As the gates of Castle Redcliffe came into sight Ellowyn almost wept with relief, furious that the guards made them wait until Teagan was sent for, glaring at them as the portcullis was finally raised though knowing they were only doing their job. "How is Oren?" She demanded of Teagan.

"He is … it is not good."

"But he yet lives."

"Yes I …" He sighed as she raced off pulling Dylan with her.

"You should go with them my Lord." Leliana stated moving to Teagan's side. "The Ashes are real and I have enough for the Arl; Enchanter Dylan has an idea on how they may be activated. I will tell Lady Isolde the news and then join you."

"Maker be praised. I believe Isolde is in her room sleeping, she had a terrible headache." Hurrying to the Cousland's rooms he found Senior Enchanter Wynne and Enchanters Dylan and Robert already in discussion about how to use the Ashes.

"It is said that when Havard retrieved the earthy remains of blessed Andraste, as his fingertips touched the ash he was blessed with a vision and when it ended he was healed." Dylan stated. "Perhaps if the Ashes are placed in direct skin content and then a healing spell used …"

Wynne hesitated before nodding thoughtfully. "Yes I believe that would work."

"Then please hurry." Oriana urged desperately.

xXx

Slipping into the Arlessa's room Leliana found Isolde sleeping as Teagan had predicted. Moving silently she carefully put two drops of liquid on the Arlessa's lips. Just a little something to help you sleep a little longer and ensure the mages are not disturbed. She moved to the fireplace seeing what she needed by the embers. Hunkering down she took an empty pouch from her robes. The Game required one to be inventive and flexible and that was something Leliana prided herself on being.

xXx

Oren knew he was dreaming because he was in Highever Castle and there was no blood on the walls and the eyes of dead soldiers weren't staring at him.

"Oren."

Turning he gave a delighted gasp. "Grandma! Grandpa!" Running to them he hugged them tightly. "I miss you!"

"We are always with you Oren." Bryce stated gently.

"It's not the same grandpa."

"I know, but sometimes things are very different to how we would want them to be."

Oren glanced anxiously at Eleanor, the memory of the arrow in her chest making him shudder. "Does it still hurt?"

Smiling Eleanor shook her head. "No my darling; here your grandpa and I are healed, we feel no pain."

"I'm glad." Hugging them again he hesitated before glancing up, his voice small. "I don't feel any pain here. Am I dead too?"

Hunkering down Bryce gently brushed back a lock of hair from his eyes. "No Oren, it is not your time yet."

"But I'm really sick."

"Yes." Eleanor stated gently. "But Ellowyn is not far now and she has something that will make you well again."

"Will you tell me a story?" Oren asked as he snuggled between his grandparents, smiling contentedly as Eleanor's soothing voice began one of his favourite tales, grinning as Bryce took on different characters of the story. All too soon the tale came to an end and about to ask for another he hesitated, seeing a woman surrounded by flames walking towards them. He knew he should be frightened, but the flames weren't burning her and she looked peaceful. He returned her smile feeling calmer than he had in what seemed forever.

"It is time to get back to your parents Oren." Bryce stated hugging his grandson. "Know that we love you and will always be watching over you."

"Love you grandpa." Oren whispered hugging him fiercely. He snuggled against Eleanor as she hugged him.

"Be brave my darling." Eleanor stated gently.

Turning Oren gazed at the woman. "Are you going to take me back to my mom?"

"Yes Oren, I am."

"Why do you have flames around you? How aren't you burning?"

"I took these flames as my own, so they would heal, not hurt. Now they protect me. It was the Makers gift to me, for my sacrifice."

Oren gazed at her in awe. "Are you Andraste?" At her nod Oren's eyes widened.

"Through your Aunt Ellowyn I saw you and I thought since I will have a part in healing you we should meet." Leaning forward she gently kissed his brow. "Come, we shall talk a while."

Nodding Oren turned back to his grandparents, waving before they seemed to fade along with the castle and he found them instead in a meadow with the sun shining brightly.

Sitting on a rock Andraste gestured for Oren to join her. "You know Oren we can take our greatest pain and make it our greatest strength."

"How?"

"Forgiveness."

"I won't ever forgive the people who hurt my family. I will hate them forever!"

"And what will you do with all that hate?"

"I'll hunt them down and hurt them!"

"And what about their families; the little boys and girls left behind who will feel anger and hate towards you. When does it stop?"

"I don't want to hurt anyone else, just the ones who hurt my family. It's justice!"

"Oh sweet Oren." She murmured. "What you speak of is vengeance not justice."

Oren blinked back tears. "They killed grandpa and grandma and they didn't do anything to them!"

