I decided to backtrack in my storyline and give my take on the "Assassins jump out of the rocks! You decide to keep one as a pet!" scene when you meet Zevran. It's the same Lyna + Zevran as my other stories, though obviously this one takes place first. (ie, it takes place BEFORE "An Antivan Nightmare" and "Never Again")

Sorry about any grammatical/spelling errors, please let me know if you find anything that needs fixing.

Disclaimer: As always, Bioware owns everything good, including Dragon age and Zevran and all that stuff.

Zevran

The last thing he had seen was the Qunari bringing down the pommel of his massive blade on his head.

Zevran woke slowly, years of training keeping him perfectly still, his eyes closed and breathing even as he used his ears to discern his current situation. He felt the rope tightly binding his hands and feet... at least his hands were in front of him. That gave him more options. He could hear three people moving around him as he lay on his side in feigned unconsciousness. Two were off to his right, shifting restlessly; the third was in front of him to his left. He only heard a faint boot scuff from that one. Probably the Qunari... their fighters were usually very disciplined. Only three? Perhaps his band had done something useful then and killed one of them. Ah well. Only one way to find out.

The first thing he saw when he faked his awakening was the smooth, sleek boots planted a few feet away directly in front of him. Ah. There was the fourth. And he hadn't detected this one at all, which was moderately impressive. His eyes drifted up slowly, taking in the slender legs and narrow hips. The second thing the failed assassin saw was the tip of the arrow drawn on him. Hiding his surprise, Zevran stared up along the arrow into the hard violet eyes of the Grey Warden he had been sent to kill. Her face was emotionless as she held her massive longbow on him, but her eyes were cold, glittering like amethyst in the sunlight.

Lyna

Lyna waited patiently, her bow drawn, the arrow held securely by the tips of her fingers. Sten shifted slightly at her side, and Leliana and Morrigan shuffled impatiently a short way off on the other. Standing perfectly still - the mark of the hunter she had been for her old Clan - the Dalish stared down at the fallen elf. She was pleased with how the fight had gone. Sten had followed her instruction perfectly, taking the apparent leader alive, and quickly, as she had hissed at him to do as the battle erupted around them. Now he was bound tightly before her, and she would have her questions answered; the wait gave her time to study her foe. Pale gold hair to his shoulders, pulled back from his face with a pair of braids that appeared to be joined in the back. Straight nose, angled chin... his lips looked rather soft, and his skin had a warm golden tone to it. Probably spends a lot of time outside. Handsome. Lyna inwardly berated herself. His being handsome was completely irrelevant. Suddenly, the man shifted slightly, groaning as he came out of his unwilling sleep. She felt Sten stiffen at her side and heard the women move a bit closer. The elf opened his eyes and stared at her feet for a moment, then shifted his gaze slowly upwards.

Oh but he WAS a handsome one. His eyes were honey amber, golden just like the rest of him. Lyna noted the curving tattoo on the side of his face, but said nothing as she kept her face impassive, her bow trained on him.

Zevran

Slowly sitting up and groaning slightly as his muscles protested, he greeted his captors. "I rather expected to wake up dead... or... not wake up at all as the case may be." Zevran did not miss how the arrow shifted slightly, following his movements with slightly unnerving precision. The Warden did not respond, nor did her face betray any emotion as he took in his situation. The purple eyed Qunari was standing just behind and to the right of the delicate looking woman with the longbow, his arms crossed on his chest as he stared down at the fallen elf. To his left were two rather attractive young women; one a sultry redhead dressed in supple leather, the other a exotic black-haired beauty dressed in not very much at all. She had a staff in her hand and the most disdainful expression on her lovely face. At least the redhead looked more curious then openly hostile.

