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Vhenan'ara	By : Arcanis_Born Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 6576 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I don't own Dragon Age, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from this.

Chapter List
- 42
- 43
- 44
Dragon Age: Origins is owned by Bioware, as with all its characters, the story as it deviates from canon is mine, however, as with the personalities of characters as they deviate from those in the game.
Please do tell me what you think so far of the story! I would love to know your opinions!
Thank you all so much for your continued readership! It means so much!
Translations:
Mi bella: Antivan. "My beauty." Endearment Zevran uses for Riel.
Mujeres de pendejo: Antivan. "Women's asshole." A vulgar insult.
Ar lath ma: Elvhen. "I love you."
Te amo tanto, mi diosa bella: Antivan. "I love you, my beautiful goddess."
Mi amiga bella: Antivan. "My beautiful friend."
Amantes cachondos: Antivan. "Horny lovers."
El hombre cachondos: Antivan. "The horny man."
Mi amor: Antivan. "My love."
Dareth shiral: Elvhen. "Stay safe/safe journey."
Ma vhenan: Elvhen. "My heart."
Tel'enfenim mi'lin Fen'harel: Elvhen. "Never fear the sting/bite of Fen'harel." A Elvhen blessing against ill luck.
Fen'Harel: The Elven god of tricks and fear. Commonly referred to as the "Dread Wolf".

"That stupid, arrogant, self absorbed, idiotic, sodding asshole!" Riel angrily exclaimed as she stomped through the low brush leading to the stream. Her hand hurt where it had collided with the bastard's thick jaw, yet the pain was nothing compared to the deep swell in her chest. With each breath Riel took, her lungs burned and she could feel her heart beating furiously behind her still sore ribs. And yet the image that tormented her worst was the look of shock and pity on the faces of her other companions. After she had laid out that bastard male for what he said, and Riel lifted her eyes to meet those of her other companions….
Pity. Shame. Disgust.
Everything she had feared to see on their faces. Everything a leader should never see on the faces of those who they are supposed to be leading. Who in their right mind would trust a person to lead them in battle who couldn't even defend themselves? Who made stupid, rash decisions that nearly gets them killed?
And Alistair just made it all so much worse. Because he wasn't just any companion. He was a Grey Warden, just like she was. A person whose title commanded respect by just being uttered. Hell, Riel had nearly fought a group of dwarves in Orzammar before they found out who and what she was. Simply by mentioning her title, suddenly her status as a surfacer, a woman, an elf…. That was all forgotten. She was Grey Warden.
So what was she now, Riel wondered. Still a Warden, perhaps. But how far had she disgraced that name by what had happened to her? Sten already thought her weak because of being a woman. Oghren laughed when he heard an elf managed to become a Warden. And Alistair…. Well, Riel knew how he felt, didn't she?
Weak. Rash. A liability. Creators knew he disagreed her constantly with what decisions she made. Just look at how he reacted in Redcliff. He certainly didn't trust her choices in companions, either. Complaining not just about Zevran, but questioning her choice in bringing along Sten and even Oghren. A murderer and a perpetual drunkard.
Gah…. Perhaps he was right. What am I doing? What do I know of fighting a war? Of battling an Archdemon? Of even being a Grey Warden? I can't even keep myself alive…
"Now that is far too unhappy of a face for my enchanting Warden to have. Tsk tsk."
Riel quickly wiped her hand under her eyes, trying to do away with the traitorous tears that had gathered there. Forcing a smile on her face, she turned and faced the handsome rogue, yet she knew by his expression that he attempt at hiding her upset demeanor was failing by the look of concern in his honey eyes.
"Mi bella, tell me, what has happened?" Zevran asked, wrapping one arm around her waist and placing his other hand on her cheek.
"Nothing… It's stupid…" she tried to dismiss away with a sad smile, yet he knew his Warden far too well.
"Mi amor, there are many things you absolutely wonderful at. Things such strategy, planning, slicing apart your many enemies, and I must personally say your ability at love making is the thing of dreams. However, if there is one thing you are terrible at, it is lying."
Riel tried not laugh, yet found it difficult to hold back her smile as he looked at her with such a scolding sound to his voice. "Yeah, well, it can be added the rest of things that I am failing at," she replied with a pout and only a small hint of levity to her voice. The truth was, Riel was in doubt of pretty much all her qualities, even the ones that Zevran mentioned.
