A/N: Well, all will be unveiled! The questions like "What? Why did Varhen faint?" or "Why does Varhen have cat ears and a tail?" All shall be answered shortly! Enjoy, my friends! Oh, by the way in no way do I own the characters of Dragon Age or the original story; I'm just one of the many who own a copy of the games. Thank you for listening, and please enjoy.

Note: If I miss-spelt a game term please PM me the correct spelling, I find pointing

Warning: Some of this chapter is from Zevran's point of view, sine for some reason I fail at third person point of view.

Before in gifts of the Heart:

"I couldn't take it and fainted. I could feel a pair of arms wrap around me, and wished I could tell if it were Zevran as the blackness consumed me."

Chapter twelve: Gifts of the Mind

(Zevran's POV)

I caught Varhen when he fainted, truly I had expected such, seeing his panic I had thought he would faint or blow up into a full blown panic attack. His hound Shade had whined and prodded at one of Varhen's hands after the elf had fainted. I smiled softly as the features relaxed on the face of the young boy- no man. Varhen had proved him self many times over since I had first met him all those months ago… To think I had wished to die when I had first met the man I cradled in my arms. How wrong I had been, how wrong the Crows had been.

(Flash back)

The sun was well on its way along its path over the sky, the usual cold of the land chased away for the time being. Zevran waited by the 'Ambush' he had gotten word of the path the Wardens had taken, he had sent one of the younger apprentices back along the path to run toward the Wardens screaming about a supposed "attack" on her caravan. He smirked; the one leading the remaining two Wardens was rather naïve, helping who ever he could, with almost no questions, asking almost nothing in return for his actions. Such an innocent child not yet learned in worldly wisdom, a shame he had to die it was quite a waste of blooming skill and talent.

Zevran had to admit the young lad was handsome even if he was a child in the assassin's eyes. The long black hair, darker than a night robbed of all it's light, which fell about his lower back in tamed waves. With eyes that shone in attractive and addicting silver. Zevran had seen the young Dalish rouge once himself, a rare beauty indeed. His pale skin was devoid of blemishes and scares, at least he had not seen any scares, the armor did leave much to the imagination, and a good thing Zevran had a very creative one.

Zevran had done his research, the young boy traveled with three or four companions at a time to scout out the area ahead of the rest. Waiting Zevran mused that the boy probably did this to assure the path was clear and safe for the larger group that followed. Such a pity the boy had to die, he held so much promise! Zevran had sent a more experienced member of his modestly sized group to find out who would follow the boy ahead of the others today. After all they needed to know how to attack their enemies.

As it turned out, the dog, was accompanying the group Zevran believed it's name was Shade, a fitting name for the black mabari. The other Warden was also among the company, Zevran was not bothered to learn the foolish warriors name, the healer as Zevran had titled the elder mage, and the second mage, a dark woman that Zevran did not much care for, she was too dark, and already corrupt. Women like her were no fun. You had nothing to do with them but watch what they might do to a fool, dumb enough to try to get under their skirts.

He heard the fake façade of his apprentice, "Please! Come help we were attacked by bandits, you must hurry, quickly!" her voice carried by the wind was quite, but the false panic was set skillfully, her form soon rounding the bend as she ran up to Zevran. She had a grin plastered to her face, almost bouncing as she stood by him, turning to watch the spectacle of the Warden's massacre. She smiled at the board looking elf, "The Crows send their regards'" she sang.

Zevran looked at the lead Warden, who had silenced a snarl from his hound. The silver eyed elf did not seemed affected by the turn of events; instead he shook his head as Zevran raised his hand signaling his men to fall into their positions. The trap they had laid earlier was released sending the giant rotted tree that stood to the side of the path falling down. The silver eyes widened slightly as he looked up dogging the falling limbs and tree with grace. His companions had been far enough back that they had to quickly scramble over the log in order to assist their leader as Zevran drew his daggers sneering at the ease which the Warden had as he maneuvered out of the trap.