"Be better than them Oren. You have such a beautiful heart and you are such a brave boy. Show those who would hurt you that they have not broken you. That you will love and protect your family and people not by vengeance, but justice."

Oren sighed softly. "Why did they hurt us?"

"That has a very complicated answer and our time is at an end." She smiled at his frustrated look and kissed his brow feeling him relax.

xXx

Oriana clutched Ellowyn's's arm as they watched the mages; the Ashes shimmering on her son's skin as the spell wove around him, her heart racing as Oren's laboured breathing eased.

Slowly opening his eyes Oren realised he was back in the bedroom, several people standing over the bed their hands glowing. He turned hearing his mother saying his name, smiling as she hugged him, gently brushing the tears from her cheeks. "I'm alright mom. Andraste was with me." He smiled broadly. "She had flames all around her mom, but they didn't burn."

Oriana glanced to Ellowyn who was staring at her nephew startled.

"She was really nice mom. She told me it was time to come back."

"Come back from where?" Oriana asked her throat catching.

Oren squeezed his mother's hand. "I was with grandma and grandpa. They said they don't hurt anymore. They told me a story and then Andraste came and she said Aunt Ell was nearly here and it was time to come back."

Tears slipping down her face Oriana gently hugged her son. "Are you sure you feel fine my darling?"

"Actually mom I feel really good, like I've just had the best sleep ever." He sat up grinning, laughing as Rascal jumped up onto the bed excitedly licking his face.

Meeting Oriana's grateful gaze Ellowyn leaned against a set of drawers feeling weak, smiling at Fleta who pressed against her leg, tears slipping down her face, startled when Oren leapt out of the bed and hugged her waist. "I love you so much Aunt Ell and you always keep your promises, but I need you to promise you won't leave us again. Not ever!"

Hunkering down Ellowyn brushed his hair from his face. "I might have to Oren, but I promise I will only ever leave if it is extremely important."

Scrunching up his face Oren slowly nodded. "I suppose that would be alright."

Wynne smiled warmly never having expected such a miraculous recovery. "My Ladies we should take our leave, the Arl requires the healing power of the Ashes too."

Oriana nodded. "Of course and thank you so much for your help." As the mages filed out Oriana turned to her son who was laughing and chasing Rascal around the room, astonished that in one moment she had feared he would be taking his last breath and in the next it was as though nothing had happened.

Oren skidded to a halt. "Can I speak to Uncle Dan?"

Nodding Ellowyn pulled out the runestone showing him how to activate it.

Oren's eyes lit up. "Awesome." He hopped from foot to foot, jumping on the bed when he heard Aedan's voice. "Uncle Dan this is awesome; I'm going to ask dad if I can have one so I can speak to you all the time." He grinned as he heard his uncle laugh.

"You sound as though you are feeling better."

"Much better, in fact I feel better than ever."

"I am very glad to hear it."

Oriana gently tugged Ellowyn's arm moving out of earshot of her son who was engrossed in talking to his uncle. "We cannot stay here."

Ellowyn bit her lip, the thought of leaving Rory pained her, but perhaps it would be best to separate swiftly, before her heart demanded what it could not have. "I know, but where can we go?"

"Rainesfere was our original destination and your mother said we could trust Teagan. I do not however trust the Arlessa. Once the Arl is healed Teagan will be free to return home and I know he and Fergus have spoken about us going with him."

"Then I hope Fergus returns swiftly, I do not wish to be in Redcliffe any longer than necessary." She smiled as Oren bounced off the bed and handed her the runestone.

"Uncle Dan wants to talk to you." Glancing to Rascal who wagged his tail, Oren grinned and gripped this mother's hand. "Let's go into the garden, I want some fresh air."

Smiling Ellowyn settled on the bed as Oren pulled his mother from the room, turning her attention to the rune. "Oren is acting as though he just had a nap; I … it truly is a miracle."

"I do not understand how Ashes can heal, but I thank the Maker they did."

"As do I. Aedan I think Oriana is going to persuade Fergus that we should go to Rainesfere."

"That is probably a good idea; I was sick of Lady Isolde's glares whenever she appeared. I mean I know it is her home, but it is not as though we provoked Howe."

"She fears for her husband and after what happened to Oren she probably fears for her son. We can hardly blame her."

"I suppose not, but I won't mind if we don't need to come back. Get Will to contact us when he returns, Rathal nearly had a fit when he found out the runestone wasn't with him. I think he worries more about him than we do."

"Is that possible?"

"You should have seen his face; I think it just might be."

