Staring up at the huge doors of the Temples magnificent entrance way, Delilah felt a sense of awe. "How is this place not common knowledge?"

Placing a hand on the door Genitivi sighed. "The villagers took great pains to ensure it was wiped from history, destroying all maps with it marked on them and books with any hint of the village. Anyone unfortunate enough to come upon this place … well I don't believe they lived long, they mentioned sacrifices for Andraste."

Ellowyn shuddered. "These people are mad!"

"Perhaps to us my dear." Genitivi stated. "To them they are devout followers of the 'true Andraste', they truly believe the dragon is Andraste reborn." He slotted the medallion into a section of the doorway and gave it a sharp turn hearing a satisfying clicking noise. He stood back as the soldiers moved to open the door, taking in a sharp breath as he stepped inside. A massive hall glittered with ice and snow from where the section of roof out with the mountain had fallen in due to lack of repair and being left to the whims of the elements. Various rooms adjoined on either side and stairs at the far side led up to a doorway.

"Maker how big is this place?" Matthew gasped.

"It is carved into the mountain." Genitivi stated. "It could be as vast as the mountain itself."

Paling slightly at the potentially monumental task ahead of them, Ellowyn took a calming breath. "Then we better get looking time is against us. Brother Genitivi, do you have any idea where the Ashes may be?"

"I overheard the villagers speak of a gauntlet, a trial if you will, to reach the Ashes. They want to destroy them so Andraste can truly be reborn."

"But they clearly haven't reached them yet, any idea why?"

"Something about a Guardian they cannot get passed."

"Are you feeling able to come with us? We may need your considerable knowledge."

Smiling broadly Genitivi nodded. "Just try to stop me, but I do urge caution, I would imagine they have ensured that if anyone did get in here they wouldn't get far."

Glancing around Jayden realised there were far too many opportunities for ambush in the layout of the Temple. "Then we search each room, I don't want damn cultists on our tail and be on the lookout for traps, but we move as swiftly as we can, Oren needs us."

xXx

Sneaking through the corridors Connor nipped his lip nervously as he saw the guards outside of the Cousland family rooms. It was late and his mother had already seen him tucked up in bed, but it was the only time he had when he was alone and he knew he had little time before she checked on him. "I would like to see Oren."

Philip smiled. "I will let Lady Oriana know you are here."

Connor waited impatiently before he was shown in, seeing Oren lying on the bed in the adjoining room with his mabari, his face pale, seeing the pain he was experiencing in his expression, despite his attempts to conceal it. In another life they could have been friends, but as a mage he knew friendship would always now be denied him. Still that didn't mean he couldn't offer comfort; he hated being unwell and he knew how awful it was to be cooped up. "I … I'm not supposed to be here, but I just wanted to give Oren something."

Oriana smiled warmly, wondering that a son could be so different from his parents. "Come through."

Worrying at his lip Connor moved to the side of the bed returning Oren's weak smile. He passed over the small wooden knight he had concealed in his pocket. "Uncle Teagan gave me this knight one time when I wasn't feeling well. He said the knight would protect me. I heard you weren't feeling well and I thought … I thought you might like it."

"Thank you." Oren stated softly, a wheeze in his voice hinting at the constriction he was experiencing at his chest, turning the knight over in his hand, staring at the beautiful carving. "It's great. Do you want to stay for a while?"

Connor glanced anxiously towards the door. "I would, but my mom will be mad if she realises I'm not in my room."

"Oh … well thanks for the knight."

Smiling Connor quickly left, hurrying back to his own room, his heart feeling a little lighter.

Oren snuggled against his mother concentrating on the wooden carving to block out the pain that seemed to be all over his body and was growing steadily worse. "Why doesn't Connor's mom want us to play together?"

"I think she is just worried about Connor's father."

Smiling as Rascal sniffed the knight, Oren shifted slightly his smile fading. "It's because of the bad men isn't it? Mom will I ever have friends again?"

"Oren you will have many friends I promise."

"I don't want to go back to Highever." He whispered, his cheeks flushing.