"Here, come sit by the water with me. I was only washing quickly before returning to camp to gather some food for you when I saw you approach. However, now I am thinking that perhaps I should have skipped bathing and stayed by your side, if only to know what has happened to put tears in your eyes."
Zevran took gentle hold of her hand and led her to a large boulder that stood next to the rushing stream, In a single swift move he climbed on top, scooting himself backwards a bit to make room for Riel between his legs. Once she sat with her back to him, Zevran then wrapped his arms around her waist, once more enjoying the warm feel of her body against his own.
"Now speak to me, mi bella. Tell me what causes you pain," Zevran purred, placing a soft kiss to the back of her shoulder.
Riel was quiet for a moment as she tried to form the words in her mind. "D-do you… Do you think it was my fault? What…. happened…" she managed to finally say. The time the two of them had spent together had gone a long way in healing the hurt caused by the events of the previous night, yet some wounds took a long time to recover properly. One thing that Riel was learning, thanks to the elf next to her. Still, it was difficult talking about it, and a part of Riel even feared what he would say. If he - like the others - held some feeling of pity or shame towards her.
Zevran gently tilted her chin so her eyes met his. "Never. Absolutely not. Never let yourself even consider it, Riel." His voice was firm and his expression firm, yet his eyes were not cruel. There was no anger or pity in the look he gave to her. Only the endless love that he always held for her.
Tears once more pricked her eyes, and Riel inwardly cursed them. She hated crying. Appearing weak to others. The tears on her face a declaration to anyone who saw that she was not strong enough to handle whatever it was that she was going through. Warriors didn't cry, did they? Leaders of armies didn't shed tears when people were mean to them, after all. Right?
"Who?"
Riel blinked a few times, confused at his short question. "Who what?"
"Who made the foolish last mistake of ever making your believe for one second that you were at fault for anything?"
He was angry now, yet Riel knew that he wasn't angry at her. Quickly she looked away, hoping that he wouldn't guess by her expression. She may be angry at the idiot, but she still preferred him breathing, at least for now. Even after everything, and how angry he had made her. He was a valuable fighter. And the only other Grey Warden for weeks of hard travel. Probably even months. Like it or not, she needed the idiot still breathing.
"I suppose I shouldn't even have to ask, should I?" Zevran grumbled in her ear.
Riel felt his body stiffen and his muscles tense, yet he didn't say anything else. Instead he continued to hold Riel to him, the muscles in his upper body tensing and relaxing at random intervals. Riel was even sure she heard him grind his teeth and lowly mutter an Antivan curse every now and then. Yet his hold on her was still gentle. Open. As if he didn't want to place too much pressure on her, in case she felt threatened by his arms around her.
Behind the small outside signs his body displayed, Zevran was barely containing his anger as he held her. His mind going over the various techniques he had learned in the Crows to torture and punish their enemies, while every fiber in his body screamed out to be able to fulfil his dark fantasies. His bloodlust and need for vengeance over what happened to Riel wasn't nearly satisfied with the pittance the slavers ended up being. The dark fury that had erupted in him and called for the blood of those who had dared harm his Riel was only slightly put on hold while he had tended to her. With her living and safe in his arms, Zevran could almost ignore the call in his blood to wreck havoc and bleed dry any living thing that even so much as looked at his diosa the wrong way.
And now, that same fury was back. And it had a new target. A blundering, insensitive, foolish mongrel of a whoreson who for some inconceivable reason thought to sully the divine gift in his arms. True, Zevran himself was barely above that of the ex-Templar in his lineage and deserving to hold such a beauty in his arms, yet at least he knew how lucky he was. And while he may not know the reason as to why the beautiful and amazing female Warden chose allow him to love her, Zevran would never think to spit and piss all over the gift that she was.
"You can't kill him," Riel softly stated after a short while.
Zevran chuckled darkly before placing a soft kiss to her shoulder. "Oh, my love, I do not wish to kill him," he replied with a smile. Death is in fact the very last thing that I want to do that dog... Zevran thought instead.
"He needs to still be able to fight."
"Oh now you go too far!"
Riel huffed in disapproval, lightly slapping his leg. "I mean it Zevran! All limbs intact, sword and shield arms still able to function, and able to stand and fight well enough against the Darkspawn! By the Void, I won't be the only Grey Warden in all of Ferelden left to fight against this blasted Blight! I just pray to Mythal that the others will still fight with me after what happened!"
"Why wouldn't they fight with you?"
