** Warning: This Chapter Contains Explicit Sexual Material**
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The scene was out of a bizarre nightmare. Isolde and Connor stood in front of the main fireplace, and Teagan was performing acrobatics, ending in a flourish that made Connor laugh and clap his hands. Isolde looked defeated, her head bowed, and Connor looked 'unnatural', dark circles under his eyes and his skin a sickly white.
Zeva and her group walked slowly toward the family, as Teagan moved to sit at Connor's feet.
Connor looked at the party and spoke, in an inhuman voice. "So these are our visitors? The ones you told me about, mother?"
"Yes, Connor," Isolde said quietly.
"And this is the one who defeated my soldiers? The ones I sent to reclaim my village?" the demon continued, staring at Zeva.
"Yes," was all Isolde would say.
"And now it's staring at me. What is it, mother? I can't see it well enough," the Connor creature continued.
Isolde's voice was barely above a whisper. "This is a woman, Connor, just as I am."
"You lie!" Connor yelled. "This woman is nothing at all like you. Why, just look at her. Half your age and pretty, too. I'm surprised you don't order her executed in a fit of jealousy."
Turning to the party, Isolde pleaded, "Zeva, please don't hurt my son. He is not responsible for what he does. Connor did not mean to do this. It was that mage, the one who poisoned Eamon. He started all this. He summoned this demon. Connor was just trying to help his father."
"I have no intention of hurting a child," Zeva stated.
"Well, woman, you have ruined my fun by saving that stupid village," Connor said, "and I think you owe me some entertainment! I shall have my fun!" With that, the demon child ran from the room and Teagan and the Redcliffe soldiers attacked the party.
"I'll deal with Teagan!" Zeva yelled and met his assault with one of her own, parrying each of his blows and slowly backing him toward the corner of the room. He was an able fighter, but no match for her, and she easily found a weakness in his attack. As he lunged forward for another strike, she pushed his blade aside with her dagger and struck him hard in the left temple, knocking him unconscious. She then moved to help her comrades deal with the rest of the foes.
As the last of the Redcliffe soldiers fell, Teagan groaned from his place on the floor. Zeva turned to see Isolde rushing to his side and she saw red. She came up behind the Arlessa, who was bending to help Teagan up and grabbed her by the hair, yanking her up and spinning Isolde around to face her.
"You rotten, selfish BITCH! Get your filthy hands away from him!" Zeva screamed and slammed her fist into Isolde's nose, sending her flying to the floor. The room fell silent, except for the muffled cries coming from the Arlessa.
Zeva kneeled next to Teagan and pulled his head into her lap. "Teagan, are you alright?"
Teagan moaned and tried to sit up. "Yes, I am... myself again, thanks to you," he said and smiled up at her.
Zeva stood and pulled him up, helping to steady him with her arms.
Morrigan chucked softly and said quietly, "My, that is a sight, is it not? Our good Warden can be quite protective of those she cares for. I would think she deserves the same, wouldn't you say, Commander?"
Duncan stared at the scene before him, temporarily frozen in fear. If she kisses him, he thought, I think I may kill him.
Zeva pulled back from Teagan, and signaled for the rest of the group to join them. "Isolde, stand up and come over here. NOW!"
Isolde stood and slowly approached Zeva, her nose swelling where it had been broken. She opened her mouth to speak and Zeva shook her head. "No, first you will listen. All of this nightmare has been perpetrated by you. Jowan may have poisoned Eamon, but he was only in this castle because you felt it necessary to lie to your husband about Connor's magical abilities.
I am not saying that Jowan will not pay for his crimes. Should Teagan wish it, I will kill him myself this very minute. However, I believe Eamon should have the final word on his fate once he recovers.
Now, as to Connor, we need to come up with a solution to this problem. I could kill the child, as he has become an abomination, and yet I have no desire to cause further pain to this family. So, I suggest we drag that mage up from the dungeons and see if he has any suggestions."
She looked at Teagan, who was staring at her adoringly. "What say you, Teagan? Shall we bring Jowan up for questioning?"
"I will go and get him," Teagan said wearily, "but if he resists, I will not hesitate to kill him."
Zeva nodded and turned to Sten, "Sten, please accompany Bann Teagan to the dungeon. If there are any problems with the mage, see to it at once."
"Yes, Warden," Sten said and left the hall with Teagan.
"Morrigan, would you please be so kind as to set Isolde's nose?" When the witch moved to protest, Zeva smiled at her. "No, you need not heal it. Simply set it. I think Isolde should have a small taste of the pain and discomfort she has caused the people of Redcliffe.
And, Isolde," Zeva leaned closely to the Arlessa and whispered to her, "if one more innocent dies because of your ignorance and deceit, I will make sure a broken nose is the least of your worries. Do we understand each other?"
"Yes, Zeva," Isolde said quietly.
