Chapter eleven: A Simple Gift

"Down boy, please go play."

Dorian pushed his overly happy companion away. The Mabari jumped and barked happily against his masters pushes. It was no use, the weight behind the mighty Mabari was no match for the mages minor strength. He could use a levitation spell, but that would be unnecessary. His dog was only being friendly.

Spirit desperately wanted to follow Dorian into the woods after setting camp, but the mage wanted to be left alone. The hours it took for them to reach a suitable camp site, Dorian remained silent, deep in thoughts.

It was Leliana who suggested he take some time off for himself. She volunteered Zevran and herself to deal with camp set up. Dorian had been grateful for the suggestion, a lone walk would have been nice.

"Yes I know, I have returned. I'm happy to see you also, but I'd like to remain dry if you would be so kind." He wiped the slobber from his hands.

Being so tired he eventually gave up struggling and allowed the hound to barrel his thin frame over. Laughing while the hound playfully tugged on his robes.

Good boy. Always knows how to make me smile.

"You certainly named him well, Spirit suits him so finely." Came the soothing voice of his Orlesian friend.

He looked up to see his friend standing by him, in her new leather armor. From his angle he had a very clear view of her legs. Blushing, he looked away quickly. Shoving the dog relentlessly, Dorian attempted to compose himself.

It wasn't until Zevran whistled from a distance, along with the clanging of a pot of stew, did Spirit finally stop his game. Leaving his master sitting in a heap on the ground, covered in dirt, grass, drool and various amounts of blood. Trying to remain cool, Dorian clambered back to his feet. Taking in how unappealing he must have looked, and smelled.

"Uh, hey… Leliana…" he said with his usual crooked grin. "Am I late for watch?"

"No, just in time actually. But, you are free to take a bath if you wish. It has been a long day. Zevran prepared some food for you as well." She smiled. His stomach flipped.

"Th-thank you, but I can't have you sit out here on your own…" he rubbed his neck.

"It's not too dark, I'm sure we can keep an eye by the fire while you eat and rest." With that, she grabbed Dorian's hand and reluctantly led him to the fire. His body went rigid at the friendly touch.

Maker… her hand is so soft…

He had to try and keep his mind on something else, but his jittering nerves were going out of control.

"Ah, the handsome Dorian has returned." Zevran smiled. "Diner first, or bath? And, the offer remains on the massage…" he added with a wink.

"Uh, thank you but I'll pass on the massage." Dorian said with a blush, reluctantly releasing Leliana's hand. She didn't seem to let his go at the same time, which made him fidget nervously.

"I think one day the offer will be too good to pass up, my dear Warden." Zevran purred.

"Perhaps if the offer came elsewhere…" Dorian slipped. He caught himself on the last word and inwardly cursed.

Both Leliana and Zevran seemed to be a little shocked. Leliana smiled coyly with a hint of a blush. Zevran shot glances between the two and winked.

"I seeeeeeeeee." He chuckled.

"I meant…"

"No need, I am only teasing." Zevran handed Dorian his bowl of Antivan broth. Dorian thanked him and sat in front of the fire.

While Dorian ate, Leliana absentmindedly played her lute. Dorian listened while he watched the flames dance. Zevran pulled out his pan flute and began his own music. What started as purposeless tunes, turned into a rather clever and bouncy song. Dorian smiled and nodded along with the music. He felt like dancing, but wouldn't know where to begin.

Once his meal was finished, he gathered his things and headed to the creek Leliana chose to set camp by. Leaving his companions to their merry songs. As he walked closer to the lake, he spotted Morrigan's tent. She was staring absentminded at her own fire. She noticed him and smirked.

"Have returned, I see."

"Yes, needed to… think." Dorian shrugged.

"You should have told me, I could have accompanied you." She smirked.

"Uh, just needed some time on my own… I guess." He felt rather awkward. She nodded.

"Tis a rather cold night tonight, isn't it?" Something in her voice was unsettling. Nerve racking.

"Y-yeah it is a bit cold. I think it may rain tomorrow." Dorian tried to smile. He felt a little uneasy.

"Well, if you find yourself in need of… company, you shall know where to find me." She smirked, then returned to looking into her fire.

