This is strictly about the romance that is created between Josephine, the dalish elf, Zevran, the Antivan Crow, and Alistair, the templar. Warning some graphic, sexual content. I do not, and never shall, own Dragon Age: Origins or any chracters mentioned.
This story takes place sometime after the battle at Ostagar. King Callian, Duncan, and the Grey Wardens have fallen. All that remains of the Warden Order is Alistair and Josephine. Leliana, Morrigan, Sten, Wynne, and Zevran have joined our ragtag group of crusaders. Zevran is flirty and sexual to his Lady Grey Warden. She is very unexperienced and still unsure of how to handle the feelings he has stirred within her. Alistair is plagued by similar feelings for Josephine. Will she have to choose between Alistair and Zevran or has her heart made the choice for her?
Zevran~
"Ugh, why can I not sleep?" I mumble to myself. I sit up in my small tent and peek through the flap. "Aw there she is." I whispered. My sweet Josephine stands elegantly on her watch duty. She is beautiful as always. It must me near midnight and darkness has fallen but I can still see her silhouetted figure. Her frame is of a small build, with curves hidden under her armor. Not that I have actually gotten to see them just yet, but the armor cannot hide everything. The way her armored skirt rides up on her hips and plump, well rounded bottom. Her breasts straining under her armor. Not large for a human, but large for a petite elf. And under all that dirt and grime was creamy, tan skin. How I would love to wash away the dirt myself to reveal my prize.
Okay deep breath or you will be frustrated and in pain all night. I look out to my lovely Josephine once more. She is joined by her companion, Alistair. The moron could never appreciate her. How he dotes on her and she, so naive and oblivious. I close the flap and lay down again. This new emotion seemed to boil over. I experienced new feelings more and more often of late. And always where Josephine and Alistair were concerned. It isn't like me to care like this. I can appreciate a beautiful woman. But what I am feeling doesn't feel like just lust. It is something more. Something that made my heart lurch each time she was attacked. Each time she left on a mission without me or we were ambushed. I always felt a strong tug on my heart to run and aid her.
"Hahahahahahahah Haaa." I chuckled. The son of a whore has fallen in love with his target and merciful leader. I closed my eyes and tried once again to forget these feelings of love, jealously, and stupid Alistair. Life was so much simpler in Antiva.
Alistair~
Breath in and out, in and out. "Hey Josie." I said. "Hello Alistair, your early." She pointed out. Which only confused me, I looked at her unsure of what she meant. "For your watch duty? You could still get some sleep. My watch isn't up quite yet." She said. "Well I couldn't sleep anymore. So I thought why not join Josie for the end of her watch, catch up a bit." I tried to say nonchalantly. She stares into my eyes as if trying to read my thoughts. Obviously I am thinking of how beautiful she is. I don't want her to know that, not yet anyways. Okay think of flowers, roses. Like the rose I gave to Josie. Soft , gentle, sweet, and thorns that protect it from the world. Just like sweet wondeful Joseph... "Alistair! Hello Alistair?" She was jabbing her finger into my chest.
I focused my eyes on her coming back to reality. "Sorry", I apologized. "Where did your mind wander? You had this glazed look in your eyes. Are you sure you are not tired?" She inquired. I laughed emabarassed by being caught off guard. "You know what, thank you." She responded. "For what?" Josie's whole demeanor relaxed. "If you are ready then I am leaving. I could use some sleep. I haven't slept in two days." She smiled warmly. My heart skipped a beat.
I just stood there smiling like a fool as I watched her saunter away. Her hips sawying with each step she took. Her arrmored skirt bouncing ever so slightly as she went. My face grew warm as I realized that Wynne and Lelianna were observing me closely. I spun on my heel to face the outside of camp to hide my face and keep vigil.
Josephine~
"Uhhhh", I sighed. I rolled my neck and squeezed my shoulders. I dreaded the thought of sleep but my body needed it. I wouldn't be able to protect and defend us from the darkspawn if I was exhausted. I would have to face the nightmares to come. I would then have to wake up and face the others after a night of thrashing and screaming. They have all learned to leave me alone on those awful nights. Poor Alistair learned the hard way. I had nearly broken his nose, he was only trying to comfort me. I felt bad for him, Leliana, and Wynne. I have been awful to each of them when they tried to sooth me. Zevran and Morrigan have yet to make this mistake. I think Zevran has been warned and Morrigan just understands me or doesn't care.