Riel shrugged her shoulders, silently fidgeting with her fingers in her lap. Zevran gently lifted her chin, bringing her eyes up to his.
"Talk to me, mi bella."
"I'm weak, Zevran," she suddenly cried out. "I'm not good at any of this! I can't even defend myself! How am I supposed to lead all of Ferelden? Look at what happened in Orzammar!"
"You fought thugs and criminals, delving deep into the criminal underworld of the largest dwarven city, where you killed the head mistress behind it all. Then after destroying the whole ugly enterprise, you travelled long into the darkness of the Deep Roads. Where you fought not just against giant spiders and the very Darkspawn themselves, but your own inner troubles and nightmares. You rallied and gained the support of the Legion of Dead, leading them in a valiant battle where you personally killed a giant spider queen, saving many lives in the process, not to mention restoring a large chuck of pride to the dwarven people. And yet you still battled on, fighting golems, shades, and navigating deadly ancient traps while still fighting against growing numbers of Darkspawn. And finally, after almost dying multiple times, you risked your life to preserve the dying wish of one of the greatest smiths of dwarven history. Even after being hairsbreadth away from death, you still returned to us. Courageously continuing to fight until we were free from the cursed Deep Roads, where - after carefully weighing all of your options and given the best knowledge you had - gave all of Orzammar their next king. Something not even all their warriors and deshyrs and advisors could do. And through it all, you were gracious, kind, and diplomatic despite how badly you wanted to run from it all."
"Zevran! That is-"
"That is exactly what happened, mi bella. I know because I witnessed it with my own eyes. And so did everyone else. You say you are 'weak', yet I have never seen a such strength that I have seen within you. Strength you use every day you wake and face the battles before you. And not just against bandits or Darkspawn. You face each day with a strength that I have never seen. To continue on, travelling, planning, fighting, gathering these allies and knowing what it is that you face at the end of everything… That is true strength, Riel. Strength that very few people could ever hope to possess, let alone wield as well as you do."
Riel stared up at Zevran, tears rushing down her cheeks unchecked. She definitely see her actions the way that he described, but perhaps they were not as bad as she thought either. At least, she prayed that they weren't. Maybe…. Maybe there was hope for her. If Zevran was with her. If he would continue to stay with her, helping her up when she no longer felt able to stand.
"Are you sure that you are not a bard instead of an assassin?" she lightly teased, wiping at the tears on her cheeks. "Creators, I probably look horrid, crying like this!" Yet Zevran stilled her hand with his own, before bending down to place soft kisses against both of her cheeks.
"I do not wish you tears, Riel, unless they are tears of happiness and joy. However, you could never be anything but divinamente preciosa. Do not ever think otherwise."
"Ar lath ma," Riel whispered softly.
"Te amo tanto, mi diosa bella," he purred, placing a light kiss on her lips.
Zevran wrapped his arms around her tighter, bringing her closer against him. With his larger tunic on her small frame, she looked even daintier in his arms. So much more fragile, despite the strength of mountains that he knew rested inside of her. And in her own way, she was, despite what she told him earlier in their tent. Fragile in such a way that called out to him, and seemed designed perfectly to fit the male protective need that she invoked in him simple by being around.
"Now, let us see about cleaning you up before I take you back to camp, no? After all, I am still lacking in my duties to see you well fed and cared for. I am sure you are quite hungry after all the exercise I put you through earlier, and you must gather your strength for all the additional exercise I plan on giving you later, as well…." Zevran crooned with a sly wink.
Riel couldn't stop herself from laughing as Zevran scooped her up into his arms and slid them both off the boulder they were sitting on. He then gently leaned her against the rock face, before quickly turning and picking up a small rag that he must had been using earlier. With a quick rinse of the fabric, he was back by her side, cloth in hand and carefully wiping down her face.
"You know, I am capable of washing myself…" Riel giggled as she felt the cool swipe of the cloth against her cheek.
"Oh that I know, mi bella. Yet I have discovered a great affection for being the one to tend to you. You will allow me the pleasure of it, will you not?" Zevran replied with a charming smile. In truth, while he did greatly enjoy washing her down, he didn't want Riel to catch her reflection in the water. Not until her face healed better and was no longer discolored.
The shame of her injuries was still a heavy burden on his heart, and he didn't want her to see how badly those bastards had bruised her. While Wynne's magic could heal most injuries, the older mage barely had time to heal the wound in Riel's leg before her fear got too much for her. Riel's face and body still carried the bruises of her attack from the night before, as well as several small cuts.
