A/N: This chapter is in memory of our beautiful husky puppy Lexi… she died on New Year's Day. She was curled up beside me on the couch while I wrote the beginning of this chapter, and I think she was just as excited as I was that our Warden group was finally going to meet Zevran. As I continue to write this story, there won't be a moment when I write about Arrow (Ashlyn's wolf) that I won't think of Lexi. She was our first baby… we will always love her, and words cannot convey just how much she will be missed.
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Age Origins or any of its characters - They are the property of Bioware.
Chapter 10 – Meeting Zevran
The Wardens and their companions were on the road early the next morning. The goal was to reach Redcliffe by sundown. They had already traveled about half the distance, and were planning to stop soon for lunch and a quick rest. Ashlyn had taken advantage of the traveling time to learn more about Wynne. The older female mage was as kind as they come, if not a little motherly. She reminds me of my Godmother, Ashalle, Ashlyn thought with a smile.
"So you are the one I was making the potions for?" Wynne asked after hearing Ashlyn's story of how she came to be a Grey Warden.
"That was you? Ma serannas, Wynne! I can't tell you how much they helped. I wouldn't have made it to the joining if it had not been for those potions."
"You are most welcome, child. It makes me happy to hear that those potions went to good use. It seems as though very little positive came out of the Battle of Ostagar."
"Yes, it was very tragic," Ashlyn agreed. "So was what happened to the Circle of Magi."
"But that would have been so much worse had it not been for you, Jayden, and Leliana." They continued on in silence for a moment before Wynn leaned in conspiratorially and said, "I must admit, I have always had a special place in my heart for Jayden. Although, I am worried about his developing relationship with that apostate."
Wynne and Morrigan had taken an instant disliking to one another. The younger mage did have a tendency to speak her mind, hold nothing back. However, if Ashlyn were to be truthful, Morrigan's bluntness was one of the things she liked best about her. The elf also felt as though she understood Morrigan, who had been on the run and was an outcast for most of her life. After all, Ashlyn was one of the Dalish, so she grew up to be a wanderer and wary of everyone too.
During the trip south to Redcliffe, Ashlyn kept finding herself thinking about the previous evening. She knew there had been some other presence in the camp the night before, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something bad was about to happen.
Her suspicions were confirmed just after lunch. The group was just about to pass a path that led down to a ravine when a hysterical woman approached them.
"Oh, thank the Maker! We need help! They attacked the wagons, please help us!" the woman pleaded.
Arianna, being the kind-hearted woman she is, immediately replied, "Of course, we'll help."
"Oh thank you, thank you! Follow me, I'll take you to them," the woman replied as she took off towards the ravine.
It's a trap! Ashlyn's survival skills were screaming at her. She knew this was the moment she had been waiting for since the night before.
As the group started to follow the woman, Ashlyn rushed to catch up with Arianna. She gently, but firmly grasped the female warrior's upper arm to get her attention. Arianna quickly turned towards her friend.
All it took was a slight shake of Ashlyn's head for Arianna's eyes to lighten with realization.
Quietly, so she wouldn't alert the supposed 'victim' that they were on to her deception, Arianna whispered, "Get Leliana and the mages behind Alistair, Sten, and me. Be prepared to cover us. I'll have Bodahn and Sandal wait for us back on the main path."
Ashlyn hurried to carry out her orders. In no time at all, she had maneuvered the party's ranged attackers to the back of the group. Arianna had no trouble convincing Bodahn to go back to the main path. He was more than happy to wait for the group and stay safe out of harm's way with his wagon and his son.
The Wardens and their companions arrived at the scene of three broken-down wagons. The oxen that had pulled the wagons had all been butchered, and the dead bodies of the human travelers were scattered about on the ground.
However, there was one person still alive in the clearing. A light blond-haired elf in leather armor stood in the center of all the carnage. Could he have been the presence from last night? Ashlyn wondered. He definitely doesn't have such neutral intentions now.
The woman who had led them into the ravine walked right up to the elf and nodded. The male elf took a couple of steps forward before making a slight hand gesture, which must have been some sort of signal because all of the sudden the clearing was filled with archers, apostates, and warriors ready for battle.
Before Ashlyn knew what was happening, a tree nearly fell on top of her, Leliana, and the mages. It was only after she leapt and rolled out of the way that she realized the path behind them was now blocked off. There would be no retreat. They would have to stand and fight, which the warriors were already doing.
As an archer, Ashlyn thought it was best to get to high ground. "Leliana, come with me!" she called to the redhead.