Ellowyn allowed herself the laugh that bubbled up, relief and joy at her nephew's recovery leaving her almost giddy. "I will warn him when he gets back then." After saying their goodbyes Ellowyn tucked away the runestone and smiling happily to herself left the room to go to the garden, startled to see Rory waiting outside.

"I didn't want to disturb you, but I saw Oren and I just wanted to …" His eyes widened as Ellowyn wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, feeling her joy and excitement. He felt the ache of his heart as moments later she pulled away flushed.

"I … I am sorry I …"

"I'm not." Rory whispered.

Biting her lip Ellowyn met his gaze. "Wanting something to be another way does not make it so." She trembled as he cupped her cheek.

"I know, but for however long I can be, I am here for you, in whatever way you need."

Hesitating for a moment Ellowyn gave a slight smile. "How about we join Oren in the garden?"

Smiling Rory nodded his heart beating wildly as she accepted his offered arm.

xXx

Smiling happily to himself Aedan wiped the tears from his eyes and hugged Hunter before he crossed the campsite handing the runestone to Rathnal.

"I take it there was good news?"

"Oren has been healed. I would never have believed it but the Ashes really healed him." He grinned as the Wardens crowded round, hugging him and slapping his back.

"See." Ayanna murmured in his ear, wrapping her arms around his waist. "Sometime we just need a little faith."

"Well it's about damn time we had some good news." Faren stated with a grin. "Let's hope this is a turning point and the Circle decides to help us without a fuss."

Rathnal smiled, hoping the same.

xXx

Settled on her bed in her room in the Chanty, Leliana sighed deeply and breaking the seal she glanced over the message from Erlina and then re-read it. The script was complicated, but she had always had a mind for ciphers and could work it out swiftly without ink and parchment. Pursing her lips she settled down to reply, as a Sister she had been privy to so many secrets and movements. She confirmed the presence of both the King and the Captain, presuming Fergus had likely already given her verbal confirmation; briefly outlining Oren's poisoning and retrieving the Ashes along with her own actions with the Ashes meant for the Arl. Sighing she folded the slip of paper and left the Chantry heading up the hill, speaking at length to Ser Barlm, smiling as the ravens greeted her, running her fingers over ebony wings. "We are both caged." She murmured as Ser Barlm left her to it. "But we have a purpose." She smiled as a raven hopped onto her shoulder. "And in time we shall have freedom."

xXx

Blinking sleepily Isolde sat up in bed hearing two servants beyond the door speaking of Oren. Slipping off the bed she moved to the door freezing as she heard them say he had been cured. Wrenching open the door she glared at the startled servants. "What is going on?"

"Forgive us my Lady, but it's a miracle! The Ashes of Andraste saved young Lord Cousland's life. It is as if he was never ill at all!"

"Where are the mages now?"

"With the Arl my Lady." Marla stated anxiously.

Glaring at them Isolde hurried down the corridor to the room that had become her husband's sick room, seeing Senior Enchanter Wynne and Enchanters Dylan and Robert standing by her husband; almost shoving Wynne out of the way as the spell ended. "I should have been informed before you started; I should have been here with him." She snapped, clutching his hand as he lay unmoving, his eyes closed; his breathing weak. She bit her lip fiercely; furious that the boy had been healed first. "Why is it not working?" She demanded fiercely.

Wynne had no answer, but she attempted to calm the Arlessa. "The Arl has been unwell for longer, perhaps it will simply take more time."

By evening everyone had accepted that the Ashes had not worked. Walking down to the garden Isolde heard the whispers of the servants, their surprise that the Arl had not been saved and their wonder at what he had done to displease the Maker. She froze her heart pounding; she had never expected a failure of the Ashes to reflect on her husband. Her hands clenched; if Oren had not been here no-one would be questioning her husband, they would simply have said the Ashes were a relic with no power. She seethed; this was Teagan's fault allowing the Cousland's to stay. Storming passed the servants glaring them into silence she reached the sanctity of her room, sending for Leliana, pacing the room and wringing her hands until the Sister arrived, angrily explaining the servant's gossip.

Leliana gently took her hands. "The Maker has a plan for us all my Lady, perhaps he wishes Arl Eamon by his side."

"No! How could they not have worked? He should have been treated first! "

"My Lady it should have made no difference. Perhaps you should consider that it is not the Arl's actions that caused the Ashes not to work."

"What do you mean?"

"Think of what you were prepared to have happen to ensure he received the Ashes. I doubt it would have met with Holy Andraste's approval."

"How dare you!"

"I dare because you are going down a dark road."

Isolde stared at her wide eyed before she turned and leaned against a dresser tears spilling down her cheeks. "I just wanted to protect my family."

"I know." Leliana soothed. "But we cannot know the Makers plan. Come my Lady, let us pray and Andraste may yet show mercy."

