Easing herself off the horse Delilah gave a sigh of relief, riding from first to last light with few rests in between and at such a harsh pace was exhausting and her horse looked equally grateful to have stopped. She glanced to Jayden; he had by unspoken consent taken command of their small group setting up a rota in pairs to keep watch at camp which to her surprise he expected them all to participate in, everyone also had duties at camp each night. She had found herself being responsible for the horses, but she supposed that was better than digging and then covering in the latrine trough, surprised that he did that himself, realising he asked nothing of them he would not do himself. She had expected Warin to bristle at the change in authority, but he had simply looked proud. She led the horses to the small stream, feeding them oats given any green was covered in a layer of snow; wrapping her cloak tighter around her longing for spring.

Catching sight of Morrigan through the trees Delilah gave an involuntary shiver. Seeing the witch turn into a raven had left her terror struck, glad she was not the only one startled by such magic, wondering how Jayden could possibly be so calm. Sten had spoken about mages being leashed and she had no idea what Morrigan had said to him, but he had not mentioned it since. In the two days of their travel together Morrigan had gone scouting several times, though Delilah found it no less disconcerting each time she knew the transformation was going to happen. The extra horse Warin had sourced had been given to Sten and so Morrigan had continued to share with Jayden when she wasn't scouting. Delilah desperately wanted to rip the damn smug look off her face that she knew was for her; her blood boiling each time the witch looked her way.

Morrigan's closeness to her betrothed was a source of intense irritation, especially as nothing had passed between Jayden and herself since their moment at the Hawke's house. If she closed her eyes she could still feel his lips on hers, feeling her cheeks flush at her boldness every time she thought of it. It wasn't that he was avoiding her of course, it was simply he was so focused on getting them to Redcliffe and making sure they were protected getting there. He barely sat still, always on the lookout for danger or walking the camp perimeter with Airyl even when others were on guard. Not even Sten took offence; it wasn't difficult to understand how much Ostagar haunted him; that was clear enough by his screams that had woken her during the night. She had wanted to go to him, but the damn witch always seemed to be there soothing him with her magic, checking his wounds. It frightened her that they were not healing as they should, though he had never said anything, it was only listening to Morrigan's mutters as she returned to her own tent that she had realised the truth of the situation. She hesitated as she led the horses back to camp realising in dismay that Jayden and Morrigan's tents were a little way apart from the rest.

"He is embarrassed by his nightmares." Ellowyn stated joining her. "He believes some distance will help to avoid disturbing us and have Morrigan close to help if necessary. He burst his stitches last night."

"What good is magic if it cannot heal him?"

"Well he would be dead without it." Ellowyn shuddered at the thought.

"She is always with him." Delilah muttered.

Ellowyn glanced to her and shifted closer. "Perhaps you could get him to teach you how to use a sword. It is a skill worth having and will give you time one to one." She caught Delilah's arm as her eyes lit up, feeling anxious at the smug smile she directed at Morrigan. "Do not go up against Morrigan; she is family to him."

Delilah sighed and nodded worrying at her lip as she glanced at Jayden.

Gripping her arm Ellowyn searched her eyes. "Do not hurt him Delilah."

"That is the furthest thing from my mind; I swear."

xXx

Crossing the campsite Sten stopped a short distance from Airyl eyeing her curiously.

Airyl met his gaze, he was different to the others, he smelled of something she wasn't quite sure about, an old power.

Hunkering down Sten held her gaze. "Why would you choose to stay with a human?"

Airyl gave him a look that told him his question was foolish.

"They are bonded." Morrigan stated leaning against a tree. "She chose him when she was just a pup."

Sten slowly rose. "So she is domesticated then." He took an involuntary step back at the fierce growl that tore from Airyl's lips, scowling at Morrigan's chuckle.

"Be careful Sten, 'tis unwise to provoke her."

Nodding thoughtfully he moved away and sat by the campfire surprised when the Captain sat near to him, the man rarely stopped unless it was to sleep. "The wolf is a fine warrior."