The two rogues headed towards a path up the side of the ravine. They couldn't move as fast as they would have liked though, for there were all kinds of traps along the way which had to be disarmed. Once they got to the top, they came face to face with three archers. Luckily, Arrow had been following Ashlyn and quickly charged the men. With Arrow's distraction, Ashlyn had time to pull her daggers and move in for close combat. She got close enough to one man to kick him off the side of the hill. Ashlyn quickly turned and drove one of daggers into the chest of a man getting ready to lunge at her. Leliana caught the last archer with an arrow between the eyes just as he was getting ready to take a shot at Ashlyn.
"Thanks!" Ashlyn said with relief.
"You are most welcome," Leliana replied as they took up positions on the side of the ravine and started sniping targets with their bows and arrows, while Ashlyn's wolf acted as their guard in case someone tried to sneak up on them.
"It's almost like shooting fish in a barrel, isn't it?" Leliana asked.
Ashlyn couldn't help but grin as she fired another arrow, "Yeah, but that wouldn't be nearly as much fun!"
Their location gave them a bird's eye view of the battle. The mages were putting up barriers and casting offensive spells from behind them. Ashlyn could see Wynne cast a healing spell on Alistair right after he was knocked to the ground. He was back up shield-bashing in no time. Watching Sten caused Ashlyn to burst out laughing. An enemy warrior started to charge toward Sten, but stopped short once he realized he was about to fight a Qunari. The man gave a rather girlish scream before running away in the opposite direction.
Leliana and Ashlyn continued to rain arrows down on unsuspecting victims. If their own warriors or mages noticed, they gave no indication. The battle was over quickly, and thanks to Ashlyn's survival skills, the Wardens and their companions came out virtually unscathed.
Together, the two archers and Arrow made their way back down the hill towards the rest of the group, which was converged in a semi-circle around the fallen blond-haired elf.
"He's unconscious," Arianna announced as she finished tying a rope around the captive's wrists. "I wanted a survivor to explain all this to us so I only knocked him out during the fight."
Up close, the male elf was quite attractive. Ashlyn couldn't help but admire his slender, toned physique, but she was immediately upset with herself for having such thoughts. He is the enemy, she reminded herself.
An enemy that I don't trust any farther than I could throw him. Ashlyn notched an arrow on her bow and trained it at the stirring elf. One wrong move and it's lights out for real this time, elf.
"Mmm… what? I… oh," the elf moaned before he realized he was surrounded. "I rather thought I would wake up dead. Or not wake up at all, as the case may be. But I see you haven't killed me yet."
"We want some answers," Arianna demanded for the group.
"Ah! So I am to be interrogated? Let me save you some time. My name is Zevran Arainai, Zev to my friends. I am a member of the Antivan Crows, brought here for the sole purpose of slaying any surviving Grey Wardens... which I have failed at, sadly."
Ashlyn observed Zevran as he was speaking. He spoke casually, but his eyes were constantly searching out any escape point or maybe analyzing if he could take out some of the closest people to him without getting recaptured. But he made no move to brake from his bonds, so he was safe for the time being.
"Who hired you?" Arianna asked.
"A rather taciturn fellow in the capital. Loghain, I think his name was? Yes, that's it."
"You have got to be kidding me," Jayden muttered.
"That back-stabbing bastard! He's trying to keep the truth about what really happened at Ostagar from getting out," Alistair added.
"Yes, and he must be serious about it too by hiring the Antivan Crows," Leliana spoke up. "They are an order of assassins. Very powerful, and renowned for always getting the job done… so to speak."
"I am sure this incident is going to leave a black mark on that illustrious reputation," Ashlyn said speaking for the first time since encountering the male elf.
Zevran's attention locked in on Ashlyn, specifically at the bow she had pointed at him.
"So untrusting, my dear Dalish elf," Zevran admonished. "You can put that away. I can assure you I have no intention of attacking anyone in the near future, at least not with swords or daggers," he said suggestively.
His innuendo didn't go unnoticed by Ashlyn and her cheeks lightly flushed as she looked towards Arianna for direction.
She shared a knowing look with blond warrior, who then turned to the assassin and said, "If there is one thing I know about Ashlyn, it's that if she doesn't trust you, then she has a good reason for it." Arianna looked back to Ashlyn questioningly.
"He was at our camp last night," Ashlyn explained. "I sensed him, but I couldn't pinpoint his location. I wasn't too worried about it at the time because I could sense that the presence wasn't hostile."
