"We should leave you to rest." Daniel stated as Theron hissed in pain.

"No, what else have you heard?"

"Very little, they all say the same thing, the curse came from this Witherfang and they need the heart to be free of it." He shook his head. "None of this seems right. A curse doesn't just happen, it's a form of magic and therefore needs to be cast."

"If it's a form of magic, couldn't you use your Templar abilities to try and get rid of it." He winced at Daniel's sympathetic look.

"I wish I could."

"It was worth asking." He forced a smile that turned to a grimace as pains gripped his stomach. "Creators, even the taint wasn't this painful."

"You should rest." Stephan urged glancing to Sten who had remained by Theron's side.

"No, listen. Keeper Zathrian … he has always been a little …"

"Odd?" Stephan supplied helpfully.

"That's one word for it. He has lived longer than any of us, but he is tight lipped about how. He doesn't even discuss it with members of his own clan let alone any others." He nipped nervously at his lip. "I … I don't trust him, he is filled with bitterness and hate, but the long years of his life have only strengthened that rather than enabled him to find peace. I believe he knows more than he is saying about this curse."

Frowning slightly, Sten glanced around to make sure they would not be overheard. "You believe he has something to do with the curse?"

"I hope not, but there is something about all this that simply does not feel right. Since I was attacked I … I can't explain it. I just feel this anger building in me and it isn't towards the werewolf, it's towards Zathrian. It feels … personal." He sighed, his whole-body aching. "We need to watch him."

xXx

Slipping from the Aravel, Zathrian sent Zorina to find Sketch. The eight-year-old raced off, returning quickly with the amused mage clutching him tightly by the hand and urging him to hurry. Sent off to play, Zathrian watched until Zorina joined the other children. She reminded him a little of his own daughter at her age and so he could admit he had something of a soft spot for her. The fact that she hung off his every word kept her in his good graces.

"You wanted me, Keeper?"

"I intend to follow the Wardens. I would like you to accompany me."

"Isn't that dangerous?"

"I suspect the wardens will need to be reminded of why they must retrieve Witherfang's heart."

"I doubt that Keeper, if there is a blight, I would imagine that is all they are thinking about."

"Still, there are other forces at work, given the worsening state of the hunters I would ensure they are kept on track. Lanaya will remain here and you will accompany me."

"Of course, Keeper."

xXx

Shuddering in pain, Theron glanced at Sten as they saw the Keeper leave the camp. "He would not leave if he was not protected." Theron hissed. "Something is very wrong with this whole situation." He grunted in pain as he sat up.

"You should lie down." Sten grumbled.

"I'm following them. Come with me or stay here, it's your choice."

Sten scowled as Theron eased off the cot and staggered in the direction the Keeper had taken. Grumbling under his breath he easily caught up to him.

Theron didn't say anything, but he was grateful he was not going alone.

"And if you turn?"

"Then let's hope I don't bite you." Glancing to Sten, Theron smiled slightly before grimacing. "Let's just hurry."

Daniel gripped Stephan's arm as they saw the pair leave the camp.

"We have to go after them!" Stephan protested.

"We cannot, should the others not return, we have to be able to tell the Commander and we cannot fight what is out there and keep track of Jowan." He glanced at the mage who was sitting at the campfire. "Whatever those two are up to they are not wardens. As much as I want to, we cannot go after them. They are on their own."

Staring after them, Stephan's shoulders slumped. "I hate this."

"I do too, but we have our orders."

xXx

Ayanna glanced around the chamber deep within the ruins the Lady had led them too. They had remained on alert for any signs of a trap, but thus far they had been placed in no danger. "So, how about you tell us exactly what is going on."

"It was Zathrian who created the curse that these creatures suffer, the same curse that now Zathrian's own people suffer."

Ayanna frowned as the Lady told them of the terrible fate to befall Zathrian's children at the hands of humans and his justified rage. That he had come to the ruins and bound a spirit to the body of a wolf and thus Witherfang came to be. Witherfang had then hunted the humans of the tribe that had destroyed his children, many were killed, others cursed by his blood.

"We seek to end the curse. The crimes committed against Zathrian's children were grave, but they were committed centuries ago, by those who are long dead. Word was sent to Zathrian every time the landships passed this way, asking him to come, but he always ignored us. We will no longer be denied."

"We spread the curse to his people so he must end the curse to save them." Swiftrunner growled, moving out of a side room unable to remain hidden, ignoring the immediate moves to their weapons.

