Narrow shafts of sunlight managed to penetrate the thick canopy of leaves; helping the group to avoid the massive roots that created a maze of obstacles beneath their feet. Theron had always loved this forest more than any other place they had travelled to; with its ancient trees and mysterious ruins he had felt it was truly magical. As children he, Merrill and Tamlen had whispered of the spirit of the forest that could appear as wolf or woman. Keeper Marethari had hushed that talk if Keeper Zathrian was around, but she had never said it was not true. Now, despite the morning sunlight the forest felt dark and cold; a stranger that sent a shiver down his spine and he was not the only one feeling it. Carefully stepping over another root, Theron paused for a moment. The Wardens had felt no current Darkspawn presence, but there had been some signs they had been here, a hint of taint that did not appear to be spreading which was odd in itself. Despite that he knew the wrongness he had been feeling since he had stepped into the forest was not caused by the blight. He had spent enough time in the Deep Roads, his body turning on itself as the taint invaded him, to know what that would feel like. This was something different, a presence that felt as vast as the forest itself and it was angry. He thought of the spirit they had spoken of as children and he felt certain it was she and had somehow been wronged.

"Theron."

He jumped as Ayanna's hand rested lightly on his shoulder. "Sorry. I was just remembering tales of the spirit of the forest. You may think me foolish, but I think something terrible has happened and I do not believe it has anything to do with the Darkspawn."

"After all we have seen and done, a spirit of the forest seems perfectly normal." She met his cautious gaze with a smile. "We can't turn back Theron, too much rests on us finding a clan and gaining the help of your people."

"I know." He glanced ahead, feeling the forest crowd in, certain it was urging him to turn back. "I've travelled this forest my whole life, but I've never had this feeling before, as though I am unwelcome."

"Maybe all you went through in the Deep Roads is influencing you."

"Perhaps and yet I sense something has changed. There is danger ahead Ayanna and I have no idea what it is. Perhaps I should take the lead."

"Has your eyesight returned enough to enable you to do that safely?"

"I know this forest well enough, besides it might be more sensible to have my people see me first. They are very good at being unseen, but I will know when they are near and I do not need my sight for that, my hearing will serve me better."

"You do not think they are watching us right now?"

"Something is, but it is not my people."

Shuddering, Ayanna gripped her staff tightly. "Very well then."

xXx

Deep within the ruins of a long-abandoned temple, The Lady of the Forest sighed deeply, her plan was a terrible one, as cruel as the curse that had trapped her for so long, but Zathrian had ignored all of her pleas and attempts at communication. His vengeance for the wrongs humans had done to his children beat as fiercely in his heart as it ever had and she had come to the realisation he would never end the curse, not without proper motivation. She hoped he cared for his own people as much as he cared for his long dead children and that with the infection of those within the clan of the very curse he had created, he would finally have no choice but to end it. She felt Swiftrunner and the others returning and leaned weakly against the tree. For good or ill their course was now set, there was no turning back.

Heading down to the chamber in the ruins the Lady had taken as her own, Swiftrunner, the leader of the werewolves found her by the roots of a great tree that had grown from the rubble of the once magnificent architecture. She had once told him when she touched the roots of the tree she felt the pulse of the forest, almost as she had before she had been cursed by the elven Keeper. He couldn't stop the growl at the thought of Zathrian, the very person who had cursed them and the only one who could free them, but despite the perpetrators of the crimes against his children having died long ago, he refused to lift the curse that plagued each generation. "It is done." He stated kneeling before the Lady.

"It should never have had to come to this, but Zathrian has left us no alternative, this curse must be lifted. Surely now his own people are infected he will see sense."

Swiftrunner remained silent, he had his doubts; he did not think the Keeper cared for anything but his vengeance.