Dorian stared at her for a moment, unsure what all of that was about. Shaking his head he continued to walk towards the creek. Crouching behind the bushes, Dorian undressed. As he removed his torn robes, he studied his naked torso. Several deep gashes had been left from the undead soldiers. He knew as soon as they happened it would be hard to completely heal. The weapons were enchanted, so the magic easily left marks. He shrugged, was no worse than the nice scar on his leg left by a werewolf.

Scars add to character. Since you are abnormally strange already, might add a little mystique to your appearance.

Yes, because I will walk around with only my pants on…

Staring at his torn robes, he sighed. They were beyond repair. Large jagged cuts and several burn marks decorated the once purple robe. He would need to wear his new chainmail more often, sadly.

He removed the rest of his clothes and slid into the water. Feeling alone, he was able to relax in the clear water. Despite the night being slightly chilly, the water was nice. The cooling water soothed his burnt and bleeding skin.

Placing his body beneath the water he casted a healing spell. It could not do much for the scaring, but would stop infection. Dorian smiled as he recalled how often someone would approach him for either medical aid or to warm something. One person in particular, he never minded giving a helping hand.

Closing his eyes and feeling his magic work, he remembered the memory of Leliana practically begging him to heat any ponds for her baths. He has stared into her big clear blue eyes and nearly melted. How she made him do so, was a mystery to him. So, it was inevitable he would agree.

He would sit by the pond, wait for the water to warm to her liking, then leave. She would watch him do so and compliment how useful it must have been, and how incredible his powers truly were. He didn't always agree, but the compliment was appreciated all the same. Once or twice, she had begun to undress before Dorian had time to make it out of the area. Each time he noticed he would quickly shuffle away. Once, he had stared at her long curved legs for some time. Feeling the red spread across his face he noticed she was nearly out of her armor. With that he always left, feeling embarrassed and ashamed.

Sighing, his mind couldn't help but wander to the smooth sight of her skin. Her legs were always bare, but for some reason in the moon light he couldn't help but feel his throat close up as he saw them. They seemed to shine and dance in the dim lighting. He wanted nothing more at that brief moment than to know how soft her body was to touch. If her back was just as smooth looking. If her body had any blemishes. He doubted it, she seemed beyond perfection. But even if she did, it would only have added to her beauty. If she had freckles, or moles. He wondered how her body curved and shaped, if the tight armor she wore gave her any justice. His imagination tried to conjure an image of her naked back glistening in the moonlight by the creek. Then, his imagination ventured a little further…

"Maker!" Dorian cursed, cheeks burning with warmth. He shouldn't be thinking this way.

What's wrong with you?

I don't know… but it doesn't feel… wrong?

She is a friend! Do not think like that!

Yes, you're right.

Shaking any lingering thoughts, he decided he'd bathed long enough. Feeling completely relaxed and at ease, he dressed in his casual shirt and pants. Gathering his things, he wandered back to camp.

Morrigan had retired, so he didn't think to disturb her. He noticed Zevran was sharpening his knife and whistling to himself. Dorian looked around to notice Leliana was at the watch post already, practicing her shots on a tree. Dorian couldn't help but stare, it was always such a fascinating display.

Her arms flexed as she readied the arrow, then quickly released as it went flying. As always, it hit the target on mark. She was truly amazing with a bow. But then again, she was just as equally skilled with her daggers.

Dorian was too busy watching Leliana, he hadn't noticed the sleeping Mabari curled by the fire. Stumbling slightly he cursed and gained his footing. The dog barely flinched and kept sleeping. Zevran's chuckles could be heard from miles around.

"Perhaps, ogling is best done when standing still for amateurs."

"I was just admiring her skills with the bow." Dorian said, ears heating up.

"Yes, yes. I'm sure that was not all you were admiring. With a goofy smile like yours, I'd dear say it was her lovely backside." He winked.

"NO!" Dorian snapped, overly defensive.

"Hmmm then the adorable smile perhaps means something a little more than what I would have expected. Interesting." The elf smirked. "Regardless, I am retiring so I am refreshed for my watch with the lovely Morrigan. With luck, she will allow me to admire her… closely." Zevran went inside his tent.

Dorian felt slightly flustered by the conversation. Exhaling heavily he tried to stop himself from blushing further.

