DA ORIGINS

They had been found by the city guard and carried back to the Earl's estate. When Howl had awakened he had refrained from saying anything to his companions. Only stating he and Zevran had been ambushed before completely shutting down no matter how many questions were asked of him. Zevran could feel the suspicious stares start up again among the others. Also a sense of urgency among them since Howl appeared to be deeply disturbed and unwilling to talk. He said nothing as well, only elaborating on the attack itself but not Howl's transformation into a Blight Bear.

Howl did not talk to him. He did not look at him. He took his dinner in his room or not at all. Even at one point the Earl became dissatisfied with the Grey Warden and called him to his study to have a talk with him. Instead, upon receiving the news Howl had thanked the messenger and got up. Walking right out the front door of the estate only to return to the estate late in the afternoon the next day.

The Earl had been furious, but nothing he said seemed to strike a point with Howl. Even after three days Alistair began to tire of his fellow Warden's disdain towards the rest of them. When he tried talking to him mage and former Templar got into an argument over the matter. Everyone in the Keep could hear them clearly on the other side. Only when Howl announced he was visiting The Pearl, yet again, Alistair lost his temper.

"You know, why don't you just bring your whore here? At least we'd get to see you less than an hour everyday if she were here!" Alistair shouted at the small mage. Howl glared at him, still having a hard time seeing ever since Zevran had broken his glasses. They were in the dining hall, and Zevran had come in to try and talk to the other Warden. This news did not bode well with him, not at all.

"I'm not going there to have sex you imbecile! I'm friends with one of the whores there, nothing more! If you think I'm up to something, why not come with me? Maybe you'll find someone there willing to sleep with you even if you don't know how it bloody goes." Howl snarled with surprising venom. Zevran stared surprised Howl would take such a route. Alistair looked taken aback as well but the usually cheerful warrior's face had transformed into a mask of rage as he loomed over the mage, grabbing a fistful of his robes as he dragged him forward.

"Say that again, I dare you." Alistair hissed spittle flying from his lips. Sparks coming from his eyes as he lifted the mage close to his face. Zevran could see Howl struggling to stay on his toes beneath his robes to keep from being strangled.

Howl's expression darkened as he reached up. He wrapped his fingers around his friend's wrist. Zevran heard a sizzle as Howl channeled fire into the palm of his hand. Alistair shouted dropping Howl as he gripped his wrist. A cruel smirk had spread across the mage's face and Zevran felt a cold shiver go down his spine. He had never seen his mage do that before.

"Don't touch me, Alistair. I'm going to The Pearl, so either you can come with me or stay here and lick your wounds." Howl said his tone saying it was an order not a request. Alistair looked shocked as Howl turned around, whistling for his every trusting mabari Shigure. The loyal dog bounded up delighted as always to be of use to his master. Howl patted him on the head, grabbing his oak staff on the way out as he left.

When Zevran entered to check on the Templar he spotted Wynne in the opposite doorway, her face pale. She looked sick as she came close to Alistair. With shaking hands she took his burnt wrist and muttered a spell. Immediately the skin began to heal to a healthy pink glow. In a matter of minutes there was no sign Alistair had been burned.

"Are you quite alright, my friend?" Zevran asked quietly. Alistair still looked pissed but nodded, thanking Wynne as he rubbed his wrist.

"I'm fine, but what the hell is wrong with Howl? He never, ever raises his voice. Except that one time he and Morrigan got into that argument. Even then after you talked to him he brought her bouquets of flowers for a week." Alistair said with a sigh. Zevran remembered, because Howl had also presented him with such small gifts as well to show he wasn't ignoring him. While living with the Dalish Howl had picked up the habit of helping him braid his hair. He also had a habit of tying feathers to the back of his braid so they tickled the back of his neck. The first time this had happened Zevran had been swiping at the back of his neck for three hours thinking it was bugs. Only Howl's giggling the entire time had made him think to undo the entire braid and come away with a small bunch of feathers tied together with a leather thong decorated with bright beads.