"Please mortals, you will not be harmed here. I have given my word."

Glancing anxiously at the werewolf, Ayanna turned back to the Lady. "What exactly do you want us to do?"

"You must go to Zathrian, bring him here. If he sees these creatures, hears their plight … surely, he will agree to end the curse."

Ayanna met the Lady's gaze. "I have my doubts, besides I doubt there is anything I can say that will make him agree to come here."

"If Zathrian comes I shall summon Witherfang. I possess that power. I also have the power to ensure Witherfang is never found. Tell Zathrian this, if he does not break the curse, he will never find Witherfang and he will never cure his people."

Morrigan frowned slightly. "T'is likely you are the spirit bound to the body of a wolf. Perhaps over the years you were able to change your form at will. I am right, am I not?"

The Lady sighed softly. "As I said, I have the power to summon Witherfang."

"If that is true, I cannot imagine how terrible it must be to have been bound into physical form." Ayanna stated. "Mages spend so much time guarding against possession, but for a spirit to be forced into a body and forced to kill and spread a curse, it is truly despicable, no matter the provocation that led to the spell." She sighed softly. "That anyone would resort to this ... I will do all I can to help lift this curse without the need for Witherfang's heart."

"You have my thanks." The Lady stated. "Please return swiftly."

xXx

Theron collapsed to his knees, his scream of pain becoming a howl as his body twisted and was reformed beneath the brutality of the curse.

Sten gripped his sword, his heart thudding watching the transformation in growing horror. This was why magic needed to be controlled, so innocents like Theron were not caught up in its wake. He should end his suffering and yet he stayed his hand, unable to look away as Theron's screams of pain became growls as his body shifted into its new form.

Shuddering, Theron leaned against a tree staring at his body feeling a rush of grief before he turned to Sten, realising the Qunari was waiting to see if he had to strike him down. The blood lust was there, thrumming under the surface, but he had faced a darker call within the Deep Roads and he had not fallen to that, he would not fall to this. "I am in control of myself." His voice was deeper, rough, almost a growl in itself, but at least he could still speak.

"That remains to be seen."

"The taint may have changed my body, but it did not bend my will. I did not follow its demands and I won't fall to this either. Now come on." He stood rolling back his shoulders adjusting to his new body taking a tentative step forward. "We need to hurry." He sniffed the air picking up Zathrian and Sketch's scent, astonished and exhilarated, at least this form would be useful given how far they had fallen behind.

xXx

Leaving the chamber Ayanna hesitated as they neared the top of the stairs. "This is a mess, but despite the atrocities committed to his children, that did not give Zathrian the right to condemn generation after generation of people, nor the spirit and the wolf. I intend to persuade him to speak with the Lady and find a way to end this curse without the heart, by force if necessary." Relieved by the nods of agreement from the group she continued on, hesitating as she entered the chamber beyond seeing Zathrian and another elf with him. "What are you doing here? How are you here given the spell to keep people away from this place?"

"I came to ensure you were managing with your task and such magic is easily overcome."

Jaw clenching Ayanna felt the increasing urge to wipe the smug look off his face, but she forced herself to remain calm. "Well, you being here is helpful given the circumstances, I didn't fancy the trek back to the camp and then back here."

Zathrian frowned. "And why would that be necessary?"

"It seems you were a little less than honest with us. We have met the Lady of the Forest and know that you created this curse because of what humans did to your children. I understand your rage, I would likely have killed those involved myself were it my children, but to create a curse that perverted a spirit from its nature and cursed generation after generation, that is horrific too."

Scowling, Zathrian looked over the group ignoring Sketch's shocked searching gaze. "The curse came first from Witherfang. Those afflicted with it mirrored his own nature, becoming savage beasts as well as human."

"If you had not bound the spirit to the wolf to seek vengeance the curse would never have been created, therefore it rests with you."

"They deserve to be wiped out and not defended. I will speak with the Lady, but I will force her into Witherfang's form and you will take the heart."

"No!" Ayanna snapped. "There must be another way to end this."

"If you do not do this then my hunters are not cured, neither are those afflicted within your own group and you will have no aid against the Darkspawn." His eyes narrowed. "Wardens do what they must. This is what you must do."

Ayanna glared. "No! You tore a spirit from its natural domain and bound it to a wolf, neither spirit or wolf had a choice and you sent it to kill! You had a choice in every action. Your children would be ashamed of you."