Nodding dismally Isolde followed Leliana to the small chapel in the Castle, sinking to her knees before the statue of Andraste. My son has already been cursed with magic; I beg you, do not take my husband from me too.

As Leliana knelt beside the Arlessa her hand strayed to the pouch within her robes, her pinch of the Ashes still safe within. The Queen wanted the Arl dead and for the moment at least she would do nothing to alter the course that had been set.

xXx

It had been two days since the Ashes had healed him and Oren had never felt better, but he was aware some were not so lucky. He caught sight of Connor heading up the stairs, knowing the Ashes had failed to heal his father and he wanted to somehow give him some comfort. Speaking urgently to his mother he darted after him with her permission, Rascal at his heels. "Connor!" He whispered loudly.

Connor turned before glancing around and then smiling. "I'm glad you're better."

Oren held out the wooden knight Connor had given him while he was ill. "I was thinking maybe you could give this to your dad."

Connor moved to take it, but withdrew his hand. "I'd like you to keep it; if you want to."

"Thanks, how about we trade." He pulled a small wooden carving of a boy and mabari from his pocket and held out his hand. It had been a gift from Ellowyn on his last name day and he had grabbed it as they were leaving Highever that fateful night. He had spoken to Ellowyn about giving it to Connor and she had told him it was his to do with as he wished, but that she thought it would be a lovely gesture.

"It's just like you and Rascal." Connor stated grinning as he took the carving.

"I'm not sure why your mom doesn't want us to be friends, but this way you will remember us and maybe one day she will let us be friends."

Connor bit his lip knowing that would never be possible, gripping the carving as though his life depended upon it.

"For now we will just have to be friends in secret."

Connor stared at him startled, but couldn't help returning Oren's infectious smile. "Did … did you really see Holy Andraste?"

Nodding Oren settled on a step, Connor sitting next to him, the boys keeping their voices hushed, enjoying a moment of friendship no-one could take from them.

xXx

Pacing the battlements furiously Isolde cursed the remainder of the group who had gone to Haven for the time they were taking in returning. They had Ashes and she was determined to obtain another pinch for her husband whose health continued to deteriorate. Squinting against the sun she saw a small group travelling towards the Castle, hurrying down to ensure she was the first to get to them, her body gripped with desperation as she focused her rage on Delilah. "It is likely your father poisoned my husband. You will give me the Ashes you took from the Temple immediately!"

Delilah stared at her in shock. "I thought Sister Leliana took ashes for the Arl."

"They did not work!" Isolde snapped. "He has been unwell for longer than the boy and I will not have people saying he was not cured because he does not have the favour of the Maker. You must atone for your father's sin. You are as much to blame as he is!"

"Arlessa Isolde, Lady Delilah did not poison your husband!" Jayden stated his own fury ignited as he moved protectively to Delilah's side, hesitating as Delilah gently touched his arm.

"Of course you may have my pinch of the Ashes Lady Isolde." Delilah stated softly handing her the pouch. "You simply had to ask, but I will remind you there is no proof my father was involved in this and I certainly was not."

Snatching the pouch Isolde turned and hurried back inside.

Delilah let out a low shuddering breath. "Well that was unpleasant."

"She had no right to speak to you like that." Jayden growled.

"I imagine in the weeks to come, people will treat me worse."

"Not if I have anything to say about it."

"She has no honour." Sten stated, before he headed to the barracks; Terrance following him at a gesture from Jayden.

Smiling slightly Delilah gently squeezed Jayden's hand before they headed inside.

"Will!" Ellowyn grinned in delight hurrying across the Great Hall and hugging him fiercely. "I am so glad you are back." She smiled at Delilah. "Both of you." Turning back to Jayden she clasped his hand. "Oren was cured!" She laughed happily as they both hugged her. "Will, Oriana wishes to see you immediately."

"I will go and freshen up." Delilah stated smiling as Ellowyn hugged her again.

Grinning Jayden allowed Ellowyn to pull him up the stairs to the Cousland's rooms.

"William." Oriana stated smiling warmly. "I wish to thank you for accompanying Ellowyn and for your efforts in saving my son." She impulsively moved forward and hugged him. "Thank you." She whispered.

"I am glad your son is well again."

"Indeed and I must go to the garden, he has guards with him, but you will understand I do not like him too far from my presence."

"Indeed my Lady."

Oriana left the room glancing to Ellowyn who was already dragging him to the sofa, smiling to herself as she closed the door.

"Before we speak of anything else tell me about the Ashes, they worked for Oren, but not the Arl? How can that be?"

"I do not know? How do you know that you have just arrived?"