"I'm worried he may have been practicing…dark magic. Zevran, did anything happen between you and Howl? I can tell he is disturbed but he won't speak of it." Wynne asked him looking concerned. Alistair had turned to glance questioningly as well. Unsure of what to say, Zevran coughed. Trying to think of a reply.

"He wouldn't know anything. Even if he did, he would not speak of it." Said a deep voice from behind the enchantress and Templar. All three jumped in surprise as Sten came into the dining hall. Howl had even refrained from talking to the Qunari whom he was closest too in the whole group other than Zevran.

"Why wouldn't Zevran know? Howl…" Alistair began, but trailed off. He suddenly looked embarrassed as he glanced at the assassin. Alistair had grown to respect, if not like, Zevran. Zevran raised a brow and smirked causing the warrior to blush deeply. He knew exactly what him and Howl got up to after dark. Alistair had often complained of how loud they were in the middle of the night. Zevran had cracked up laughing when Howl had coyly asked his friend if he wished to join them.

Sten shook his head, glancing at the elf in question. Zevran had an uncomfortable feeling the Qunari knew exactly what had transpired between them. Instead Sten focused on Wynne and Alistair as he talked.

"Howl is scared. So, he shows his fangs to hide it." Sten said simply. Alistair and Wynne glanced at each other in question. Zevran met the Qunari's gaze for a moment and let out a small sigh.

"I will go talk to our Warden. Perhaps this time he will tell me what it is that is bothering him." Zevran stated, quickly leaving the room before any of them could ask him more questions.

Zevran didn't have to go far to look for Howl. To his surprise he found the mage rather quickly. Howl had walked into a small glass blower's shop. He could see him through the store window holding up glasses to his face and squinting as he peered through them. Putting down one pair before picking up another to see if it improved his sight.

Zevran walked in through the open door, glancing at the rows of glasses. Howl let out a frustrated sigh, putting down what appeared to be his tenth pair. Zevran spotted a pair set in thin gold gilt frames, their lenses more oval shaped than the round ones Howl had been used to. The lenses were also similar but they seemed to be the same thickness as the other ones. He picked them up and put them in Howl's hand. The mage didn't even glance at him as he slid the glasses on.

"Thank the Maker, I can see again!" Howl exclaimed with relief. For a moment he sounded like his old self. When the mage turned to thank whoever had handed him the glasses his smile faded from his face. Howl stared at him with a mixture of anger and horror.

"Oh, it's you." Howl said his voice hollow. Zevran met his gaze with his own suddenly unsure of what to say. All the openings he had practiced in his head going up in smoke as those cobalt irises focused on him.

"Let me pay for those." Zevran said instead, stepping around Howl careful not to touch him. Outside Shigure was sitting in the shade panting idly as he waited for his master. Howl looked down and nodded, leaving the shop as Zevran pulled out coin to pay for the glasses. The mage had begun to distribute coin among his companions evenly ever since they had left the Dalish camp so everyone could get what they needed.

By the time he came out Howl was already headed back into the alleys. Zevran cursed going after the mage. When he reached him he grabbed Howl's shoulder and spun him around. The mage responded by smacking his hand away. The blow was so light Zevran was tempted to throw Howl over his shoulder and take him back to the Keep that way.

"Thank you for paying, but I'm alright now. I can actually see again since you broke my last pair." Howl snapped glaring at him. Beside him Shigure whined looking between the two.

"Howl we need to talk, you and I. You cannot go on like this forever." Zevran said gently though he didn't touch the mage. He wished to reach out and draw Howl close to him. The mage glanced at him uneasily his hand going to the knife he now carried at his side. It saddened Zevran to see Howl armed, he had always trusted his companions to watch his back. After what had happened with Taliesin he could hardly blame him.

"If I don't wish it? What if I said I hated you? I wanted you to go?" Howl said his tone hard. Zevran froze about to reach out to Howl. His hand clenched into his fist as he let it fall to his side.