"You know nothing of my children!"

"I know that what happened to them was an atrocity, but what you did was just as terrible. The pain you have wrought needs to end and I aim to ensure that happens."

Leliana met Sketch's alarmed gaze realising he had no real idea of what the Keeper was involved with, much as she had been with Marjolaine. "Was it you or the Keeper that ensured I was attacked." She tossed the wooden disc at his feet.

Paling, Sketch bent and picked it up, turning sharply to the Keeper. "What is this?"

"Merely an additional incentive to have them retrieve the heart. I thought they might be more inclined if the curse was inflicted on a human in their company." He gestured dismissively. "I needed the wardens motivated and you wanted vengeance, two goals accomplished with one spell."

"I didn't want this!" Sketch gasped.

"Is your own need for vengeance so quickly sated?" Zathrian snapped before gesturing to Leliana. "Is this not a fitting punishment for her treachery?"

"No!" Sketch gasped. "I was angry when I said I wanted her to pay for what happened to Tug. She tried to do the right thing, I know that and it backfired. Marjolaine is to blame; I see that now." He moved to Leliana's side with tears in his eyes. "I am so sorry." He turned back to the Keeper. "Please end this, I'm begging you. We cannot let this suffering continue."

"Then kill her." Zathrian stated dismissively. "She will be out of her misery and one less shem is always a good thing." He shrugged at the astonished looks of the Wardens. "She is not a Warden and they are the exception for obvious reasons."

"If the curse is not ended it could affect others, other clans who will not have access to the heart. Keeper please, the Dalish are too few to risk more lives for your vengeance. Let it end."

"Never!" Zathrian snarled. "The curse is infinite as is my need for vengeance."

"We were already helping you!" Ayanna hissed furiously.

"But I know how persuasive the Lady can be, as you have demonstrated by your refusal to take the heart. I could easily have had the target be a warden, but I did not."

"And you expect me to be grateful? Damn it Zathrian if you can end this then do it!"

"Of course, give me the heart."

"You don't need the heart." Rinna snapped. "You created this with magic and you can end it. It's time to clean up the mess you have made."

"I will never end it. My children suffered and are dead because of shems. Let them suffer."

"Our people are suffering now!" Sketch cried out. "Bowlin, Remi, Torvan and Seruin are in agony. You cannot let this continue! Please Keeper, this needs to end."

Zathrian remained silent, glancing over the group, this was getting them nowhere. Once with the Lady, he could force her to turn and give the wardens no choice but to kill Witherfang. He gave a slight nod to Sketch. "I will hear her out, but I promise nothing more."

xXx

Hesitating as Theron signalled him to halt, Sten glanced around them. The superior hearing and smell of the werewolf form was proving to be something of an asset as they avoided dangers they would otherwise likely have blundered blindly into.

"Werewolves to the north." Theron whispered, frowning. "They seem to be following Zathrian."

"Can we get ahead of them?"

"No, they are directly in our path, all we can do at the moment is follow."

xXx

The Lady watched as Zathrian entered the chamber feeling his hate before he even spoke. She signalled to the werewolves who had gathered to move back, wanting no reason for the Keeper to feel antagonised.

"So, spirit you wished to talk."

"I wish this curse to end, as should you. Surely your need for retribution is spent."

"My retribution is eternal spirit, as is my pain. This is justice, no more."

"Are you certain your pain is the only reason you will not end this curse? Your people believe you have rediscovered the immortality of their ancestors Zathrian, but that is not true. So long as the curse exists, so do you."

"No, that is not how it is!"

"Then how is it?" Ayanna growled, feeling anger shift into fury, the Lady had not been fully truthful with them either and she was tired of being used as a puppet.

"I did it for my people. I did it for my son and my daughter. For them, for justice I would do anything."

The Lady took a step forward looking at Ayanna. "The curse would not end with Zathrian's death. His life however, relies on its existence and I believe his death plays a part in its ending."

"Can you end this without the heart?" Ayanna demanded, glaring at Zathrian whose scowl deepened.

"I can, but I will never do the ritual." He almost smirked at Swiftrunners growl and ensuing threat to kill them. "You see their bestial nature, do what you are here to do, Warden."