Zevran laughed. "I knew you realized I was there. In fact, I swear you looked directly at me. But do not be too troubled about not being able to find me. I am just impressed you knew I was there at all. I am one of the stealthiest of all the Crows, and only someone very skilled would have been able to even sense me."
Now Ashlyn's cheeks were burning for a different reason. First he's teasing me. Now he's praising me? He is not what I expected at all.
"So what are we going to do with him?" Jayden asked interrupting Ashlyn's thoughts.
"I say we leave him tied up here for his fellow Crows to find. I would guess they would be more than happy to dispose of him for failing to kill us," Morrigan stated dryly.
"Well, this is a first. I actually agree with the witch," Alistair said disbelievingly.
"The lovely mage is quite right. I failed to kill you, so my life is forfeit. That's how it works. If you don't kill me, the Crows will. But, assuming you are done interrogating me, I have a proposition for you," Zevran said speaking to Arianna.
"Alright, let's hear it," Arianna responded cautiously.
"Thing is, I like living. And you obviously are the sort to give the Crows pause. So let me serve you, instead."
Ashlyn was dumbfounded at the elf's words, so much so that she missed part of the following conversation, only catching bits and pieces of how Zevran was sold into the Crows' service as a child. Him, travel with us? Oh no, that is a terrible idea! It wasn't that she was worried he would try to finish the job later, although that thought did eventually cross her mind. Her first concern was the way her body reacted to his presence. She hadn't been attracted to anyone since Tamlen. Tamlen… how could I even think of another male like that? Ashlyn was immediately consumed with guilt.
Oblivious to Ashlyn's thoughts, Arianna asked Zevran, "Why would we want your service?"
"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. Warm your bed? Fend off unwanted suitors? No?" As he spoke those last words his eyes went from one woman in the party to the next.
"Oh, hell no!" Alistair shouted at the same time as Jayden exclaimed, "Absolutely not!"
"Aw, yes. Some of you lovely women are taken, but not all of you, no?" Zevran asked while looking directly at Ashlyn.
Ashlyn couldn't believe the nerve on this guy. Sensing her discomfort, Arrow immediately growled at the male elf. Ashlyn gently scratched along the wolf's back to calm her. The black-haired elf certainly had no intention of answering that particular question. Instead, she posed a question of her own, voicing aloud her previous thoughts. "You must think we are royally stupid. What is to stop you from trying to kill us down the road?"
"I think you are royally tough to kill. And utterly gorgeous. Not that I think you'll respond to simple flattery. But there are worse things in life than serving the whims of a deadly sex goddess." Zevran turned away from her then to address the rest of the group. "And as to the matter of trying to kill you in the future… even if I did kill you now, the Crows might kill me just on principle for failing the first time. Honestly, I would rather take my chances with you."
And I thought my cheeks were burning before, Ashlyn thought, embarrassed yet again.
"So what shall it be?" Zevran asked. "I'll even shine armor. You won't find a better deal, I promise."
Arianna made eye contact with Ashlyn again. It almost seemed as though the warrior was trying to apologize without saying anything. She wouldn't… Ashlyn thought right before Arianna announced.
"Very well, Zevran. You may join us."
Oh merciful gods, she would… Of course Ashlyn would never admit it out loud, but the thought of the male elf dying didn't sit well with her. That didn't mean she was ready to travel with him though.
"What!" Alistair exclaimed exasperated. "You are taking the assassin with us now? Does that really seem like a good idea?"
"We need all the help we can get, especially if we have these Antivan Crows after us now," their leader explained. "But don't worry. It isn't like I trust him yet. We'll keep him bound until we know for sure he isn't a threat to us." Arianna stopped a moment to look around the group. "Sten," she called to the Qunari warrior.
"Yes, Warden," the large warrior responded.
"Zevran is now your charge. See to it that he is kept in line," Arianna instructed. The Qunari nodded and moved closer to the male elf.
"I love the way your beautiful mind works." Alistair laughed realizing Arianna had just set Sten on guard duty. He turned serious again after a moment. "Still, if there was a sign we were desperate, I think it just knocked on the door and said hello."
Zevran gulped as he looked up at the large Qunari and then back to Arianna. "Yes, well… I hereby pledge my oath of loyalty to you, until such a time as you choose to release me from it. I am your man, without reservation… this I swear."