"I swore an oath to follow you until you released me from it. If you wish me to…go, I shall." Zevran forced the words past lips regretting each one. Even now he was being selfish wanting to take the mage back with him to Antiva. Howl watched him carefully measuring his words as his hand slowly gripped the hilt of the knife. Beside him Shigure let out another worried whine sensing the tension between the two. He nosed Howl's hand but the mage waved his hand to shush him.

"What if that wasn't enough for me?" Howl said his voice dropping to a low whisper. Zevran closed his eyes for a moment feeling the accursed words fall from his lips.

"Punish me then, if you must. I will not resist, my Warden." Zevran said opening his eyes. Howl's expression was unreadable as he stared at the assassin. Did he think it was another ploy? A trick to make him drop his guard?

"Close your eyes, then. And let me teach you a lesson." Howl said his voice emotionless. Zevran closed his eyes willingly hearing his heart pound in his ears. He heard the mage step closer his breathing ragged as he prepared himself to hurt his former lover. Zevran did not fear pain he had grown accustomed to it. Any punishment inflicted upon him by Howl he deserved. He had punched him in the stomach, treated him as if he meant nothing to him.

A few seconds passed where Zevran was anticipating a blow. A slap to the face, a knife stabbing into his stomach. Howl twisting it with glee as he sought his revenge. He did not expect to feel the hilt of the knife being pressed into his hand. Nor a soft kiss on his cheek with Howl quietly sobbing.

"I could never hurt you. And I hate you for it." Howl whispered his voice choked with tears. Zevran opened his eyes in time to see Howl pulling away, his hand empty. He glanced down at his hand, surprised to see the knife there despite feeling it pressed into his hand. He looked up at Howl staring at him with a sort of desperation. He tossed it away, reaching out and grabbing Howl, pulling him into his arms.

Sobs shook Howl's frame as he buried his head in Zevran's chest. The assassin squeezed the smaller elf, sheltering him in his arms as he whispered to him. Without meaning to he spoke reassuring words in Antivan. Whispering them into Howl's hair as if they were spells of protection against the world. He didn't know how long they stood there, only that he led the mage to the Gnawed Noble Tavern. Zevran paid for a room, deciding they didn't need the company of their friends just then. He silently led the other elf into the room, bolted the door, and pulled him back into his arms in bed.

Zevran had removed his armor down to brown trousers and nothing more. He helped Howl out of his robes, underneath his lover wore a grey tunic with matching breeches. Zevran rested his back against the headboard, Howl lying against the chest. Shigure had fallen asleep on the carpet his legs twitching and low growls coming from him. Probably dreaming of chasing a rabbit, dumb mabari.

"You are far more than I deserve, Howl. I do not know if I should be happy or disappointed you did not hurt me when you had the chance." Zevran said into the silence. Outside it was getting dark he had sent a messenger to the Keep letting their companions know where they were. Howl needed to be alone for a while, he had said in the message. Time to gather his thoughts in solitude.

"Maybe. Maybe not, I thought it was karma." Howl said his voice hoarse from crying. Zevran glanced down at the thin elf lying in his arms. Howl had no muscle tone to speak of and months on the road had not helped him to put on weight. If anything, his mage had lost weight. Howl was skinny, but his skin was smooth and supple. Zevran ran an idle finger up Howl's arm marveling at how it was unblemished by scars.

"Karma? You will have to elaborate. Or speak English." Zevran said kissing a line down Howl's neck. His hands still shook when he laid them on the tiny Warden. He had come so close to losing him again…how many times would this happen until they fought the Archdemon?

"Karma is the belief if you do something bad, it comes back to haunt you. You do something good, it comes back to help you." Howl explained turning his head to return Zevran's kisses. For an instant their lips met igniting a fire within them both. Howl gasped into the kiss even as Zevran deepened it. Plunging his tongue into his lover's sweet mouth, pulling him closer as they made out. When he pulled away Howl was staring up at him his eyes clouded with desire. Howl took a deep breath, hoping to calm his pounding heart as put his hand on Zevran's chest. He admired the black swirls traveling from his midriff upwards complimenting his abs. With great reluctance he pushed the assassin back against the headboard shifting uncomfortably as he felt liquid fire beginning to pump through his veins.

