Waking due to a drop in temperature Delilah turned seeing Jayden putting more wood on the fire, a worried expression on his face. Moving she sat behind him wrapping her arms around his waist and resting her chin on his shoulder. "Airyl will be well." She soothed, smiling slightly as his hands rested gently over her interlocked fingers.

"I hope so."

"She is as clever as a mabari and twice as fierce."

"True, but that damn dart left her as helpless as we were."

Inwardly sighing Delilah forced herself to say the one thing that she knew would truly soothe him. "Morrigan will be with her." She felt him relax, realising that as much as she detested the witch and the feeling was more than obviously mutual, she was a large part of Jayden's life, she supposed like an annoying sister and she would just have to find a way to live with that. Needing to clear the air and wanting to distract him, she nestled a little closer. "I am sorry I was so angry with you over Brother Burkel's request. It was foolish of me to react like that, but I just do not understand your refusal to help."

"I told you we have no right to force our beliefs onto others."

"But it would not be forcing our beliefs onto others, it would be offering them another option."

Jayden twisted so their eyes met. "You really believe that?"

"Of course."

Sighing softly, he turned back to the fire. "When my mom died, I went to the Chantry seeking … something. She told me I would always find someone to listen at the Chantry, but when I went, I overheard a conversation, whispers that my mom had died because she turned from the Maker and went to the Dalish for help. I was so angry I vowed I would never have anything to do with the Chantry again. It didn't quite work out that way of course. The idea of the Chantry as a place of solace, of protection, acceptance, peace and love is wonderful, but that isn't what happens Delilah. Humans are flawed and we taint the light the Maker gave us."

Delilah felt the lump swell in her throat and instead of speaking she pressed a soft kiss to his shoulder.

"After being in Holy Andraste's presence I … it just didn't seem right somehow. I mean the Chantry has shut out all other races while expecting them to believe. The Chantry may have begun as being in service to the people, but now it is about power over them. It brings division not unity, discord instead of solace." He sighed deeply. "The Chantry sees other races as in need of saving, yet it was humans whose sin blackened the Golden City and brought the Blight upon all of us. The hypocrisy is suffocating."

"Have you thought that perhaps Brother Burkel is in his own way trying to change that? He said he is originally from the Chantry at Redcliffe and was given leave to bring the Chant of Light to Orzammar."

"I've never seen a dwarven Brother before, I thought only humans were made Brothers and how was a surface dwarf allowed to walk freely in Orzammar under King Trian's rule? How was he let in to begin with? You don't think it is the least bit suspicious? I mean do you have any idea what his true motivations are for wanting to set up a Chantry?"

"To be honest I had not thought about it so deeply. You think Sister Leliana and I should not have attempted to help him?"

"I just think had you succeeded there would have inevitably been trouble and if Brother Burkel is genuine, they would not have seen his faith at work, but the interference of humans. At least now should he actually succeed then it will be by his own doing and will not be shadowed by any human influence."

"You know you could have just said that at the time."

"Would you have listened?"

Delilah sighed. "Probably not. You know it occurs to me you really are a very suspicious man."

Jayden glanced at her startled, before he laughed softly, grateful that her arms remained wrapped around him. "I suppose I am."

"It is not a bad thing." She murmured, pressing her lips lightly to his neck, smiling at the slight tremble that moved through his body, pressing a light kiss to the other side of his neck, nipping her lip as she felt his thumbs softly begin to stroke her hands.

"Delilah …" Jayden whispered huskily as her lips moved to his ear, unable to stop himself from leaning back against her.

"Mmmm?"

"You are driving me crazy."

"Well if you were not so suspicious of dwarven Brothers we could perhaps have been married in Orzammar and then tonight, now we are finally alone, with no chance of interruptions …" She flushed as he turned, her stomach tightening as he gently caressed her cheek drawing her closer until their lips met, feeling her resolve melt, her heart beating wildly at the intensity of their kiss.

It took all of Jayden's will power to stop; drinking in her flushed cheeks, her eyes that told him she wanted more as much as he did.

Heart pounding Delilah gazed at him. "I … as a soldier I suppose you have had many women."

Startled Jayden pulled back slightly. "No, I …"

"I heard about the Pirate Queen." Delilah flushed looking away from him. "She is supposed to be very … experienced. I have never … I mean … I want to be fully with you, but we cannot, not until we are married, but there are other things …" She felt her blush deepen further. "I am sure she was very proficient at everything, but if you tell me what you like …" Suddenly ashamed she turned away from him, startled as she felt his chest at her back, his arms wrapping around her drawing her close, feeling the beat of his heart as fast as her own.

