Livestock lie dead and wagons overturned in an elaborate ruse that almost worked. The dust was slowly settling from the very recent skirmish as they all stood in the narrow passage. Staring down at their latest threat, they listened while he concluded his plea, "To be completely honest, I was never given much of a choice regarding joining the Crows. The only way out, however, is to sign up with someone the Crows cannot touch."

She mulled this all over, trying to keep her head clear. He called himself Zevran, and his attempts at being charming were not winning him any favours, but his rationale was. Due to failing to kill his target, he now had three choices: die at the hands of the Crows, die at her hands, or enter her service. Obviously he was leaning towards the third choice and was trying to convince her to do the same. From what she could tell, he was not lying, and he had proven himself in battle. He may have been defeated, but she personally felt it was just by dumb luck on her part. If he sincerely could be trusted, he would be an extremely powerful ally. The true question was could he actually be trusted?

Finally, Leliana cast a confused look towards their quiet leader – it was not like her to take so long in a decision. Kila was never hasty or reckless, but she usually seemed to immediately know the right course of action. She couldn't help but notice how Kila was looking at the dark-skinned assassin. He was virtually the only other elf Kila had come across since leaving the Alienage, and he even looked like he could be her kin with the same fair hair and bright eyes. That must be confusing. "I will even shine armour," he interrupted the silence, "You won't find a better deal, I assure you."

"He comes with us," Kila quietly said, not looking up

"What?! You're taking the assassin with us now?" Alistair blurted. Had he just heard this right? This elf had tried to kill them minutes ago, and now he'll just be another merry member of their little group?

Darkly, she fixed her eyes on Alistair. Did he think this was just a flippant decision? How can he expect it all so black and white? Menacingly, she sailed over to him, pulling her dagger out from her belt and roughly slapped it flat against his chest, "If you want him dead, then you kill him."

There was a long moment of tension as Kila silently dared him to question her again. Or do the deed himself. Leliana turned from the pair to keep an eye on the fallen assassin. After all, this discord really would be the perfect opportunity for him, although he did not move.

"No," Alistair sighed, "I see your point, we need all the help we can get…Still if there was ever a sign that we were desperate, I think it just knocked on the door and…"

"Just get him up," she barked, slicing through his attempt at levity.

Alistair's jaw visibly clenched at this demand, but he said no more. He knelt down to help the assassin, who was far too injured get up on his own. As they stood, Zevran looked to Kila, "I herby pledge my oath of loyalty to you until such a time as you choose to release me from it. I am your man, without reservation. This, I swear"

She was already walking away from the scene. It was only supposed to be a quick trip to town for more food supplies before they moved on. That's it. No excitement, no ferocious battles, no delays. Of course nothing was ever that simple was it? No doubt, those at camp would be worried by now. Fortunately, the remainder of trip was uneventful, although it was slowed by the injured elf.

It was twilight by the time they reached camp, and Sten had already started the fire. Spotting the companions, Wynne rose to her feet, "We were worried, is everything…" her words stopped short when this new, bloodied person hanging off of Alistair came into view, "…alright? What happened?"

"Oh, nothing much," Leliana replied nonchalantly, "We just got ambushed by a group of assassins and decided to bring their leader home for dinner."

"Put him down there, Wynne will have to see to him," Kila instructed Alistair, pointing near the fire. Rather than helping him down, he simply let go of Zevran who unceremoniously crashed to the ground with a groan.

Wynne looked from Leliana down to the elf crumpled on the ground. Her eyebrows furrowed in both confusion and concern, "What? I'm afraid I don't understand…"

"Join the club," retorted Alistair as he pushed his way through the group and headed towards his tent. In response to all the tension that came barging into the camp, Tolan, the faithful Mabari let out a low growl and he came over to Kila's side.

Zevran struggled to sit up, "Allow me to introduce myself, I…" was as far as he got before the butt of Kila's bow jammed into his shoulder, slamming him back on the dirt. Everyone froze, not sure if they were about to spring into action or get out of the way.

She stood over the assassin with her bow driving into his shoulder, keeping him firmly pinned. Apparently one of his many injuries resided there as he began seeing various colours clouding his vision. But he did not try to move again. "Let me be clear," she hissed at him, "You are not to even breathe, much less get up unless I tell you to. I do not trust you."

His Antivan accent was thick with the pain that he refused to give in to. With a smirk, that was trying not to twist into a grimace he asked, "Then why am I here?"

Good question. "Shut up." She growled as she released him from under the thumb of her bow. He respected her request, remaining still and silent. It did not take a brilliant man to realize he was in no position to push his luck at the moment. Wynne also kept the silence, understanding it was not a good time for questions. Perhaps she would seek out Leliana later. Gathering her supplies, she quickly set out to help the injured new party member, welcoming him to the group.