"Why do you always use sex as a distraction? Why can't you talk to me like a…like a…"

"Are you going to say human being? We are both elves, though I think of myself as an Antivan first and elf second. Though if you want to role-play, we can do that as well. I'll be the dashing Grey Warden and you the beautiful assassin begging for me to spare your life. On your hands and knees of course. With rope. We will need a lot of rope." Zevran said dreamily. Howl glanced at him sensing his lover's mind had gone to a very dangerous place.

"ZEVRAN!"

"What? Do you wish to be the Grey Warden? We could swap roles, if you wish, but you will be begging for me to spare your life, yes? I am a Crow, after all. I was successful in my ambush."

"Oh, you!" Howl shouted in frustration. Howl grabbed the nearest weapon at hand to beat his lover with. His hand closed around a pillow which he brought up with a war cry. Aiming to beat Zevran to death with it. Zevran began laughing raising his arms to block the blows.

"Be careful, my dear Owl. We'll need that to cushion your head when I pierce your tender skin with my dagger." Zevran whispered against Howl's pointed ear. His hand snaked out and grabbed Howl's wrist, flipping him onto his stomach with him on top. Howl yelped in surprise beginning to flail about to escape. Zevran chuckled, grinding his hips against the Warden's backside. Howl let out what sounded like a cross between a squeak and a shriek. To the former assassin's surprise Howl managed to sit up causing him to tumble off back onto the large bed. Howl curled up his legs under him his face bright red as he shrank against the headboard.

"Zev!" Howl shrieked at him glaring accusingly. Zevran chuckled, crawling towards him a wicked grin on his face.

"Come now, my unwilling pet. Kneel before me and open your pretty mouth. Beseech me to spare your life." Zevran threatened with amusement. Howl gave him his most fearsome glare which just made the assassin chuckle again. Howl pulled his legs up to his chest, wrapping his arms around his knees as he dared his lover to conquer him. Zevran was only more than happy to oblige.

"You have a one track mind, don't you? I swear I have no idea how you ever made it to be a Crow with your sexual appetite." Howl accused him. Zevran cackled at that as he crawled closer to the mage. Howl narrowed his eyes; his glasses had fallen off during their tumble with the pillow fight.

"Killing and lovemaking go hand in hand, my lovely Owl. Now, shall I force myself upon you or will you go willingly? I'll be gentle if you are willing." Zevran said wickedly. Howl snorted grabbing a spare pillow and holding it to his chest.

"Zev, you told me you wanted to talk. So stop using sex as an excuse."

"Is it working?"

"Yes, but you're not getting any until we talk. You're the one who said we needed to discuss what happened." Howl pointed out. Zevran frowned he had hoped to avoid the subject now that he had managed to get his lover into a better mood. He sighed, sitting up on his knees as he glanced at the Warden.

"You always ruin my fun. Why must I always follow your orders? I should be in charge and you my sidekick." Zevran complained. Howl sighed shaking his head as crossed his legs still hugging the pillow to his chest.

"Screw you and your fun." Howl muttered beginning to pat the sheets for his glasses. Zevran's smirk returned as he reached out to grab the Warden.

"Gladly." Zevran said, his hand locking around Howl's upper arm. Howl let out a surprised yelp as he was suddenly yanked into Zevran's lap, who locked his arms around him pinning him there. Howl struggled feebly in his grasp but he was out of his element when it came to physical prowess.

"I'll only comply if you sit upon my lap like a good little Warden. I can't concentrate otherwise."

"I can't concentrate sitting in your lap. But fine, we'll do it your way if it makes you feel better." Howl snapped though there was no real heat behind his words. Zevran laughed quietly, kissing Howl's shoulder in apology. He had never had cause to laugh so often with any of his bed partners. Had never….played with them as he did Howl. To think he had ever wanted to kill his Warden scared him. How could anyone ever hate so kind a soul?