"Enough!" Ayanna roared. "All of you!" She was relieved and a little startled when Swiftrunner stepped back as she glared at him. Turning to Zathrian she took a calming breath. "I am truly sorry for what happened to your children, but your long life has brought you no peace, you have fed your rage and pain and you are as much a beast as the werewolves. You have a chance to show mercy, to end the curse and free yourself in the process. Your children would not want this life of bitterness and pain, not if they loved you half as much as you love them."

"I am too old to know mercy. All I see are the faces of my people, my children. I cannot do what you ask."

Ayanna worried at her lip. "The Darkspawn killed my parents. I was filled with a terrible rage and need for vengeance and it led me down the road of being a Warden. No matter how many Darkspawn I kill, it will never bring back my parents and this road will never give me peace. This Blight has forced me to look beyond my own need for vengeance, to see the needs of others. You have the chance to do that Zathrian. End this, please."

"With the heart I can ..." Zathrian turned, seeing movement from the corner of his eye gasping in shock as claws ripped open his throat, collapsing to his knees clutching at the wound, blood spilling between his fingers. He stared wide eyed at the Lady before he collapsed to the ground, his long life finally at an end.

Ayanna stared at the three werewolves standing behind the one who had taken Zathrian's life, their eyes held madness in them. "Lady, what is going on?"

"I do not know them." The Lady stated numbly, barely holding back the grief that with Zathrian's death the curse continued.

Zaran stepped forward, blood dripping from his claws. "All we want are the wardens. Interfere and we will kill all of you."

"Who are you?" Ayanna demanded.

"We were hired to kill you, now I'm going to do it just for fun." He flexed his claws.

"Hired by whom?" Aedan demanded.

"Someone you know well, Cousland, Arl Howe. Where is his daughter and the captain?"

"You will never get to them." Ayanna hissed.

Zaran chuckled. "Keep her alive for the moment boys, she's in charge and we will make her talk. Kill the rest." He hesitated as the Lady stepped forward.

"Your bestial nature need not control you. I can help."

"This is power." He rumbled, turning his gaze to the Wardens, tongue drifting across sharp teeth. "This will be fun."

Ayanna felt fury burn through her, her eyes flickering green as she brought her staff down, a wave of force magic knocking them off their feet. She moved forward startled as roots created a barrier between her and her wardens and the mercenaries.

"You are needed." The Lady stated softly. "Do not interfere, we will deal with the cursed."

As one of the werewolves leapt at the Lady, the roots of the great tree shot out and wrapped around him pinning him to the ground. "Do not be deceived, I am not defenceless." She nodded and Swiftrunner led his werewolves at the mercenaries, claws and teeth ripping and gauging.

Despite the Lady's werewolves outnumbering the turned mercenaries, they had not embraced their full bestial nature as Zaran and those with him had. The former mercenaries showed no mercy, clawing through roots as they wound around them in an attempt to cage, or at the very least slow them.

Leaping down the stairs Theron saw the women he immediately believed to be the spirit of the forest. She called back her werewolves, all injured. One of the group of werewolves he had followed was dead leaving three. Theron saw the leader leap at the Lady and was already in the air himself before he knew what was happening, slamming into Zaran and driving him to the ground. He felt claws dig into him and roared in fury before slashing his claws across his throat. The smell of blood filled his nostrils and he turned to the remaining two, a fierce growl tearing from his throat, leaping at them while they were stunned. He tore out the beating heart of the nearest, glancing to his right seeing the remaining werewolf collapse to its knees, beheaded by Sten who was watching him cautiously. Standing Theron cracked his neck. "Well, that was effective."

"Theron?" Ayanna gasped as the roots vanished and enabled her to cautiously approach them.

Rolling back his shoulders, Theron met her gaze. "So, are we any closer to ending this curse then?"

Glancing at Zathrian's body Ayanna felt sick.

Theron followed her gaze and moved cautiously to the body. "Tell me you know how to end the curse without him." He pleaded in panic, the thought of remaining in this form for the rest of his life chilling him.

"I …" Ayanna turned in desperation to the Lady, but she was turned away from them tending to the injured werewolves.

Sketch stared at Zathrian's body, this is where his bitterness and hatred had ended. He felt his heart ache and he turned to Leliana seeing panic in her eyes and gently took her hand. "I thought I wanted to hurt you." He whispered. "I thought I wanted you to pay, but I've been blaming the wrong person all this time. Marjolaine betrayed us, you were only trying to do the right thing. I'm sorry Lel, I'm so sorry. You lost Tug too and I was too filled with grief and the need for vengeance I lost sight of that."