"I was never with Isabela; I won a game of Wicked Grace with her and she taught me some of her fighting style. I loved Lyra at the time and despite Isabela's many charms I wasn't interested in being intimate with her."

"Truly?" Delilah whispered, turning to look at him.

"Truly. I've only ever kissed two women, you and Lyra and it never went any further with Lyra."

Delilah turned in his arms. "So, when we do get married, I will be your first, just as you will be mine?"

Jayden was startled by the happiness in her expression. "Yes."

"I love you. I know it is not the same for you …" She hesitated as he gently cupped her cheek, feeling her breath hitch at the look in his eyes.

"You are brave, intelligent, resourceful and very beautiful. My affection for you is beyond anything I ever expected to feel, I realise now that my love with Lyra was an impossible dream, so much struggle and pain, always something getting in the way of us having a life together, with you … this feels real, easy almost." He sighed softly. "I'm dreadful at this."

"No." Delilah whispered. "It is easier, with Albert I knew my father would never allow it." She sighed softly. "Maybe Wynne is right and the forbidden fruit is the most tempting, but with you we are allowed to be together, allowed to build a life together and no-one will stop us. Well, once people realize who you are of course; until then I suppose we will have Wynne hounding us." She suddenly giggled nervously. "She will have a fit when she finds out we spent the night alone together."

"She isn't the only one. I will have Thomas, Cailan, Fergus and Teagan after my hide."

Pressing her hand to his chest Delilah smiled. "Well I would not wish that."

"I would imagine they will make assumptions about what happened here no matter what we say."

Kissing him gently Delilah smiled mischievously. "I am sure Wynne has some way of confirming my virtue is intact."

"I'm sure she does." Jayden murmured kissing her gently before forcing himself to pull away and grabbing his blanket he moved purposefully to the other side of the fire.

"Are you really going to sleep over there for the rest of the night?"

"How much self-control do you think I have?"

Smiling at his mischievous grin, Delilah settled down pulling the blanket around her, their gazes lingering on each other until finally sleep would no longer be denied.

xXx

As sunlight filtered through the shutters Jayden stirred, smiling slightly as he gazed across at Delilah, her face peaceful in sleep. Getting to his feet he headed across the room and opened a shutter.

"Is the storm over?" Delilah murmured sleepily.

"It is and it's a beautiful sunrise." He smiled as Delilah joined him wrapping an arm around her waist. "I have something for you."

Delilah glanced curiously at the velvet pouch he placed in her hand.

"I wanted to give it to you while we were in Orzammar, but well we had that difference of opinion and …"

"And then I would not speak to you." Opening the pouch and retrieving its contents she gazed in awe. The necklace within was made up of squares of various metals linked together, tiny gems at the centre of each square, the metals woven tightly together to link them. "I have never seen anything like it, it is beautiful."

"There are runes of barrier, endurance and elemental protection woven into the metal and each gem enhances the power of the runes."

Smiling she ran her fingertips over the gems. "Practical as well."

"I just … I thought you might like it and I want you to be safe."

"I love it." Undoing the catch, she turned and pulled aside her hair. "Would you fasten it?" Biting her lip as his fingers gently brushed against her neck, she found the metal surprisingly warm against her skin. Turning she smiled. "Does it suit me?"

"I think so." He softly caressed her lips. "It makes your eyes sparkle."

Laughing Delilah nestled against him glancing out of the window, pulling back slightly and frowning. "There is something moving in those trees. Is that … sweet Maker it is a horse." She turned to Jayden realising he was already moving to put on his armour. "Be careful."

"Of course."

xXx

Slowly heading over keeping his focus on the honey coloured mare who was panting rapidly and moving back and forward in agitation, Jayden stopped a short distance away, waiting for her to get used to his presence.

The mare pawed at the ground, her ears remaining pinned back, her muzzle tense.

Jayden remained where he was until her ears swivelled forward slightly and her attention focused on him. After another minute the mare took a hesitant step towards him sniffing the air. "Hey beautiful girl." He soothed softly. A brief glance told him there was a wound on her left flank. He slowly moved over to her projecting a calm soothing air.