The couple remained silent for a time, enjoying each other's company. A bright fire burned in the grate casting the room in a warm glow as outside the light faded. Neither knew how to begin this awaited conversation. Howl was right, he had insisted they talked. After a moment Howl took a deep breath, turning his body to face him.

"Answer one question. What were you planning to do when you saw Taliesin?" Howl asked. His tone wasn't accusing nor curious, only stating a fact. Zevran sighed, closing his eyes as his mind shied away from the subject. He had wished they could both forget about the incident stupid as it may be.

"To take you to Antiva with me. I would kill Alistair, claiming that he was the only Grey Warden. You his manservant that I decided to keep as a souvenir for defeating the last Warden. It is not unusual for a Crow to take something to mark the occasion of killing a particularly difficult target. No one would have thought anything of it if I happened to show up with a slave." Zevran answered tiredly gazing at Howl as he answered. Howl stared at him half of his face cast in shadow by the flames. His Warden closed his eyes, letting out a soft sigh.

"A part of me now wishes you had, to be honest. But I wouldn't have survived a year within the Crows. Even with you protecting me, I think someone would have…probably figured it out after a while." Howl whispered, a tear trickling down his cheek. Zevran reached up and wiped it away, drawing Howl close to him. The mage closed his eyes his head resting in the crook of his neck.

"What makes you think it was karma I had betrayed you?" Zevran asked brushing Howl's hair back. He undid Howl's braid, brushing out the wavy raven locks with his hand. Howl's hair spread out in shimmering waves covering his shoulders.

"Because for the reason I let you live. I…the main reason was because you were another elf." Howl answered raising his head to meet Zevran's eyes.

"All I could think was when I saw you lying there was 'thank the Maker I'm not alone anymore.' I wasn't the only knife ear in the group." Howl said his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Zevran leaned forward, kissing Howl gently on the forehead.

"Then you said you thought of yourself as Antivan first. I felt…I don't know, inferior to you. You're so strong, Zevran. You never cry or regret the past. You have no idea how many times I watched you and wished I could have the strength to face the world like you do." Howl said awe in his voice. Zevran was so surprised to hear this he couldn't help but stare at his mage. Howl had thought….truly?

"I thank you for the compliment, Howl. But I am not nearly so strong as you think. You cry easily because you are overwhelmed, not weak. You were raised in the Circle most of your life. None of this is familiar to you, and yet you take it in stride. You're always smiling, fascinated by the world around you. I have always wished to see the world as you do." Zevran said sounding wistful. Howl looked as surprised as he must have seemed. They remained silent exchanging quiet kisses and soft grunts when the other moved in a way that aroused the other.

Finally, Howl buried his head against Zevran's neck. Inhaling his scent as his breath came in short gasps. He moved his hips against his assassin's hearing a low hiss as the friction stoked the passion in both of them. Zevran's grip tightened on Howl's back, moving down to his hips and forcing them both increase the pace. Quiet gasps echoed in his ear as Howl sat up, his face flushed as he gazed down at the beautiful man underneath him. Seeing his lover's eyes clouded aroused Zevran making him draw the other down in a passionate kiss.

"Make love to me, Zevran?" Howl asked breathlessly against Zevran's neck. Zevran smirked a moan escaping him as he reached up to remove Howl's tunic.

"I am yours to command, my Warden."

…

Fenris arrived at the Hanged Man two hours after sunset with Zevran in tow. The dark elf could not figure out why he felt so nervous. Was it because he had not given the Crow an option to come along with him? Now that he thought about it Fenris wondered if he had drank too much wine the day before. He had a high tolerance for alcohol and rarely got a hangover. Maybe he had hit his head hard while he was drunk and did not remember. Yes, that would account for his madness. Certainly.

He wasn't fooling anyone.