"The Warden dies here!" He barked, every one there know the tone he had used it told them to leave the silver eyed one to their leader, Zevran wanted to die, but for some reason he wanted to prove his worth against the Dalish elf that seemed non-too impressed with his efforts. Zevran was nothing if not a proud assassin.

The silver eyes narrowed, "If you wish a fight, then you shall receive one!" As those words left the pale lips a dagger was sent flying through the air hitting the apprentice to Zevran's left that had been a mage, in her right eye immediately killing her, putting an end to her casting.

Battle broke out, even with his greater numbers the Warden's skill was far greater then Zevran had anticipated. Varhen had quickly dodged around Zevran's persistent attacks to disable several well laid traps to clear the way for the others. The two mages stood apart casting spells to aid their allies as well as casting against the archers. The Warrior fought against some of the others using his shield as well as his sword as a weapon. Angered by the lack of skill his comrades were showing Zevran attacked again, this time provoking a response from the Dalish. The young elf turned on him with the ferocity of a jungle cat, Zevran almost grinned in satisfaction. The flurry of daggers was none stop, Zevran noticed, the elf he fought did not use duel daggers, but instead had a short blade in each hand.

They each matched the other, parrying and blocking blows, Zevran was determined to get a reaction from the younger elf, but the silver one stayed focused, not letting anything betray him. He would try to place a kick in the boys side only to see the elf swerve out of the way, and try to place his own blow. The elf did not seem to be breaking a sweat yet, Zevran liked the boy, he was a skilled fighter, and he had even nicked Zevran's cheek. Losing his footing when the boy had managed to trip him, Zevran fell backward and rolled barley in time avoid a blow from one of the short blades.

Jumping up he locked eyes with the boy, for a fleeting second he saw admiration in the silver eyes. Then the boy set him self again and readied his blades. They circled each other for a moment, Zevran could tell his group had fallen, he knew soon he'd join them. A soft sigh left his lips and he twirled his dagger. He stopped and looked at the boy, "Let this drag on no further, Warden." He leapt forward, slicing at the area just above the boys color bone. A quick intake of breath followed by a quick leap backward had the boy out of the daggers path. A noise behind him alerted him to the charge of the warrior he turned and moved quickly to get out of the way, only to end up inside a paralysis glyph.

Truthfully he was surprised by the clever trap, the Warden's may not have been as easy as he had thought after finding out the were only recruits, but they had proven to be the end he wished after all. He gritted his teeth when he saw a stone fist flying toward him, hopefully it would kill him. Zevran closed his eyes and waited. When the earth hit him he was flung a good distance, and knocked out.

He opened his eyes, to his disbelief, to a pale skinned angle with black tendrils as wings and hair, it's eyes seemed to be made molten silver. As his eyes focused he realized he was not looking up at an angel of death, but rather the Warden that had bested him. Groaning he rolled his eyes.

"I had expected to wake up dead, or not wake up at all as the case may be. But seeing you haven't killed me yet you must want to torture me, and if I assume correctly the purpose of most torture is information. Well let me cut the fun short then. I was paid to kill you; it was nothing personal, just business. "Zevran said, rather board with the fact he was still alive. The elf's lips twitched with amusement.

"So you were paid? Sounds like a rather underhanded way to get me and Alistair out of the way. May I ask your name and who hired you to slit our throats?" The boy said raising one eye brow, and tilting his head. Zevran took a small moment to admire the view; the boy had his hip cocked to the side and his arms crossed over his chest.

"My name is Zevran, Zev to my friends, as for who hired me, he was a rather fellow, Loghain I think his name was…" Zevran murmured an idea popping into his head, "And may I ask your name? You after all proved your obvious skill." The elf's lips twitched up slightly.