Leliana met his gaze, even breathing suddenly seemed too painful. "I am … so … sorry." Tears slipped down her cheeks as she collapsed, grateful for Stetch's arms around her. "I wanted … to kill her, but … when she said I ...was just like her … I knew she would … take the killing blow. I … I could not do it. I … I could not … be … her."

"You're not." Sketch soothed. "Oh, she wanted you to be, but your heart was always too kind for her to turn." He gently brushed her damp hair from her face. "That's why it was so easy for her to turn on you, that bitch has no heart, but I'm going to do what you couldn't. She needs to die and I will kill her for us both."

xXx

The Lady felt the desperation in the werewolves and knew with the loss of hope they would fall into their bestial nature. They would attack and the curse would spread. She gave a sad smile as Swiftrunner joined her.

"All hope is lost then Lady."

"There is still the heart of Witherfang if anyone else knows what to do with it." Rinna pointed out.

"No!" Swiftrunner snarled. "You will not sacrifice the Lady."

"Hush my friend." The Lady stated gently placing a hand on his arm.

"You cannot sacrifice yourself!"

"It doesn't matter anyway." Sketch stated. "The Keeper told no-one of what to do with the heart. That ritual or spell died with him. There is nothing we can do."

Swiftrunner lowered his head for a moment. "I hoped to be free of the curse, but I see now that will not happen. I cannot continue to live in this form, I feel the anger growing in me and I do not think I will be able to hold it back this time."

"T'is foolish to give up so easily." Morrigan stated taking the grimoire from her pack, caressing its cover. "T'is likely there is within this tome that spell or something of its kin. Mother knows many elven rituals and spells." She glanced at Ayanna.

"Be as swift as you can Morrigan." She turned to Lady. "What is your intention if we cannot remove the curse?"

The Lady stared sadly at the werewolves. "I will do as I have always done, offer sanctuary and solace."

xXx

Pacing the room Ayanna glared at the body of the Keeper, horrified that so much pain could come from one person's need for vengeance; hesitating as Aedan gently caught her hand.

"You will wear down the stone at this rate."

"I wanted vengeance for my parents, you want vengeance for yours, but it just makes everything worse. A cycle of pain and suffering that carries on from one generation to the next."

"Our situation is not the same Ayanna. The Darkspawn are a menace and I only want Rendon Howe, I bear no ill will to his children."

Sighing she pressed her forehead to his chest. "What are we going to do about Theron and Leliana if we cannot end the curse?"

"We will figure it out, but give Morrigan a chance."

xXx

Fingertips drifting across the page as she read Morrigan smiled slightly. Rising, she crossed the room to where the Lady was sitting on the roots of the great tree, the werewolves had retreated to another chamber such was their distress.

"Have you found something in that tome of yours?"

"Indeed. I can end the curse, but there is a price."

"Witherfang's heart?"

"No. The spell requires only Zathrian's blood, which he is no longer in a position to deny."

"Then the price?"

"We have … allies in Gwaren, south east of here, who are needed for the fight ahead. The Darkspawn draw closer with each passing moment. You have command of other beings in the forest. I will do this if you will send aid to Gwaren and give our allies a chance to escape."

The Lady met her gaze and nodded. "I will do this for freedom for us all."

"Then do it, but do not speak of it. The wardens are shielded, but the Archdemon is cunning. I would not have the creature know what is coming."

Pressing her hand to the trunk of the great tree the Lady closed her eyes.

Morrigan felt the shift in the air around them, a palpable pressure that seemed to close in on her before it rushed out in a wave.

"It is done."

"Once I cast this spell your current form will end, I cannot guarantee that you will be as you were before Zathrian bound you and if you are, you will no longer be able to take physical form."

"I have lived long enough, bound to a physical body. I yearn to be free. All I wish is an end to it, whatever that means."

Nodding Morrigan pulled a vial from her pouch and headed over to the Keepers body, carefully taking some of his blood. She stood as Sten approached, meeting his dark look unflinching. "If you have something to say to me, Qunari, say it."

"What are you doing?"

"Zathrian created this curse with his blood, t'is only with his blood we stand a chance of ending it. What need has he now for it?"

"This is blood magic!"

"Of a kind. There are no demons, no sacrifice, only Zathrian's blood to cancel out the blood magic created. However, if you wish the curse to remain rampant, I am sure the people they fall upon next will accept your reasons why we did not end it."

"We should just kill them." Sten growled.