"She is." Jayden stated with a nod, absently resting his hand on her back as she settled next to him, pulled from his thoughts by her whine, startled to see her watching Sten. He turned to the Qunari almost smiling at the sight of the cookie in his hand.

"What?" Sten grumbled, addressing Airyl who growled demandingly. "They are mine." He scowled as Airyl growled again.

"Airyl you know better, those are not yours." Jayden stated firmly. "Garrett and Weylon have a great deal to answer for." He glanced to Sten curiously. "Where did you get them from?"

"A child in Lothering."

"You took cookies from a child?"

Sten gazed at the sweet treat in his hand. "Ah is that the name, we have no such name in the Qunari tongue and nothing like this, like bread, but sweet and crumbly."

"You don't have cookies?" Jayden struggled to hide his surprise, struck by the image of a child confronted by the Qunari demanding the biscuits.

"No. This must be remedied."

"I would imagine there are many differences."

"Too many."

"I worked with Brother Genitivi for a while as his research assistant. I read several tomes and parchments claiming to know of the Qunari culture, but they are the views of the person writing them and not necessarily the truth. If you ever wanted to talk about it I would treasure the chance to find out the truth."

Sten met his gaze. "You would not understand."

"I certainly won't if no-one bothers to educate me."

Glancing to the fire Sten hesitated, he was right of course. "I miss Seheron, the smells of incense, tea and the sea." He sighed softly at the memory, absently passing a cookie to Airyl who had moved closer to him; eating one himself. It was little over an hour later when Sten realised he had not stopped talking; the Captain remained surprisingly attentive and respectful the entire time. He cleared his throat feeling an unbearable wave of homesickness, taking a drink from his water skin to hide his discomfort. "I am … tired. Perhaps we can speak another time."

"Of course." Jayden stated, hearing the catch in his tone. "Thank you for speaking to me of your home." Rising he headed towards the far end of the camp settling next to Warin.

Sten met Airyl's gaze as she remained where she was watching him. "He is easy to talk to." His gaze lingered on Jayden thoughtfully, he did not know him well enough of course, but he suspected the Captain might appreciate the order and belonging being part of the Qun provided. He turned to Airyl passing her another cookie. "I will have to find more of these." He glanced in Jayden's direction. "Discreetly of course."

xXx

"There are herbs that can aid you into sleep." Warin stated reaching for his pack, disturbed by how tired Jayden looked.

"Indeed and they will trap me in nightmares giving me no chance to escape until they wear off; there is no rest in that." Jayden muttered.

Withdrawing his hand from the pack, Warin glanced at Morrigan. "Is there nothing the mage can do?"

"Morrigan does what she can, but I can't expect her to expend her mana because of my nightmares. She expends enough as it is with my wounds and scouting. I can ask no more of her and I will not."

"Your wounds should be healing."

"I have burst the stitches several times, it doesn't help."

"The mage seems to think her magic should have healed you, I heard her muttering to herself. Is it the taint?"

"I took the preventative." He sighed softly. "I should be dead Warin, such wounds do not heal easily."

"True enough. It is not helped by avoiding rest when you have the chance, such as now for example."

"Tired of my company already?" Jayden murmured, holding up his hand as Warin began to protest. "I found it difficult to sleep before Ostagar, now …"

Warin nodded in understanding. "Well since you are here I wanted to ask you something and now seems as good a time as any. You told me in Amaranthine there was little point in being angry with me and at Ostagar you seemed to accept me again. I suppose I wonder where we stand with each other."

"To be honest I haven't the energy to waste being angry with you. Maker there are times I feel like an old man." He glanced to Warin seeing only concern in his eyes. "Trust is a little different, that needs to be earned, but I trust you enough to have my back if we are attacked."

Warin nodded. "That's something." He glanced up seeing the witch approach.

"Lift your tunic." Morrigan demanded of Jayden as she knelt, ignoring his frown.