The Lady pressed her hand to the roots, the liquid black of her eyes seeming to glimmer for a moment before she pulled back. Already those elves infected with the curse were in pain. The trees whispered of their cries and she wept for them, but this curse had to end and after all of the long years of her imprisonment she had exhausted every other alternative.

xXx

Morrigan felt unease prickle the back of her neck, the forest was too still and far too quiet. It felt as though something had been ripped from this place, but she had no clear sense of what. Irritated, she quickened her pace moving alongside Sten; ignoring his sidelong look, but remaining relatively close to him. It had on occasion amused her to tease him, but she felt no inclination to do so now. It felt as though the forest was angry and while not afraid, she wanted something larger to put between her and whatever form that anger would take.

Her irritation increased as a thought of Dylan came unbidden to her mind. She valued his magic of course and he was useful at relieving her tension, but she had begun to suspect he wanted more and she had no time or desire for such a complex connection. She involuntarily sighed, one foolish moment had become several and while she enjoyed the physicality of their encounters, she had no intention of it becoming a more permanent attachment. She clenched her fists, she had needs, why should she not sate them as any man did with no thought beyond that moment. Her previous encounters had meant nothing to her and yet she had gone to Dylan wanting to offer him a way to protect himself from the Templars. She had gone to him wanting to offer comfort after his experience with the Archdemon. She glared at the trees, she was likely misreading Dylan, she had chosen him after all because he seemed to have no expectation or desire for something of a more long-term arrangement. All of this was Jayden's fault, he had weakened her, his friendship had changed her despite all of her denials to herself. Some days she wished she had never seen the glimpse of the future, that she had no idea of what was to happen between them, but other days she longed for that future as she had longed for nothing else. She unconsciously scowled as she thought of Delilah, yet another problem she would have to find a way to overcome. She would happily drive a dagger into her heart, the noble made Jayden unhappy and she hated her for that. She was not jealous, that would be foolish, but her heart twisted a little every time the noble was near him and she wanted to scream and claw her eyes out every time she hurt him.

Perhaps Mother was right, perhaps she should ignore what she had seen and accept her choice for the ritual, but she couldn't do it. What scared her more, in the hidden deep and ignored part of herself, was that she wanted something from Jayden that he had never shown the slightest inclination to give. What made it worse was she had seen his knowing look when she had been near Dylan and he had looked happy for them. It made her furious. She was Morrigan, a witch of the Wilds and he thought her happiness lay in attaching herself to someone. She felt as though she was choking. She needed no-one and nothing and when she had fulfilled her role in the blight, she would leave them behind without another thought. She realised she was trembling slightly at the lie because she knew that leaving Jayden behind would break her hardened heart and would likely shatter her soul.

A fierce roar suddenly seemed to fill the forest and for a moment the companions had no idea which direction it had come from. Then came a terrified scream and despite his impaired vision, Theron took off at a run, the others yelling at him to stop as they raced after him. Hissing as a twig slapped his face, Theron felt blood well on his cheek, ignoring it. He grasped a tree as he tripped on a root, his eyes widening as he saw a large wolf standing on its hindlegs, holding an elven scout by the throat. "Magin!" He swallowed hard as the creature tossed the scout to the ground. A lightning bolt from Morrigan sent it staggering back and Theron ran for the unconscious elf to pull him away, his blood running cold as he saw the deep gashes on his chest, pressing his hands over the wounds trying to stop the bleeding.

Karlo howled, the curse that had turned him filled his senses with a bloodlust that no amount of killing had yet to sate. He had left his four mercenary brothers behind being the first to transform, his need to kill so fierce he feared turning on them. He had run as fast and as far as he could, ripping apart Halla, wolves and two other elven scouts, but the blood within him was aflame and demanded more. He almost howled in delight as he realised who he was facing, the very people he and the others had been searching for. He glanced at his hands, claws were weapons in their own right and he would kill them all, perhaps then he would feel a moment of peace again. He lashed out against the swords, dodging an arrow and roaring in pain and fury as a blast of magic knocked him back against a tree. He hissed at the howl of the mabari, lashing out and sending the creature flying as it lunged at him. Snarling he leapt at the dwarf running at him, turning wildly as he slipped out of his grasp, howling as a dagger drove deep into his thigh. An arrow sinking deep into his shoulder, a sword just missing his head. They were circling him and he was outnumbered, but the bloodlust demanded satisfaction. He sniffed the air sensing vulnerability in the elf who was on his knees trying to stop the bleeding of the other of his kind.

