Morrigan's POV

This whole business was making me ill; befriending Alistair, the fool. At least the others were not here to witness my behavior. We were nearly to the gates of Orzammar, I should think we would be there before the sun hits midday tomorrow, and I think Alistair and I were having what the Warden would consider a civilized conversation.

Sitting together by a small fire, I forced myself to attempt to talk to the man. I looked at him he was looking at my face. I suppose he isn't all that bad looking, a broad chin and a straight nose.

"Be careful where your eyes linger, Alistair," I hissed.

"I was looking at your nose!" Alistair whimpered in defense.

I had to calm myself. I am not here to insult Alistair. I am here to- ugh… woo the man. I gulped down dry air and spoke.

"And what is it about my nose that captivates you so?"

"I was just thinking that it looks exactly like your mother's."

Blasted damnation! There was nothing intellectual about this man.

"I hate you so much," I muttered.

"What?"

"Never mind."

When morning came we took off immediately and as I had predicted, we arrived at the Gates of Orzammar before midday. It was a pleasant day, for the sun shining and there were but a few clouds in the sky. And although it remained chilly, it would not snow today.

We found Faryn at a booth, selling cheaply made and used goods. I was not surprised that this is where Sten's sword wound up.

"Let's get this over with quickly, yes?" I suggested to Alistair, the lightening was already forming in my right hand.

"Uh… sure," Alistair said, he wearily eyed my use of magic. I couldn't believe he was actually scared of my magic; I've only accidentally hit him a few times.

"Where is the Qunari blade?" I asked forcefully stepping closer to the man. I held my right hand in the air and played catch with my ball of lightening.

"We need the blade, now," Alistair stated, he tried to match my level of intimidation. He tried and failed. The man looked too much like the common idiot.

"I uh… I don't know what you mean," Faryn stumbled over his words, a dead give away.

"Faryn, don't lie to us. We know you have it," I said, "Besides, you wouldn't want my lightening to destroy your shop, now would you? I'm known for having accidents."

"H-how did you know my name?" Faryn asked. Idiot.

I shot some lightening into Faryn's booth. Not enough to do any real damage, just enough to scare him.

"I don't have it! I swear by Andraste's knickers! I sold it on my way here!"

I glanced at Alistair, he seemed convinced and asked, "Where did you sell it?"

"A dwarf near Redcliffe. Dwyn, I think his name was."

"If you're lying, we'll come find you," I said smirking, "And kill you."

Alistair looked at me shakily. I rolled my eyes and we started heading away from Orzammar.

"Don't you think we should check to see if Wynne and Zevran are here?" Alistair asked.

"I'm not fond of the elf or mage, besides Oghren is there as well and I am rather disturbed by him. We'd be best off by ourselves. Also this is a secret mission, yes?"

"Well, yes, but-"

"No buts, we're off to Redcliffe."

Zevran's POV

I was the first to see the Circle on the horizon and just seeing it towering there made me excited. I had butterflies in my stomach. My heart was pounding in anticipation. I would be seeing Brenner by nightfall. Rabbit whimpered beside me, he must be aware of how close his master is too. We shared a look and kept trudging forward.

Once we entered the Circle, we were immediately ushered the way of the Warden by Sten himself. Walking up the many levels of stairs, I could barely contain my enthusiasm. It was only thanks to my many years of training to be an Antivan Crow could I refrain from skipping up the steps.

I took a deep breath before walking into Brenner's room. He was laying on a white bed, his eyes focused squarely on me, but he spoke to us as a whole.

"I am glad to see everyone is well."

His eyes were so green and beautiful. I wanted to stroke his face and lay with him until he could not continue. I wanted Brenner to be a part of me. I wanted it to be just us in this room. I wanted to taste every inch of skin that Brenner would allow.

"Wynne, tell me of Zevran's injuries and recovery," Brenner said, finally tearing his eyes away from me.

"He had a sword piercing his chest. He had lost a lot of blood, and organ had been hit. I am surprised to see he still is alive. Though, I am more surprised to see that you are alive. Your injuries were much worse than Zevran's," Wynne spoke in a concerned tone.

"And his recovery process?" Brenner asked.

"He seems well enough. He was able to fight off some darkspawn and didn't seem to injure himself any further on the way over here," Wynne said.

"Very well. And Oghren? How do you like being this high off the ground?"

"Don't remind me," Oghren mumbled.

"Wynne, where is Rabbit?"

"I believe he went off with Sten," Wynne answered.

Brenner nodded, "Okay. May I have a word with the elf alone?"

The dwarf and the mage left the room, leaving me alone with the Warden. I didn't waste any time.

Above Brenner on the bed, I kissed him. His arms held me close to him. Our tongues battled. His fingers trailed through my hair. I sucked on his neck. His breathing became labored.

"I missed you," Brenner whispered.

"I know," I answered and kissed him hard on the lips.

We locked eyes for a moment. He was crying. Not bawling out tears, but still, crying?

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"I thought you might have died," Brenner said.

"I told you before, I will not die until you do."

Brenner smiled and held me to him.

Brenner's POV

"What's wrong?"

I love you.

"I thought you might have died."

I love you.

"I told you before, I will not die until you do."

I love you.

I held Zevran to me. I did not want him out of my sights; no- I didn't want him out of my grasps. Would Zevran leave if I told him I loved him? He didn't seem to be the type to fall in love. But he did love that one girl… Rinna, I think her name was. Could he love me as well?

"How are you, Brenner?" Zevran asked me.

"Better now," I said, but I wanted to say 'I love you.'

"Brenner," Zevran smiled looking down at me, "You are very beautiful."

I smiled and then it accidentally came out, "I love you."