Yet as much as the ones on her arms and body showed, Zevran knew that it would be the ones on Riel's face that would give the young the most pause. Even as beautiful as she was, Riel still questioned how she looked to him. And by washing carefully around the marks that showed, Zevran could save her that small bit of worrying and shame.
As it was, Zevran felt his own anger rekindling each time he allowed himself to focus on one of her bruises or cuts. The deep discoloration of her unscarred cheek also worried him, yet he would approach either Wynne or Morrigan about it later. Perhaps the younger witch would have better luck placing a light healing spell on her friend without causing too much worry from his lovely Riel.
"There, all fresh and glowing," Zevran stated. "You truly are beautiful, Riel."
Riel blushed, a color that was enhanced by the redness of her bruise. "You keep saying that, maybe someday I will start to believe you," she replied with a wink.
"Oh a challenge! One I accept! Now, let us see to that belly of yours, mi bella. After all, I did promise to ravage you fully afterwards. A promise that I am more than eager to fulfill…" he stated, taking her hand in his and pressing against the stiff member between his hips. "Never doubt how you affect me, mi amor," Zevran said in a husky tone, his eyes dark with passion.
"I guess we should eat quickly then…. Although I do have to check in with the others. And make plans for when we travel next. And not to mention take stock of our supplies and compare how much gold we have, seeing as I have to buy new armor and everything…. You know, being leader of a group can sure make a woman pretty busy…"
"Oh now you wish to torment me? Very well. But I shall stare at you luridly while you accomplish these tasks. And perhaps fondle you a tad bit."
"Zevran!"
"I cannot help it, mi bella! You are especially tempting wearing my tunic, with your delicious rear barely covered by the cloth… Uncovered and unimpeded by heavy leathers… I could already imagine the things that I wish to do to you. Why, some of which I could probably do without even the others noticing… Well, noticing too much…"
Riel was laughing and blushing so hard as they returned to camp that she almost ran straight into Alistair. However, Zevran pulled her back just before her body would have collided with the steel of his armor. With a subtle step forwards and a turn of his wrist, Zevran positioned himself between his lover and the ex-Templar, using his body as a shield between the two of them.
"Riel! I was just going to go look for you!"
"What a coincidence indeed, as I find myself in need of speaking with you, Alistair. After I have tended to my lovely Riel, of course," Zevran smiled darkly, his eyes sparking with barely leashed anger.
"Zevran…" Riel cautioned quietly.
"Oh have no fear, mi amor," Zevran purred, his fingers coming to lightly caress her cheek. "I remember well our talk. And your needs will always come before my own." Zevran then turned to face Alistair, the loving look he held for Riel being quickly replaced by the anger of before. "We shall have our discussion soon, my friend. That I can promise you."
"I was hoping to actually speak quickly with Riel…"
"No, I think perhaps not," Zevran interrupted, still keeping Riel behind him. "It seems my dear lady Warden has been through quite the ordeal recently and needs her rest. I am sure you can understand, of course. Good." Zevran then moved Riel around the other Warden, making sure to keep himself between the two of them at all times.
Once at the fire, Zevran helped Riel sit down on one of the skins set out before the well maintained flames. From a few feet over Zevran picked up a pot, sniffed at the contents, then frowned deeply. He then quickly maneuvered over to the food satchel, his eyes never leaving Riel for long.
"The cooked deer is over by my tent. I brought it over to measure for a stew tonight," Leliana offered when she saw him rooting through the satchel.
Zevran frowned, wishing there was something fresher for him to give to his Warden. Yet outside of a city, his options were limited. Offering a quick thank you to the redhead, he went over the deer and did his best to pick out the best pieces of what was left. As it, their supply of meat was getting low and he knew that one of their group would need to catch something soon to replenish it. Perhaps tomorrow or the next day. And with catching fresh meat came the job of drying it properly for travel. Which would mean perhaps a full day or more camping, delaying them from reaching Redcliff even longer.
Time spent with Riel without proper armor, and far too close to the area where she almost lost her life to those fiends. Added to that the growing reach of the Darkspawn as they made their way north, making Zevran felt his unease rise higher. However, that was a worry for another time. Right now, his Warden needed him.