He walked to his tent and placed the hopelessly ruined robe inside and grabbed his sword, journal and wooden pencil. Dorian was still amazed by the gift, Leliana had informed him of the name and the fact a scholar mage invented it. It was rather impressive. He then walked over to where Leliana practiced.

"Feeling better?" she asked without taking her eyes off her makeshift target.

"Much, thank you." He blushed slightly, recalling the thoughts that helped him to be so.

"I'm glad." She turned her head as she shot her arrow and smiled. Dorian took his seat and began to sketch the targeted tree. The arrows were all perfectly aligned in several circles.

Leliana continued to practice. Dorian studied her, it was rather remarkable. Sometimes, she would be cocky and close her eyes. But, like always, the arrow hit its mark. Dorian sometimes clapped slightly, she would turn and take a bow. But always remind him a tree does not charge or fight back.

"It is still remarkable…" he would say admirably.

Without truly noticing, Dorian had begun to draw Leliana. He drew her strong stance, legs spread only slightly. Arms raised in a perfect and precise position. Back, as straight as the arrows themselves. Bow string tightened as her arm pulled it back. Face reading the distance and calculating the exact spot the arrow would land. Hair, lose and yet hanging perfectly. Face, calm and calculated. He drew her as a warrior, but with still all her beauty. How he saw her. Finally, he finished. Looking down, he admired his handy work. In no world would it justify the real Leliana, but he had successfully captured his admiration for her in that single moment.

"It's an uncanny resemblance. Although, I would say you over flatter me with your skills." Leliana whispered in his ear. He jumped. He had been too busy studying the drawing that he hadn't seen her approach.

"I-I-I…" he fumbled.

"Thank you, it is truly amazing." Her words hummed in his ears, and her breath tickled his neck. Shivers ran all over him.

"Ummmm…" Dorian racked his brain for a topic change. "You know, I have heard many things about Orlesian spies." He said, trying to sound casual.

Well… that was a casual topic change. Congratulations! You've moved up from weather to completely out of the blue facts…

"There are many rumors about spies, Orlesian or otherwise." she said taking a seat beside him. "That is a bit of an odd thing to say. What are you referring to exactly?"

"I once read this book on how the guilds would often send woman to seduce their marks. Saved having to torture or kill uncooperative people. This isn't true is it?" Dorian had come to know many things about Leliana's occupation as a minstrel, but never truly heard much about being a bard. Zevran had confirmed what he read in books, stating bards were a delicate form of assassin. More a spy than murderer. Which was a relief.

"Oh, I see where you are getting at." Leliana said calmly. "Honestly? Yes, it is true. Seduction is a highly used tactic for finding information."

"You, never…?" Dorian asked, trying not to blush.

"Why wouldn't I?" Leliana shrugged. "Violence isn't the only solution. People respond eagerly to others they believe understand them. They seek approval, friendship, sometimes love. This can be exploited." She said matter-of-factly.

"You didn't use it on everyone though, right?" Dorian felt a little uneasy.

"No, only on the people I was hired to do so with. Often nobles, or people of power and status." She smiled slightly. "Do not fret, I haven't done so to you."

"Oh, okay…"

His negative mind began running through scenarios of false friendship. How everything was all a game. He pushed those thoughts aside. She wasn't like that, not anymore.

You are being naive…

"Well, I'm sure they didn't mind being exploited by you." Dorian said rather awkwardly, rubbing his neck as he did so.

"They certainly never complained," she lightly chuckled. "Well, they did… but usually after they found out what I had done. Never during." She stifled her grin. Dorian blushed. "Everyone can be seduced by the right woman, the trick is predicting who she is, and becoming her. Master the game, and no one can resist you."

Rather confident in that, she is… A little overly confident if you ask me. Not everyone can fall for such falisty.

"And would you say you've mastered this game?"

"If I might be so bold, yes. I was quite good at it. Sometimes, all I had to do was toss a glance and a smile, men read such promises into such things and will go to great lengths to see those promises fulfilled."

"Not everyone is as shallow to believe such things." Dorian said, attempting a smug grin. "I'm sure I would have been completely immune to such charms."

"That is what they all say." She laughed slightly. "I suppose we will never know, will we? I'm certainly not going to test you." She smiled warmly. Dorian was a little offended by that.

So I'm not worthy to play this game with?