"So, you would condemn to death people who through no fault of their own were transformed from a curse that was created of someone else's need for vengeance." She moved closer to him. "T'is a wonder you would condemn Theron and Leliana so easily."

"I do not do it easily, but I do what must be done."

"I am sure William will be fascinated to hear your reasoning on why you killed people he holds dear, one he in fact sent you to protect." She noted the slight twitch of his cheek, surprised when he moved back slightly.

"You have a way to break the curse then." Ayanna stated cautiously approaching.

"T'is a simple enough spell."

"A spell that clearly requires blood."

Morrigan forced back the tension and irritation. "Only with the curse ended will you gain Dalish support. I will perform the spell you need have no part in it and there are no demons or sacrifices should that ease your conscience."

"You would do blood magic so easily?"

Rolling her eyes, Morrigan looked at Ayanna as though she was a child. "T'is only the Chantry rule that has suppressed this magic. Not all blood magic requires sacrifice and demons. Much is about life. I do not expect you to understand. Understand only that this is what must happen for the curse to end and I can do it. Decide quickly before the blood becomes useless."

Ayanna rubbed her forehead. "Maker, I hate blood magic, but we need the help of the Dalish and cutting down innocent people is wrong too."

Sten growled. "We have no idea of their state of mind once the curse is lifted."

Aedan shook his head. "Sten I hate blood magic, but even if we took your course we have no idea if all the werewolves are here, or indeed if others have been bitten that are out there. The only way to stop this is to end the curse and the only way to do that is to do Morrigan's spell."

"Cast your spell Morrigan." Ayanna stated firmly.

xXx

The Lady watched as Morrigan cast her spell, Zathrian's blood shimmering brightly before it was consumed. She felt the shift within her, there was no pain as there had been when this and Witherfang's form had been created, this time it was as though there was a gentle caress on her skin. She felt herself shifting out of the form, her spirit so long trapped in such small confirms surging out desperate to find freedom. She felt Swiftrunner's hand on her arm, his eyes fearful and grief stricken. She smiled and reached out to them, to them all and gave them what she could of the feeling of peace that filled her. She was aware they had all dropped to their knees, a rush of joy filling her as she was finally free of the physical cage that had bound her for so long. She wanted to laugh and cry out her triumph, but she no longer had that ability, now she was the rush of wind against the leaves, the flow of water against the rocks, she was a part of all things as she once had been, but she retained the memories of the physical, had a deeper understanding of pain, suffering, joy and love and as she flowed through the forest, she brought that with her, feeling more alive than she ever had. She felt the ripple of the spell continue, felt the shift of the werewolves back into their natural forms, as with her there was no pain in the transformation and the song of the forest rose in euphoria that finally they were all free.

xXx

Theron stared at his hands that were now his own again, doing a quick check over his body thanking the Creators that they had seen fit to allow him to become himself once again. He glanced at Sten who was watching him. "What?"

"Your eyes."

"Actually, I see better than I ever did, I hear better too. I wonder if I will get to keep these improvements or if they will fade to normal after a while." He raised an eyebrow as Sten shifted slightly, clearly uncomfortable. "Sten?"

"Your eyes are not as they were."

Frowning Theron glanced at the others who had been werewolves realising that they all retained one thing in common, yellow eyes. He swallowed hard against the lump growing in his throat, glancing at Rinna who joined them.

"I think your eyes look sexy, a little startling at first, but very sexy." She grinned at his flush and headed over to Ayanna.

By the slight twitch in Sten's lip, Theron was convinced he was amused. "If yellow eyes are the price of being myself again, I will pay it happily."

xXx

Approaching the delighted group of humans Ayanna returned their smiles. "So, what will you do now?"

Swiftrunner glanced at those around him. "We will head north away from the darkspawn threat. We are no longer equipped to defend ourselves the way we once could. Perhaps we will seek out other humans, but our eye colour marks us as different. Perhaps it would be wise to keep our distance."

"T'is strange that your eyes remain that colour." Morrigan stated looking them over. "The curse is lifted, nothing of it should remain."

Swiftrunner smiled slightly. "We have retained the improved eyesight and hearing which came with the curse, a final gift from the Lady."

"T'is as good a theory as any."

"There is a settlement of refugees on the Storm Coast in the north." Aedan suggested. "Given their own situation I cannot imagine them turning you away."

"Thank you, we will consider it."