Turning his attention back to the Warden, Zevran realized suddenly that the elf holding the bow on him was one of the Dalish. Her purple-black tattoos covered her forehead with a symmetrical pattern of arching lines, shaped much like half of a wheel. The pattern continued under her right eye and into her hairline, and the bridge of her rather dainty nose was marked with what looked like a flame pattern. Gently curved lines went out from the corners of her mouth and along her jawline into her hair, and her chin had that same flame pattern repeated, only upside-down and with much finer lines. And she was quite lovely, now that he considered it. Delicate features, pale skin, large, slightly angled violet eyes. A small mouth, but with full, pink lips; her ebony hair was swept up into a messy bun, leaving strands to fall across her forehead at an angle.

All this analysis took mere seconds for the Crow, and he continued addressing the elf before him, letting a hint of resignation color his words. "But I see you have not killed me yet..." He trailed off, waiting patiently indication of intent. He did not have to wait long.

"I have some questions." Ah, but her voice was musical, soft, and with a slight lilt. Still, those hard eyes stared down at him and she had not relaxed her bow. She must be hiding impressive muscle in those slender, fragile-seeming arms, to hold a longbow fully drawn for such a length of time.

"So.. I am to be interrogated is it? Allow me to save you some time. My name is Zevran... Zev, to my friends. I am a member of the Antivan Crows brought here for the sole purpose of slaying any surviving Grey Wardens." He paused briefly and added with a brief chuckle, "Which I have failed at, sadly."

Lyna

Antivan Crows. The name meant nothing to Lyna. She raised an eyebrow ever so slightly at his chuckle. The Dalish rather enjoyed the sound of his voice; his accent was unlike anything she had ever heard, rolling slightly, and the tone was warm and silky smooth, if a bit resigned.

"I am rather pleased you failed," she said quietly, trying to think of something besides how the sunlight highlighted the bones in his face and illuminated his hair. She wondered if it's as soft as it looked. Damnit, how about some focus.

Zevran

"So would I be, in your shoes. For me, however, it sets a rather poor precedent, doesn't it? Getting captured by a target seems a tad detrimental to ones budding assassin career." He let a faint smirk grace his lips, wondering if he was going to be able to talk his way out of this mess. Wondering if he even wanted to. It would have been so much simpler if they had just killed him, though he could not begrudge the woman's desire for answers. Perhaps he should not have called her a Grey Warden when he set off the attack. The Warden and her formidable companions might have assumed they were just bandits then... Ah well. Too late now.

She stared down at him for a moment, then asked in her lilting voice, "What are the Antivan Crows?" He opened his mouth to speak, but closed it again as the delectable redhead spoke. She stepped forward, her pale blue eyes on the Warden; the Warden did not return the look, but kept her cold violet eyes fixed on Zevran, her bow steady. "I can tell you that." Interesting. Orlesian accent. Leather armor, short bow slung over her shoulder and... a lyre dangling from her belt? Minstrel maybe. Probably a Bard. Odd company these Grey Wardens kept. Zevran shifted his golden eyes back to the elf after his speedy examination of the woman.

"They are an order of assassins out of Antiva, very powerful, and renowed for always getting the job done," she paused very briefly and continued with a faintly amused voice, "So to speak." Another pause and then she concluded, "Someone went through great expense to hire this man," her voice serious.

"Quite right! I'm surprised you haven't heard much of the Crows out here. Back where I come from, we're rather infamous." Zevran studied the Dalish as he spoke, noting as she clenched her jaw briefly. I wonder what she's thinking. Ahh, to have some sort of mind reading device right now, to better analyze this exquisite example of elven beauty.

The black-haired woman to his right leaned on her staff and muttered, "Not for being good assassins, obviously."

Zevran smirked slightly as he pretended to be offended, "Oh fine, is that what you Fereldens do? Mock your prisoners. Such cruelty!"