Aedan gasped as the werewolf leapt over him, crying out a warning as he realised it was heading for Theron.

Theron screamed as the creature bit down on his shoulder, claws dragging down his arm as the creature writhed in pain, Aedan's sword driving through its back. He saw Faren suddenly leap on the creature thrusting a dagger into its throat even as the body convulsed with force magic and lightning.

Jowan stared in horror as the creature still moved, edging around it to get to Theron, helping him to take a healing potion realising he was going into shock before holding cloth against the wounds.

Stephan was at their side a moment later talking soothingly before he began casting healing spells, Daniel standing protectively near them.

Gritting her teeth Rinna leapt from a branch onto the creature's shoulders driving a dagger down through its skull. The creature convulsed as it fell to the floor then all movement stopped.

Retrieving her dagger Rinna looked over the body of the werewolf. "I thought these things were just stories."

"Well, that was real enough." Aedan muttered, glancing around wondering if there would be more.

"There is too much imbalance in Ferelden." Sten rumbled.

Moving to the scout, Morrigan frowned at the fever already apparent that magic did not effect. She reached out to the wounds, jerking back, her heart pounding, the energy within the blood felt dark and unnatural.

"What is it?" Ayanna demanded.

"T'is magic, a change has already begun in him. T'is likely he will become one of those creatures."

Leliana glanced at Theron in alarm. "What about Theron?"

"T'is likely any injury that draws blood caused by such creatures will lead to infection."

"There are two more elven scouts over here." Aedan yelled; Hunter having found them both. "These ones had their throats ripped out."

Magin slowly opened his eyes, alarmed at the humans standing around him, frowning as he saw a dwarf and Qunari, sucking in a sharp breath as he saw Theron and his injuries.

"Most of us are Wardens." Faren stated hoping to calm him. "We want to help."

"The only hope for us is the Keeper. The curse …" He shuddered. "Creators I don't want to become one of those things."

"We can get you to your clan if you direct us."

"What of Emas and Torva?"

Ayanna swallowed uneasily. "I'm sorry they did not survive the attack."

"We must take the bodies back." He let the Qunari help him to his feet feeling as though fire was burning in his body. He knew what was going to happen, but perhaps the wardens could help, if not he would put a dagger through his own heart before he turned. He whistled a bird call as they reached the outer perimeter of the camp, several warriors moving swiftly towards them, weapons drawn. "These are wardens." He gasped before passing out.

Cyron glanced over the group seeing Theron moving swiftly to his friend. "Creators!" He muttered seeing the wounds. "Follow me, we must speak to Keeper Zathrian." Cyron moved on without further discussion, leading them straight through the camp, stopping just short of the Keeper who was speaking quietly to his second. "Forgive me Keeper, may I speak?" He hurried forward as Zathrian beckoned to him, whispering urgently.

Zathrian turned and glanced over the group. "No Duncan?"

"He perished at Ostagar." Ayanna stated taking a step forward. "I am Warden Constable Ayanna."

"I see." He glanced at the wounded. "Lanya, see to those who have suffered injuries while I speak to the wardens."

Ayanna watched anxiously as Theron was carried away to what she presumed was an infirmary of sorts, relieved when Leliana went with him.

"I would imagine you are here regarding the treaties, there really is no other explanation given we face a blight, but as much as I would like to, I cannot honour the treaty, the clan has troubles of its own."

"I assume you mean werewolves?"

"Indeed, given you have seen the evidence yourself I need spend no time trying to convince you they are real."

"I must admit without seeing one I may not have believed it."

"It is a curse and its source lies with a wolf named Witherfang. I sent out hunters to retrieve its heart so that I can end the curse, but they have not returned."

Ayanna felt her heart sink knowing what was coming next.

"I cannot send more of my people so as you see I cannot help you."

"Unless we help you first."

"Should you retrieve the heart of Witherfang that would of course change things."