Jayden gritted his teeth as she unwound the bandage, wincing as she probed at the flesh around the wounds, hissing in pain as her magic slid over and through muscle. "Morrigan whatever you are doing hurry up."

"Hush." She snapped forcing herself to ignore his pained groans, his body shuddering as her magic penetrated the wound, tracing its path through his body to the exit wound at his back. She had heard Warin's comment about the taint and realised she had never given it a thought. She almost missed it, but there it was, a single thread of the taint struggling against his immunity. She schooled her expression to neutrality though her heart slammed against her chest brutally.

Jayden shuddered, his face ashen, jaw clamped against the throbbing pain. He leaned back against the tree as Morrigan replaced the bandage before she stood abruptly and left.

"Interesting bedside manner." Warin muttered.

"It's a work in progress." Jayden groaned, taking deep breaths to calm himself. As his body slowly relaxed he opened his eyes, feeling tension return as he saw Delilah approaching. It wasn't that he had been avoiding her, he just wasn't at all sure what to do after their kiss, his mind still a chaos of guilt, uncertainty and perhaps more disturbingly to him, excitement.

"William I was hoping you would help me. I want to learn how to use a sword." Delilah hoped she did not appear as nervous as she felt.

Relieved that what she needed was something he could give Jayden nodded and got to his feet.

"No argument?" Delilah couldn't hide her surprised tone.

"You expected one?"

"Usually such requests are met with, 'there is no need my Lady, you are perfectly protected my Lady'."

Jayden snorted as he noticed her gaze move to Warin and her brother and shook his head. "We face a Blight and anyone who can't defend themselves will likely end up dead. To my mind it is essential. Have you had any weapons training?"

"A little with a dagger."

Jayden nodded and gestured a little way from the camp, but still in sight. "Show me."

xXx

Morrigan sat by her tent scowling as she watched Jayden begin to tutor Delilah in using a sword. Turning away she tried to push away the guilt causing a knot in her stomach. His body was fighting off the taint a second time, it was almost gone, but that he was having the fight was troubling. She had wondered how the future she had seen could come to pass and now she had her answer; his dose of preventative had been different to everyone else's and in that it was almost certain that one day the preventative would not work. Her friendship demanded she tell him he needed to take the preventative again, but she remained silent and would continue to do so. The future demanded something else and its pull was the stronger. She choked back the guilt wondering if this was the betrayal her mother had spoken of.

xXx

Several hours later Delilah slumped next to the fire feeling as though her entire body was aching. She met Thomas's amused look and scowled.

"I warned you he is as hard a task master as I have ever come across."

"I thought you were exaggerating!"

"No, you thought he would go easy on you." Thomas chuckled. "Batting your eyelashes at him means nothing if the focus is weapons and survival."

Delilah flexed her cramped fingers. "I simply do not know how he has the energy."

"Stamina is important for many things." Sten rumbled as he walked passed.

Feeling her cheeks flush, Delilah covered her desire filled thoughts with a scowl. She noticed Jayden and Airyl head through the trees towards the stream, standing and following not caring what anyone thought.

xXx

Kneeling at the edge of the water Jayden winced as he unwound the bandages at his abdomen soaking a cloth and dabbing at the dried blood. He glanced to Airyl when she whined. "It's alright girl." He sighed softly as she put her head on her paws looking at him dismally. "We'll find them Airyl. I know Cailan survived, he might be hurt, but he survived and Gabe, Tess and Lawrence would have stayed with him and they will be with the Wardens and Ali, Aedan, Ayanna and Hunter were lighting the beacon and we did enough to ensure they survived that I'm sure." He turned as Airyl looked up sharply seeing Delilah, her face paling at his wounds.

"Let me help." She murmured moving over to him and picking up a cloth, wincing at the bruised skin and jagged wounds. "Sweet Maker how did you survive this?"

"Healing magic."

"Then why is the wound not closed?"