"Good luck." Ayanna stated as newly transformed humans hurried from the room as though with the release of the Lady they could no longer bear to be there. "I hope they will be alright."

xXx

Feeling the pain ease Leliana slowly sat up, smiling at Sketch as he demanded she lie back down. "I no longer feel as though I am being torn apart."

Smiling Sketch checked on the wound. "Then let's see if this wound will heal now."

Relaxing as the soothing warmth of the magic washed over her Leliana sighed softly, letting herself drift a short time later pulled back to herself with a gentle hand over hers.

"There, all done. How are you feeling?" He asked anxiously.

"Surprisingly well." Sitting up she looked at her shoulder and arm, pale silver scars all that was left of the wound. "Your healing magic has improved."

"First Lanaya, well I suppose that is Keeper now, she taught me a lot. Not enough to stop it scarring though."

Leliana met Sketch's gaze. "Perhaps it is best if it is there, a reminder."

Sketch lowered his head. "Of my betrayal."

"No, that it brought us back together." She smiled at Sketch's astonished look. "Come with us. I know you said you had found a family here, but I think what you found was someone who hated as much as you did. Maybe it's time for something else."

"Perhaps it is, but I suspect I may not be wanted."

Leliana smiled. "If they can come to terms with having in the group the assassin that tried to kill us, I am sure they can accept you." She smiled at his surprise. "Long story." She smiled as Ayanna approached.

"You look much improved. Can you walk?"

"Yes, I am well."

"Good, we have a long way back to the Dalish and I want to get there as soon as possible."

xXx

Daniel and Stephan hurried to greet Ayanna and the others. "You did it, the curse is over and apart from having a few scars the hunters will be fine." He shifted slightly. "Lanaya said she felt Keeper Zathrian die."

Ayanna nodded. "He created the curse with blood magic and so was bound to it, that is how he had lived for centuries. He was killed by mercenaries turned werewolves looking for us." She shrugged at their surprise. "They were sent by Arl Howe."

"Maker than man is insane."

"Indeed, but we have more important things to deal with and they were killed in the fighting so this group at least we are safe from. With Zathrian dead will the Dalish still help us?"

"Lanaya has been waiting for you to return to discuss it. Speaking of the new Keeper, here she comes now."

"Warden Constable, I … I would speak with you in private if you will allow. I would hear the circumstance of Zathrian's death."

Nodding Ayanna followed her to an aravel where they could talk in private.

Lanaya sighed when Ayanna fell silent after telling all that had happened. "I suspected he knew more than he said, but that he created the curse …" She sighed deeply. "It is fortuitous that the daughter of Asha'bellanar was with you, we owe her a great debt."

"Don't tell her that." Ayanna stated smiling slightly. "Beside which Morrigan wishes what we all wish, for the help of the Dalish in defeating the blight."

"Of course. I will send scouts to make contact with the other clans in Ferelden, we will be ready. We will convene in the woods near Denerim if that will suit you?"

"Of course. I thank you again for your help, despite the circumstances."

"The Blight affects us all and if not stopped we will lose this beautiful forest."

"May I have the privacy of the aravel to contact my Commander."

"Of course, I will ensure your company is re-supplied as much as we are able for the journey ahead."

"That is most kind of you, Keeper."

Lanaya nipped at her lower lip. "I did not imagine ever being the Keeper. In truth I thought Zathrian would outlive me. Now I will take my people into war." She sighed and shook her head. "I must inform the clan."

xXx

As the lyrium on the runestone dimmed, Ayanna took a deep breath, she had her orders. Heading out of the aravel she joined the others.

"So, where to now?" Faren asked, getting to his feet.

"We head to Soldier's Peak."

Rinna glanced at the non-wardens. "All of us?"

"All of us. It is better if we stay together, especially since we know Arl Howe has been sending out more mercenaries. We have strength in numbers." They also hadn't wanted to make it obvious to the none wardens that Morrigan had to remain with them. "Rathnal and Alistair will join us as soon as they can and once our business there is concluded we will either travel to Highever, or join with Lord Fergus and the others on their way to Denerim."

"Are they leaving Gwaren then?" Aedan asked anxiously.

"They are prepared to, but they are still hoping they can fend off the coming attack." She gave Aedan a slight smile. "I want to help them too, but we have our orders. We have all of the treaties fulfilled now and with luck Serris and the others will be on their way to the base with some recruits. We travel north, get packed. I want to leave within the hour."

xXx

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