Zevran glanced at the sign his face expressionless as he studied the sign. Fenris coughed trying to think of something to say. His guest had broken out in a sweat walking all the way from Hightown to Lowtown, but otherwise appeared to be fine. Fenris glanced at the blond haired elf whom seemed to be waiting for him to make a move. So he nodded at the inn going to open the door.

"So, this is…the Hanged Man."

"I can see that."

"The sign ruined the surprise, didn't it?"

"Hm, yes, but you could have fooled me." Zevran replied giving him a puzzled look. Fenris swallowed as he opened the door his mouth suddenly dry. A part of him wondered if this was a good idea considering Hawke hated the other elf. Well, Hawke was one to talk sheltering the riffraff he did. Including him as well, a former slave.

Fenris went in first Zevran right behind him. Inside there was already a good evening crowd going as drunken men leaned over their tables trying to catch the eye of a pretty wench. Thankfully none of them had drunk enough to start throwing up. One time Fenris had had to deal with a man who had thrown up in his lap. Suffice to say he had punched the man's lights out automatically having to go back to his mansion for a hot bath. Zevran looked around with renewed interest a smirk perking up the corner of his mouth.

"Reminds me of Tapsters Tavern in Orzammar. Though, the crowd then had been mainly dwarves and not half witted boys pretending to be men. Such charming places you take me to, Fenris." Zevran said a hint of sarcasm in his voice. Fenris shook his head smirking as well as he moved to a round table in the back. Varric was already there with a stack of cards by his hand talking to Isabela. So the rest of the group hadn't shown up yet, good.

"Hey elf, you have my five sovereigns?" Varric greeted him with a grin. He glanced at Zevran whose face had taken on a neutral expression. Fenris wondered if he should provide an explanation for the other elf's presence when Isabela beat him to the point.

"I was actually on my way to my room to get some coin, Zevran. Care to join me?" Isabela asked coming around the table. Before either dwarf or elf could do anything the pirate woman had already grabbed Zevran by the hand and had begun to lead him away. Fenris glared moving fast to block their way as he glared down at her.

"What do you think you're doing?" Fenris snapped glaring down at her. Isabela smiled coyly at him as Zevran forcibly shoved her grip from his wrist. The pirate stared at him in surprise as Zevran shot her a glare.

"I agree with Fenris, what are you doing? I already turned you down before, Isabela. Do not force me to state it a second time." Zevran said his expression hardened into a scowl. Fenris was momentarily thrown off surprised by this sudden turn. From when the assassin had first woken up he had assumed he flirted with everyone. But Zevran stepped away from the pirate who was now glaring right back him.

"Oh, come off it Zevran! He's dead, and he certainly-" Zevran reached up and covered her mouth his hand. Sparks flying from his eyes as he answered in a low hiss. Fenris wondered if the blond elf was even aware he standing next to him anymore.

"Do not speak of him like that to me, woman. Yes, he's dead. Leave me in peace. They are any number of elves with pretty eyes you can sleep with, I'm sure. I believe I passed the alienage on my way here. Why not check there?" The Antivan snapped his entire body tense underneath his cloak. Fenris glanced at Isabela who seemed more annoyed than angry. He also detected what he thought might be pity as she shrugged her shoulders in response.

"Fine, have it your way. It's been, what, eight years already Zevran? Even you have to admit it's pathetic the way you go on about him." Isabela said crossing her arms as she raised her brow. Zevran closed his eyes as if he were suddenly exhausted as he turned away from her.

"As I have said before, you did not know him. You didn't live with him as I did. You met him twice and told me quite frankly you thought I was a fool to my face with him standing right there. I know, Isabela. I know." Zevran said over his shoulder. Fenris stared at his retreating back as Zevran went to go take a seat at the table as far away from Varric as he could get. Fenris glanced at the pirate who raised a questioning brow at him.

"You still haven't asked him about the mage?"

"I do not think it's my place to ask. If he wishes to share that with me then so be it. From what I just saw and heard it's none of your business of how he goes about things." Fenris replied. Isabela gave him a sympathetic look which was strange to see on her face.