"It should have been a mortal wound, they aren't so easy to heal and I made it worse with the fighting at Lothering, as Morrigan would say I only have myself to blame."

"And what were you to do, leave those people to be slaughtered without putting up any defence?" She flushed at his look, not quite a smile, but the darkness of his expression lifted for a moment.

"I'm glad you understand why I had to do what I did." He winced as Delilah gently cleansed the wounds and then applied the healing salve, gently hushing the apologies she gave with each pained breath he took, relieved when she tied off the fresh bandage. Grunting in pain he eased on his tunic and armoured coat.

Settling onto a log Delilah sighed. "I suppose I might not be so understanding if I had actually seen you leap into battle. Morrigan is your friend and she will be concerned for you."

Easing onto the log next to her Jayden nodded staring out over the stream. "For all her prickly exterior I could not ask for a better friend."

Turning slightly Delilah gazed at him, his cheeks flushed with cold. She realised she had reached up, brushing her fingers against a strand of hair resting by his eye. "It is quite wild this length."

Running his fingers through the thick strands Jayden nodded. "I should probably cut it. It took a while to get used to it being short and sometimes I forget."

"I think you rather suit it a little wild." She saw amusement in his eyes as he glanced to her wishing he would smile. Feeling a surge of boldness she cupped his cheek, his skin cold beneath her chilled fingertips, reaching up she brushed her lips against his, feeling a tremble of shock move through him. She only just managed to stop her moan of disappointment as he pulled back slightly, flushing at his intense gaze. "Why does it surprise you so much that I wish to kiss you?" She murmured curiously.

"I just … I never expected this." He glanced to his hand as Delilah interlocked their fingers.

"I know I am not who you wanted, but I do know that if we both try we can make this work."

"Delilah …" He hesitated at her smile, it seemed a precious light in the darkness he was feeling swallowed by. Bringing her hand to his lips he gently pressed a kiss to her fingers.

"Let us just take this slowly and see what happens." Delilah urged, leaning close pressing her lips lightly against his again, feeling them part, the warmth of his breath ghosting over her lips as one hand gently pressed to her lower back, the other gently caressing her cheek, fingers drifting slowly through her hair as he deepened their kiss. She molded to his body, a soft moan escaping her as his tongue moved lightly against her lips, eagerly drawing him in.

Morrigan turned away in disgust striding back to the camp. "Fool." She muttered under her breath ignoring Ellowyn's startled glance in her direction.

"What do you think is eating her?" Ellowyn murmured to Thomas.

"Jealousy; she looks at Will as though he is hers, I suspect my dear sister is stepping on her toes."

"But Morrigan is just his friend; in fact he told me she despises love and anything romantic."

"I didn't mention love; jealousy is about possession and I think Will might just be her favourite toy and I do not think that Witch of the Wilds wants to share."

Ellowyn sighed softly remembering Rory's more jealous moments; forcing herself away from the dark thoughts of wondering if he had survived Ostagar. "She cannot deny him the chance of being happy if she is truly his friend."

"I doubt Morrigan thinks the way we do." Thomas murmured softly. "I think I will suggest to my sister to be on her guard." Glancing to the road he rubbed his cold hands. "Hopefully we will reach Redcliffe tomorrow; I have had enough of camping in rain and snow to last me a lifetime."

"I want to reach Redcliffe, but I'm scared. What if Fergus and Aedan …"

"They will be there Ellowyn."

Flushing beneath Thomas's compassionate look Ellowyn nodded. "I am sorry I accused you of being part of this and threatening you."

"I understand."