I hunched down and entered my tent. After getting down to my under clothes, I lay down. My bedroll is cold from being empty for so long. I get beneath the covers and stare up into the darkness of the roof of my tent. I slowly close my eyes and drift into a fitfull, restless sleep.
Zevran~
I cover my ears to block out the sounds. My poor sweet Josephine is having another terrible night. She screams out every so often, pulling the strings of my heart. Everything in my body shouted for me to go to her. I had heard of the consequences of waking her from her night terrors.
"Fuck it, I can't take this torture anymore." I exclaimed. Thankfully I have a pair of trousers about my waist. So only half of my body would have to face the cold. I crouched and stealthily walked over to My Lady Warden's tent. Everyone seems preoccupied with their own buisness or sleeping. Thank goodness I am an expert assasin, stealth and slinking in the shadows is my specialty. I slipped into her tent. She was covered from the waist down. So I was right about her plentiful set of breasts. How wonderful! She wore a simple top that left nothing to the imagination. Her body glistened with sweat, her hair stuck to her forhead. She was grimacing, but she was still gorgeous. A part of me longed to take her. But I would wait to see if she desired me as well.
I guess the question now is how to comfort her without invoking her wrath. I lay down on my right side with my left arm over my hip, facing her. Josephine moans and whimpers, she clutches her body as if in pain. I lay there willing her to come to me. Five minutes go by. It turns into ten minutes. Finally she begins to thrash to fend off some evil. She calms and rolls towards me. Not close enough but her hand brushes my chest. And then it comes back and rests there against my chest. Her face relaxes a little. Her eyes open lazily looking at me. A flash of emerald green and then it was gone. She closed her eyes again but fully rolled over to rest against me. She must not realize what she truly saw!
I start to relax. Then, "Ahhhhhhhhhh". A piercing scream rips through her throat. I try to ignore it and wrap my arms aorund her. She stops immediantly and snuggles into me as if to hide from her enemy. I squeeze her and a sigh escapes her lips. After several breaths we both settle into a deep sleep.
Josephine~
"Josephine, it is time to wake now." I roll over and groan at the voice penetrating my warm, quiet tent. Then I feel someone trying to tickle my toes, "Hahahah haha ha. Okay I'm up. Please give me a moment?" I practically beg Leliana. She smiles and warns me that she will return if I do not present myself shortly. As soon as I am alone I snuggle back down. As I lay there, I smell something. Feeling curious I smell my bedroll. But only to the left of where I slept smells different. It smells warm, musky, spicey, maybe a hint of leather? "How wierd." I say to myself. I dismiss it and quickly get dressed.
I eat my breakfast and pack up my tent. Alistair approaches me from behind. "How was last night?" I inquired. "Not bad, except for some shriek that must have been hidden in your tent." is his reply. I look up at him with a smirk. I know he is just trying to relieve my tension on this subject. It is best to get it over with. "As usual I am sorry, I wish this wouldn't happen." I say solemnly. "Well you must have killed it because it didn't last as long as usual. It died down after ten, fifteen minutes. You must be getting it under control." He pointed out.
"Really? You think so? I do feel as though I am fully rested." I stated breathlessly. Alistair nodded with a cheesy grin. As I stood I noticed Zevran had already packed and was no where to be seen. "Hey where is Zev?" I asked Wynne and Leliana. They shrugged and continued packing. I don't like my assasin to be out of my sight.
Zevran~
"How I loathe him. What is wrong with me? Get it together Zevran." I watch from just behind the tree line. Jealousy isn't something I am used to. The way my Josephine smiled up at that fool. I look away so as to not torment myself. I looked instead at the stash of berries and herbs I had come across. I needed a reason to be away from her. So I could figure out whether she knew we spent the night together or not. And is she does, will she finally finish me off. "Zev?" I hear my nickname faintly. I look back up to see that Josephine is looking for me. I also didn't fail to notice Alistair's disdain at the mention of my name. The name my lady warden had given me.
"You called my lovely lady?" I walked toward her with my head held high and a brazen smile on my face. Alistair was tigh lipped and strode away from us. My smile widened, "Was it something I said?" She rolls her eyes and looks at the bundle in my arms. "So this is where you were?" She lifts an elfroot from the small pile. "I thought we could use some more supplies. We won't see another village or merchant for the most of three days." I explained. Josephine grins up at me sweetly and thanks me. She places her hand on my shoulder and gives it a squeeze.