"Leliana, I was wondering,-"
"There is already water boiling for tea, and I have made plans with Sten for him to show me how the Qunari dry their meat after we go hunting tomorrow morning. Last night Morrigan scouted a whole herd of deer upstream from where we are camped, and she cast a calming spell on them to keep them in roughly the same area until we are ready to go after them. With any luck, we should be able to get at least two bucks, and while that would mean more time to dry the meat, with Sten is currently out gathering what he needs to build a special rack the Qunari use. Supposed to dry large amount of meat quicker. Wynne is also went through our supplies earlier and she believes that we should be fine other than that until we reach Redcliff. Which with the drying, should be in about three days. Oghren has spent all morning sharpening the new axe he got from Bodahn, and he even sharpened and cleaned Sten and Alistair's swords, but only because Sten won the drinking contest…. Word of advice, do not bet that you can out drink Sten. It makes me sick even just remembering it….. Other than that, I just have a few more arrows to finish, which Morrigan is actually going to enchant for me - said she learned about it in her new grimoire from the Circle Tower. Shale is on guard duty, soon to be joined by yours truly until dusk when Morrigan will take over. So…." Leliana finally paused, looking up for the first time from the pile of arrows on her lap. "You do what you need to do, Zevran. When the stew is ready later, I will leave some outside of your tent if you and Riel are not out here already."
Zevran wasn't the only one left speechless by Leliana's preparedness. From several feet away Riel felt her eyes misting, yet she blinked the wetness away, refusing to show even more weakness to her companions. Honestly Riel didn't know whether to feel amazed and grateful at the woman's foresight and ability to see to everything that needed to be done. Or to feel even more useless, at how easily she seemed to be replaced by everyone. Perhaps they didn't need her as a leader, after all. Maybe it wasn't so much that they wouldn't follow her… But they didn't need to either…
"If it alright with Riel, though, either later tonight or perhaps tomorrow I would like to go over the maps of the area with her. Normally Riel keeps such excellent maps of the areas we travel, however last time we were in this area was when you and her were travelling on your own. So I wanted to make sure that what I have marked down is alright with her." Leliana looked over to Riel from across the fire. "You don't mind, do you, Riel? You make such beautiful maps, and I wanted to make sure that the ones I have would be okay. I know for certain that we would have been so lost without you and your maps, if you ask me."
"I am sure your maps are wonderful, Leliana," Riel replied, smiling back the tears that she felt gathering.
"That is an excellent idea, mi amiga bella. However, let us give our fearless leader another evening to rest, shall we?" Zevran stated with his usual charming smile as he sat down behind Riel at the fire. "I think perhaps I kept her awake far too long the previous night. And you never know what troublesome amantes cachondos can get up to the middle of the night," he added with a wink toward the bard.
"Zevran, you should know that I did spend some time in Antiva…"
"Ah! Beautiful land, no?" he laughed, bringing his attention back to Riel. "With her luscious curving lands, and exotic beauties," his voice hummed, a dark seductive look in his eyes as he spoke. "The way the sun shining over head causes her to almost glow during the day, and the way the moon dances across her enthralling bounty at night…" His eyes were fixed on Riel, with a sly smile turning at the corners of his lips. "Hardly a man alive can resist being enraptured by her glorious beauty, do you not agree?"
Riel was sure that her face was several shades darker than even the ripest red berries, the heat from embarrassment flowing all the way down to her toes. Although his words were supposed to aimed at Leliana and about his homeland, the way Zevran looked at her just then told her something different. That perhaps his overindulgent compliments and descriptions were about more than just the land in which he was born and raised.
"Oh I definitely agree. It is very beautiful there," Leliana replied with a smile over to Riel. "And they were also very open with teaching others their language, el hombre cachondos," she added with a laugh.
"Okay now I am missing something. I don't recognize those words," Riel stated, looking in between the two the rogues.
Zevran chuckled, wrapping his arms around Riel's waist and pulling her tightly against him. "Just a bit of understanding between us, mi bella, nothing more. However, it is long past time when you need to eat. Here, I have gathered some deer meat for you. And if you require more, just ask," he stated, lifting a small wooden plate up for her.
Riel picked up a piece, looking curiously between the two of them. It wasn't the first time that she had felt lost when it came to the Antivan words that Zevran spoke to her. Much of what he said was still a mystery to her. Yet this was the first time that Riel actually felt left out of what was being said. Narrowing her eyes in first Zevran, then Riel, she wasn't sure she liked the feeling.