- - - - - With Zevran - - - - -
This has been a most unexpected turn of events, Zevran thought reflecting on his current situation as he walked with his hands bound behind his back. He took a moment to stealthily fiddle with his bindings and realized he would easily be able to break free if he chose to. One of the first things I am going to do once they trust me is to teach our lovely leader how to tie a proper knot.
Having a Qunari for a guard made Zevran slightly uncomfortable. It did not seem like Sten was very fond of elves or interested in conversation. Thus, it was a rather quiet trip until an adorable redhead welcomed Zevran into the group and introduced herself as Leliana. She then proceeded to explain who everyone else was that was traveling with the group. Zevran was quick to recognize she was going to be a valuable ally as well as good source of information on his traveling companions. This girl loves to gossip, Zevran thought with a smirk… My kind of girl.
However, his fun was interrupted when the male mage, Jayden, came and gently led Leliana away. Apparently, the mage didn't appreciate all the lewd comments Zevran was making to the redhead. Protective, isn't he? How was I to know that merely offering my services to help the pretty redhead find some sexual release after being cloistered away in the Chantry the last couple years would upset the man? My, my… if looks could kill. Zevran then noticed the way the female mage, or witch as Alistair called her, narrowed her eyes as she watched Jayden with Leliana. A love triangle… how interesting. Oh yes, being a part of this group is going to be entertaining!
To be honest, Zevran was delighted with the way things worked out because he now had the opportunity to learn more about his newest obsession, the exquisite black-haired elf, whose name he now knew was Ashlyn. Although, the female elf seemed to be doing everything in her power to stay away from him. She spent most of her time talking to Arianna and Alistair as they traveled, but he did catch her sneaking glances at him from time to time.
It was because of Ashlyn that Zevran had been 'captured'. Of course, Zevran would never tell anyone that he had been distracted during a fight. If I hadn't been checking to see if she was all right, I never would have been caught off guard like that. Zevran had been mesmerized watching the female elf fight her way up the side of the ravine. That girl is seriously impressive with a bow and arrow.
Zevran couldn't help but want to learn more about the lovely elf. He wanted to know why she had been so sad the night before at their camp. He also wanted to know what color her undergarments were. She is very guarded and untrusting. Not to mention she has a wolf that I am going to have to try to appease just so I can get close to her. She will be a challenge, but I have always loved a good battle of wills. And if there is one thing I know, no woman can resist my charm for long. I can't wait to have her legs wrapped around my waste and her hands buried in my hair.
- - - - - Passage of Time - - - With Jayden - - - - -
That elf is going to be trouble, Jayden thought for what had to be the hundredth time since they had acquired their new 'travelingcompanion'. It had taken all of his patience earlier just to get Leliana away from the blond-haired menace and not fry the bastard with his best lightening spell. He knew he had no say in who Leliana could be with, and that bothered him more than he wanted to admit. He realized he was going to have to think about this later… there were more pressing matters that needed his attention, like the fact that Redcliffe could now be seen in the distance. They would arrive just after sunset.
Since being freed from the Circle Tower, Jayden had been soaking up as much of the landscape and scenery as he could. He never imagined such beauty existed in the world. The way the fading colors of the day reflected off Lake Calenhad nearly took his breath away. Having Leliana by his side made it even more enjoyable. She had heard many stories of Redcliffe, which she eagerly told as they made their way through the village. Alistair, who had been so distracted with worry about the Arl and his family, even managed to listen and chime in with his own details and confirm a lot of the information Leliana told them. She has this wonderful way of weaving a story. She must have done quite well as a minstrel. She certainly has everyone in our group enchanted, Jayden thought noticing the way the others were also listening intently to the pretty redhead.
As they approached the castle, First Enchanter Irving asked Jayden for a moment of his time.
"I will just go catch up with Ashlyn," Leliana said before leaving the two male mages to speak alone.
Once Leliana was out of earshot, Irving began, "Your friends have told me that Jowan is the one responsible for the Arl being poisoned, and that he is currently a prisoner here at Redcliffe Castle. Are you prepared to face him?"
Jayden let out a deep sigh. "I don't know. It is so hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that he turned to blood magic. It has cost him so much."
"More than either of you realize I'm afraid," Irving said solemnly.
"What do you mean?" Jayden asked.
"Lily, the chantry sister Jowan loved and tried to escape with, wasn't taken to Aeonar. The Chantry leaders decided to use her as an example of failing to follow the rules concerning mages…"
When Irving didn't continue, Jayden stated aghast, "You don't mean…"
"Yes, my boy. They had her executed."