"Still I … I am sorry Thomas." She returned her gaze to the fire wondering how many had escaped the slaughter. Maker please let my brothers have survived Ostagar.

xXx

Racing into his room Jowan quietly closed the door and pressed his back against it struggling to breathe. It was barely past dawn and he had believed he would have been safe enough; yet even this early he had almost walked straight into Enchanter Dylan. Hands shaking he sank to the floor trying to calm his breathing. He had told Leliana he had recognised the Circle mages in the group of Ostagar survivors though thankfully they had not seen him. Terror had struck him when he realised a Templar was with them though he appeared to be injured, along with Senior Enchanter Wynne who was unconscious. He shuddered painfully, if she found out he was here he would find himself in Aeonar before he could say blood magic. Connor had been warned not to attempt any magic and to stay away from them. Tears slipped down his cheeks, he couldn't bear Connor finding out he had used that kind of magic. Without Eloen's resolve he had quickly acknowledged how ashamed he felt having to resort to it and while he had never bargained with a demon he felt them closer than he ever had, it was why he was so terrified for Connor, believing it was because of him the demons had sensed Connor's desperation. He jerked away from the door, backing away to the bed, sinking onto it as the door opened.

"Be calm Jowan." Leliana soothed slipping into the room.

"How can I be calm? Maker if I am discovered ..."

"I have spoken to Lady Isolde and she is as eager as you to have the mages and Templar gone from here, but Bann Teagan is adamant they will remain until the injured are seen to; he hopes the mages may be able to help Arl Eamon."

"If Wynne was awake she probably could, but if she catches me here I am as good as dead." He glanced startled to Leliana as she took his hand.

"I will not let anyone harm you Jowan. I promise."

Gazing into those azure eyes Jowan realised with surprise that he believed her.

xXx

Floating in nothingness Wynne wondered if this was death, surprised to find herself formless. She recognised the presence of the spirit that had been watching her, or perhaps watching over her since she was a young girl and was grateful she was not alone. Believing herself dead she felt a spasm of regret that she had not seen Rhys before her end, her heart ached for her son, an undiminished pain that had remained with her since the day he had been taken away. She hadn't resisted, telling herself for years it was because of exhaustion and blood loss, but the truth had always niggled at her, that she had given him up because that was what was expected of her and she was a good mage, she always followed the rules. Of course her indiscretion with the Templar was her one rebellion and she had paid for that dearly. Sighing Wynne couldn't help but think of the people she felt she had failed, her son, her lover, Anerin, Anders, Eloen and Jowan the students she felt she had failed above all others. She felt the spirit move closer, surrounding her in warmth and light.

Waking with a start Wynne found herself in a comfortable bed in a room unknown to her. The room was warm from a fire in the hearth and from its glow she saw Dylan sleeping in a chair near her. She kept still not wanting to wake him needing a moment. Her memory seemed hazy and then it snapped into focus, her actions to save Cailan from the Emissary's magic, the magic that should have killed her; that had in fact for a brief moment before her body had been filled with light. Her hand moved to her breast in shocked realisation that in returning from death she had not returned alone, her spirit guardian was now within her. Tears pricked her eyes in fear, feeling the spirit within attempt to soothe her. "Perhaps somehow I am not an abomination." She whispered looking over her unchanged body.

"Wynne!" Dylan gasped waking with a start. "Maker I was so worried for you."

Startled by his hug Wynne patted his back gently, smiling when he pulled back.

"How do you feel?"

Wynne knew she should tell him, but this second chance of life was not something she was ready to give up. "Never better."

"Wonderful, I will tell the others you are awake."

Wynne nodded smiling warmly, even as fear of her future felt like an icy hand gripping her heart. It seemed barely moments later when Dylan returned with Bann Teagan, Wynne nodding in greeting.

Teagan worried at his lip. "I hate to burden you with this when you are recovering yourself, but once you are fit enough I would like you to tend to the King, he …"

"He survived." Wynne stated in relief.

"Indeed, though he has been unconscious since striking his head in the impact after the spell. There is also the matter of my brother who remains unconscious, we believe from a poison."

Wynne sighed deeply moving to leave the bed startled when Teagan stopped her.

"I said when you are fit enough and you have just woken. I will have food brought to you and perhaps tomorrow if you are feeling well enough …"

"The King and your brother may not have that time." Wynne stated briskly. "I am a spirit healer, a skill few others have."