My heart seemed to melt, but I maintained my composure. "I forgive you this time. Next time come and get me, I'll go with you. I don't want you out of my sight." "I think I shall enjoy this very much. I can have you all to myself, alone. I have some ideas of what we could do away from prying eyes." She pulls her hand away and averts her gaze. Her face is flushed and cheeks are red. The picture of innocence, I ached to possess her.
Josephine~
My face grew very warm, which only delighted Zev. My stomach did a few saumersaults. I swallowed hard, my mouth had gone dry. Words seemed to fail me. "Have you lost your tongue my sweet?" Zev grinned. I started to stutter and my step faltered as I stepped backwards. I started to fall, but Zevran immediantly caught my by my forearm. He took adavantage of my vulnerability. He pulled me up against his body. Our leather armor alowed my body to feel his muscular body. He slipped his free hand to my lower back to keep me securly in place. My face is on fire as he held my arm against his chest.
I pulled away from him and had to use a little force. I quickly stumbled away from him. I refused to look back and see his smug face. I dropped my pack with the others and headed to a nearby river. I knelt at the embankment and splashed water over my face. I dried my face as mush as possible. I sat there thinking of how Zevran felt. How my heart started to pound and my palms started to sweat. How wierd that I can sweat there! I felt butterflies in my stomach, my mouth went dry, and my mind went blank. But the thing that troubled me the most was the warmth and tingling. I felt it pool down in between my legs. It puzzled me, I had to figure it out. I am not completely naive. I understand sex and that there is usually a desire for it. Maybe this feeling is what Ashalle was explaining to me. But I had never felt this before. On top of this entire dilemma was the fact that Zevran made me feel this way!
"Zevran! Zevran? The one who tried to kill me?" I whispered to myself. The thought baffled me. *SNAP* I hear a twig break behind me.
I twirl around to tell Zevran, "Stop... Oh, Alistair it's you." I felt relieved. "Were you expecting someone else?" He seemed irritated. "What is wrong?" I asked him. He stepped very close to me, "I can take care of him. Make sure he doesn't ever touch you again?" I gasped at his words. Alistair had witnessed my interaction with Zevran. And now he is offering to kill him to prevent it from recurring. "No Alistair, I can handle this myself. I'm fine, but thank you for being concerned." I tried to smile to show him my statement is true. He took yet another step closer to me, but not close enough that our bodies touched. He opened his mouth to say something and closed it instead. He reached up to my face and brushed a water droplet from my cheek. Then he gently carressed my cheek. "I will always worry about you, I will always care." He said huskily. Again my face grew warm and heart started to pound. And again I stepped away from him.
"Thank you Alistair." I replied. He looked dissappointed at first but as I spoke he brightened up.
Leliana~
The two scenes were quite something to behold. I kept out of sight to watch and overhear the conversations. It would seem that both Alistair and Zevran desired our leader. And our leader was completely usure of what was going on. Josephine always came off as innocent. I wonder if she is "pure"? But surely she must understand sex and the feeling that happen between two people? I will have to satisfy my curiosity later when I can get her alone. For now I will observe the three from a distance.
Alistair is tall with a solid frame. The man had no issue swinging a longsword. I had caught glimpses of him naked in the past. When we were fortunate enough to find clean water, we would bathe. Alistair is all muscle, chisled by the maker himself. He stands at about six feet tall. But the way he behaves contradicts his body. He is sweet, kind, funny, and a bit of a fool. His hair is dirty blond but darker around his manhood. Which was quite a sight as well. He was hung, it made me shiver to think of the possiblities. I also know (overheard) that he had never used it for pleasure. I could certaintly teach him a thing or two! But I love my dear friend Josephine. I would not wish to hurt her if she has feelings for Alistair.
My hope and wish is that she may have feelings for Zevran. While he is very much a whore himself, it seems that he has fallen in love with our leader. Her reaction to Zevran's closeness was much stronger than her reaction to Alistair's closeness. Our talk will have to happen soon. I return to camp and gather our belongings.
