*INSERT STANDARD DISCLAIMER* I know nada, feel nada and own nada.
Step Back - Charlie Clouser / SAW IV Soundtrack (Cousland)
"We're Howe's elite."
In that moment, as if the name itself were an incantation, the woman Alistair loved disappeared.
Her wary curiosity at the unexpected confrontation vanished in a heartbeat, leaving a sudden and complete stillness that had even Zevran glance at her cautiously.
Unfamiliar with her normal behavior, the enemy soldiers smirked – mistaking her change in demeanor for terror.
In a low and dispassionate voice Alistair barely recognized, the companions heard: "Save that one for last. I have some questions."
Howe's man snorted, clearly unimpressed with the small woman. "I'll save you for last, pretty girl. I'll take my sweet time with your charms before passing you on to my men."
Alistair stiffened indignantly, but the warden didn't blink.
The sergeant looked uncertain for a moment, as if sensing things weren't going to go according to plan. Before he could say a word to avert disaster, chaos erupted in the tiny room.
Bare moments later, it was over. The last would-be assassin tried to crawl backwards, slipping in the gore of his friends.
"I-I—stop! I'm sorry! Ok? What do you want? I'll tell you—anything. Any-"
"Shhh," she pursed her lips, blood spattered cheeks ruining the comforting gesture. "And here I thought you wanted to spend time with me. I haven't even asked you anything yet."
Like a hunting cat, Zevran moved gracefully across the room, dividing the frantic attention of Howe's remaining man.
"Wynne?" Cousland called over her shoulder without looking away from the survivor. Her voice was soft, relaxed.
Terrifying.
"Alistair could surely use a drink about now, would you take him with you? Zevran and I can handle this."
The senior warden startled at the mention of his name, the haze of combat washing from his mind as her intentions became clear.
"Wait! You don't—"
"Alistair. Please."
Fury that he was being sent off like an errant child was tempered when he glanced back at the doomed soldier. Suddenly he felt queasy and made his escape with a disapproving Wynne not far behind.
Despite his best efforts, there was not enough alcohol to block up Alistair's ears. Even with the door closed, he could still hear her sweet voice and the shrill answers she sought.