"You cannot risk yourself." Dylan muttered handing her a tonic.

Wynne sipped at the soothing drink and gently patted his hand. "After some food I am sure I will be well enough to at least assess their situations." She glanced to Teagan. "I will see them once I have eaten."

"As you will."

Wynne turned to Dylan as Teagan left, believing without doubt that with the spirit within her, she would be stronger in her magic than she had ever been. "I would be grateful if you would join me when I assess them, for now tell me everything that has happened."

xXx

Sinking onto a seat at Cailan's bedside Wynne closed her eyes against the wave of dizziness and nausea, feeling Dylan's hand gently gripping her arm to ground her, feeling the soft trickle of regeneration magic.

"Wynne you need to rest." Dylan muttered knowing she wouldn't listen.

"I can rest soon enough." How could she explain to him that the moment of her death and being brought back had left her desperate to be doing things, to not waste another precious second.

"Can you help him?" Teagan asked when Wynne finally opened her eyes.

"Yes I believe so. I have dealt with head trauma many times and although on an initial scan he appears to be healing well, there is still trauma beyond surface level that requires specific attention. He is healthy enough and the spells my fellow mages have used have certainly prevented any further damage. I will need to rest, but I will begin to work on the damage tomorrow."

"Thank you." Teagan stated, relief taking some of the weight from his shoulders.

"Now if you will take me to the Arl I will see what is to be done with him."

xXx

Watching Wynne suspiciously, Isolde hovered near Eamon barely giving her space to work. She kept glancing to the door terrified that Connor would come in to see his father and the mage would be able to sense the truth of what her son was.

Wynne sighed deeply. "His body is failing him that much is obvious and there is certainly the energy of poison within him. Perhaps in a day or two when I have my full strength I can try some healing, but at the moment there is little I can do."

"I told you!" Isolde snapped at Teagan. "The Ashes of Andraste will save my husband."

Wynne raised an eyebrow but said nothing, leaving the room ahead of Teagan. "If you don't mind I will retire for the evening."

"Of course is there anything you need?"

"Just rest." She smiled at his worried look. "I will be well after some sleep I promise." Moments later after thanking Teagan for bringing her back to her room she sank onto the bed yawning loudly, asleep before her head was settled on the pillow.

xXx

As the sun sank beneath the horizon, the last flickers of gold smothered by darkness, Fergus left the warmth of the fire in the Great Hall to get some fresh air. The soldier's threat against his family had apparently been an empty one, but he was still troubled. Leaning against the wall of the stairs leading into the courtyard he knew it was his anxiety for Ellowyn that kept sleep from beyond his grasp at night. He turned hearing footsteps nodding in acknowledgement as his brother moved to his side, frowning seeing his gaze locked ahead. Turning to where Aedan was staring Fergus felt his heart leap as he saw the riders at the gate the pair racing across the courtyard.

Ellowyn gave a sob of relief as the portcullis was raised and flung herself into Fergus and Aedan's arms. "You are both alive. I prayed, but I was so afraid …" She buried her face against Aedan's chest trembling in his arms. "I am so sorry." She wept.

"You have nothing to be sorry for." Fergus soothed placing his hand on her back hoping to provide comfort.

Blinking as tears slipped down her cheeks Ellowyn forced herself to look at her brothers. "I should have been there. I …"

"No." Aedan stated firmly. "I thank the Maker you were far away that night."

"But mom and dad …" A heart breaking sob wrenched from her lips. "And you were forced to become a Warden."

Aedan held her tighter as she sobbed painfully feeling tears slip down his own cheeks. "I would not wish this life on you Ell, not for anything." Closing his eyes he buried his face in her hair at her wretched sobs, glancing to Fergus as his arms wrapped around them both as he had done when they were small children and hurt or afraid. None of them were aware of the rest of the party heading towards the stables not wishing to intrude on the family's reunion.