Jayden looked at the First Enchanter with shock and disbelief in his eyes. "How… how could they? She surrendered willingly! She detested Jowan's use of blood magic! I thought the Chantry believed in righteousness and forgiveness." Poor Jowan, I wonder if he even knows.
"Jayden, I wanted you to be aware of how much trouble your friend is in. It is very possible the Arl's wife will have Jowan hung for what he has done to her family," Irving said placing a hand comfortingly on Jayden's shoulder.
"Perhaps we can reason with her, convince her to release him back into the custody of the templars to be taken to Aeonar. Of course, given what the Chantry did to Lily, there is no guarantee he wouldn't be executed going that route either, is there?"
The First Enchanter shook his head sadly.
"Is there nothing I can do to help him?" he asked quietly.
"Depending on how things go, you may be able to offer Jayden a way out. You will know if it is possible when the time is right," Irving said cryptically.
"Huh? What do you-"
Before he could finish, Irving interrupted, "We don't have time to go into details. I must explain to you what needs to be done to prepare to send you into the fade to save the boy. Time is of the essence."
"Me? Who said I was going?"
"It has to be a mage, my boy. And you are the best choice. If anyone can defeat a desire demon, it would be you," Irving stated proudly.
Hearing his mentor's heartfelt words gave Jayden all the encouragement he needed. He readily set in listening to the First Enchanter explain how they were going to send him into the fade and what he would be facing once he was there.
It wasn't until much later that Jayden learned Morrigan had listened in on his entire conversation with First Enchanter Irving.
- - - - - Meanwhile With Leliana - - - - -
Leliana hurried to catch up with Ashlyn who was now standing outside the castle gates with Arianna. The two Wardens were watching their canines, Arrow and Duke, play together. Leliana couldn't help but smile as she watched the wolf and dog chase and tackle one another.
"You two are going to have to be careful with your four-legged friends, or else we are going to have little mabari-wolf pups running around," Leliana said to the women.
"Don't even think about it Duke!" Arianna yelled out to her mabari, who stopped his play long enough to look back at her with a 'What?' expression on his face.
The three women giggled before Ashlyn said, "So Jayden is going to go into the fade to save the Arl's son, isn't he?"
"I hope so," Arianna said. "He is our best candidate, and Alistair has been so worried about Connor. I know it will make him feel better if Jayden is the one to do it."
Leliana was surprised at first that her companions thought Jayden was going to be the one to go into the fade. Isn't this going to be incredibly dangerous? But after hearing Arianna's comments, she had to agree that Jayden would do everything in his power to save the child. "Yes, that must be why First Enchanter Irving wanted to speak with him just now."
"That makes sense. I am sure they have a lot to prepare for," Arianna said.
"Don't worry Leliana. Jayden will be fine. He did get us out of the fade back at the Circle Tower," Ashlyn reminded her.
"Oh, I am not worried…" Leliana said unconvincingly.
Arianna and Ashlyn shared a knowing smile.
"Sure you aren't," Arianna said with a laugh.
"Oh, like you are one to talk, Ari. I saw the way you reacted when Alistair was knocked down back when we were ambushed," Leliana said to the pretty blond.
"Hey, don't turn this on me," Arianna retorted good-naturedly. "I think it is fairly obvious I am with Alistair. You on the other hand are in one viscous competition with a witch."
"Yes, and I don't know what to do about it. I really like him," the redhead admitted.
"Just give it some time," Arianna said. "He told us once that Morrigan wasn't interested in anything long-term."
"And if it's any consolation, I think he likes you too," Ashlyn added.
"I hope you gals are right." Leliana sighed. "Oh well, if it doesn't work out, I may have to make a try for our scrumptious-looking new elf. Although, it does seem like he already has his sights set on you, Ashlyn."
The elf blushed adorably before replying, "What are you talking about? He was checking out all of us women back at the ravine."
"Yes, but he was only staring at you while we traveled," Leliana said smugly.
The poor little thing got even redder. "You… must be mistaken," she sputtered while Arrow came running up to her, as if to see if she were all right.
That wolf is so in tune with her, Leliana thought while watching Ashlyn bend to scratch Arrow's belly. Ashlyn couldn't ask for a better friend and guardian.
"Besides, I have all the companionship I need right here," the elf said lovingly referring to her wolf.
"We'll see about that," Leliana said while sharing a mischievous grin with Arianna. I don't think my elven friend has any idea what is in store for her. Something tells me Zevran isn't going to be easily deterred.