"If you would give us a moment Keeper. "Taking the group aside Ayanna eased her grip on her staff, her hand aching, better that than show her fury to the Keeper. "He isn't giving us much of a choice. How in the Void do we find this wolf though?"

"T'is likely I can cast a spell that will lead us to this Witherfang, assuming this creature exists and is not a ruse of some kind."

"Alright. My instinct is to split the group and have half wait here, but I don't like the thought of reducing our numbers against werewolves. I also do not like to leave Theron here alone and we must leave at least one warden here with the runestone in case …" She glanced around. "Daniel, Stephan and Jowan you will remain here. Sten I ask that you remain here as well."

Daniel wanted to protest, but he knew she did not trust Jowan, none of them did and he and Stephan were considered the best equipped to handle him.

She passed Daniel the runestone. "Update Rathnal and make sure nothing untoward happens with Theron. I don't trust the Keeper."

Trying not to look relieved, Jowan was profoundly grateful he was staying in camp, he had no desire to come face to face with the cursed beasts that roamed the forest.

Sten remained stone-faced and silent, he had no interest in chasing after the heart of a wolf, besides which he had given his word to watch over Theron.

Returning to the Keeper, Ayanna shivered as she heard a howl of pain from someone in the infirmary. "We agree to get you this heart as long as you will honour the treaties."

"Of course."

"Right, so what exactly are we facing out there?"

xXx

Despite all of her years of training, Leliana couldn't have hoped to disguise her surprise as she saw Sketch appear with first aid supplies, tending to an elven man who was thrashing and sobbing in pain. She held her breath as he looked up, seeing his shock, before he fixed her with a look of cold contempt, tensing as he approached.

Keeping his voice low, knowing the moans of the infected would keep his words unheard by any others, Sketch met Leliana's gaze. "I never expected to see you here Leliana and in the company of Wardens; what game are you playing now?"

"No game, we work to end the Blight."

"Come Leliana I know you, you always have an angle." He frowned slightly. "Are you bedding one of them? Your passion always did cloud your judgement."

"That is unfair Sketch!"

"What is unfair is Tug is dead and I was taken to the Circle while you continued your life!"

"I did not and do not have the freedom you assume I do."

Glancing at her Sketch nodded slightly. "Perhaps, whatever net you are caught in is not enough to clear the slate."

"I know that." Leliana muttered. "Do you think if I could go back, I would not change things. Tug's death and the way things ended with us haunts me every day."

"Good." Sketch sighed deeply forcing back his anger, now was not the moment.

"How did you come to be with the Dalish?"

"I discovered a way to escape, following in the steps of two others who escaped. One of whom appears to be with your group."

Leliana glanced at Jowan biting her lip. "You were desperate enough to use blood magic?"

"Of course not, but I used their more practical escape route." He shuddered. "The Templars of course tracked me down, but by then I had been taken in by the clan."

"You managed to hide from them?"

"Not exactly, Keeper Zathrian has been very generous in his sharing of magical knowledge." He met Leliana's gaze. "Two Templars came for me." He smiled slightly. "I've been terrified of Templars my whole life, but now I know how to deal with them."

Leliana paled slightly. "You killed Templars?"

"I did what I had to, to survive." He pulled a chain from beneath his robes revealing the phylactery. "I was going to destroy it, but I hoped one day I could show you the leash the Templars make of mages with our own blood!"

"Sketch I …"

"Don't! You probably do feel remorse for what happened, but it was still your doing. You knew what Marjolaine was when you got into her bed, crossing her was never going to end well." He shook his head. "Still, I have a new life now, a new family."

Leliana watched Sketch return to the infected, forcing her expression to neutral as Ayanna approached, startled to realise the Keeper, in exchange for honouring the treaty, expected them to go deeper into the forest to find the source of the curse, kill it and retrieve its heart. It was Theron's only chance and no matter how afraid she was, she would not leave anyone else behind without doing everything she could to help.

xXx

Sketch watched the group head off deeper into the forest, those remaining behind were setting up their tents on the edge of the camp. "Do you think they will succeed?"