The mare huffed softly, lowering her head slightly but still watching him, her ears swivelled forwards.

"Come on girl, I need to treat that wound." He stopped an arm's length away from her and remained where he was as she sniffed the air around him before lowering her head and nosing against his shoulder, allowing him to gently stroke her neck. "There we are, I'm not so bad." He grinned as she gently nudged his head. Continuing to gently stroke her, he made his way slowly to the wound, it was thankfully superficial, the saddle hanging off her had taken the brunt of the attack, the leather shredded by claws. He carefully loosened the remains of the saddle letting it fall to the ground, glancing around. "Come on girl, let's get you to safety so I can see to this wound." He continued to talk soothingly as he led her back to the hut and the makeshift stable. Once inside he cleaned the wound and applied a soothing salve, smiling at Delilah as she brought out food and water.

"Is she hurt?"

"Just a scratch thankfully, the saddle took the brunt of the attack. They must have had their fill if they didn't pursue her."

"Do you think they are still out there?"

"Probably, but they will hopefully still be sleeping off their large meal last night. So, I suggest we grab our things and get moving."

"But we have no idea where we actually are!"

"We head down, we will reach a road eventually. I don't want to be here when those lions start looking for their next meal."

Swallowing in panic Delilah nodded, hurrying back inside to get packed.

xXx

Once everyone was awake, Leliana hurried to pack eager to begin the search for Lady Delilah and the Captain. It was not so much fear of their capture that motivated her, she suspected together they might have escaped their captors, but that meant they were alone in an intense situation and she feared what that might lead to.

"Relax Sister." Serris murmured smiling slightly. "We will find them soon enough."

"Yes, but will it be in time?"

Chuckling softly Serris picked up her pack. "I believe you fear more for Lady Delilah's virtue than their safety."

"Of course not, but it must be considered and it is the reason I am here."

"No-one could have foreseen this Sister; you cannot be blamed."

"I would not be so sure."

"Well I think Will is sensible enough to keep his hands to himself and I get the impression Lady Delilah can hold her own."

"Intense situations provoke intense emotions."

"You are assuming of course that they managed to slip their bonds and their captors and found somewhere to wait out the storm that was safe enough to enable an intimate encounter."

Shaking her head Leliana allowed a smile. "You are right of course. I am worrying about nothing."

Serris watched as Rathnal untied Zevran, Alistair's blade to his throat as he was hauled to his feet, his hands bound behind him. "Well I think we are ready to go rescue our missing Captain and Lady."

xXx

Swearing under his breath Rathnal guided his horse through the thick snow covering their path. They had been traveling for nearly an hour and for the last ten minutes had barely made any progress. "Alright." He signalled for everyone to stop. "Isn't there a spell that could make this easier going?"

"I suppose I could melt some of the snow with a fire spell." Serris mused.

"Do it, I want to get them and be back on the road before nightfall."

Nodding Serris slipped from the horse gesturing for everyone to move out of the way. Summoning her magic, she channelled fire, grimacing as the melting snow began to soak into her boots. The trees were too close to chance doing it any other way. Ignoring the discomfort, she forged ahead making them a path relieved when the snow became a more manageable travelling level for the horses.

"Let's make up for lost time." Rathnal muttered glaring at Zevran who was on Rinna's horse, his hands bound behind him, in full view of Sten and Theron who were remaining behind them in case the assassin tried anything. They reached the rise and Rathnal signalled for them to stop. "I might have bloody known it." He muttered with a grin seeing Jayden leading a horse that Delilah was riding. "Guess they didn't need our help after all." He spurred his horse on, smiling as Airyl darted ahead of him.

Grinning as Airyl bounded towards him, Jayden hugged her fiercely, checking her over even as she jumped around him and rubbed herself against him. "Are you sure you're alright?" He grinned as she leapt up at him sending them both into the snow.

Slipping off his horse Alistair grinned as he grabbed Jayden, pulling him up and hugging him. "Damn you had me worried. Are you both alright?"

"We spent a lovely evening in a hunters hut in the mountains. Of course, that was after we woke from a drug induced sleep and evaded two red lions who killed the men who took us and all but this horse."

"Well we are thankful you are both in one piece." Rathnal stated, inwardly groaning as Jayden's expression darkened, his whole-body tensing. He only just grabbed his arm before he could move. "You need to stop and listen to me."