The Warden relaxed her stance, and tilted her head to one side. Suddenly she dropped her arms and shifted her grip on the bow, the arrow still dangling from her fingertips. Perhaps unconsciously mimicking the scantily clad woman, the elf leaned casually on her longbow, her head tilted to the right as she appraised him. Now that he was no longer being immediately threatened with weaponry, the assassin noticed for the first time what the Warden was wearing. Tevinter armor? Quite effective, but most women he knew - and he knew many many women - disdained the armor out of Tevinter for it's... rather unusual cut. Fine black leather boots that reached to mid-thigh, dark red-brown fabric forming the bulk of the armor - usually lined with silverite mesh (or a similarly light but strong metal), then lined again with a softer fabric to protect the wearer. The armor was cut high on the sides, revealing the skin on her long legs all the way up to her narrow hips; the fabric draped down in front and back, much like a loin-cloth. She wore a wide leather belt low on her hips, a small knife sheathed there. The smooth material hugged her slender form, and was cut low in the front and laced with leather cord, exposing a fair amount of her perfectly formed bosom. Soft black fur covered the shoulders, attached to a high collar and set with tiny claws along the edges. Overall, a very enticing image indeed. Oh the things he would do to her, if he had the chance.

Some of his thoughts must have shown on his face as his eyes had taken in her form, for the Qunari scowled at him over the Wardens shoulder. She seemed not to notice. Zevran smirked.

Lyna

Lyna relaxed, confident in her own abilities to avoid the assassin should he leap up, and sure her companions would be able to defend each other if necessary. She leaned on her bow and considered her questions.

The Dalish noticed the man smirk suddenly for no apparent reason, but she ignored it and asked, "You came all the way from Antiva?" She knew of the place, having looked over several maps in Lothering when she had the chance.

"Not precisely, I was in the neighbourhood when the offer came. The Crows get around, you see." Damn his voice. She would have to get over this if she was going to get any answers out of him and then actually remember what he told her. Attempting to focus her wandering thoughts, she threw out another question. This was one of the rather more important ones.

"Who hired you to kill us?"

Zevran

Ah, now we get to the heart of the matter. "A rather taciturn fellow in the capital. Ah... Loghain I think it was... yes, that's it." Zevran shifted his weight slightly, his bound hands resting in his lap as he leaned against a broken crate behind him.

"Does that mean you are loyal to Loghain?" Her voice now was as hard as her purple eyes. My, but it seems the delicate elf did not like the fellow who had sent him. How unsurprising.

"I have no idea what his issues are with you. The usual, I imagine... you threaten his power, yes? Beyond that, no, I am not loyal to him. I was contracted to perform a service." He eyed the elf carefully as she leaned there on her bow. She appeared to turn his words over in her mind for a few seconds, her large eyes narrowing slightly.

"And now that you have failed that service?"

The Antivan chuckled briefly and answered, "Well that is between Loghain and the Crows... and between the Crows and myself."

Lyna

Inwardly Lyna was seething. It was bad enough that bastard Loghain had destroyed the bulk of her new Clan and left her and Alistair, a Warden with just barely more experience with darkspawn then her, to deal with a damned Blight by themselves. Now he was sending bloody assassins after them!? If she had her way - and if the Creators smiled on her, she would - Elgar'nan would guide her hand as she peeled the skin from his traitorous hide.

Eyes narrowed, the elf continued her interrogation, her fascination with the assassins voice and appearance momentarily forgotten. "When were you to see him next?"

The man raised a gracefully arched eyebrow. "I wasn't." He paused, perhaps to consider. Or just for effect. Lyna suspected that the assassin was a consummate actor, that at least three quarters of his reactions and behavior so far had been nothing but an act; she thought he was probably speaking the truth though. For the most part anyway.

"If I had succeeded, I would have returned home and the Crows would have informed your Loghain of the results... if he didn't already know. If I had failed, I would be dead. Or I should be at least, as far as the Crows are concerned. No need to see Loghain then."