I thought you were worried she was playing the game?

"Why not?" he asked coyly.

"Since we are relying on each other, we should not have a relationship based on insincerity, yes? That would be foolish."

"I see." He nodded.

"It can often be unsettling to some people. I would rather not toy with your emotions in this way." She smiled.

"Where's the fun in that…" Dorian mumbled. Leliana seemed to hear and blushed slightly.

"Alas, I cannot partake in this 'fun'. The Chantry frowns on… fun…" she let out an annoyed groan. She looked at Dorian under her eyelashes. "Of all kinds, especially the good kinds…"

"Uhhh…" Dorian felt hot under his collar. Leliana only seemed to keep staring at him.

She is playing along… if you freak out you prove that you were wrong! Play along, smooth, casual, cool.

Yes… because I know how to be any of those things!

"What if I decided to use my charms on you, instead?" he tried to put on a smooth voice, similar to Zevran's charming purr. It was shaky and undoubtedly failed.

"Huh, that would be something to see." She chuckled slightly. "He thinks he can charm me? The most innocent and gentle man in Ferelden?" Dorian blushed.

"You… don't you find me attractive?" he sounded more hurt than intentional. It seemed to work well.

"I didn't say that," Leliana blushed slightly. "I did say it would be something to see, didn't I?" she raised an eyebrow.

"Uhhhhhhh…" Dorian was certain her question was in fact a challenge.

"You're an interesting person. Sometimes I don't know what to make of you, but… I like it." She grinned. Dorian blushed and rubbed his neck. He couldn't keep a nervous laugh down.

"Ha-ha, I suppose I'd be a complete failure at it."

"Oh no, don't say that. I'm sure you'd be just fine. If it would make you feel better, I can fake being charmed." She winked.

"I'd hate for you to have to fake anything with me." He smiled, innocently. Leliana blushed and rubbed her neck, a truly amusing sight for Dorian. She then let out a small laugh.

"Ohhh, very clever. I see what you did there." She winked.

Dorian stared blankly. He had no idea what she was talking about. She looked to him, waiting for him to say something in return. He really, had no idea how to play this game. He thought he would take inspiration from Zevran, the elf seemed to have more than enough experience to go off.

"I know you want me, Leliana…" he tried to purr, but it came out raspy and awkward. Leliana let out an amused shriek at his words. Dorian's blush only deepened. Perhaps, that was not the best line to use.

"Silly boy, that was so clunky. Awkward… try again." She was grinning ear to ear with amusement.

Maker… that smile…

"I did make you laugh. Surely, it was cute?" he gave his crooked smile and threw his hands up.

"Maybe…" she giggled. "You certainly are a tricky one, mon ami." She continued to grin.

For a while, the two sat in silence. Staring up to the stars. Dorian couldn't help but smile to himself. As awkward and embarrassing as that was, it made him feel a familiar tingle. He felt happy, blissful even.

How can one conversation with one person do that to me?

He then recalled what he had gently tucked away inside his journal. Opening the front page, he pulled out the little bundle of cloth. He was very unsure how to give this to her. Any other time he wanted to give her something, he simply left it for her to find. This one was different though. He needed to actually give it to her this time.

"Um, Leliana?" she looked to him, still smiling. "I have… something for you?"

"What is that you have there?" she leaned forward to study his hands.

Without a word, Dorian unwrapped the bundle and presented the gift to her. Fearing his own words would trip him up, he simply looked at her coyly and smiled. Her eyes widened.

"Flowers? For me? Oh… they are beautiful." She took them, slightly stunned but still smiling.

"They… are your mothers, aren't they?" he said attempting to swallow his fear. With this, she looked at them with wonder, as if he had given her diamonds.

"These were her favorite. I… I haven't seen these in such a long time. They smell just like mother used to..." she inhaled the scent. Taking in the aroma, all the sweet memories flooding back. Dorian smiled, this was what he was looking for. "Thank you so much… for remembering…" her eyes watered slightly, but she continued to smile greatly.

"I am glad you like them." For a moment they stared into each other's eyes. Dorian could feel his heart beating faster. It didn't take long for him to realize he was staring and nervously looked away.

"I… am surprised you remember." Leliana said, not taking her eyes off the flowers. "It seems I talk so much, that it would all merge into one big noise…"

"I listen to everything you say. And I remember everything as well."

