Vimmark Mountains

The terrain was rough, beautiful, and jagged. The mountain sides were sheer, with white, weathered rocks jutting in different directions. The trees wove together like threads in fabric, each leaning against the other for support, roots mingled with those of the others.

Annika Cousland sat quietly by the edge of a wide stream, admiring the views while reveling in the feel of the water soothing her battered feet. She, Zevran, and Leliana had been walking for the last three days, the difficult terrain of the Vimmark Mountains impossible for a horse. The navigation of the area was remarkably complicated and tiring. They stopped here only for a short break, as they had few hours left in their day.

Two weeks ago, the trio had left Highever and crossed the Waking Sea, bound for the Rivani city of Llomerynn. Annika hoped that they would reach the coastal city in the next month or so. If Zevran's information was correct, they would easily find a vessel in Ostwick to take them further on their journey.

Lost in thought, Annika did not hear the assassin approach.

"Warden, your perfect toes may not remain so, if you freeze them off of your lovely foot." Zevran observed with a slight frown.

"Oh, as warm as it is, I think they will be well enough," she answered with a smile. Annika brushed her blonde hair away from her face. "I knew that spring came early this far north, but I am still a bit surprised by the intensity of the heat."

"Well, at least it is early spring and not summer, or this little stream would not be here." Zevran said.

Silence settled between them and Annika leaned back onto her palms, tilting her head to the side.

"Annika, are you sure you want to do this?" he asked her quietly.

She sighed heavily, sorry that they were discussing this again. She turned her eyes to him. "Zev, we cannot just leave him to wander Thedas. Alistair needs to know what happened."

"What happened, my dear Grey Warden, is that the boy had a temper tantrum, and abandoned us all to our fates." Zevran bit out.

"That is not fair, Zevran," Annika said. "You did not see what happened."

"No, I did not." Zevran granted, before continuing, "What I DID see, was you fight the Blight with one less Warden, one less warrior, and with your heart broken."

"Zev," she said tiredly, "Riordan and I did what needed to be done."

"Yes, but Alistair did not. I think that should be pointed out, no?" he said.

She could not deny what Zevran said, so she did not try. Eventually, Zevran made a small sound, similar to a snort, and walked further down the creek. Annika watched him leave, thinking about what he had said.

Zevran had been against looking for Alistair from the beginning. In truth, she had thought some of his arguments against searching were valid, but it had not changed her mind. She needed to find Alistair, to explain to him what had happened, and to know what there was, if anything, between them.

Thinking about the Landsmeet was still hard for her. The memories were so clear in her mind's eye; it had been over, the vote finished and in their favor. She recalled the look of relief on Arl Eamon's face once they had defeated Loghain Mac Tir, and Alistair soon to be declared king.

Loghain, however, would not go quietly and raged, refusing to yield, hurling insults to all. He had challenged Annika to a duel she was honor-bound to accept. After a brutal fight, he submitted, Annika's sword high, prepared to kill him, but Anora and Riordan had stayed her hand. Riordan explained his desire to force the Teyrn through the Joining, hoping to add his capabilities to the cause and his number to their own. Alistair had been incensed at the plan.

Riordan's idea was defendable, conscripting the Teyrn did make some sense, but Annika had been in full agreement with Alistair. The great general may have once been a skilled warrior, but Loghain was clearly insane and not to be trusted. Riordan was undeterred and pushed the matter further, Anora and even Arl Eamon seeming to agree with the older warden. Alistair had argued rabidly with Riordan, his anger turning against even Annika as she bade him to be calm and to reason with Riordan. Alistair mistook her request for betrayal, and he left the Landsmeet hall, declaring he was no longer a warden.

Annika had been desperate to go after him, but she would not leave the chamber until matters were decided. Had Alistair stayed, he would have seen her adamant refusal of Riordan's notion and the death of Loghain Mac Tir.

She had raced from the Landsmeet to the Arl's estate. When she arrived, the staff confirmed that Alistair had indeed been to the home. Annika ran to his rooms, her heart lurching to see they devoid of both Alistair and his belongings.

She and her companions had searched all of Denerim for him. Despite the imminent threat of the darkspawn, Arl Eamon had dispatched every guard at his disposal, combing the city. After several days, it was clear he had gone. Annika's mind numb and her heart aching, she knew that there was no more time. Anora's crown was reinstated, and Annika and her companions departed for Redcliffe.

Everything had been a blur for her after that day.

Arriving at Redcliffe, Riordan had explained the warden's necessary role in killing the Archdemon. Together, Riordan and Annika led the army to the horde as it moved against Denerim. The battle had been difficult and many a good soldier lost his life, but they had succeeded. Riordan dealt the final blow against the Archdemon, sacrificing his own life, fully ensuring that the tainted soul of the old god could seek no other host.

Then there had been the celebrations, the dancing in the streets, the parades, the ceremonies. Annika had attended them all, but her heart was elsewhere.

Once she could, she returned to Highever, and there had been much work to do. Her home had almost been destroyed, but she saw the damage to the castle and outbuildings as a testament to the fight the people of Highever had given Howe's men. While she worked alongside her people and her brother, Annika had hoped that some word would come from Alistair, or one of the contacts she had sent inquires to would find something, but none did.

After six months, she could bear it no longer, and written and asked Zevran for his help. He had been very reluctant, to say the least, but within a month he had a lead, a lead that they now followed.

Annika raised her hand, shielding her eyes as she checked the position of the sun. The afternoon was moving quickly and they needed to get going if they wanted to make their camp.

