imagine Senior Enchanter Wynne will make an issue of that."

Robert shuddered. "I'll stay."

Jayden smiled slightly. "I suspect that is a very wise choice."

Frowning Sten leaned forward slightly. "This is wasting time."

"I know how frustrating this is, that it feels we are moving backwards instead of forwards, but if we do not have the right support when the time comes, we will face another slaughter at the hands of the Darkspawn. Cailan's return will inspire hope in the people of Ferelden."

"Is that not your role?"

Jayden let out a low breath. "Cailan will inspire the people in a way I cannot. Imagine, the King they thought dead returned to them at a time they need his leadership the most. More than that, once Cailan has retrieved his memories we can go after Arl Howe and I would like to do that before this country has torn itself apart in civil war."

Sten hesitated his eyes darkening slightly. "Very well then, I will accompany you and we will see the King's memories returned to him, then we can get on with defeating the Darkspawn."

Jayden smiled slightly. "I would be honoured to have you accompany us."

xXx

Reluctant to disturb Delilah, but wanting to let her know he would be leaving come morning, Jayden headed up to Thomas's room just as Stephan was leaving. He hesitated at the door annoyed at his reluctance to enter, taking a step back as the door opened, almost holding his breath as he met Delilah's gaze.

"I … I was coming to look for you." Gesturing to the bench Delilah worried at her lip. "Would you sit with me?"

Nodding Jayden settled on the bench next to her remaining silent not sure what to say that would not end up offending her.

"I am sorry, I should never have spoken to you the way I did." Delilah stated softly, worrying at her lip. "All this blame and spite, it was what my mother was like with my father." She shuddered. "I never wanted to be like that."

Jayden gently took her hand. "You were afraid. When I'm afraid I use anger to get me through it, but turning that anger on those trying to help isn't going to make you feel any better, or help Thomas."

"I know. I have apologised to Warden Stephan; I was inexcusably rude to him."

Jayden smiled slightly. "I am sure he appreciates it. Listen, I will be leaving tomorrow morning to return to Rainesfere. Cailan wishes to attempt the Gauntlet and has requested I accompany him. I pray Andraste is merciful and we can get him the Ashes he seeks and that they return his memories."

"Of course, you must answer the summons of the King."

"Then I will be returning here to bring the refugees and Fergus's family before joining the Wardens in searching for the Dalish." He hesitated at her silence watching as she stood. "Delilah?"

"Why will you not be remaining with Cailan here?"

"He will have enough protection and I have travelled most of Ferelden in the last few years and have contacts that might be beneficial to our cause."

"You cannot just abandon your King!"

"I am hardly doing that. We are fighting a Blight Delilah; we need to gather all the support we can."

"At least be honest, the Warden Commander has a hold over you made by your own guilt."

"Rath and I have made our peace with each other, he is in no way manipulating me to go with him. Ever since I saw that future, I have been trying to get this country ready, now my glimpse is behind us, but we have a bigger fight on our hands. I can't stop now, there is too much at stake."

"You should be at your Kings side!"

"I will be, once we have the support gained by the Warden treaties and I might be able to pick up other support along the way." He gave a weak smile. "You wanted me to embrace being Andraste's Champion."

"If only that was what you are doing." Delilah snapped. "But you are using it as an excuse to do what you want to do."

Rubbing his forehead Jayden took a calming breath and stood. "Delilah, I have no idea what you want from me. One moment you are telling me to actively be Champion, to try and bring people to unity rather than tearing themselves apart in a civil war and now you want me to stay here where I can do nothing."

"I need your support!"

Jayden stared at her stunned. "You haven't wanted me anywhere near you! All you have done is scream at me or glare and shut doors in my face."

"Thomas might die!"

Swallowing painfully Jayden moved towards her wanting to comfort her frustrated as she backed away a step. "Thomas has the best care and he is strong. He is already healing far quicker than Stephan expected. He will get through this Delilah. I did not come here to fight with you, I just wanted to tell you what is happening."

"And when we are married will I have any say in what you do, or will you just tell me what is to happen with no discussion then as well?"

"Makers breath you make it difficult to be around you sometimes."

Delilah paled. "Then I shall see you on your return and perhaps you will not find it so difficult to be around me."

"Delilah …" Jayden groaned as she moved into Thomas's room shutting the door behind her. Sighing he turned, wincing as he saw Aedan looking uncomfortable at the end of the corridor. Glancing once more at the shut door he straightened and headed over to his friend. "I suppose you heard that."

"I did, sorry."

"I am seriously considering going to Zevran for relationship advice at this point."

Aedan grinned and put his arm over his shoulder. "Sure, if you want to talk about sex, but for what just happened there I think you need a woman's advice."

"And end up with another woman furious with me, one is more than enough I will pass thanks."

"Fine, then let's take your mind off it with a game of Wicked Grace, I have been practicing."