Tightening his grip on his staff Zathrian watched them thoughtfully. "Wardens tend to be effective in such matters, their ruthless natures ensure it."

"They did not seem particularly ruthless."

"True, but they are determined to get our support, they will do whatever is necessary to get it, Wardens always do." He inwardly smiled; he had taken additional steps to ensure they remained motivated.

xXx

Glancing at the wisp Morrigan had conjured; Aedan shifted slightly, grateful he had adapted well to being around magic in his short time with the wardens, relieved he had not been treated to the scathing look she was giving Faren who looked deeply disturbed. Trusting Ayanna had helped and Jayden trusting Morrigan was a huge factor in why he so easily accepted the magic of the Witch of the Wilds, but knowing the ball of light hovering above her hand was a spirit, he had to confess had made him a little nervous. "How will it know where to go?" He whispered to Ayanna who was also watching Morrigan.

"How did the wisp Flemeth attached to Will find a way for them out of the Deep Roads, spirits see things differently, they see with a clarity we often lack." She glanced at Rinna who approached.

"I do not have much experience with wisps, but given the unusual situation we are in with curses and such, is a wisp free from the potential of corruption?"

"Nothing is free from that." Ayanna stated softly. "That is why I will be watching."

xXx

Seeing through the eyes of the white wolves of the forest, the Lady saw the group leave the Dalish camp following a spirit that had been conjured. Sighing, she turned to Swiftrunner. "It seems Zathrian has sent others to find me in his stead. Go and tell them to turn back."

"Let the Sylvan's deal with them." Swiftrunner muttered.

"No Swiftrunner, I wish no more bloodshed. Please do as I ask."

"Yes, my Lady."

xXx

Hissing as Sten applied a new dressing to his shoulder and arm, Theron shuddered trying to breathe evenly. The wounds were resisting magical healing and from what he had heard the only cure was to have a curse lifted. He had never really believed in curses, but his blood felt on fire and he had been told if a solution could not be found soon, he would become one of those beasts. "If I don't make it …"

"They will return with the heart."

"Please Sten, if I don't make it, give my weapons to Will to be taken to my clan."

"You would not wish to give them to this clan to pass on?"

"I … please Sten, just give them to Will, he knows my Keeper and he won't try to extract a price."

Nodding slightly, Sten placed a hand gently on his uninjured shoulder, realising Theron didn't trust Zathrian any more than the rest of them did. "It will be as you ask."

"Thank you." Closing his eyes, he tried to sleep, but always there was the burning pain that was slowly changing his body. He thought of the taint that had invaded him and wondered if he had always been destined to become something else.

xXx

Putting the rune back in a pouch attached to his belt, Stephan sighed, glancing at Daniel who looked as troubled as he felt. They had explained the situation to Rathnal who had spent several moments cursing before he had finally calmed. He accepted Ayanna's decision, but was furious they were having to risk their lives yet again to get support. He thought as they all did, that ending the blight should be everyone's priority and he wondered if whatever they did would be in time to save Theron. He had given a quick update on their own situation in Gwaren, defences were increasing and they had a plan, but it was clear he feared they would have to evacuate no matter what they put into place. He had urged them to be as careful as they could and to keep him updated. "This is a mess." He smiled as Daniel gently squeezed his hand.

"Perhaps while we are here, we can talk to others in the clan and find out more about this curse."

"Anything is better than sitting here worrying."

xXx

The companions halted at a low growl from Hunter, a moment later a small group of werewolves came into sight.

Gripping her staff Ayanna took a step forward, they hadn't attacked yet, though she wasn't sure what that meant. She almost smiled, aware that Hunter and Aedan were flanking her. She watched as the larger of the werewolves stepped forward, her eyes widening slightly as he began to speak.

"I am Swiftrunner, I lead my cursed brothers and sisters. Turn back now, go back to the Dalish."

"How do you know we come from the Dalish?"

"Zathrian sent you, did he not? Sent you for the heart of Witherfang?"

"T'is a remarkably well-informed creature." Morrigan murmured.

