Chapter 2: The Cold Light of Morning
Cat awoke to find Zevran's warm body stretched out next to her. She sighed happily. He stayed for the night. Usually he would sneak back to his tent at some point, or return there after his watch, so this was a rare occurrence, to be savoured and treasured. She snuggled up closer to him, enjoying the feel of his body next to hers. He yawned and stretched and sleepily ruffled her hair.
"Well, my sweet," she heard him chuckle. "Are you ready to face the others this morning?"
The memories of the past night came flooding back and she gasped briefly, then tried to shrug it off. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be ready?"
He knew her too well to be fooled, of course. "Aaaah, my pretty Warden, be honest with me, now. There will be blushes and embarrassed glares today, no?"
She giggled, admitting he was right. But then some of the recklessness she had felt the night before returned. "Well, I might as well go out now. This won't get any easier."
Quickly, they got dressed and left the tent. It was still cold outside but the sun was shining brightly, and she had to close her eyes to avoid being blinded by the sudden light.
Fortunately, the first person she met was Sten. His face was impassive as usual, and his greeting sounded perfectly normal. She took a deep breath and walked over to the campfire. Leliana handed her a cup of tea with a wink and a naughty smile, but she didn't say a word. As for Alistair... Her fellow Warden wouldn't meet her eye, and she noticed his ears were tinged bright pink. Wynne was nowhere in sight.
Fluffy nudged up to her knee, begging for a treat and she fed him some beef jerky, scratching the rough fur behind his ears. It seemed there would be no awkward conversations after all, and she smiled, relief washing over her face.
She had forgotten about Oghren, though. When he emerged from his tent, he belched loudly, then leered at her. Oh Maker, he is still drunk!
"Well, Warden? Had a good night, did you?" he slurred, adding a rude gesture that left little doubt as to the meaning he intended.
"Thank you, Oghren, yes I did," she replied, keeping her tone level.
"Ha! I should imagine. Rolling your oats, you were, you and the elf?"
"Pardon?" Cat couldn't quite keep the grin off her face at his fanciful choice of words.
"Ah, you know. Polishing the footstones, bucking the forbidden horse... You might want to keep it down a bit, though." He belched again.
"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you, Oghren." Cat had to bite her lip in order not to laugh out loud. Alistair's ears had turned a bright purple by now.
She sauntered off towards Morrigan's tent, wondering whether they had been heard even at that distance. The witch was already packing up and greeted her with a tiny smile and a raised eyebrow.
"It's good to know you're happy, my friend," she remarked dryly. I guess that answers my question. Ah, well, Morrigan wasn't judgmental, that much was sure.
They broke camp and fell into step again on the road along Lake Calenhad. Cat led the way, chatting with Oghren and Leliana, Fluffy happily bounding alongside. Sten and Morrigan followed, each lost in their own thoughts, while Wynne kept to herself, and Zevran and Alistair brought up the rear. It was a beautiful morning, and Cat relaxed, enjoying the warm air, even humming a little tune.
Zevran was watching her, enjoying the way the sunlight played on her red hair. He'd seen a new side of her during the past night, more reckless, less wary. And it had been a rare pleasure to let down his own guard. By both training and inclination, he usually kept quiet during sex, never allowing himself to be carried away. Last night, however... He grinned happily, not caring that it made him look like a fool. Suddenly he heard Alistair clear his throat next to him.
"So, Zevran, do you mind if I ask you a personal question?" The young knight seemed uncomfortable but determined.
Zevran was cautious. "You may ask, but I may choose not to answer."
Alistair stumbled over his words. "Well, you know, when you are with a woman ... how do you... I mean, is there a... technique?"
Zevran stopped in his tracks, looking at the other man. "Are you quite serious?"
Alistair blushed fiercely. "All right. Bad idea. Never mind."
But this was far too good to let it go. "Well, my friend, this would depend on your... goal, yes? I have some roots from home that you may chew if you need energy. As for volume, perhaps you ought to try arching your-"
"Whoa! Whoa!" Alistair turned an even darker shade of pink. "Awkward! Let's forget I asked, okay?"
Zevran sighed deeply. "You Fereldans are so finicky. How will you ever learn how to pleasure each other unless you talk about it? Ah well, it's your loss, I guess."
The day passed uneventful. They met a travelling dwarven merchant on the road and bartered for a while, restocking their potion supply. When night fell, they made camp and settled down after a plentiful meal of venison stew. Cat drew first watch. One by one the others retired to their tents. Zevran kissed Cat goodnight, then he turned in himself.
Cat leaned back against a tree, Fluffy ever watchful at her side, when she saw a familiar robed silhouette approaching. Wynne's expression was hard to read, her smile strained even as her eyes seemed to ask for forgiveness.
"Cat, I have come to tell you that... you've made your point. I won't get involved in your personal life again." Cat nodded, acknowledging the statement, but Wynne went on. "I realize that I shouldn't have spoken so freely, but please remember that I was only led by sincere concern about your well-being."
For a brief moment, Cat felt a pang of guilt and automatically put on an apologetic smile. But then there was a flash of memory and she could clearly hear the manipulative voice of her mother. My dear, it's only your own best interest I'm thinking about. And sure enough, there was an expectant look on Wynne's face, the assumption that now she would apologize and promise to be good.
"I trust there won't be a repeat performance of last night? You know, my dear, I should make it clear that I still don't approve of this relationship," Wynne's voice droned on.
Cat took a deep breath. Her tone was clear and firm as she addressed the mage. "Wynne, I appreciate your concern. But fortunately I don't need your approval."
Wynne's mouth fell open for a brief second, then she pressed her lips firmly together and retreated towards her tent. Cat laughed softly and looked up at the stars. She felt free and happy. It was good to be out on the road again.