Zevran

The woman stared at him, her eyes narrowed. He was rather amazed when their color shifted slightly, lightening to a pale lavender. Surprisingly, the lighter color made them look harder instead of softer. Perhaps her eyes shifted color with her emotions? Anger then, judging by her white knuckles on her longbow, made them lighten. Fascinating.

Zevran noticed the vaguely threatening twist of the arrow she still held in her other hand as she asked in a menacing hiss, "IF you had failed?"

He grinned broadly, his tone playful. "What can I say, eh? I am an eternal optimist! Although the chances of succeeding at this point seem a bit slim, don't they?" The assassin laughed, making note of the amused smirk on the redheads face. Unfortunately, he didn't seem to have lightened the mood of the angry elf currently interrogating him... Perhaps that was good. Maybe she would kill him after all.

He drew in a laughing breath and colored his words with faux-resignation, "Ah...no.. no I don't suppose you would find that funny, would you?"

Lyna

Lyna stared at the laughing elf, her vision tinted red along the edges as she tried to control her anger as she thought about Loghain. Leliana cleared her throat and the Warden nodded slightly to her. The bard asked, "How much did they pay you for this service?"

The assassin turned his focus to the redheaded girl as he answered. "I wasn't paid anything. The Crows, however, were paid quite handsomely. Or so I understand. Which does make me about as poor as a Chantry mouse, come to think of it. Being an Antivan Crow isn't for the ambitious, to be perfectly honest."

Zevran

The Warden, her voice still hard but maintaining that alluring lilt, asked rather bluntly, "Then why are you one?"

Resignation coloring his words once again, this time unfeigned, Zevran responded equal bluntness. "Well, aside from aforementioned lack of ambition, I suppose it's because I was never given much of a choice. The Crows bought me young. I was a bargain too, or so I am led to believe. But don't let my sad story influence you. The Crows aren't so bad; they keep one well supplied. Wine, women... men, whatever you happen to fancy. Though... the whole severance package is garbage, let me tell you. If you are considering joining, I'd really think twice about it."

Lyna

As she listened to him speak, Lyna felt the rage drain out of her. At least a little. You can buy people in Antiva? Slavery, yes, she knew about that. She was Dalish, the history of her people etched in her mind at a young age. By the time the elven man had finished speaking, she was at least calm enough to acknowledge his small joke.

"Thanks, I'll take that under advisement," she said, her tone dry.

"You seem like a bright girl, I'm sure you've other options." At least she was still angry enough to stamp out the damn butterflies in her stomach. That was something, at least.

Zevran

Zevran gazed up into her eyes, masking his fascination as they shifted slowly back to their original violet as he spoke about his past. Her voice was dry and vaguely sarcastic as she responded to his comment about severance. Ah! Forward progress. Wait... damn his self preservation instinct. He should be angering her on purpose, not feeling pleased when he somehow manage to make her less likely to kill him in a blind rage. Blast.

The dark haired woman spoke up again, still leaning on her staff. "Why are you telling us all this?"

He laughed again, amusement evident in his tone as he shifted his gaze to the woman. "And why not! I wasn't paid for silence... not that I offered it for sale, precisely."

The woman scowled, obviously not amused by his antics as he eyed her so-called clothing. The Warden just watched the exchange in silence.

Lyna

Morrigan, clearly annoyed, asked with a sharp tone, "Aren't you at least loyal to your employers?"

The Warden watched the bound assassin, curious about his answer. He shifted his golden eyes back to her as he said, "Loyalty is an interesting concept. If you wish, and you are done interrogating me, we can discuss it further."

She met his gaze, faint curiosity tickling the back of her mind. "I'm listening. Make it quick, assassin."

He paused, then said, "Well, here's the thing. I failed to kill you, so my life is forfeit. That's how it works. If you don't kill me, the Crows will. Thing is, I like living, and you obviously are the sort to give the Crows pause... so... let me serve you, instead."