Jayden forced a smile and allowed his friend to guide him away.

xXx

Thomas watched his sister pace by the window, he had never felt so weak in his whole life. Any movement seemed to expend any energy he managed to build up and he dreaded sleep where he was chased by blood mages and soldiers trying to kill him, but despite his own pain and exhaustion his sister needed him. "You will wear out the stone."

Flushing Delilah turned to him startled not having realised he was awake and moved to his bedside.

"Why were you arguing with Will?"

"Because he is impossible!"

"I thought you were going to apologise to him."

"I did, but then he decided to tell me he is going to do the Gauntlet with Cailan and then he will be leaving with the Wardens again!"

Sighing Thomas lay back heavily on the pillows but clasped her hand. "And you decided shouting at him was better than just telling him you love him and will miss him."

Delilah opened her mouth and then closed it again.

"Maker Delilah I never remember you being this fiery."

"He brings it out in me, at times I want to shake him he is so infuriating."

"I get the impression he feels the same way."

Sighing Delilah gently patted his hand. "I am sure we will find common ground eventually."

"Well until then maybe shout at him a little less."

"Even if he is being infuriating?"

"Even then." His chuckle turning to a grimace, Thomas held his stomach. "Maker, do not make me laugh it hurts too much." When the pain passed, he glanced at Delilah. "Maybe a little time apart will do the both of you some good."

"Perhaps. Get some rest brother, I will be right here." Relieved as he closed his eyes, Delilah swallowed hard. Despite her anger with Jayden and knowing staying with Thomas was where she should be, the thought of being parted from her betrothed almost felt as though it was choking her and it scared her. Her love for Albert had never felt like this, she had missed him when not in his presence, but never had she experienced this choking panic, nor had she experienced such jealousy and if she was honest with herself a desire to be in control. Closing her eyes, she took a calming breath, telling herself it was simply the times they lived in, but a tiny part of her that she had firmly pushed to one side still whispered that what she was feeling was not love, it was something darker reminding her of her darker self in the Gauntlet and that scared her more than the Darkspawn. Taking another calming breath, she knew one thing for certain, she needed to prove she could be apart from him, for her own sanity.

xXx

Biting his lip Jayden swallowed hard as Ayanna checked over the wound on his back. He had found himself with little choice after she had all but cornered him after a few games of Wicked Grace. His protests that others needed her skills more than he had been ignored.

"I am going to take out the stitches and heal this properly. You need to be as able as possible if you insist on leaving." As she began to remove the stitches she nipped at her lower lip. "So, Aedan mentioned that things are a little tense with you and Lady Delilah." She winced at his sigh. "I won't judge."

"It seems that people either like me or want to kill me. At the moment Delilah is experiencing the latter."

Smiling slightly Ayanna concentrated on healing the wound, it was deep and would take a little time. "She does seem to be a little on the jealous side." She murmured a few moments later. Feeling him tense she leaned closer. "She hardly keeps those feelings a secret Will."

"She does not truly trust me and I think that is the cause of most of our conflict. I can understand it given recent events with her father, few of us are trusting at the moment, but I find it exhausting. I think she believes I intend to share my bed with someone else if I am not with her."

"I was not aware you were sharing your bed with her."

Flushing Jayden turned sharply. "That isn't what I meant. We aren't …" He frowned slightly at her mischievous smile. "Not funny."

"Relax Will, I know you are an honourable man."

Sighing Jayden turned away to let her continue to work on the wound. He wanted to tell Ayanna that Delilah had reason to distrust him, that she knew he had become an accomplished liar, but that would mean explaining why and enough people knew his circumstances.

"Time will cool her down." Ayanna soothed.

Wanting to believe it Jayden nodded his head, but he suspected the more time they were apart the more she would believe he had betrayed her with another. He wanted a partnership not someone who would be suspicious of him and wanted to control him and while his feelings had deepened for her over the months, in the last few days he had begun to dread the kind of marriage they would have. Staring at his hands he forced himself to push away the darker thoughts, there would be some time yet before they were married and perhaps, he would find a way to prove to her that she could trust him.

"There, finished, how does it feel?"

Rolling back his shoulder Jayden smiled. "It feels great, thank you I appreciate it."

"Good, now go I know how eager you are to get back to your preparations."

Grinning Jayden gave a slight bow and left the room heading down to the Great Hall.

Stretching Ayanna smiled as Aedan joined her.

"How is he?"

"His wound is healed, but you are right he is troubled. He is naturally aggrieved that Lady Delilah does not fully trust him. She may not see it, but her own actions are beginning to push him away. It seems strange to me that they are together." She caught Aedan's raised eyebrow. "Not because he is a soldier and she is a noblewoman, but more because they do not seem well matched. Indeed, given her lack of trust and the fact that they are not intimate, I cannot imagine what keeps them together."

"Duty." Aedan grumbled, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her gently.

"Want to explain that?"

"I do, but I cannot, not now at least."

"Very cryptic." Ayanna smiled, kissing him. "Have you seen Thomas today?"