"Oren I …"

"All those people died there mom and grandma …" He swallowed painfully seeing the arrow in her chest. "It isn't home anymore."

Oriana pressed a soft kiss to the top of his head, rocking him gently as he cried quietly in her arms.

xXx

Leaning against the wall to catch his breath, Genitivi wiped his brow with a handkerchief. He had expected some resistance, but the sheer numbers of cultists that had barred their way through the Temple had been beyond belief and the number of mages present had been alarming. Thankfully with Dylan and Matthew in their group they had been able to effectively counter the mages attempts to prevent their progress through the temple. Along with complex traps meant to maim and kill, they had come face to face with numerous demons and he for one prayed that he would never do so again. Beyond the main part of the temple there were tunnels and if there had been any doubt about a High Dragon being close by it had been erased with the appearance of drakes and dragonlings that attacked on sight, along with more cultists. Yet despite the terrifying battles they had all survived; they had also found chambers filled with scrolls that he had been desperate to read, along with a chamber filled with shell fragments which he presumed were from the dragonlings. He was unnerved by the creatures, but most of the group had been sickened by the chamber where the bodies of dragonlings had been bled. They had pushed on, but hearing a fierce roar up ahead they were taking stock of their weapons and dealing with injuries before they went any further.

"Are you injured?" Jayden asked in concern moving over to the Brother.

"No dear boy, Enchanter Dylan did a marvelous job, this has just been rather more than I expected." He shook his head. "I have seen many things in my life, but this …"

"They need to be stopped; they are driving these creatures to madness." Jayden muttered, angered by having had no choice but to kill the creatures when they attacked.

"What do you think lies ahead?"

Jayden glanced to the tunnel. "I suspect they have the High Dragon up there. If she smells the blood of the drakes and dragonlings we have been forced to kill, I don't think even the Maker himself would be able to stop her from trying to kill us and I don't want to have to get into a fight with a High Dragon."

"Ah, I wondered why everyone was being so industrious about cleaning themselves. I feel rather ashamed I haven't been of much help to you."

"Nonsense, without you we might never have been able to get inside the Temple; besides we have yet to do this Gauntlet, I have the feeling you will come into your own." Jayden turned as Ellowyn gently touched his arm.

"We are ready to move on."

Carefully navigating the tunnels the group entered a chamber where several armed men appeared to be waiting for them.

"Stop, you will go no further!" A man with the bearing of a warrior roared as he stepped forward barring their way.

"We are not here to fight, but we must pass!" Ellowyn demanded, tired and horrified by the lives she had so far taken, wanting to spill no more blood. "Who are you?"

"I am Father Kolgrim. You have defiled our Temple. You have spilled the blood of the faithful and slaughtered our young. No more. You will tell me now intruder, why you have done all this. Why have you come here?"

"We are here for the Urn of Sacred Ashes."

"You did all this for an ancient relic?"

"No, we did all this because your people attacked us and then set those creatures on us. We never wanted bloodshed that was your peoples doing! I came here to save my nephew so know that I will not tolerate anyone standing in my way!"

Kolgrim hesitated. "I see now how you have made it this far. The Ashes you seek reside atop this mountain, watched by an immortal guardian who refuses to accept the truth of the risen Lady. The prophet Andraste has overcome death itself and has returned to Her faithful in a form more radiant than you can imagine. Not even the Tevinter Imperium could hope to slay Her now. The Ashes prevent holy Andraste from fully realising Her new form. They are a remnant of Her past incarnation and She cannot move on as long as they exist. The Beloved needs to reclaim the Ashes, to make them Her own again. All it would take is a drop of her blood. Take what you need of the Ashes beforehand."

Dylan shook his head. "Can we get away from the crazy man now?"

"Blood carries power, strength; knowledge." Kolgrim snapped. "Through it, all the power that is held in the ashes will be returned to our Lady."

"He speaks of blood magic my Lady." Matthew stated to Ellowyn. "We cannot be involved in this."

"I didn't think you would mind considering a mages phylactery is a form of blood magic." Dylan muttered flushing slightly at Matthew's hurt expression.