~The group has gotten the mages and templars to join the fight. Then we got the dwarves to aid us as well. Josphine put Harramont on the throne and destroyed the anvil. The Arl of Redcliff was cured by the ashes of Andraste and is prepasring for the Landsmeet. Next ally to aquire are the Dalish Elves.~
Josephine~
We set up camp for the night. We should reach my people in a day or two. But for now we were tempoarily safe and exhausted. I sit in front of my tent and watch the members I have assembled. Zevran is preparing dinner while Wynne critisizes and tries to correct him.
Leliana is playing with Axel, my marbari war hound. I saved Axel from an illness while at Ostagar. Later after we survived the horrible battle, he found me and protected me. He is always fighting by my side. Leliana is with us because of her vision. I don't know if it is true but she is welcomed and not judged. She is like a sister to me. I helped her finally deal with Marjoline. She is now free to live with out fear of her past.
Morrigan is keeping a good distance as usual. We have become very close. She has opened up to me and welcomed me as her friend. I felt bad about lying about the death of her mother. I couldn't kill something that wasn't going to attack me. But Flemeth was more than cooperative. She gave me the grimoire to give to Morrigan, I worry about her plans but I don't have much time to think about it. I found a golden mirror just like the one Morrigan told me about, in Orzammar. Morrigan was genuinly happy about the gift. It helped open her up to me.
Sten was happily sparring with Alistair. We recovered his lost blade. Now he looks forward to the darkspawn. He looks for something to kill with his sword. His opinion of me changed as well. He isn't judging me as a woman anymore but a fellow warrior. Alistair and I have become close as well.
He seems like he has something to tell me all of the time. But he would remain silent. He had given me a lovely rose. How sweet he thought it would be to give it to me than let it perish in Lothering. After the visit to his sister, Goldana, he looked at me differently. Like he was seeingme for the first time. I am not sure how I feel about this. Alistair has been like my the brother I never had. But I cannot ignore that he is attractive, for a shem. How do I feel about him?
Then there is Zevran, Zev. From the moment we met, he unnerved me. He took me off guard and has continued to do so. With each day he chipped away at the hard shell around my heart. I had thought I hardened it well after losing Tamlen. But it could be lust. But what do I know of lust? I believed that I most definitely felt some kind of lust. Zevran wasn't as tall as Alistair but He was taller than me. He is at least five feet and seven inches tall. I am about five feet and two inches tall. His skin is well tanned from spending many years out in the sun. His body is rock hard, muscles from head to toe. His light blond hair accentuated his dark skin and framed his face. And those amber eyes. He had eyes that pulled you in and made you want to stay within its warmth.
I shake my head, as if to empty it of all previous thought. I look out at everyone again. Most have started to eat. Alistair pops out of no where and plops down next to me. He has a bowl of stew in each hand. He hands me a bowl and we start to eat. "I'll take first watch." Was my only statement. Alistair continued eating, "If you want I...". "I will join you tonight." Leliana interrupted him. I nodded to her and she went about her buisness. Alistair mumbled under his breath. I was too tired to inquire what was wrong with him. So instead I grabbed my blades and holstered them.
So Leliana and I took the first watch.
Leliana~
We stood in silence for about an hour before I felt the need to converse. "So how are you?" I pried. She contemplated my simple question. "I am fine. Why?" She questioned. "Well you seem more quiet recently. But you also look and act more rested. Something happen? Something that is plaguing your thoughts?" Again we fell into silence. Josephine paced a little and then faced me. "I have some things that are troubling me. But I do not wish to reveal it." I thought how to respond to her. I want her to trust me, to be able to open up. "Well if you are troubled you should let it out. I am here for you." I hoped it would work. She paced a little more and then she stretched her arms up to the sky. "There are some feelings that I have been experiencing of late. I have not felt like this before. Well a little, but that was a long time ago. I do not know how to handle it or if I wish to handle it." She exhaled. I thought for a moment. I knew what she was speaking about.
