For Cheeky Monkeys of Dragon Age challenge 'A New Home' – the character finds a new home, what does this home mean to them? Is it a fresh start? Is it simply four walls and a roof to them, a place to rest at night?

Thanks to Brelaina for beta-reading this. 'Liam the Gardener' is in fact Liam from her amazing story Steps to Freedom. He privately sent an invitation to Zev and Air promising a discount at the Rose, but Zev, still disappointed by the 'Wonders of Thedas' assumed it's probably the gardening shop. :D


Where Your Treasure Is

This island was rumoured to have the most beautiful sunset in the world; he had to admit it wasn't exaggerated much. He took a sip of wine, best Antivan Dolcetto – he silently congratulated himself on the idea of taking it with them. Sitting on the beach, with a very naked Air leaning against him, watching the sea that looked as if it was set on fire, listening to the soft noise of the waves, and drinking the best wine – life was perfect. If only this moment could last forever.

"I will have to go back, you know."

He smiled. He had expected this line for quite a few days now, and his amore sounded just as worried as he expected. Not that he could blame him. After all, he suddenly disappeared, and even though it technically wasn't his fault, Airam couldn't know that and had suffered several difficult months of doubts and fear. Lesson learnt – should he ever be forced to spend more than two weeks away from his crazy mage, he would write him letters at least once a week.

"Of course, amore. We can go whenever you're ready."

"I mean back to Ferelden."

"I know. And as I said, we can go whenever you wish. Even tomorrow morning."

Airam sat a bit further forward and turned to face him. "Are you sure you want this, Zev?" He asked softly.

"Do you even have to ask?"

"Here, you are someone. You have a name, power, you're famous. In Ferelden, you will be forever known as the lover of the Warden Commander."

"Good. As long as it is true, yes?" He purred right into Airam's ear, knowing very well what effect it would have.

Airam's breath hitched "...Silly assassin... "

They didn't talk much after that, but it was clear they were not leaving for Ferelden in the next morning.

oOo

The next day Airam sent a letter to Amaranthine, smiling like a cat that just ate a full bowl of cream and refusing to tell him what was in it. It's a surprise was all he would say. Leaving packing to the servants – it was good to be rich and powerful – they spent a whole day searching for gifts for their friends, which included a set of figurines made of the finest Nevarrian porcelain showing different sex positions for Alistair, a book Stress Management: Importance And Benefits of Laughter by a famous Orlesian healer for Wynne, and a crate of alcohol-free beer, a newest invention by some Chantry brother in the Anderfels for Oghren.

"Do you think they'll ever forgive us?"

"Oh, Alistair and Oghren will. Wynne, I am not so sure."

When they were not shopping, they spent those last few days swimming, or visiting their favourite places, eating their favourite food – or closed in their bedroom. There was simply no time to feel sentimental. Which, he suspected, was exactly what Airam wanted.

It was only when they boarded the ship, and he watched the shores of Antiva slowly disappear in the distance, that he realized he was probably leaving forever. It was a strange feeling: as if a part of him remained there, a little Crow apprentice left to roam its night streets alone.

Airam wrapped his arm around his shoulders. "This is not the last time you see your home, Zev. I promise," he said softly.

He turned away from the sea and hugged him. "It does not matter. I made my choice and I do not regret it. I never will."

oOo

Amaranthine was a dreary place and Vigil's Keep was a cold and even drearier place. Airam marched right to their living quarters, closely followed by the Senechal, nervously apologizing in advance.

"I hope you will like it, there was very little time, but we had a group Orlesian decorators working on it..."

"Maker's breath."

The rooms were furnished and decorated in an Antivan manner. Even his own villa in Antiva wasn't that much Antivan. He laughed and pulled Airam in for a kiss, much to the Senechal's dismay, as he noticed, amused.

"You really are unbeatable in surprises."

"It was furnished by the previous owner a few decades ago. If I am to spend the rest of my life here, I can at least make it comfortable." Airam tried hard to look impassive, but his eyes belied him.

"And I had the garden redecorated, too..." said the Senechal quickly as they kissed again. "We found a very capable gardener, Liam of Kirkwall, used to work in the biggest gardening store there, the Blooming Rose... he did real magic on the garden, so to say. If you would like to go and see –"

"Perhaps later, yes? Now I would wish to examine these rooms in more detail... like that big bed over there. I am sure it will take us at least two hours. What do you say, amore?"

The Senechal gave him an indignant look. "Commander, surely –"

"Mmm, I don't know. It is rather big, isn't it? Better not underestimate it... Varel, please tell everyone not to disturb us before dinner, all right?"

The Senechal fled.

oOo

He watched Airam, sleeping at his side. Crazy kid, going to such lengths just to make him happy. Typical. But unnecessary. It didn't matter where they would go. It didn't matter if they lived in a palace or in a tent, here in Ferelden, or in the middle of the harsh Anderfels steppes.

As long as he was with Airam, he was home.