2
Sten stood upright upon seeing her, keeping his head low as the Warden allowed Tabris to his cell. They stood, gazing at each other as the Warden observed.
"You are looking healthier," Tabris commented, smiling as she put her hands on the bars of the cell, "Have you been well?"
"They have treated me...adequately," Sten replied, his hands against the door, his fingers a breath away from hers, "You are well? The new child is well?"
"All healthy," she said, chuckling, "People keep giving us food. I guess everyone is just thrilled to have a little one running around. Mahariel hates it, but I'm glad. It's good for him to feel loved."
Her face softened, "Are you warm enough down here? It's been growing cold even in the castle."
"I will be fine."
"You come from a warm country, Sten," she said, "Surely, you need-"
"I will be fine, kadan," Sten murmured, his fingers brushing against hers.
"No touching," the Warden reminded.
Tabris stepped back and said, "I'll talk to Loghain. I'll try to get you onto the second level at least."
Sten gazed at her as she was escorted away, the smile still on her face at the memory of his touch.
Loghain rubbed his forehead as he looked over the reports from the Wardens. Another four dead. They insisted the treatments were becoming more effective, but he saw only four more names.
He called for ale before sitting behind his desk.
His stewart returned with the drink and said, "There is an elven woman requesting an audience."
Loghain took a swig and nodded.
Tabris entered the room, the door closed behind her.
"How are you, my Lord?"
He scoffed, "I'm a mere puppet of a puppet. Come now, woman. Surely you have pestered me enough times to call me by my name."
Tabris smiled and said, "How are you, Loghain?"
"In truth? I have seen better days. I can only keep peace in this city for so long. We have seen only a few weeks of snow and already we have had so many deaths. I cannot open the gates to let more supplies in nor can I leave them close and let my people starve. A few hunters cannot keep us so well stocked. If we ration everything, perhaps we can survive. But how many of us will we lose?"
Tabris' face fell and Loghain sighed, "It is nothing for you to worry about. You and your companions will be protected. None within my castle will fall, I promise you."
"That is actually why I came here."
Loghain groaned, "The Qunari, again? I have been patient with you, girl. He's alive, isn't he? The Wardens haven't treated him terribly and I haven't let him starve. What more do you want?"
"He's going to freeze down there," Tabris said, "There's no one else kept on the lower level and it's winter. I know your guards aren't keeping the fires going. He's not used to the cold like we are. If he stays down there, he'll die."
"What should I care about one Qunari when I can't even keep my own people alive?" Loghain asked angrily, standing to face her.
Tabris met his gaze, refusing to back down.
He chuckled, "You care for him, don't you?"
Tabris said, "He should be given back to his people. If you won't do that, then you should let him stay in the castle. I know he will not harm any one. Please."
Loghain replied, "You know why he was brought in? He killed a man and his family. Went into a mad rage. That was a grown human man. What would stop him from ripping you apart?"
"He won't hurt me," Tabris protested.
Loghain paused and said softly, "You are a sad thing, aren't you. You actually love him."
Tabris looked away and Loghain said, "I will do as you ask. He will stay in the castle, under supervision, and when the winter breaks, I will send word to his Arishok. He will not be harmed."
She sighed, tears coming to her eyes, "Thank you."
She turned to leave and Loghain caught her wrist. She stood, her hand shaking as Loghain spoke.
"This is a trade," Loghain murmured, "I am not one who gives gifts without gain."
She hesitated, "I have nothing to trade."
"You know what I want," he said, pulling her closer to him, "You've known since I brought the three of you into my home."
She trembled and he said quietly, "Your Qunari will not survive the winter in the prison. But I am a selfish man. If he comes into this castle, he will understand who is master in this house, to whom you belong."
"I don't belong to anyone," she replied defiantly.
"It is your choice," Loghain said, letting go of her wrist.
Tabris did not run from the room, but flinched before looking up at him. As if her soul fled her body with her words, she whispered, "Okay."