"We are together now." Fergus stated softly, aching at the torment in Aedan's eyes knowing he would be leaving soon. He turned hearing a commotion, the doors flung open and his son raced down the stairs.

"Aunt Ell!" Oren shrieked, Rascal and Hunter flying down the stairs on either side of him, Oriana hurrying after him.

Ellowyn hurriedly wiped her cheeks and knelt down as Oren raced into her arms, her nephew clinging to her so tightly it hurt, lavishing her with kisses. "I am so glad you are safe Oren."

Oren met her gaze tears slipping down his cheeks. "I thought the bad men might have hurt you to. They killed grandpa and grandma." He shuddered painfully seeing again the arrow in Eleanor's chest. "They wanted to kill us too." He whispered. "But Uncle Dan and Rascal protected us."

Ellowyn glanced to the three mabari who had greeted each other, but who now surrounded the family protectively. She glanced to her brothers the realisation hitting them; Howe's actions had changed them all. The family had been gripped by fear and distrust and she wondered if they would always search the faces of friends and strangers alike for enemies. She felt Oren rest his head on her shoulder feeling his tears against her throat. "You are safe now Oren."

Oren pulled back slightly staring into her eyes. "Did they hurt you too?" He whispered.

The lump swelling in her throat Ellowyn forced herself to smile. "I am safe now too."

Clinging to her again Oren felt anger burn. Those terrible men had hurt his family and one day he and Rascal would find them all and make them pay.

Ellowyn smiled as Oriana gently clasped her hand squeezing gently, tears gleaming in her eyes.

As Fergus wrapped his arm around her, Oriana smiled leaning against him as the relief that Ellowyn was alive weakened her legs. "Perhaps we should go inside where it is warm."

Glancing up Fergus realised for the first time Ellowyn's companions were no longer at the gates. "I should thank Thomas and Warin for returning you safely."

Ellowyn nodded. "Then we need to talk, I …" She clenched her trembling hands.

Fergus moved to her gently tilting her chin his voice low but murderous. "Did anyone hurt you?" He felt his throat catch as tears spilled down her cheeks, biting his lip as she caught his hand.

"I am unharmed I …" She glanced to Oren who was snuggled against Aedan. "I will tell you everything, but not here."

Nodding Fergus gestured for them to go inside, glancing back to the portcullis as it clanged shut once more. Here in this moment at least they were safe and together; family was truly all that mattered.

xXx

On the second floor of the Estate in Rainesfere Lady Loretta threw open the windows of the room stifled by the heat of the fire and gently dabbed a cool cloth against Rosslyn's forehead. She glanced to the midwife in concern, her friend was exhausted from hours of labour and she desperately wished Teagan was with them rather than in Redcliffe. He would not have been in the room of course, but knowing he was close by would have been a source of strength. Taking a breath she focused on Rosslyn, she would not let her friend see how afraid she was.

Screaming in pain Rosslyn clutched Loretta's hand, tears slipping down her cheeks, whispering desperate prayers to the Maker to allow her child to live between panting breaths and choked sobs.

"Just one more push my Lady." The midwife urged.

Leaning against Loretta, Rosslyn gave a choked sob feeling she had no strength left with which to push.

"You can do this Rosslyn." Loretta urged. "You are the bravest, strongest woman I know. Now push and bring your child into this world." She smiled and nodded as Rosslyn glanced up at her and squeezed her hand. "Now Rosslyn."

Rosslyn pushed down, pain tearing through her ripping a scream from her lips, shuddering painfully and then stilling as she heard a cry.

"You have a son my Lady." The midwife stated in relief.

Rosslyn felt a rush of love as she cradled him in her arms.

"He is beautiful." Loretta stated softly.

Rosslyn gazed lovingly at her son, tears of joy slipping down her cheeks. "Gawain, my little hawk." She whispered, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead, gazing in awe as he yawned, a tiny hand curling around her finger as he sank into peaceful sleep.