"You need to teach me more Antivan," she stated after she chewed. "Just how many languages do you know anyway?"
"I know several, but in truth, not all well. I have picked up quite a bit in my travels as a Crow. Some of our members coming from lands as far away as the Anderfalls. It is useful to know all that we can about our marks, including the languages that they speak."
"Is that how you know so much Elvhen?"
"Aye. Much I learned from my mother before she died. The rest I found my way into over the years."
"You know, there is still so much that I don't know about you. You practically know everything about me, yet all I know about you is some of the missions that you went on back in Antiva."
"Ah, but there is still much that I do not know about you, mi bella. And there is still plenty of time to learn it all," he stated, winking at her. "As for myself, all there is to me before meeting you are stories, mi bella. Some amusing, some gory, some a bit of both," Zevran replied with a laughed. "However, who I am, and everything important about me only became real the moment that I first laid eyes on the goddess that is in my arms."
Riel rolled her eyes at his remark. "I am far from a goddess, Zevran…"
"I think it's sweet," giggled Leliana.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Alistair quietly watched the couple by the fire as they laughed and talked. Earlier he had watched how Zevran picked out the best cuts of their remaining dried meat, and now how he made sure Riel ate her fill without taking a single slice for himself. How he looked at her when she laughed or talked with Leliana, and how even if his eyes were not always on her, his hands were. Not in a pawing, lusty way. Just gentle touches. A hand on her hip; fingers lighting caressing her arm or leg. And while there was no denying the desire in his eyes as he looked on Riel, there was something else there. Something that Alistair never really noticed before.
It was strange, spying on them like this. Trying to see him as the others obviously did. Even Oghren made a comment about how he was happy the 'love nugs' were back together. It made Alistair wonder just what everyone other than him saw when they looked at the two of them together. Sure, Riel was happy. Happier than Alistair had ever seen her. But what about the assassin? Why did no one else see him as the threat that Alistair saw him to be?
Alistair thought back to all the times he had saw them together, trying to find anything he had missed. From the first time when their blades clashed in battle that fateful day, to that time by the river when Alistair came looking for Riel after the fight with the dragon. To Honnleath, Redcliff, and up to the Circle Tower. And then there were those two weeks where they were alone together. A part of Alistair was sure that the assassin had stolen Riel away to Denerim while the others had all but dragged Alistair back to Redcliff to help the arl. And when he saw her again outside of Orzammar…. She never looked more lovely. Such a change from the distraught, nearly broken woman was the night at the Inn by Lake Calenhad.
She had even hugged Leliana and Morrigan! Willingly!
For a few days, things started to look as if she were actually getting better. A huge shift had taken place while the group had been separated. Yet as the days went on and they remained underground, Alistair had seen the way the Taint affected her. He too had felt the headaches. The whispers in the mind. Which was why he had tried to get her to drink the herbs Duncan had told him off. It wasn't a cure against the Taint or the Calling that came for them. But it would ease mild symptoms for a time. Yet she had refused it, just as she had refused all of his help.
And when he had awoken after they had drugged him… That was the longest and most painful wait in Alistair's life. Unable to search for them. Unwilling to leave in case they returned. Alistair had spent most of his time in his room at the tavern, drinking himself in unconsciousness. And when Leliana and the others finally showed up out of the blue, Alistair didn't know which emotion to show first. Anger at being drugged and left behind. Relief at being able to see Riel again, and knowing that she was safe. Anxious at giving her the evidence he had found of the assassin's treachery.
While he still didn't regret showing Riel the letter he found, after hearing about they had endured during the Deep Roads, Alistair wished he had waited first. Given her at least some time to rest before dropping that on her. The way it was…. The days and nights since leaving Orzammar have been perhaps even harder than the ones he spent in Tapsters, unsure if she even lived while he drowned himself in their piss ale.
At least trapped there, he didn't have to witness first hand the pain that she was enduring. The way Riel was after he had showed her the letter, however… It had killed him to see her like that. The deadness in her eyes. It was worse than even how she was back in the Circle Tower after they had defeated the nightmare demon. And at the Inn, where she just tore through those men with her magic… Magic! Of all things! Yet in all the battles they had fought since meeting her, not once had she ever used any sort of magic.