"Really, you are bringing that up here?" Matthew muttered.

"Whatever the Circle does is not the issue here." Delilah stated coolly. "What this man speaks of is sacrilege. Ellowyn you cannot be considering this."

Kolgrim moved closer to Ellowyn. "The Guardian has foiled our attempts to reach the urn. He keeps what power remains from the true Andraste. He knows the disciples and we cannot touch him, for he draws his strength from the Ashes themselves. Many have been led here, but only you have the skill and fortitude to survive the Temple. You were led here by Andraste's hand to do her work! Do this and you would be Andraste's champion."

"What you speak of is blasphemy!" Ellowyn snarled. "You are worshiping a Dragon not Andraste!" She glared at Kolgrim with open hostility. "You are the only thing standing between me and a cure for my nephew. I suggest you move! Now!"

"You are a fool! To arms my brethren, Andraste will grant us victory!"

xXx

Staring down at the bodies of the men who had barred their way Ellowyn moved away and wretched, glancing to Fleta who whined softly, feeling sick at the blood on her fur. Glancing up as she felt a hand on her back, she sighed as Jayden pulled her hair away from her face, it had all become too much. "I … I have never killed before today."

"I know."

"They attacked us; it was us or them so why do I feel so guilty."

"Because you are a good person."

Shuddering Ellowyn took the flask of water he offered. "Does it get easier, killing I mean?"

"No and I wouldn't want it to, killing isn't supposed to be easy."

"For some people it is."

"You aren't one of those people Ell."

"They could have just let us pass, they didn't have to fight us."

"They were fanatics, even if we had carried out his request he might have intended to kill us anyway as a sacrifice to the dragon."

Staring at her shaking hands Ellowyn glanced at him anxiously. "How are we supposed to get passed a High Dragon?"

"Quietly."

"I am being serious!"

"So am I."

Sighing Ellowyn glanced to the others who were ready to move, seeing Delilah speaking to Genitivi. "How is Delilah? This cannot have been easy for her either."

"She feels as sick as you do about it, had much the same physical reaction. She wanted to talk to Genitivi about how to make it right in the Makers sight."

"Can it ever be made right?" She sighed softly. "I … I never imagined any of this, having to do any of this."

"I know it is difficult Ell, but just for now concentrate on Oren and why we are here. We still have this Gauntlet to do, whatever it is."

"Then let's find out." Pushing herself away from the wall Ellowyn took the lead, heading out into cold moonlight taking a deep breath, startled they had been so long traveling through the mountain, her heart almost stopping as she glanced up seeing a huge dragon sleeping on a ridge high above them. "Sweet Maker!" She whispered glancing to Jayden.

"Luck is with us." Jayden murmured, spying a door to another temple in the distance. "Everyone be as quiet as you can and stay in the shadows unless you want a High Dragon in our path."

"We could defeat it." Sten muttered.

Jayden turned to him. "Perhaps, but some of us could be injured or killed and we have a mission to complete. So we move quietly."

Sten glanced to the dragon a look of disappointment in his eyes, but he nodded and followed the others, reaching the door in a surprisingly short time. At the creak of the doors he turned seeing the dragon raise her head, gripping Asala, his blood beginning to thunder, scowling as the Captain ordered him inside, surprising himself when he obeyed.

xXx

Genitivi stared at the hallway in which they now stood, startled to see a guard at the door ahead. "Perhaps he is the Guardian the cultists spoke of, though if he is, he is no normal man. I urge caution."

Nodding Ellowyn glanced to the group. "We have no idea what this Gauntlet is other than it is some kind of test. I suggest we split up, if one group fails the second may have more chance." At the groups agreement Ellowyn relaxed slightly. "Brother Genitivi I have no right to ask this, but I would be grateful if you would accompany me."

"Of course my dear, I would be honoured."

"I will join you." Leliana stated firmly.

"As will I." Delilah stated, shaken but determined to continue on.

Ellowyn glanced to Jayden. "What about you, up for continuing on?"