"Zevran is a broken man, Fenris. You would be better off cutting it off now rather than dragging it out. It's painful to watch and quite frankly you're wasting your time. He won't go for you." Isabela answered as she motioned to the elf in question. Varric appeared to be ignoring Zevran's presence as the assassin watched the other patrons making idiots out of themselves.

"I haven't the faintest idea of what you are talking about accursed woman. Unless you know something I don't, which I'm assuming you do." Fenris said watching Zevran carefully. Zevran didn't appear distressed as he had a moment ago but he certainly wasn't happy. Perhaps it hadn't been such a good idea to bring him along. Isabela looked at the assassin as well shaking her head as she stepped past the lyrium elf to get to her room.

"I do, but I don't think I'll say anything just yet. You know where to find me if you want me." Isabela said with a toss of her hair as she disappeared into the hallway. Fenris sighed shaking his head going to the bar to get a drink.

When he came back to the table two drinks in hand Varric was still refusing to talk to Zevran. Zevran didn't glance at the dwarf but appeared bored rather than tense as he had been earlier. He was idly tracing the grain of the wood on the table with a finger. Fenris placed both drinks on the table, one for him and one in front of Zevran. He bent his head his mouth next to the assassin's ear as he pulled out a chair for himself.

"I'm sorry, once the others arrive we'll leave. This was a bad idea." Fenris whispered quietly, raising his head as he sat down beside Zevran. Zevran glanced at him in surprise opening his mouth to ask something.

"It's cider, not alcohol. Ironic it tastes better than the ale here but such are most things in this city." Fenris said before the other elf could inquire. Zevran seemed to catch on nodding his head as he stole a glance at Varric who appeared to be shuffling the card thoroughly in preparation for the game.

"Thank you. I appreciate the thought." Zevran said his eyes saying he didn't mean the cider. His attention turned away from Fenris to watch the drunken crowd as he sipped at his drink.

A few minutes of awkward silence passed until Fenris was beginning to wonder if he should just gather Zevran and leave when the first of his friends arrived. Aveline came in with Merrill and the two women appeared to be in deep conversation about satin bows. Upon spotting Zevran Aveline didn't shy away and greeted the assassin.

"Zevran! A pleasure to see you up and about. I take it you've been laying low since I haven't read anything in the reports. You should give Fenris a few tips, he's always giving me problems." Aveline said causally as she took a seat on the other side of Zevran. Fenris shot her a mock glare as Merrill went up to discuss something with Varric.

"I do not! I have endeavored to exist with less offense and I have. It's not my fault if Hawke keeps causing trouble wherever he goes." Fenris defended. A smirk went across his face however at the thought of the apostate.

"Don't believe him. He really is the reason we're running around all over Kirkwall every hour of the day. He just uses Hawke as a convenient excuse." Aveline whispered to Zevran. Fenris must have heard them because he rolled his eyes and muttered something in Tevinter.

"But isn't Hawke the one who accepts jobs from just about everyone? I think one of these days he's going to go home to find his house burned to the ground with what he gets up to." Merrill said overhearing their conversation. Varric sighed as he began to deal out the cards for Fenris, Aveline, and himself around the table.

"Alright, I've made up my mind. You playing Wicked Grace too assassin or are you here to look pretty?" Varric asked with a sigh. Zevran glanced at the dwarf smirking in response as he rested his elbows on the table.

"Oh neither my friend. Since I have such incredible luck my host has brought me along so he can win some extra coin. He threatened to take his revenge out on my body if I fail." Zevran said smoothly. Fenris had been in the process of taking a drink of ale and snorted in his drink. He put down the mug coughing and spluttering in surprise as Zevran stared at him with wide eyed concern.

"I said no such thing!"

"Oh, but you were implying it. Do not worry my dear Fenris, I shall not fail you."

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I find it rather sexy Fenris's tattoos can be activated unintentionally if he's aroused. Tis true! Just go on youtube and watch the lighting tattoo kissing scene between him and female Hawke. XD