The only time she showed the dangerous power that rested within her was at the Inn, and after Alistair had given her that letter. The fury she showed while he argued with that assassin was something out of Chantry tales, told to young men training to be Templars about the dangers that magic was. How even the most innocent looking of people could be hiding the power to bend the very world to their will. Even after spending time fighting alongside Morrigan and Wynne had not prepared Alistair for the sight of Riel, her body glowing in barely controlled power. With fire and electricity sparking in the very air around her as she yelled out in anger.
It was the first time Alistair actually felt true fear when it came to a mage, he realized thinking back on it. Quick on the heels of that realization came another thought, however. One that was just as unpleasant and brought with it a whole slew of questions that he knew would be difficult to bring up. Yet, the absence of answers gnawed at him.
Alistair knew that he was already on dangerously thin footing as it was. His earlier blunder with Riel was still easily felt in the soreness of his jaw. However, if what he was thinking was true, it would paint the night before in much different light than he thought. After all, Alistair knew that Riel left her blades back at camp. Leliana had returned them to Riel's tent after she had run off in her foolish search for the assassin. Yet even without the daggers, she wasn't exactly defenceless was she? No mage was. Not unless you bound their hands or were a Templar.
Were her hands bound? There didn't seem to be any rope marks on her wrists. Wynne didn't mention seeing anything. Just a wound in her leg, along with the minor cuts and bruises that were still visible. Why didn't she defend herself?
Without even noticing what he was doing, Alistair found himself making swift strides over to the fire where Riel and the others sat. Seated in between the assassin's legs as she normally did when they rested at camp, she looked strange not in her familiar leather armor. Yet no less lovely. Perhaps it was the overly large tunic that fell in an ill fitted manner around her, or the way she seemed to smile so freely as she talked with the other two rogues. It was enough however to make Alistair pause, his mind drifting as he watched fascinated by the way her hair fell around her face as she spoke or the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed.
"Alistair? Did you need something?"
The sweet lilt of Leliana's voice dragging Alistair's mind back from the forbidden thoughts his mind often tormented him with. With all three sets of eyes looking up at him, Alistair felt his face flush, unsure of how to begin. After all, he didn't have the best track record when it came to speaking around Riel. And this time was starting to seem no different than any of the others.
"I need to ah…. That is, I wanted to ask… Well, I guess you had your reasons, I suppose, though I don't see why you wouldn't, especially given…. Which just makes it all the more strange…-"
"Alistair? I think I see Sten coming back from getting what he needed for the drying racks. Didn't you say that you were interested in learning how to make the new drying racks he mentioned?" Leliana rushed out, standing quickly to her feet and moving over to where Alistair stood.
"You have magic, don't you? You are a mage after all. So why didn't you use it? Against the slavers, I mean."
Leliana audibly groaned, her head dropping down into her hands as Alistair voiced his questions. Down by the fire, Riel felt the blood leave her face at the same time Zevran seemed to flush with anger. The muscles of his arms around her twitching in a similar manner as they were back by the stream when she first explained what happened between her and the ex-Templar.
"I… ah… my… m-my…" Riel stuttered, completely unprepared for the blunt question. The only mentions of her more hidden abilities had been in hushed whispers or without direct words being used. Even Oghren just seemed to go along with it, most likely have been spoken to about the difficult situation by one of the others.
This was the first time though that it was brought right out in the open like this. Without pretense or careful words, disguised or cloaked for the sake of privacy or safety. The ever feared 'M' word out in plain sight and stated fully, as if her having magic was as a common and well accustomed thing as Wynne or Morrigan's magic.
Zevran gave a gentle squeeze to Riel before standing to his full height next to the human. While not as tall as the other man, what Zevran lacked in height he more than made up for in guile and agility, something both men knew well. Where Alistair made the large upper body of a warrior, Zevran was all sinew and dexterity, making even any visually perceived differences an untrained eye may notice. Yet while Zevran stepped closer to the warrior with a smile on his lips and an easy stance, those who knew a thing or two about fighting saw something completely different.
Which was why both Leliana and Riel were immediately at the male's sides, moving to place them themselves between the two of them.
"Alistair my friend, I think that perhaps it is time for that discussion I mentioned earlier…" Zevran stated with a smile, his voice just as light as if he were talking to Wynne or one of the others. Yet there was no mistaking the deep lethal undertones hidden there, masked by his normal easy going cadence.
"Oh? That's funny, I don't remember agreeing to one. In fact, I had actually been trying to speak with Riel. Something that didn't involve you."