"Of course." Hunkering down Jayden glanced to Airyl who gave him a look that said she knew she was going to be left behind and wasn't happy about it. "Keep an eye on Sten for me." He whispered. "Make sure he doesn't go back out there and take on that dragon." He glanced to Sten who had clearly heard but was pretending that he hadn't; sighing as she pressed her head to his. "Be back soon." Rising he looked at those remaining behind. "Be safe and watch over each other."

Dylan gripped his arm. "Be safe, Maker knows what this Gauntlet is."

"You know what to do if we …"

"You won't fail." Matthew stated firmly glancing to Ellowyn. "No chance in the Void of that."

Flushing slightly Ellowyn hugged Fleta. "Stay with Airyl, we will be back soon I promise." She relaxed slightly when Fleta whined softly, but obediently moved over to Airyl who nuzzled her gently. Glancing to those accompanying her Ellowyn steeled herself for what they might face. "Let's get this done."

xXx

Leading the way through the hallway lined with columns, Ellowyn cautiously approached the Guardian. "Excuse me."

"I bid you welcome pilgrims. I am the Guardian, the protector of the Urn of Sacred Ashes. You are the first to arrive in a very long time. It has been my duty, my life, to protect the Urn and prepare the way for the faithful who come to revere Andraste. For years beyond counting I have been here and shall I remain until my task is done and the Imperium has crumbled into the sea. You have come to honour Andraste and you shall if you prove yourself worthy."

"And if we are not worthy?" Delilah asked nervously.

"Then you shall not come to the Ashes. It is not my place to decide your worthiness. The Gauntlet does that. If you are found worthy, you will see the Urn and be allowed to take a small pinch of the Ashes for yourself."

"Forgive me." Ellowyn stated. "But time is against us, we must get the Ashes, lives are at stake."

"Very well, but before you go there is something I must ask. I see that the path that led you here was not easy. There is suffering in your past, your suffering and the suffering of others. You left your family knowing something was wrong in the letter you received from your friend. You always felt uncomfortable with Arl Howe and yet you dismissed your doubt and went regardless, even after your friend explained what you might face still you stayed. You remained silent and your parents died as a consequence, so tell me did you fail your family?"

Ellowyn took a step back tears slipping down her cheeks, feeling Jayden's hand on her arm. "How can you know that?"

"I know much. It is allowed to me. The question stands."

"I … I would give anything to go back, to stay, to be there when Arl Howe attacked. I thought the Arl was taking me home before I was locked in that damn tower. As for going to Vigil's Keep in the first place I thought I was helping my friend, I had no idea of the true extent of his treachery, but you are right, I should have made other choices, so yes Guardian, I failed my family, but I am in this place to ensure I do not fail my family again."

"And what of those with you? Leliana, your devotion blinded you and in seeking to protect one you idolized, you led Tug to his death and Sketch lost his freedom. Do you ever think you should have made a different choice that night?"

Trembling Leliana stared at her shaking hands before she forced herself to meet the Guardian's gaze. "I was blind, I did what I thought was right at the time, but if I could change it I would. I lost everything that night."

"Did you?"

Leliana glanced at him startled, but he had already moved from her, swallowing uneasily as she realised the Captain was watching her, his gaze compassionate, but it left her feeling as though he could see into her soul and she felt laid bare, a sensation she was not accustomed to. She turned realising the Guardian was again speaking.

"Delilah, you feared what your father was capable of, yet you followed his demands to have your friend visit you and in doing so ensured he could attack Highever Castle without fear of losing the heir he needed. Do you ever wonder if that tragedy could have been prevented if you had taken another course?"

Delilah turned to Ellowyn tears slipping down her cheeks having known what he would say to her. "I was afraid for you, I feared he would hurt you if I did not do as he said, I never imagined my father would be capable of such awful actions. Ellowyn I swear if I had known I would have done something. Maker I thought I was protecting you!"

Ellowyn gently clasped her hand. "I know and I do not blame you, this was your fathers doing."