"Lady Isolde accosted Delilah as we entered the gates and demanded her Ashes, which she gave."

Ellowyn nipped her lower lip. "Some whisper the Arl does not have the Makers favour, naturally that has made the Arlessa very unhappy at our continuing presence here, especially when Oren was healed immediately." She smiled happily. "It was miraculous, one minute I feared I was too late and the next he was running around with Rascal as though he had simply had a nap."

"I am truly glad he is well."

Ellowyn met his gaze and gently squeezed his hand. "I cannot imagine how difficult this must have been for you too."

"It's alright Ell; the only thing that matters is Oren is well, leave the past where it is."

Flushing Ellowyn nodded. "Of course; I … will you tell me this task given to you? You did promise."

"I did." He smiled at her stunned expression as he explained what had happened leaving out the baby dragon and the gift.

"A dragon?" Ellowyn stated softly gazing at him in wonder.

"What no shouting?" He grinned at her shocked expression.

"It was a task given by Holy Andraste and I understand now why she chose you."

"Oh?"

"No one else would have been mad enough to do it."

"You would have refused the task?"

"Yes! I would have begged forgiveness and run for the bloody hills, but you … you probably just thought sure, why not."

"Actually I wasn't exactly enthusiastic about it."

"Yet still you did it. I bet you almost gave poor Delilah a heart attack."

Flushing slightly Jayden thought of their kiss afterwards and those since, thinking Delilah had already forgiven him.

"She is in love with you, you know." Ellowyn sighed slightly as his flush deepened. "Do you love her?"

"I … I never expected this … I never expected she would have feelings for me."

Pressing her hand over his heart, Ellowyn smiled sadly. "I know Lyra hurt you, but would it be so bad to let Delilah into that heart of yours?"

"No I … it …" He sighed. "I care for her a great deal, but love … I can't just turn it on or off for that matter."

"You still love Lyra?"

"Did you stop loving Rory just because you couldn't be together?" He sighed at her flush. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have said that."

"No you are right; feelings are not so easy to change sometimes. I just want you to be happy."

"I want the same for you Ell."

"I … I kissed him. Rory I mean, when Oren was cured. I was just so happy and … but he will leave again and there is nothing either of us can do about it."

Jayden bit his lip thinking of the vial of Andraste's Tears; he could free Rory from the taint, give them a second chance, but there was Alistair who he had sworn to return to his family and Aedan who had been forced to become a Warden. He felt the weight of Andraste's gift, realising that this would be no easy choice, not to mention what might happen before the Blight was over. They needed Wardens and so whatever his decision it would have to wait until the Archdemon was slain.

"You look sad." Ellowyn murmured.

"No just … some decisions lie ahead that I am realising I would prefer not to make."

"Whatever is worrying you, I'm here to talk things through."

Jayden nodded and hugged her gently. "I know."

xXx

Isolde watched eagle eyed as the mages once more performed the spell, glancing to Teagan who shifted anxiously; sucking in a sharp breath as her husband shifted before opening his eyes.

"Wh … what is happening?" Eamon demanded feeling hazy and uneasy with so many people surrounding the bed he lay on.

"Be calm brother." Teagan urged. "You have been deathly ill for a very long time."

Focusing on his brother Eamon frowned in confusion. "Teagan? What are you doing here? Where is Isolde?"

"I am here, my husband." Isolde settled next to the bed taking his hand willing everyone else to leave. "You were poisoned, by who we have yet to discover."

"Much has happened since you fell ill brother."

"You can discuss the war later." Isolde hissed glaring at Teagan. "Leave us, everyone."

Eamon saw the anger in his brothers eyes the tension palpable and gently squeezed his wife's hand. "I will speak with you later Teagan."

"Of course brother, it is good to see you well."

Turning to Isolde as everyone else left, Eamon eased himself up until he was sitting. "Now beloved, speak to me." He listened in growing alarm as she told him that Wynne believed he had been poisoned, what she knew of the battle, the death of Teyrn and Teyrna Cousland and those who had taken refuge within the castle and of the danger they had brought with them.

"I believe it is too dangerous for the Cousland's to remain here, both physically and politically. If Bryce was a traitor we cannot be associated with his family."

"And what would you suggest love?"

"Send Teagan back to Rainesfere, whatever else he is eager to return to his wife and have them go with him. I do not trust Teagan anyway. He has taken power here; you are awake now and healed. You must take back what is yours and distance him from it. We could send Sister Leliana with them, she will report back on them and then we will know for sure if they can be trusted."

Eamon nodded thoughtfully. "Interesting suggestion love, but for the moment I would speak with my family, much has happened and I would know the truth of everything."

xXx

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