"Ah, but I promised you a lesson in blades many weeks back, my Templar friend. Back when your rather unfortunately timing interrupted my lovely Riel and I by the river outside of Haven. A lesson, I might add, that I reminded of you again after we left Orzammar several days ago. It just so happens that seeing as we find ourselves staying here for a short period, that I have time now. So come, my large hulking mujeres de pendejo. Let us discuss that lesson!"
"Zevran! Alistair!" Riel exclaimed, trying fruitlessly to gain either male's attention as they glared at each other.
"You know, perhaps that isn't such a bad idea," Leliana huffed.
"What? You've got to be kidding! Leliana!" exclaimed Riel, looking over to her friend in shock and surprise.
"I agree. I think there is a few things I can discuss with you, assassin," Alistair hissed, his voice much harsher compared to what Zevran's had been.
"Alistair!"
"Excellent!" Zevran smiled broadly. "This has been a long time coming. It will be good to to talk, man to man."
"Zevran!"
"Riel, Zevran's right. This has been coming for a long time. Might as well let the men have their little 'talk'," Leliana stated, placing her hand lightly on Riel's shoulder.
"What? No!" Riel yelled, her face flushed with anger and concern. "You can't all be serious! Zevran!"
Zevran turned to face Riel, his eyes meeting her for the first time since Alistair approached them. Placing his hands on either side of her face, he stared down into her liquid silver depths. "Trust me, mi bella. Everything will be alright."
"Zevran…"
"I promise you shall still have your warrior by the end of our discussion. In mostly well enough shape, as well. At least by the time we need to be travelling again in a few days time," he added with a wink.
"What about you?" she pleaded, tears forming at the corners of her eyes.
Zevran pulled Riel tightly against him, his body becoming flush with her own. "Do you feel that, mi amor? Down below, by your hip?" he whispered in a quiet purr into her ear so only she could hear. "I promised to ravage you full later did I? Mmm, I think perhaps I did. And that is one promise that I shall be keeping." Zevran than kissed her deeply, not caring if the others witnessed his love or passion for the woman in his arms.
"Ar lath ma," Riel murmured against his lips. She then looked up into his eyes, losing herself for a moment in the love she witnessed there. "Dareth shiral, ma vhenan. Tel'enfenim mi'lin Fen'harel."
"Never, my love," chuckled Zevran. He then placed one more kiss upon her lips before turning to face Alistair once more. "Come Alistair. Let us speak quickly, for I have promised my dear lady Warden her own blade lesson later this evening."
"Wait! Before you go boys, some ground rules!" Leliana hurriedly interjected before they walked away. "One: no weapons. We want you boys coming back in one piece, thank you very much. And two: no armor. Just you manly men and all your manliness," she giggled.
"Anything for such a lovely redheaded beauty, mi amiga," Zevran laughed as he handed Riel both of his daggers. "I expect these back when I return, mi bella. You will keep them safe for me, yes?" he asked with a dazzling smile down at her. Riel only nodded her head as she clasped the blades to her chest. "Good. Now, the armor!" Zevran cast a teasing look over to Leliana. "We are allowed to keep our clothes though, yes? Although, it wouldn't be the first time that I had interesting discussion with other men while naked. Do we have any oil? I am sure Alistair and I could provide you ladies with some excellent entertainment!"
"What?!" Alistair exclaimed, his face going beet red.
"Now that is an idea, Zevran…" Leliana teased, her eyes roaming luridly over Alistair's still very much clothed body.
"No! Absolutely not!"
"Oh come now Alistair, I am sure you have nothing to be embarrassed of. True, it is a bit chilly out here, but I am sure these fine ladies will certainly take that into account."
"I am not getting naked!" Alistair exclaimed heatedly.
"Who is getting naked now?" Wynne asked as she joined the laughing women.
"Zevran and Alistair. They are going to oil themselves up and wrestle to entertain us in true manly fashion!" Leliana explained through a laughing fit.
"And me without sweets or cookies to share!" giggled Wynne.
"Maker's breath! No! That is not it at all! Leliana tell her!" Alistair pleaded.
"Did someone say cookies?"
"Will you care to watch with us Sten? Or perhaps would you like to join in?" teased Leliana as she looked over to the approaching giant.
"What a brilliant idea, my lovely Leliana!" Zevran laughed excitedly. "Perhaps we could get Oghren as well! Make it a true event for our ladies to watch!"
"Kill me. Now. Maker. Please," Alistair groaned desperately.
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Vhenan'ara