Delilah turned as she felt Jayden's fingers interlock with her own pressing herself against his chest. "I did not know." She wept.

Jayden held her gently, soothing her until she had calmed; glancing up realising the Guardian was watching them, swallowing uneasily at his piercing gaze.

"Tragedy follows in your wake Captain, your mother, the Wardens and the army at Ostagar. Your actions have led to losses beyond counting."

"Don't you dare!" Ellowyn snarled furiously, anger replacing her guilt and shame. "He did everything he could to prevent the damn Blight and then make us ready for it. Don't you dare try to blame him for this!"

"I am doing nothing except reflecting back the guilt he already carries." The Guardian turned back to Jayden. "You often wish don't you, that those who sought your death so long ago had succeeded."

Jayden felt Delilah's grip tighten as she clasped his hand, seeing Ellowyn's grief stricken expression, biting his trembling lip feeling a well of grief a moment from erupting. "Yes I … I have wished it." He turned as Genitivi gripped his shoulder.

"Whatever is in your past, in all the time I have known you, you have done nothing but help people. You have nothing to feel guilty about dear boy, nothing!" Genitivi turned to the Guardian. "What secret pain do you feel the need to reflect to me?"

"Brother Genitivi, the call of your faith was always strong, it led you to leave home at a young age leaving behind parents who needed your help on the farm. You felt your father's anger until the day he died, in fact he never spoke to you again. You often wonder don't you, if the faith you cling to is only so strong because if it wasn't, losing your family would mean nothing."

Genitivi sighed softly. "I was young, fierce in my desire to explore my faith, I made my choice and my father made his. Of course I wish things could have been different between us, but I do not blame my faith for what happened and nor do I believe I cling to it because of that decision."

"The way is open." The Guardian stated moving aside from the door as it swung open.

Ahead they saw a hall lined with archways. Delilah shrank against Jayden in shock as the forms of people appeared within the archways as they stepped into the room, the door closing and locking behind them. "Spirits." She whispered, grateful when Jayden squeezed her hand and gently pulled her closer to him. "Perhaps we should have brought the mage and Templar."

Swallowing nervously Ellowyn took a step forward and then another, moving to the door at the far end finding herself unable to open it. "What do we do?"

Genitivi worried at his lip. "I suspect we are expected to interact with them for the next door to open." Curiosity overriding anxiety, he approached the spirit nearest him, a woman who appeared bowed down with sorrow.

"Echoes from a shadow realm, whispers of things yet to come. Thoughts strange sister dwells in night, is swept away by dawning light. Of what do I speak?"

"I believe you speak of dreams." Genitivi stated after a moment.

"A dream came upon me, as my daughter slumbered beneath my heart. It told of her life and her betrayal and death. I am sorrow and regret. I am a mother weeping bitter tears for a daughter she could not save."

"Brona." Genitivi whispered as the spirit became light and moved through the door at the far end of the room. He glanced to the other spirits. "I would imagine each of these spirits represent those important to Andraste in one form or another.

Ellowyn let out a low breath. "Then let us hope we can answer all of these riddles. I do not wish to be stuck in this room for an eternity."

Each spirit after that gave his or her riddle, each of the group offering their own knowledge and insight to inform their answers. The final spirit became a shimmer of light that moved to the far door, a click sounding out before the door opened.

Jayden moved towards Ellowyn anxiously; she had gone to the doors as they had swung open, but had stopped and collapsed to her knees. He saw the spirit ahead and almost fell to his knees himself.

Trembling Ellowyn felt hot tears burn her eyes. "Mom!"

"My darling Ellowyn."

"Mom I am so sorry. I should have been there, I should never have left. I failed you. I failed you and father both."

"Hush now Ellowyn you failed no-one. You sought to help your friend and I am proud of you. You acted as I raised you, to help others. You could not have known what would happen and you could not have prevented it, no matter how much we may wish it. You stand before a great darkness and there are darker days to come. You will be tested as we all are, some give into darkness, their heart withering leaving only bitterness and rage, seeing only deceit, consumed with hate. I do not wish that for you my darling. If you will, tell your brothers I love them so very much. You are all my heart and I am so proud of the people you have become."