Dorian did not know why he said this, it was if his heart had taken control instead of his jumbled mind. It seemed to be the right thing to say though, he noticed the slight reddening of Leliana's cheeks.

"It is interesting… to see you so confident. I like this side of you. Not that I don't like the gentle, nervous side either. It is just… interesting." She looked up to him. "Like those first few weeks when we met, and you asked so many questions, but barely made eye contact. And when I approached you, you seemed to shy away and seemed like you wanted to run away." She giggled at the memory.

"Strangely, it wasn't all that long ago. Funny, how people change." He felt a little ping to the chest at that. Remembering how Jowan had changed. He hated how that day's memory kept creeping back. Leliana noticed his mood change.

"Would you like to talk about it?" she asked kindly, still holding her flowers fondly. Dorian sighed.

"I suppose there is no use brooding over it all… It was just, hard, I guess. I wanted him to be punished for his crimes. But, I still remembered the little boy who dared me to put itchy draft in Enchanter Uldred's bed." Leliana's eyes widened. "I never did though, so he would steal my pudding. Jerk." He laughed. "I wanted him to pay, but not really for what happened at Redcliffe. But for what he did to me. Because of what we did, I will never be able to return. Because of him, I have been made to do terrible and hard things. To completely change who I am. I hate him, and I want him to pay."

Dorian shook his head and let out a large sigh. It had taken him so long to realize, Jowan wasn't entirely to blame for what happened at the Circle. Dorian had the chance to back out, to even tell Irving.

"But, I don't hate him… and I don't want anything to happen. In fact… I am grateful to him." He sighed once more.

"Why?"

"Because… Jowan didn't make me do anything. If I could go back, I would do it all again the exact same. What broke me, was that he lied to me. That he was a blood mage. Everything that has damned us, he turned to. And today, he wouldn't even justify why. Why he left me there, why he lied… but if he hadn't, I wouldn't be here now." Dorian couldn't help but smile. "It has all been a nightmare, believe me. Half the time I'm ready to run screaming or try and set myself on fire, just to escape this madness. But, it has been… an adventure. Like the ones I used to read about. I have seen so many horrible things, even helped do some. But… I have helped do great things as well…"

Leliana smiled fondly as Dorian spoke. He couldn't help but smile as well, it felt relieving to say what he felt for so long. To get closure.

"I offered Sten a chance to redeem himself, to make penance for his crimes. I found Shale, a living legend. And helped her find a piece of who she was. I gave Zevran a chance to do something right. I brought a young elven couple together, to live happily in love. I freed trapped spirits, and saved cursed men form a terrible fate. I saved an entire elf clan. I lead an army against the undead, and helped win the battle. I avenged my fallen brothers at Soldier's Peak. I have learned sword play, and become stronger and wiser since I left the tower. And I finally found… the family I've always wanted…" Dorian felt a slight tremble as he spoke the last words. He looked to Leliana, who seemed amazed.

"You… you think of us, so highly?"

"I would never admit it to anyone else, but… yes." Dorian chuckled. "Why do you think I traveled so far to help Shale, why I will search all of Thedas to find Sten's sword. Why I enjoy having Zevran tease me, Alistair bug me, Morrigan shout at me. Even though Alistair can be a bone head, like myself, I will always forgive him. He is literally my blood brother… I care…"

"But… what of me?" Dorian met Leliana's eyes and blushed.

"I… care about you also…" he rubbed his neck. "You have always been kind to me. No matter what. Even when I attempted to ignore you, you simply waited patiently. You listened, you shared… You… are very amazing… and…" he felt the words he so desperately needed to say cling to him, refusing to leave. Leliana stared intently, eager to hear. "…you are dear to my heart…"

Dorian instantly fidgeted and squirmed, regretting the words as soon as they left his mouth. Leliana only seemed to stare, wonder and joy across her face.

"I am so glad to hear you say so…" she said, rather shyly. Dorian thought she sounded adorable. "I can't help but enjoy to watch you blush. I feel terrible, but I often find myself craving to see it." She giggled.

"You…what?" Dorian chocked.

"Often when you complimented me, your red cheeks only added to the meaning. It shows your honesty." She smiled.