Jayden turned to him startled by the command. "But …"

"His name is Zevran, he's an Antivan Crow. He was sent by Howe to retrieve you and Lady Delilah. He is going to help us." He held his hand up at Jayden's incredulous look.

"You have got to be kidding."

"Look I know this isn't easy, I know you want to tear him apart right now, but he is proof of Howe's intent and the Cousland's need proof. Rumours that Teyrn Cousland was a traitor are beginning to take root. I don't like this either, not least because he is Rinna's former lover and I see the way she looks at him and I know she still loves him. Just stay away from him, please." He felt a rush of relief as Jayden's gaze softened slightly. "Come, the others will be glad to see you."

Looking up at Delilah, Jayden met her anxious gaze. "If he comes anywhere near you, I'll kill him truce or not."

Taking a deep breath Delilah gently squeezed his hand. "It will be alright." She remained calm as Morrigan moved to Jayden's side, holding her tongue only because she saw genuine concern in the witches' eyes. She couldn't help smiling as moments later he was checking over Luna who seemed as happy to see him as he was to see her, Airyl of course stuck to his side. They continued back down the mountain, Delilah casting the occasional look to the elven assassin her father had hired. She fingered the dagger at her belt, but it was not Zevran she imagined when she thought of using the blade, but her father. She was pulled out of her musing as Leliana moved her horse closer.

"Are you well my Lady?"

"I am thank you Sister." Delilah sighed at her searching look, keeping her voice low so they would not be overheard. "My virtue is intact; William was a perfect gentleman."

Leliana smiled slightly to hide her relief. "But you almost wish he had not been."

Flushing Delilah sighed. "Is that so surprising?"

"You became closer in the Deep Roads, that was obvious and perhaps I was remiss not to interfere more than I did, but you understand the trouble this would cause for you both should it go any further. This is the surface and the affection allowed to you in the Deep Roads …"

"I love him." Delilah interrupted softly. "And I intend to marry him." She almost smiled at Leliana's startled look. "Do not worry Sister, I know what I am doing."

xXx

Setting up camp as the last of the sun's rays vanished, Rinna moved over to Rathnal. "How long do you intend to treat Zev as a prisoner?"

"Rinna, he is a prisoner."

"He is now an ally. You need to start treating him like one." She sighed at his stunned expression. "Rath …"

"You expect me to just let him walk freely around the camp! He's a damn assassin!"

"So am I!" Rinna hissed.

"You are a Warden!" Rathnal countered angrily. "He has no reason to keep his word if we free him; he will melt into the bloody shadows and we do enough looking over our shoulder as it is. He was going to kill us Rinna. That might not bother you, but it bothers me."

"Perhaps I can help." Serris stated softly, smiling as they both jumped. "I can set a ward which he will not be able to pass through."

"He could still kill us in our sleep." Rathnal grumbled.

"I think Zevran is sincere in his declaration to aid us and should he misstep we shall deal with him accordingly."

Sighing Rathnal glared at Zevran, his anger boiling at his smug smile. "Fine set the ward, but the first hint he means to harm anyone …"

Rinna gave a delighted smile and hurried over to Zevran.

Clenching his fists, Rathnal moved over to the others to explain what was happening, giving no-one the chance to question him.

xXx

As the evening meal was cooking, a now free Zevran cautiously approached his former captives smiling warmly and extending his hand towards the Captain. "No hard feelings?"

Returning his smile Jayden stood and stretched out his hand gripping Zevran's; his other fist slamming hard into Zevran's jaw, sending him sprawling to the ground.

Rathnal grabbed Rinna's arm as she moved to intervene. "You were supposed to tell him to stay away from them! What in the Void did he think would happen?"

"Zev wants to clean the slate now he is on our side; Will needs to give him a chance."

"Good luck with that, being drugged and kidnapped isn't exactly a recipe for civility."

Biting her lip Rinna continued to watch anxiously.

Rubbing his jaw Zevran felt it was a good idea to stay down, for the moment at least. "I suppose I deserved that."

Jayden hunkered down next to him; his expression neutral. "Crows don't break contracts and I don't think even the request of a former lover would sway you in that regard."

Zevran raised an eyebrow. "That is true, but Rinna has been persuasive in her argument."

"Persuasive enough to have you turn your back on the Crows? If you betray them, they will come for you unless they think you are dead." He narrowed his eyes. "You're going to fake your death, or become a Warden?"