Leliana returned from the tree line and waved. Annika dried her feet and put her stockings on, pulling on her boots. She came to her haunches and made quick work of the laces, standing fully as Leliana arrived at her side.

"All ready to go?" Leliana asked, "It is getting a bit late."

"I agree. Zevran is further up the stream," Annika pointed over Leliana's shoulder. "He just walked that way."

"Trying to convince you to abandon this plan again, hmm?" Leliana asked.

"Just making sure I know his opinion," Annika smiled sadly.

"I think we are all aware of his opinion at this point, are we not?" she answered. "It seems to me that Zevran is becoming, well, dull. We need to find him a distraction."

Annika and Leliana walked side by side, Annika closest to the stream.

"Good point, but what? I don't see anyone here who needs to be killed, or a woman who needs his affections." Annika pointed out.

"Well, in a few days we shall arrive in Ostwick and, I have heard, it is much like all towns full of sailors." Leliana offered. "Though, I suppose that leaves you and I sitting in our rooms more that I would like."

"Perhaps he will find someone to occupy his mind there, then." Annika said her tone one of annoyance. "He really needs to lay off a bit."

"Zevran thinks he is helping." Leliana said quietly.

Annika blew her bangs away from her sweaty forehead, "Maker, it's hot!"

Leliana laughed, "Oh my darling friend, you don't know how good this warmth feels! Ferelden is like sitting in a pile of snow!"

Annika smiled at Leliana's happy face and shook her head. It was wonderful to see Leliana so relaxed and enjoying the weather. Leliana had been through a lot, her life changing so greatly with the events during the Blight. Those changes had made her stronger though, and their friendship was a source of strength for both women.

Annika thought again about Zevran.

"Leliana," Annika said softly, "Am I mad to look for him?"

Leliana stopped walking and caught Annika's wrist, pulling her to a stop. "Oh, Annie, don't let Zev shake you. You love Alistair and I know he loves you. That is not madness."

"But Zevran made some good points, and it's been so long. What if I.." Leliana raised her hand for quiet.

"Listen, you must believe in what you felt, Annie. I was there, I saw you two together!" she said. "I know he loves you. You are not making a mistake. I would do the same as you, if I were in your boots."

"He left, Lil." Annika whispered. Leliana squeezed her hand.

"I know, but even those who let us down, who make mistakes, deserve a second chance. You still love him, no?" Annika nodded. "Good, then we go to Ostwick and find a whore for Zevran!" Leliana and Annika laughed together.

xXx

A few sweltering days later, the three arrived at Ostwick, the town being exactly as Leliana had heard. Zevran led them through the town, explaining the layout and the inhabitants of each district. He intended to take them to John's Point, a nicer area overlooking the harbor. There were several inns there and he felt that the women would be safer.

"We stopped an army of darkspawn you know, Zevran, fought the Archdemon," Leliana reminded him, "Surely we can handle a few randy sailors!"

"I do not doubt your stunning capabilities my ladies, but I also do not doubt the power of several drunk and, randy, as you say, men bent on sampling your beauty." Zevran said. "I would not invite trouble."

"Thank you, Zevran," Annika offered, smiling slightly. The image that came to mind was not a happy one and she appreciated his discretion.

"Anything for you, my beautiful Warden, I do not take your safety lightly," he said solemnly.

Soon they entered the Crooked Back Inn, Annika heading to the innkeeper's bar. She arranged for all three of them to have rooms, the innkeeper a bit put out at having an elf in a regular room, but he soon had them escorted up.

The room that Annika entered was of medium size, with wide planked floors and a large bed to one side, and a desk and chair to the other. She crossed the room to look out the window, seeing that they sat well above the harbor. Turning around she tipped and dismissed the boy who carried her bag in, and smiled as Leliana entered her room.

"Oh, I see our rooms are almost the same, then." Leliana observed. "I think the view of the sunset will be wonderful!"

Zevran knocked on the doorframe, drawing their attention.

"If you ladies are comfortable, I will be going to the warehouse district on the water for the evening. I wish to see what ships are in port," he said.

"Please have some fun too, Zev," Annika said, "You have worked hard to guide us here, and it's going to be a long trip to Llomerynn."

Zevran bowed to them and backed out of the room. Leliana and Annika discussed dinner and agreed to meet in the taproom in an hour. Annika shut the door behind Leliana, throwing the bolt.

Walking across the room, she sat in the windowsill of the larger window. She pushed against the lock and opened it wide, listening to the bustle of things below.

Gazing at the harbor, she counted as many as fifty ships, wondering where each was going, counting their masts. More than anything, she wanted to be sailing to their next port, her anxiety about Alistair growing with each day.

Annika recognized that she was afraid. She knew that Alistair might reject her that he may not want her, and the idea made her stomach turn. She loved him and still thought of the promises made before the Landsmeet, to stay together and rebuild the wardens in Ferelden. More than anything, she wanted to have that life with him, but as time went on, she feared that she alone desired it.

Annika closed her eyes and sighed, resting her head against the frame. She stayed like this, lost in her thoughts and worries, until it was time to dress for dinner. Changing from her traveling clothes, she put on a simple dress and slippers. Annika checked her hair and picked up her room key. Resolving to let the evening distract her from her fears, she hurried out of her room and closed her door tight, locking it.

Just enjoy yourself, she thought as she took the steps down and spotted Leliana, sitting in a formal and ornate gown, covered in feathers, waving her toward the table. Annika laughed. Leave it to Leliana to create an event where there was not one.

"It's a start!" she said, laughing, and went to join her dear friend.

Thanks to Super Beta Lisa!