"When I…what?" Dorian was finding speech suddenly impossible.

"You have often complimented me. On my skills and talents, on my stories…once on appearance."

"I…What?"

"You spoke of how a lovely woman like me did not belong in the Chantry, how no other beauty would compare to mine. Well, maybe I exaggerate, but it was something like that." She cheekily grinned. "Honestly, you are the one with an impeccable memory."

"I… was being honest. I did not think I was being…"

"Oh, look at that blush. The fact you were simply speaking your mind gives me confidence in the genuine nature of the compliment." She winked at Dorian.

"I… I… um… is it warm tonight?" Dorian began to jitter about nervously.

"Being a living fire, I would suspect it is warm most nights, no?" Leliana chuckled. Dorian continued to fidget. He felt his face heat up.

Leliana smiled, leaned forward and gently planted a kiss on his cheek. Dorian froze at the touch, it was brief, but he swore he could still feel her soft lips.

"You are definitely warm…" she muttered, blushing. "You do not need to be so nervous around me." She smiled sitting back.

Dorian lifted his hand and touched his cheek. Shocked, pleased, overjoyed. Words wouldn't have summed up how he felt. He smiled, goofily, staring blankly into the woods. Right now, the Archdemon could have swallowed him up and he wouldn't have minded.

Leliana had begun to whistle like a little song bird as she stared up into the night sky.

…

Several hours flew by, and still Dorian stared blankly into the woods. Leliana, had not long drifted asleep. Dorian looked over to see her hunched over, breathing quietly. The position couldn't have been comfortable. And yet, she still seemed peaceful.

Dorian filled in the time left of the watch drawing song birds, writing the day's events. He felt upset recounting his 'reunion', but it needed to be done.

Often, his eyes wandered onto a sleeping Leliana. Seeing her eyes flutter as she dreamed always put a smile on his face. Forgetting the task of recounting the day's events, he unintentionally drew Leliana's sleeping frame hugging into her knees. Realizing he did so, he bushed and attempted to stop himself from watching her sleep.

He knew he should wake her, but couldn't bring himself to do it. He was a bit unsure how to gently wake her, she seemed to peaceful to disturb. Spirit bounded along quietly, it sounded as if he was dragging something. Dorian turned and saw the Mabari had brought him one of the spare blankets.

"What's this?" he asked rubbing his faithful dogs head. Spirit nodded towards Leliana. "My, you really are a smart fellow." Spirit wagged his tail.

Taking it from the dog, Dorian warmed it up slightly. Making sure it would keep her toasty. Leliana was still in her armor, so she wouldn't have truly minded if the blanket was dragged along the dirt. Spirit was just being thoughtful.

Dorian kneelt beside her, wrapping the blanket around her shoulders. He sat, then gently laid her head onto his stretched legs. He was sure she would awaken as she did the night before startled, but at least she wouldn't have her head on the cold grass. Leliana sighed, and seemed to snuggle into Dorian's legs.

For once, the mage didn't feel uncomfortable at the touch. He just stared down and admired her. The slight wrinkles in the corner of her eyes smoothed as he brushed the hair from her face. His fingers gently stroked her cheek. He did so without need for thought, all sense had seemed to escape him. He just looked down blissfully at the woman… he was certain he had fallen in love with…

Admitting this to himself was one of the hardest tasks he ever achieved. But in doing so, everything seemed to make sense. Nothing mattered anymore, if people feared or hated him, if he was to die, if he had to give up everything. None of it, as long as she was there beside him. As long as she was safe and happy, that was all that mattered to Dorian.

Spirit made a snuffling noise and he curled up beside his master. He stared at Dorian, lopsided, tail wagged madly. Dorian looked at his canine friend and rolled his eyes.

"Oh… shut up you…" he whispered as he tussled the dog's large head.

The dog appeared to smile, then placed his head beside his master's sword. Prepared to defend his master in a moment's notice. Dorian patted him once more, smiling.

Dorian stared out into the forest night. Though his mind was elsewhere, he remained vigilant. Nothing was going to come and ruin this blissful moment. It appeared, he finally had something worth worrying over. He rolled his eyes at how story book cliché all his emotions felt. He was sure it was just his innocent naivety over dramatizing everything.