Ellowyn stared at the amulet Eleanor placed into her hands.

"When the darkness feels too much, hold tight to this and remember you are not alone."

As Eleanor vanished Ellowyn stared at the amulet crafted in silver with a laurel leaf engraved upon it, before turning to her companions. "You all saw her?" She wiped the tears from her cheeks as they nodded. "Was that real?"

Delilah moved to her trembling slightly. "The amulet is real, why would she be any less so?"

"Because this is the Gauntlet and I'm not sure anything is real not truly." She slipped the amulet over her head all the same. "We should move." Yet she hesitated glancing to Jayden. "It couldn't be her, could it?"

"I have seen spirits before and once I believe I saw my own mother, so if the spirit of my mother came to me, I have to believe the spirit of your mother could come to you."

Swallowing painfully Ellowyn allowed herself to take comfort in the possibility. "Well whatever form this Gauntlet will take we have to hurry; Oren is running out of time."

xXx

Having led the way into the next room Ellowyn felt a jolt of shock realising her companions were no longer with her, fear constricting her throat. She clutched the amulet forcing herself to calm; hesitating as she saw an older woman sitting by a fireplace, her face shrouded in shadow, grey hair flowing down her back.

"A lifetime of bitterness lies before you." The older woman stated not taking her gaze from the few gleaming embers.

Ellowyn cautiously approached her. "Who are you?"

"I am sorrow and regret, emptiness and loneliness. I am a life half lived."

"What happened to you?" She swallowed as the older woman finally turned; taking an involuntary step back as she found herself looking into her own face, older, but hers.

"Every day I torture myself over what might have been; my parents, Aedan, Oren, Rory. Day after day I live in the past while the present turns to dust around me. I have nothing but memories, they are my companions."

"Are you saying you are what I will become?"

"Only you can make that choice." Slowly she stood. "Your thirst for vengeance against Howe will change you more than you can imagine and you will be left with nothing." Slowly she extended her hand cupping Ellowyn's cheek. "Cherish those who remain, open your heart to love again and turn from the dark path beaconing you. If you become me Howe will have won, he will have destroyed you utterly."

Ellowyn wiped her cheeks wet with tears as the woman faded, her hands trembling as she turned seeing a door open and the inviting light beyond. Her hand strayed once more to the amulet and taking a calming breath she walked towards the door.

xXx

Delilah turned sharply horrified to realise she was alone. "What trickery is this?"

"I cannot believe you are so weak."

Staring at the woman who suddenly appeared before her Delilah's hand fluttered to her mouth, tears burning her eyes. "Mom?"

"Not quite." The woman took a step closer looking Delilah up and down. "Pathetic."

"I … I do not understand."

"Stupid too."

"If you are not my mother who are you?" Her eyes widened as the woman rolled up her sleeve and showed her the scar just below the elbow, the same scar she bore from one of Thomas's more vicious moments. "You cannot be me!"

"Really?" She smirked slightly. "I am father's right hand."

Backing away Delilah shook her head. "You are not me and I would have nothing to do with fathers schemes!"

"Lie to yourself if you must, you are already in deeper than you can imagine." She laughed suddenly. "You cannot imagine yourself in love with the boy; he is a tool, the means of your ascension."

"I do love him!" Delilah hissed, her fists clenching.

"Is that why you have remained silent about father's part in his removal from his family?"

"I have no proof." Delilah gasped.

"Delilah be honest with yourself." She chuckled softly at her own joke. "You dreamt of being Queen once, you are as thirsty for power and influence as father. I know because I am you."

"That is not true! My attention was on Cailan, not the fact he would one day be King! I am not my father!"

"At least Thomas was honest about his true nature; he never tried to hide it, well until recently. You are as vicious as your brother and as calculating as your father. You want your betrothed for the status he will give you."

Delilah clenched her fists and approached herself. "You do not know me, you are my fear and I will not succumb to you."