Growling slightly, Swiftrunner turned back to Ayanna. "Return to the Dalish, tell them we will gladly watch them suffer the same curse we have suffered for too long. We will watch them pay."

"You would benefit from the curse ending as much as the Dalish." Aedan stated, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword. "Take us to Witherfang and this can be over."

"You know nothing do you, nothing of us and even less of those you serve?" He gave a shudder feeling as though something was reaching out to him, knowing the others were feeling the same. The bloodlust normally kept under control rose inside of him and with a roar, no longer capable of restraining himself he leapt forward.

Ayanna felt panic begin to rise, not only was fighting werewolves terrifying, but they seemed to have targeted Leliana. She gave a gasp of shock as she was hurled against a tree hitting the ground groaning in pain. She looked up seeing the largest werewolf standing over Leliana who was also lying on the ground, a menacing snarl tearing from its lips.

Swiftrunner struggled against the compulsion to tear out the woman's throat, the drive was unlike anything he had ever experienced, enough to know it was magic's doing, but realisation alone could not free him from the actions he was forced to take.

"Get away from her!" Ayanna yelled, hitting the werewolf with a force spell so powerful it sent the creature flying along with the others of its kind, but not before claws had torn through armour to the flesh beneath. She collapsed to her knees next to Leliana trying not to panic as she pulled her hand from the wound on her chest so she could inspect it. She glanced at the others who had formed a protective circle around them before forcing herself to focus.

Frowning, Rinna watched the werewolves hesitate, shaking their heads as though waking from a dream, looking at each other startled.

Swiftrunner stared at the injured woman, his heart pounding wildly. He turned to the others thankfully none had been killed. "The forest has eyes of its own and it will deal with intruders as it always does." Signalling they darted back the way they had come, moving so fast the wardens could not hope to keep up with them had they been of a mind to attempt to do so.

"Why would they suddenly attack and just as suddenly retreat?" Aedan demanded. "And why were they so keen on getting to Leliana?" Turning he looked over the injured woman, Ayanna working to stem the blood though they all knew there was nothing to be done about the curse unless they got the heart.

Ayanna rubbed her forehead in frustration. "We will get Leliana back to the Dalish camp and …"

"No." Leliana stated forcefully. "We don't have time. We all know if I am to stand any chance of avoiding becoming like those beasts, we need that heart. It hurts, but it is bearable right now and I am trained to focus my mind away from pain. I won't be a liability. We need to keep going."

"What if they attack again?" Faren stated cautiously.

"T'is unlikely." Morrigan stated. "I do not believe they came to harm us, only to warn us away."

"And yet they attacked us and we did nothing to provoke them!" Rinna hissed.

"We did not, but perhaps another did." She met Leliana's confused gaze. "T's possible the child who bumped into you as we left was not simply clumsy."

Biting back the moan of pain Leliana reached into her pocket on the side the child had bumped into and pulled out a small wooden disc. Paling slightly, she silently cursed herself, she should have known better but she suspected the elven child of no game playing, there could be little motive for it. "You believe this attracted the werewolves to me? Do you sense magic from it?"

"It will have served its purpose and is likely just wood now. As to when it was first slipped into your pocket, t'was likely shielded, there is old elven magic that would do it."

"Why would anyone do that?" Faren snarled.

"Motivation." Leliana stated softly. "And I doubt the Keeper wanted to risk a Warden."

"Theron is already enough incentive." Rinna snapped.

"Perhaps the Keeper believes a human would provide more incentive." Leliana muttered, remembering the coldness in Sketch's eyes and wondering if this was his doing and not the Keepers.

Ayanna sighed deeply. "We can find out why and who later on. Let's just get this damn heart."

xXx

As Swiftrunner and the others returned to the chamber they felt the fury of the Lady.

"I told you not to engage them! I told you to warm them only and yet you attack them and without provocation! Why?"

Swiftrunner knelt, the others following him. "We have no excuse, my Lady. It was as if in a dream, the madness came upon us and we could not fight it."

The Lady turned away, she had seen the woman harmed and the spell, for that is now what she believed it was, had broken. Leaning slightly against the tree she longed for her true form, the physical prison seemed to tighten around her with every passing moment.