You know… this can only end badly… just like every other time you've opened your heart…

Right now… I don't care…For once, I am happy.

Leliana stirred in her sleep. She hadn't recalled going to bed. Last thing she remembered was watching Dorian take notes in his book. She could still smell the scent of her flowers, they must have been close by.

She could feel something flex beneath her head. Leliana realized she was not resting on any pillow. Whatever it was, it was muscular. Human. Someone's legs?

Before she had a chance to react, she heard a familiar sigh. She knew exactly where she was now. Untensing, she smiled as she snuggled back into her makeshift bed.

She must have fallen asleep on her watch, a very bad habit of hers. Once again, she awoke leaning on Dorian. Although, she didn't recall sitting quite so close to him. She wondered how she possibly fell asleep curled into him this way.

Feeling something warm wrapped around her, it suddenly made sense. A blanket? Had he fetched it for her? To make her comfortable. Meaning he must have actually moved her into this position. He allowed her to cuddle into him.

She instantly felt bad that he had done so, that she had fallen asleep yet again. Left him responsible for everyone's lives. That burden was heavy enough. And yet, she wanted nothing more than to ignore the guilt and lay there, feeling his body's warmth against her. To selfishly enjoy this blissful moment of comfort from the usually distant man.

She felt a warmth brush against her cheek, it was welcome against the cool night air. She froze realizing what it was. Dorian, was stroking her cheek… affectionately. She wondered if he was aware he did so. His fingers felt rough, scarred. They were unnaturally warm, like everything about the mage.

This is… heavenly…

She couldn't help but let out a rather large sigh in her blissful state. Dorian's hand froze. She knew he realized she was either awake or waking up. She silently cursed herself for ruining the moment she was sure would never come again.

"Leliana? Are you awake…" he whispered unsurely. "Our watch is almost over…"

She began to blink her eyes open, pretending to only just wake up. She looked around, fake surprised, and then smiled up at him. He blushed.

Maker… that blush…

"S-sorry… I didn't want to wake you… Spirit brought a blanket… and you seemed uncomfortable…" he tried to find a decent excuse. None of it made reasonable sense, this only made Leliana's smile intensify. He just simply did it, because he cared.

"That's okay." She yawned. "Thank you… sorry for falling asleep once again." She sat up and looked into Dorian's eyes, the bright blue magically beautiful eyes. He continued to blush.

"I can go heat the water for you, if you would like a bath? If you can go wake Zevran for me?" Dorian asked sheepishly.

"Please, that would be amazing." She stretched. "I won't bother Morrigan though…" she shivered. Last time Leliana attempted to wake her the witch threatened to light her lute on fire.

"Ha-ha, that's okay. I'm sure she'll be up on her own soon enough. She normally is." He smiled. "I'll meet you by the creek… I mean after I've warmed it, I'll leave of course… just, yeah." He jumped up and hurried off, awkwardly carrying his sword and book.

Leliana stared after him, wondering why he became nervous all of a sudden. She sighed, some things the young man did were rather odd and often unexplained. But, all part of why she found him incredibly interesting. She got up and laid the blanket on the snoring Mabari, patting his head.

"Good boy, you get a treat for tonight." She smiled. Spirit wagged his tail as he snored.

Gathering her bow and quiver, she headed over to the tents. With a spring in her step, Leliana walked up to Zevran's tent and called out for him to wake up. The elf grunted that he would be up… or part of him was up. Something like that. She wasn't paying much attention. Her thoughts were on the amazing night she had.

I think that pretty much answers the question. Dorian does care about me… rather strongly as it would seem.

She smiled down at the beautiful flowers as she placed them in her tent and gathered her things. Recalling the wonderful watch she just had, she wanted to mentally relive every magical moment.

So many wonderful things he has done to prove so. He has shared many things with me, given me amazing gifts… and tonight…

She let out a large sigh at the thought of waking to find herself cuddled into him, with his gentle hand stroking her cheek. She felt herself blush. She now felt confident in knowing her growing feelings for her leader were not unrequited. But, she also knew… it would be hard with Dorian. A man so fragile. Someone who never understood friendship, let alone romance. It would be easy to startle him, or take advantage of his naivety. She didn't want to do either, meaning going slowly would be the only option.

He is worth however long I have to wait…

But… are you worth it?