"Was that a real complement or flattery with purpose behind it, I wonder? If you really wish to know my given name is Varhen, a nick name I've been gifted recently is Var, if you prefer. I find people often tell me my name is strange, but it's Dalish so humans and city elves would find it odd I guess. "Varhen replied, he seemed amused by the fact, but only his eyes betrayed him. Zevran glanced at the two blades strapped to the young boy's side, realizing that's why they looked familiar; he'd seen the make before.

"Shall I guess this Loghain fellow wants you dead because you threaten his power?" Zevran ventured, the more the elf spoke the more interesting he became to Zevran. The warrior behind him shifted, Alistair, Zevran guessed it was because he found that conversing with an assassin unnerving. A small smirk pulled at his lips.

"You could say that. The bastard deserted us and left us for dead at Ostagar, assuming you heard of the massacre, he left every one, even his son-in-law. If I get the chance he'll die." The calm tone was anything but the dark glower that fell over Varhen's face.

"Well, he sounds rather dark hearted, assuming you had need of… skilled help? I may have a proposition for you, if you're done integrating me." Zevran hoped this idea would work, for some insane reason he found him self curious about this young lad.

Varhen seemed to think the idea over and Zevran felt a sliver of hope build up. If his idea worked he'd be free of the Crows. No more rules, limits, and freedom. The silver eyes locked on his again, "I'm listening." Varhen murmured kneeling down to be more eye level with Zevran, considering he was tied up and laying on the ground. Alistair stood dumb founded with his mouth hanging open, "You know if you stay that way long enough, Alistair, You'll catch a fly or two." Varhen said grinning, he hadn't even had to look back to know how the warrior had reacted.

"Wh-What! You can't be serious! He's an Assassin!" Alistair exclaimed, Zevran saw Varhen wince at the high pitched yell. He almost smirked at the childish display, but refrained, that may ruin his chances.

"Yes, and? I have Sten, Leliana, and Morrigan, and Wynne following us too, your point? Every one has… specialties, his may be of use. Now state you offer, Zevran." Varhen handled the Warrior with ease, but Alistair still looked worried. After a short discussion, Varhen decided to let the assassin live and accompany them.

"I give you my word until I'm killed or am released from your service, to follow and aid you. So I give you the word of Zevran Arainai of the Antivan Crows." Zevran said after being helped up by Varhen, after being untied. Varhen released the older male's hand, quickly backing up. Returning the bow, but not placing a fist over his heart, rather crossing his wrists across his chest, in the manner of the Dalish.

"Glad to have you with us, Zevran, I accept your word, but I won't hold you to it; you may leave when ever you chose." Varhen bowed again before turning to the others, "Lets get a move on, Loghain will be pissed when he finds out about this slaughter."

After a short time Zevran found the instinct to kill Varhen then slink back to the Crows dissipate quickly, for some reason the boy captivated him, soon Varhen erased the thought of boy from Zevran's mind. He was a skilled fighter, and reasonable person, kind hearted and noble, but also a true and good leader. Zevran was forced to re-think what he thought of people in general after he met Varhen, and what he thought of him self.

(End flash back)

Zevran realized as he came out of his musing that he had started petting Varhen's hair. Zevran glanced up to see if any one had seen, but Wynne must have left a while ago, probably with Alistair. Shade had lied down and was sleeping by them. Zevran ruffled the dog's fur, causing to wake up and huff at him.

"Don't give me that look; I know you don't need your beauty sleep." Zevran chuckled. The dog yawned at him, showing he was board and really didn't care what Zevran thought. Zevran stood, Varhen in his arms. Zevran laid him down gently onto the bed. Looking down at the beautiful elf, he thought, 'This man- barley- out of childhood had captured his heart. He could never hurt the young man intentionally, now more than ever, with out killing one of them.'

A/N: Hope you enjoyed! I think how they met would be a good way to show how Zevran kind of changes through out this story and in the game… I know in the game the Mabari is brown… I want a black one! That would be so cool! I'd get the red war pain and name it Lust… Like blood lust… Any way! I'd like to know if you liked this chapter, school is going to be hell for a while sooo, I may or mat not get chapters up in quick succession.