"The forest will not allow them to find you Lady."

It was true, the forest protected her, keeping people turning in circles, always keeping her home safe. "Perhaps they should. You will all remain here; I will bring them here and we will talk."

Swiftrunner stared at her horrified. "You would bring them here? Why?"

"Because this must end and perhaps, they will listen."

"And perhaps they will try and kill us all!"

"You will remain out of sight."

"But …"

"I will speak to the mage; she and I will come to an understanding."

Swiftrunner called out his concern, but as she left, he remained, the Lady was kind, she had saved them, but none wanted to feel her anger.

In the form of Witherfang, the spirit of the forest watched the group as they searched for her, this was a dangerous course of action, but again she felt her choices were limited and perhaps this too was worth the risk.

xXx

With a frustrated sigh Morrigan glared at the wisp, they had followed it through a natural archway made by the trees, only to find themselves walking back the way they had come.

"This is getting creepy." Faren muttered.

The wisp persisted in taking them back to the archway much to Morrigan's increasing irritation. Dispelling the spirit, she turned to the others. "T'is of no further use to us, the magic in this place is far stronger."

"So, we are being deliberately kept out then?" Leliana muttered, sweat beaded her forehead and her hand unconsciously moved to her chest, the wound throbbing painfully.

"Listen, I don't understand magic stuff." Faren snapped glancing around uneasily. "But how can this Witherfang do magic? I mean it's a wolf, isn't it?"

"That is a good question."

They all turned sharply, their eyes widening at the woman standing in the archway that had refused them passage.

Morrigan frowned slightly, her appearance was of no race she had ever seen or heard of, her skin had a green tinge, it appeared that something akin to bark was twined around her legs and hands, though she suspected that was part of the woman rather than simply unusual clothing or armour. Eyes of liquid black regarded them curiously and she sensed a being so immense it seemed impossible it could be in such a small form.

"Witherfang is a wolf and yet not."

"Well that clears that up." Faren grumbled.

"Why did you seek the Dalish?"

Ayanna straightened and met her searching gaze. "The majority of us are Wardens and we seek allies to fight the blight."

"The tainted ones." The Lady stated softly, a shudder running through her. "You and your fellows have come at Zathrian's behest to claim the heart of Witherfang to cure the curse. I presume he will not give you the aid you seek until you have completed this task for him."

"T'is curious that you would know such information. Who are you?"

"My situation is complicated, but those who are cursed call me the Lady of the Forest."

"Can you take us to this Witherfang?" Faren asked cautiously.

"I have the power to summon Witherfang, but first we must talk, I suspect Zathrian has not told you all."

"Why does that not surprise me." Rinna muttered.

"Tell me, how did Zathrian describe to you how the curse came into being?"

Ayanna felt her anger beginning to rise. "He said it began with Witherfang, that is why he wishes the heart so he can end it."

"That is not true, the curse came first from Zathrian."

"Well this just gets better and better." Faren snarled.

"I swear I only want an end to it. I beg you, please listen. Come with me, it is not safe to discuss such things in such an open space."

Aedan scowled. "And what if this is a trick and you mean to let those werewolves slaughter us."

"Then I will not gain your aid in ending the curse and that benefits no-one." She moved to Leliana gently placing a hand over the wound.

Leliana sighed softly as the pain eased a fraction.

"I cannot stop the curse, but I can slow it for a short time. Time enough for us to speak."

"T'would be foolish to pass up this opportunity to discover the true nature of the curse." Morrigan stated turning to Ayanna.

"How do we know she will be any more truthful than Zathrian?"

Glancing to Leliana, Morrigan shrugged slightly. "T'is an end to the curse we seek, t'would harm little to listen to her."

"Very well Lady." Ayanna stated firmly. "I would know all that Keeper Zathrian neglected to tell us."

"No point in going through that way." Faren stated as the Lady turned and stepped through the archway.

Glancing back over her shoulder the Lady smiled. "I allow you passage, please follow me."

xXx

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