"Yes." He frowned slightly. "Stephan has done wonders, but Thomas lost so much blood and he is so pale and weak." He shook his head and forced a smile. "But when he is awake, he is lucid and unlike his sister he is not blaming any of us for him being wounded which is a relief. I just hope he makes a full recovery."

"It is a difficult wound to heal, but his progress is encouraging." Gently squeezing his hands, she met his anxious gaze. "I believe he will recover, perhaps you believing the same is the best thing you can do for him."

xXx

It was late evening by the time Jayden made his way to the guest rooms. He had deliberately busied himself with tasks to try and calm his agitation, now it had all flooded back. He stood outside of Thomas's door and steeled himself, whatever reception he received from Delilah she would not keep him from his friend. He knocked and entered almost relieved to find Delilah absent.

Stephan stood and rolled back his shoulders. "That will be enough for today, I will see you in the morning. Send for me if the pain becomes too much."

"I will and thank you."

Stephan eased past Jayden, nodding in acknowledgement before closing the door behind him.

"It's good you see you Will."

"And you." Taking the seat Stephan had been using Jayden glanced him over. "How are you feeling?"

"It hurts to move, even to breathe at times." He met Jayden's worried gaze. "If anyone knows how this feels it is you."

"I am truly sorry I didn't get to you sooner." He fell quiet as Thomas reached for his hand; the grip so weak a rush of fear clenched his gut.

"I am grateful you came for me at all, I know you risked your life to get to me and that you were injured protecting me. You got me out of there Will, if not for you I would be dead."

"It wasn't just me."

"I know." Thomas met his gaze, he wanted to tell him everything about his father, but he felt so weak and the tiredness that dragged at him would soon take over. "Will I …" He shuddered in pain, his eyes closing for a moment before he forced them back open.

"You should rest." Jayden stated gently. "I just wanted to tell you I will be heading to Rainesfere tomorrow morning, I did not want to disturb you so early."

"Be careful Will, promise me."

"Always."

Smiling slightly Thomas's eyelids closed again. "I don't think you know how to be careful." He murmured.

Waiting until his friend was sleeping, Jayden gently pulled the blanket over him and added another log to the fire waiting for Delilah to return so Thomas was not left alone. He tensed as the door opened a short time later turning and seeing Delilah hesitate in the doorway. "I did not want to leave Thomas by himself."

Stepping into the room Delilah forced a neutral expression. "That was kind of you."

"He's my friend Delilah." He sighed seeing her bite back what was no doubt a barbed comment. He moved to her trying not to take offence at her tension, keeping his voice low to avoid disturbing Thomas. "I am sorry Thomas got hurt and I am sorry I didn't get to him sooner. I am sorry he is suffering and I am sorry you are too, but I did what I could. Now you can keep on punishing me for that if you want, but I can't change what happened."

"I am aware of that. If it is not too much trouble, I ask that you obtain a pinch of Ashes to aid in Thomas's recovery. He is here only because he felt obligated to help the Cousland's, he should not have to suffer."

"I will do my best."

"Then let us hope it is better than your usual best." Delilah paled as the words left her mouth seeing a moment of hurt in his eyes before his barriers rose up to conceal his emotions. She swallowed painfully as he gave a short bow before leaving the room. She moved to go after him but stopped herself fearing she would make things worse, moving to the fire trying to banish the chill that seemed to wrap around her. The urge to go after him became so strong she felt ill, but she forced herself to remain where she was, they needed time apart, she believed that now more than ever.

xXx

Fists clenched Jayden moved swiftly through the castle and left through the main gates Airyl at his side. Heading towards the cliffs he broke into a run, trying to burn off the anger that had raged to life at Delilah's words, Maker she had sounded so like his sister he wanted to scream. He raced through the streets and reached the cliffs, taking the steep pathway down to the beach below, checking to make sure Airyl was managing the path. She was of course and the moonlight was bright enough to light their way, but he did not want any harm coming to her. Reaching the beach, he ran to the water's edge, the rage still coiling within him he took off his boots and clothing telling Airyl to stay where she was before he ran into the water. Despite the warmer months the water was still cold and took his breath away. He focused only on his breathing, the burn of his muscles as he swam, until finally he began to calm. He lay back in the water gazing up at the stars before heading back to the beach. The tides here were always gentle in comparison to the Storm Coast, but it would be foolish to be out here much longer, fatigue was already setting in. Reaching the shore, he dried himself on his tunic and dressed before sitting next to Airyl, gazing out across the water and at the stars. It was after midnight when he finally returned to the castle, the guards merely nodding as they allowed him to pass, if they wondered where he had been, they did not ask. Returning to his room he undressed and climbed into the bed, smiling as Airyl jumped up next to him. Lulled by the heat that radiated out from her Jayden was quickly asleep, his dreams taking him back home, to his childhood when his family had been whole and he had been innocent of the world and thought only of exploration and adventure.

xXx

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