"Perhaps, but there has as yet been no real discussion. However, there is a matter that must be taken care of. If I do not fulfil the contract another will."

"How long do we have before another Crow is sent?"

"That depends." He swallowed nervously as Jayden's expression darkened. "If I were to send a message for example stating you have yet to leave Orzammar as I have been doing then that will buy a little time, no."

"Then let us make something very clear, no matter what deal you have made with the Wardens, if you go near Delilah again, I will kill you."

"I believe it." Zevran stated softly, licking his lips nervously as he decided to try and lighten the mood. "That of course leaves me free to be in your company."

Jayden's eyes narrowed before he stood.

Rubbing his jaw Zevran got to his feet. "I believe we will become good friends Captain; I have a sense about these things. You will find I will grow on you."

"Like a fungus." Jayden muttered.

"A very pleasant fungus I assure you." Zevran stated with a broad grin.

xXx

Glancing up, Alistair shifted slightly as Jayden reached over and ladled some stew into his bowl. "I thought you would do more than hit him."

Settling next to him Jayden shrugged. "I did tell him I would kill him if he went near Delilah."

"Tis foolish of the Commander to bring him with us." Morrigan muttered. "Tis obvious this is Rinna's will not his."

"Maker, don't let him hear you say that." Alistair hissed. "Besides I don't think that's it at all. This way we might get more information."

"Ali's right." Jayden stated softly. "Taking my personal bias against him out of the equation it's not a bad strategy keeping him close. He gave information freely enough and he will testify against Howe, one way or another."

"And what if he tries to kill us in our sleep!" Delilah stated anxiously.

"He's under constant watch." Alistair soothed. "And he wouldn't kill you."

"Very reassuring." Delilah muttered.

Sten let out a low huff. "This could be a wider plot. How do we know the Warden and the Crow aren't working together?"

"Because of course Rinna is so loyal to Howe she became a Warden." Jayden murmured.

"Zevran is quite charming though." Serris stated filling her bowl with stew.

"You cannot be serious!" Alistair gasped. "He tried to kill us and kidnapped them!"

"Yes, but he's a Crow and it was business not personal."

Alistair stared at her stunned, holding his tongue as she settled next to him.

Smiling Serris gently squeezed his hand. "Relax, if he puts a foot wrong, we kill him."

"At the very least we cannot let him anywhere near the Cousland's!" Delilah snapped.

"We won't." Alistair soothed. "I've offered the cottage. He won't even see the Cousland's and we can keep watch over him."

"Are you sure I mean that is your home."

"It's not being used and it makes sense."

"Well I would prefer a dungeon, but I suppose it will do."

xXx

Stifling a yawn Jayden rose intending to head to his tent, hesitating as Rathnal gestured for him to follow him. "Problem?" He asked as they moved a little way into the trees.

"I don't know, that depends on what happened in that hunters hut." He sighed as Jayden's expression darkened. "Frankly I don't care, you can bed whoever you want, but you are asking for all kinds of trouble if you and she were intimate."

"We weren't." Jayden snapped.

"Then you must have amazing control over yourself."

Slumping against a tree Jayden sighed. "Well it wasn't the easiest of situations, but what kind of man would I be if I had pushed things between us?"

"Actually, I'm surprised she didn't."

Jayden shook his head at the wicked glint in his eyes. "Have some respect Rath."

Glancing across the camp Rathnal tensed as soon as he saw Zevran. "Relationships are hazardous." He muttered. "I never imagined meeting, let alone travelling with Rinna's assassin former lover. Wardens aren't supposed to get involved given the life we lead, but we just needed something to keep back the darkness. What we have means more to me than I expected and now I have to let go and I don't want to."

"Just because he's back doesn't mean Rinna will want to resume their relationship."

"You didn't see the look in her eyes when she saw him. Besides knowing Rinna she might actually want us both." He shrugged at Jayden's startled look. "It wouldn't be the first time she's had a relationship with Zevran and someone else."

"And are you interested in that?"

Rathnal almost choked. "Rinna means a lot to me, but sharing our bed with another man …" He shook his head. "And I would rather not end up a jealous idiot knowing she was with him some nights and me others, better just to make a clean break now."

"Why don't you just talk to her and find out what she actually wants rather than assuming you know."

Sighing Rathnal nodded, seeing Rinna leaning against a tree, her gaze fixed on Zevran, her expression unreadable, dreading what it meant.

xXx

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