I looked at her and decided to stay silent and allow her to continue. "Well Alistair is behaving differently. I don't know if it is affectionate or just kindness. He behaves like someone I used to know. It is nice but..." she paused. "But what?" I pushed. She looked at her hands "But it doesn't compare to the feelings for... Zev." She practically whispered her last sentence. Finally I see that I am correct about what I have seen. "
"How are they different?" I smiled at her. She blushed "Well the feeling is more intense and I sweat from my palms. I can't breath, I get very warm, my mouth is dry, and the tingling." "The tingling?" I giggled. Her face was as red as Wynne's robe. "I just, I don't know. I get all tingly when he is very close. Or when he looks at me or when I think about him." Josephine had a dazed look on her face. "But this is not allowed." "Why do you say that? You're allowed to be a woman and feel what you are feeling. Speaking about sex, have you had sex? Or are you still pure?" I asked. "Yes I am still pure. I have never been with a man. No man has ever been allowed to put his hands on me and I have never touched a man. Before you ask, I do know about sex and I have seen plenty of naked men. From a distance, but I know what hangs between their legs." she sighed. "So you think that maybe you want to give up your sweet flower to, I don't know, Zevran?" I leaned toward her with a smirk. She leaned away and gasped, then she paces.
Josephine~
Wow, she is brash! I don't know, do I? Would I give myself to Zevran. The desire is there. Does he feel the same way? Does that matter? "You won't know unless you ask." She pointed out. She has a point. "But what about Alistair?" I asked. Leliana looked dissapointed at the mention of his name. The same look she had when I mentioned feelings for Alistair. "Leliana, Do you have some feelings to confess?" I questioned her. That took her off balance. She blushed slightly and turned away. "I might. But I do not wish to offend you. You are my sister in arms, dear to my heart." She told me.
I understood why she chose not to tell me sooner. Clearly my emotions are stronger for Zevran. I do not wish to be greedy. Especially since I do not know how I feel about Alistair. I could let it go and let Leliana pursue him. She desrves happiness and does he. I smile at her and take her hands into my hands. "Do not worry about me. If you have a desire of your own, pursue it. I have some intense emotions about Zev. I want to figure it out. Alistair is my brother Warden first. Emphasis on the brother part of the last statement." We hugged and laughed. We spent some more time in silence. I sat upon a log to rest my wary feet. "Josephine, Josephine?" I was being shaken. I looked up at Leliana.
"When was the last time you slept?" She inquired. I thought a moment, "Four days." She pulled me to my feet. "Why do you wait so long? Your night terrors have seemed to almost go away. We rarely hear you scream. Do not fear sleep anymore, go and rest." I started back towards camp. I could see that Alistair was awake and alert. He waved as I got closer. I stopped and turned to Leliana. "I'll send Alistair to keep you company." We both exchanged giggles. As I got closer to Alistair, "Why don't you join Leliana?" I asked him. He seemed dissapointed but did as I asked. I relaxed as I knew Leliana could pursue love.
I crawl into my tent and disrobe. I lay down in my panties and loose fitted shirt. I smell the left side of my bedroll. I could faintly smell that wonderful smell. It has been a month since it started. And each night I slept without screaming. The musky, spicey, leather smell. I slept much better now and this smell just appeared out of no where. I could only assume that the two things were related. No that I could figure out why. I inhale the smell again and relax into a peaceful sleep.
Alistair~
While I would have loved to spent time with Josephine, I was delighted with Leliana. Is she flirting with me? I haven't had much experience with women. Josie was innocent, shy, and sweet. While Leliana was fiesty, flirty, and sexy. They are complete opposites. But I didn't want to betray my feelngs for Josie. Although, Josie has not shown any romantic interest toward me. To be honest it doen't seem like she notice my affection for her.
Leliana rested her hand on my thigh as she let out a throaty laugh. Her smile beckoned me to taste her lips. I could feel myself starting to come to attention. I stood and turned away from her. "Beautiful night, isn't it?" I changed the subject. "Yes it is. I am so glad I have someone to enjoy it with." she said. I laughed and smiled. But as I look into our campsite I see something lurking. My rage seemed to boil over. I could see Zevran moving through camp with just some trousers. And he was headed towards Josie's tent! Was he going to kill her? He doesn't have any weapons, so what is he doi... My train of thought came to a screechng halt. Was Josie welcoming the assasin into her tent? Was that the reason she was sleeping better at night?
My heart sank, how could she? I know she isn't my woman, but I always thought we would be together. I regained my composure and turned back to Leliana. She was still looking up at the sky. Well if Josie had someone, why can't I? Sten approached to relieve us and take over. I started to walk towards my tent, "Alistair? I was going to go to the pond and wash up. I could use some company and someone to guard me while I am vulnerable." I looked at her flirtatious smile. I looked over at Josie's tent once more. I know Zevran is in there with her. I took hold of Leliana's outstretched hand and followed.
