"So tell me why you think it's such a good idea for you, a psychotic Dwarf and an assassin that tried to kill you two weeks ago go into the Deep Roads looking for Branka and this Anvil of the Void?" Aedan could only smile as Alistair paced across the cramped room. The Orzammar Assembly had set aside several rooms for the Grey Wardens and their companions in one of the taverns in the Diamond Quarter of the city, and while they were comfortable enough, Aedan knew if he kept his head tilted much longer it would stay like that. Though it was still amusing to see Alistair walk around the room, his head bobbing like a cockerel.

"Practicality, Alistair. There are only two Grey Wardens in Fereldan right now. Sending one of us in there is bad enough, but the both of us? That's just stupidity at it's finest." Clasping his backpack shut, Aedan tapped his friend on the shoulder, pausing him for a moment. "Zevran swore to protect me, and it's in his best interest to remember that. Even if he survives the escape from the Deep Roads after killing me, which I really hope he doesn't try by the way, you will be waiting to kill him."

"Alright, but why the Dwarf?" It was hard to tell if the Templar was nodding or shaking a crick in his neck. It might have been the odd angle Aedan's own head was. The Assembly couldn't have found slightly taller rooms for us?

Sitting down on the bed, Aedan sighed as he moved his head. Oh, the sooner I'm out of here, the happier my neck is going to be. "Three reasons. Firstly, he knows the Deep Roads. Secondly, he knows Branka, how she thought, where she might go."

Raising an eyebrow, Alistair looked at the Warden expectantly. "And the third reason?"

"He's funny! I'm going to need a laugh down there."

"Ok. Just…Good luck down there." The Templar held his hand out.

Aedan took the offered hand, grasping the wrist as Alistair grabbed his. "I'm not the one whose going to need it. After all, you'll be stuck here with Sten. But thanks."

As Alistair smiled and left the room, Aedan lay on the bed, closing his eyes, calling out to his friend. "If you behave yourself, I might even bring you back something nice!"

"Does that apply to me, as well Warden?" Aedan opened an eye, and saw Morrigan standing over him.

Smiling to himself as Morrigan sat on a chair in the corner of the room, Aedan pushed himself up on the bed. "That depends, do you ever behave yourself?"

She smiled back, a devilish gleam in her eyes as she countered. "Only when it serves me well by doing so." And suddenly her mood had changed, growing more serious. "And as much as it galls me, I agree with the simpleton. 'Tis foolish for just three of you to do this mad errand. At least take the hound with you and spare us his flea ridden stench."

By now Aedan had gotten off the bed, checking his pack again, answering as he sorted through his equipment and supplies. "Sorry Morrigan, but if something does happen and we don't return in two days, Beast can track us down and you and the others can complete this madness. And in case you were wondering, there is another reason it's only the three of us going into the Deep Roads. I don't want you down there."

The Witch had shot up from her seat, her voice was charged with anger, like the clouds before a storm. "If I am to be left behind because we have shared a bed, then you are a bigger fool than I had thought! I am not a piece of meat that you can claim ownership to simply because we have slept together!"

Aedan turned, and looked at Morrigan. And burst into a smile. "You're cute when your angry, you know that? And while I will admit that the sex is amazing, that's not the reason. You're the only other one who can read a map properly. I mean, have you seen Alistair trying to read a map? The last time it took him nearly half an hour to realise he was holding it upside down."

It was enough, Morrigan pushed passed the Warden and opened the pack, a slight smile on her lips as she slid a number of poultices amongst the supplies. "I am more than capable of handling myself."

"Oh, of that I have no doubt. And you should smile more often, Morrigan. After all, it's the second best thing you can do with your lips."

Even as he looked at the back of her head, Aedan knew exactly what Morrigan was doing. First, she would roll her eyes at the obvious innuendo, and would prepare a retort, probably a stinging one. "The second best? I am loathe to wonder what your mind believes to be the best."

He made his move as Morrigan began to turn towards him. Aedan reached out, taking a hold of her waist and pulled the Witch against his body. Tilting her head, Aedan kissed her. She offered no resistance, and returned the kiss with one of her own, her hand gripping his hair. Their lips parting, Aedan looked the Witch in the eye, and uttered two words before pulling Morrigan closer.

"That is."