Lyna raised an eyebrow. How stupid did he think she was. Oh yes, please join us assassin hired to kill me and my new Clanmate. I absolutely believe that you will not gut me at the first opportunity if I let you run around our camp. Still... "And what's to stop you from from finishing the job later?"

Zevran

Zevran liked the melodic tone of her voice, but was surprised when she didn't laugh outright at his ridiculous offer of service. "To be completely honest, I was never given much of a choice regarding joining the Crows. They bought me on the slave market when I was a child. I think I paid my worth back to them plus tenfold. The only way out, however, is to sign up with someone they can't touch. Even if I did kill you now, they might just kill me on principle for failing the first time. Honestly, I'd rather take my chances with you."

The slender elf looked up at the sky, clearly considering his words. Surely she would refuse, and then kill him. The assassin tensed slightly, his thoughts dwelling on his previous mission for the Crows. Soon he would die and it would all be over. He was surprised when she instead asked him another question. "Why would I want your service?"

He relaxed slightly and met her eyes as she turned back to him. "Why? Because I am skilled at many things, from fighting to stealth and picking locks. I could also warn you should the Antivan Crows attempt something more... sophisticated now that my attempts have failed. I could also stand around and look pretty, if you prefer." He deepened his voice with practiced ease, letting his eyes slide slowly over her body as he spoke. "Warm your bed? Fend off unwanted suitors, no?" Ah she blushes! What an exquisite creature. Though surely now she would kill him.

Lyna

Lyna felt her cheeks grow warm, but ignored it. "Is this before or after you stab me in the back?"

He grinned at her, his voice smooth and deeper then before. "Ah these things you say! They must drive the men around you wild." Damn butterflies. How did he do that, tied up and sitting in the dirt. Bloody Antivan...

He expanded his offer, his voice returning to its normal level, "So... what shall it be? I'll even shine armor, you won't find a better deal, I promise." She stared at him for a few moments and then turned her face into the slight breeze, her eyes going to the sky as she considered her options. She only had two, as far as she could see. Accept his offer, or cut his throat. She couldn't very well just let him go, he'd very likely just try again if she did, no matter what he said. The safest bet was to kill him. She stared at the sunset, then closed her eyes, seeking the wisdom of her people's silent gods as she breathed in the wind and listened to her heart beating.

Zevran

My but how beautiful she looked at this moment, casually leaning on a longbow taller then she was, her face turned to the right and her violet eyes on the sky. The sun was setting in the direction she faced, the brilliant golden-red light illuminating her delicate features. The wind ruffled her bangs and the skirt of her Tevinter armor; suddenly she closed her eyes and inhaled slowly. She almost seemed to be at prayer. Peculiar, but a lovely image regardless.

The redhead was watching the Warden as well, still with that curious look on her face. The Qunari had not stopped glaring at him since the conversation started, and the scantily clad witch was off to the side, seemingly not paying attention at all as she gazed at her fingernails while leaning on her staff.

After about a minute of the silence, the Warden turned back to him and pulled the small knife from her belt-sheath. At last, the end was near.

The lovely Warden stepped to his side, her movements fluid as she put the arrow back in the quiver slung across her back. She dropped to one knee by his side, and he watched her with interest as she placed her longbow on the ground next to her. He wondered if it would hurt. But of course it would. And should. How long would he last? Would she cut his throat? How fitting that would be.

She met his gaze, her violet eyes clear as she shifted her grip on the knife. Here it comes. If he was going to die, he was rather glad such an exquisite creature was going to be his last sight.

She reached out with the dagger, moving slowly as the Qunari tensed behind her, but Zevran had eyes only for the Warden. The lovely Warden and her lavender eyes and her delicate Dalish markings. And then she said, "Very well. I accept your offer," as she cut the ropes binding his feet. Wait. She what?

Chapter 2 in progress. This chapter ended up longer then I thought it would be. Whole story is probably going to be just the two chapters though. Part two also veers away from the game script, unlike this chapter, which followed the conversation pretty closely.