"Father did not always follow the path to power, but he has embraced the means to gain what is rightfully his. That power is rightfully yours too. Imagine what you could accomplish if Ferelden was to bend knee to you."

Staring at her horrified Delilah gripped the hilt of her sword. "I will never follow my father; I will never betray my friends!"

Shrugging the manifestation of her older self smiled smugly. "Watch yourself Delilah, or one day when you look in the mirror you might just see me looking back."

Collapsing to her knees as the woman vanished, Delilah gave an agonised sob. "Holy Andraste I am not like my father, I swear it." She looked up sharply as the door opened light spilling into the room. Wiping her tears Delilah forced herself to stand, clenching her trembling hands. Heart pounding she hurried to the door afraid it would close again and she would be trapped forever.

xXx

Glancing around in alarm Leliana realised she was without her companions, taking an involuntary step back as a woman walked out of the shadows wearing an ornate orlesian mask. "Who are you?"

"Surely you recognise me."

Trembling slightly Leliana forced herself to take a step closer. "Take off your mask."

"Do you really want me to? The truth can be so … tricky."

"Remove your mask!" She sucked in a sharp breath as Marjolaine's sharp eyes seemed to pierce her soul.

"You poisoned Arl Eamon and you enjoyed the intrigue of it, you relish the Game despite now clothing yourself in the guise of the Chantry. You are not the devout Sister you play at; you are the embodiment of your mentor!"

"I was given no choice! Either I continued to be an agent or my life would have been forfeit."

"True, but that is not the issue. The issue is your pretense that you are better because of your Chantry disguise. You are a killer who uses faith as a convenient cover, which will be discarded when it suits your purposes."

"That is not true! I know what I believe, I know my own faith!" She trembled as Marjolaine's features twisted into a smirk as she attacked.

Dodging out of the way Leliana span; unsheathing her blade and driving it deep into Marjolaine's chest. She stood trembling as her once mentor crumpled to the floor.

"Be careful Leliana, you determine who you are no-one else. I may have shown you the path, but you walked it. I made you the woman you became because you wanted it. Now it is you who will choose who you are, choose wisely, faith, unlike your manipulations is not a game."

Leliana slumped against the wall as Marjoline faded; blinking as the door ahead opened finding herself bathed in light, silently thanking the Maker as she fled the room.

xXx

Sucking in a sharp breath Genitivi saw his father seated at the table he had eaten his meals from until the day he had left. "Father?"

"Was it worth it? Was your faith enough for you?"

Genitivi cautiously eased himself into a seat at the table. "I have travelled, met extraordinary people and seen true wonders. My faith has expanded my mind and shown me a world I would never have experienced if I had stayed, but I missed you and I grieved the way we parted. I wanted to share my travels with you and I prayed that you would open your heart to me once again, but you never did."

"You left us, you wanted to live your own life as all young men do, but I'm a simple man and I couldn't see the use in you going off to the Chantry when we needed you. Perhaps if we had been blessed with more children things might have been different. Ah, all that anger and frustration seems so very pointless now." He reached out placing his hand over Genitivi's. "Such dark times you live in, I do not envy you that, but I will say do not regret, I may have been too foolish to tell you, but I always loved you and I was always proud of you." He chuckled softly. "Mother Anise managed to get everything you ever wrote and would read it to me when my eyesight went. She always used to say even though you were part of the Chantry you walked your own path, that made me proud too. When your time comes you will have left the world a better place because of you being in it. I'm damn proud of you son."

Genitivi swallowed painfully. "I would never had been able to do all I have done without you. I am the man I am today because of the values you gave me." He stood as his father did finding himself in a tight embrace, tears slipping down his cheeks as the spirit of his father vanished and the door ahead opened.

xXx

Jayden turned sharply, alarmed to find himself alone. "Delilah? Ellowyn? Brother Genitivi? Sister Leliana?" He hesitated, frowning as he heard a soft sob from the shadowed corner of the room. Cautiously approaching he saw a boy, his face pressed against his knees that were held tight to his chest, his arms encircling his legs, his whole body trembling. "Hey there, I'm Will, what's your name?" He almost fell back as the boy looked up.

"Jay." The boy mumbled cheeks wet with tears.

Hunkering down he winced as the boy flinched away from him. "Jay it's alright I won't hurt you. Do you want to tell me why you are so upset?"

Biting at his lip Jay met his gaze. "I'm scared." He whispered flushing with shame.

Sitting on the ground beside him, Jayden gave the outward appearance of calm, while his heart pounded brutally. "Want to tell me what you're scared of?"

Jay gave a choked sob. "The Emperor is coming and he is going to kill me."

Swallowing painfully Jayden put his arm around the now sobbing boy. "I won't let anything happen to you, I promise."

Jay looked up inching closer. "You promise?"

"I promise."

Jay bit his lip before suddenly pressing tight to him wrapping his arms around Jayden's waist. He gave a sharp intake of breath at the sound of footsteps, shrinking back as a man walked towards them, sword in hand; a mask on his face.

Jayden stood. "Stay here." He urged moving towards the masked man to prevent him from reaching the boy. "You are not getting anywhere near him!" Jayden snarled unsheathing his blade.

"You think you can stop me boy?"

"Like I said, you are not getting anywhere near him."

"You can't protect him; you can't protect anyone."

Jayden hissed as the masked man lunged, parrying the blow and getting in close enough to shove him backwards further away from the boy. They traded blows for what seemed an eternity before Jayden's blade sank in deep where the Alpha had wounded him, the masked man collapsing to the floor, his sword spinning out of reach. Jayden knelt and removed the mask staring in horror, seeing his own face, older but unmistakably his, twisted with hate.

"I am what you truly hate, who you truly blame. I am what years of guilt and anger make you become." He glanced to the boy who was watching them wide eyed. "If he had died mom would have lived."

Swallowing painfully Jayden shook his head.

"You know it's true."

"No it isn't and this is the first time I've believed that. An Orlesian killed mom, not me and whether I was there or not she would have found a way." He stared startled as the older version of himself suddenly smiled the hate melting away.

"It's about damn time."

Biting his lip as the body vanished Jayden turned to his younger self.

"I don't ever want to be him." Jay whispered, snuggling into Jayden's arms.

Holding him gently Jayden brushed Jay's hair from his eyes. "Somehow I don't think either of us needs to worry about that." He felt his heart ache as Jay hugged him tightly before he too was gone. Glancing up as the door opened he let out a low breath hoping he had avoided a terrible fate.

xXx

Experiencing a sense of relief, Delilah only just managed to stop herself from running into Jayden's arms as he joined them, but her heart fluttered as he scanned the group, his gaze lingering on her assuring himself she was unharmed. She worried at her lower lip as he joined her. "There is no way to cross." Turning startled as Ellowyn gave a shout of triumph as a transparent section of the bridge appeared.

Grinning Ellowyn directed the others to stand on the sections of stone in turn, finding out which would create the remainder of the bridge. After what seemed an eternity of trial and error with the bridge suddenly disappearing, it appeared in its entirety. She turned to Delilah, the only one not on one of the stones. "Delilah come and take my place, I should cross first, we are here for Oren after all."

"Forgive me." Leliana stated in concern. "But is it wise to move? This bridge seems to have a somewhat fickle nature."

"She is right; besides we are here because of my father's actions, it seems only right I should test the bridge." Licking her lips nervously as she approached the bridge, Delilah glanced to Jayden, startled by his expression of complete confidence, realising he had more assurance in her faith in this moment than she had. A sense of reassurance filled her, feeling her faith wrap around her like a cloak, stepping out gasping in shock and delight as the bridge was solid beneath her feet. She took each step carefully, leaning against the wall in relief as she reached the other side.

"Perhaps we can all move now." Leliana stated wonderingly, relieved that it appeared to be so and the bridge remained solid until they crossed. She raised an eyebrow as it vanished once more with no way to reach the stones to bring it back. "No other way but forward." She murmured, turning seeing her companions simply staring through the archway into the room beyond, a huge wall of fire barring their way.

xXx

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