"Good," Zeva snapped, as Sten and Teagan returned with Jowan.
After questioning the mage, it was determined that there was a way to save Connor from the demon. A mage would have to enter the Fade and face the demon possessing Connor directly.
Jowan said that the ritual would require a great amount of lyrium and several mages to complete; but as he was a Blood Mage, he could undertake the ritual using the life-force of another person.
Isolde immediately offered to be the sacrifice, but Zeva refused the idea. Blood Magic was not the answer.
Duncan then suggested that they travel to the Circle of Magi to enlist the mages' aid. After all, one of the treaties was for the Circle, and the trip would only take a few days. It was agreed that Sten and Alistair would stay behind to help Jowan guard Connor and the others would set out the following morning.
o~~~~~~~~o
Jowan was sent upstairs with several of the Redcliffe Knights to keep an eye on Connor. The child had retreated to his room and appeared to be in some form of trance on his bed. Jowan assured Zeva that there were spells he could cast on the boy that would keep him docile, at least for a few days.
Teagan suggested that the party stay in the guest wing of the castle. The undead had not invaded there, and it should be safe for them. Furthermore, it would leave them close to the main hall in case any further attacks came from Connor.
After having dinner and cleaning her armor, Zeva began patrolling the halls of the castle, looking for any missed undead. She found a locket in a drawer in Eamon's study, closely resembling the one Alistair said he had destroyed when he was sent to the Chantry. Alistair will want to see this, she thought, and pocketed the necklace, planning to give it to her fellow Grey Warden the following morning.
She strolled down the hallway, intending to return to her room, when she heard hushed voices coming from the Great Hall. She approached the room cautiously, her knives drawn. She could tell one of the voices was Isolde's, but the other... Maker, was that Duncan?
Zeva crept closer and stood just outside the door, where she would remain unseen.
"She is completely out of control!" Isolde said excitedly. "Look at my face! She broke my nose! Is this what you teach your Grey Wardens to do?"
Duncan replied in a calm tone. "Lady Isolde, Zeva was very upset from having fought Bann Teagan. She did not wish to endanger his life, and the thought that she had caused him harm made her irrational."
IRRATIONAL! Zeva thought, her blood boiling. How dare he give that selfish bitch excuses for her!
"Thank you for your kind words, Warden Commander," Isolde said softly, her voice breaking slightly. "Your concern for my family is touching. This situation has been very difficult for me. It has been so very lonely."
Wait! I recognize that tone! That was the tone that Isolde always used when flirting with the noblemen at the Landsmeet. Was she trying to seduce Duncan? Zeva fumed. I will kill her with my bare hands.
Zeva turned the corner and saw Isolde throw herself onto Duncan and begin crying on his chest. The Warden Commander hesitated a moment and then placed his arms carefully around Isolde, patting her back to calm her.
What do I do? Zeva thought, her heart racing. Do I interrupt or just walk away? She watched the scene in shocked silence. After everything they had been through, would Duncan really fall for this shameless, self-centered harlot?
She turned slowly to leave the room and heard Duncan's voice behind her, "Zeva?"
She paused for only a moment, body shaking, her eyes filling with tears. Then she straightened her shoulders and walked from the room, refusing to look back.
She was already in the courtyard before she heard the sound of running footsteps behind her. Suddenly she felt strong arms wrap themselves around her and hold her in place.
Duncan slowly turned her to face him and saw the tears begin to flow down her face. "Zeva," he began, "whatever you think you may have seen in the Great Hall, it was nothing intimate, I swear to you."
She pushed him away and wiped the tears from her eyes angrily. "You know what, Duncan, it doesn't really matter anymore what was happening in that room."
He felt his heart constrict painfully, and he stared at her, his mouth falling open. "Zeva, what are you saying?"
She clenched her fists at her sides, feeling the anger begin to rise. "What I am saying, Duncan, is that I heard your little conversation with Isolde. I heard you call my actions irrational," she spat at him.
"How dare you even begin to speak for me?" Zeva yelled. "And to that murdering bitch, of all people. Because of that woman, untold numbers of villagers are dead! She could have caused the deaths of our companions! She may yet bring about the death of her husband and son. And you would defend me to her!"
"Zeva," Duncan said calmly, trying his best to appease her and get her to listen to him, "I agree with you that Isolde has caused these problems and she will be the one to ultimately pay for it. I personally guarantee to tell Eamon what has occurred when and if we are able to save him. However, that does not make it acceptable for a Grey Warden to strike a noblewoman. There are times when you have to keep control of your emotions."
"Maker, not this crap again!" Zeva cried and began to pace before him. "I have heard all of this too many times from you, Duncan. I grow very weary of being told when I can feel and when I can't! Especially from you - who can't seem to control your anger whenever any man, anywhere looks at me in some way you don't approve of!
It must be wonderful being you! To be in control of everything, all of the time. To never need to really feel anything deeply, because you can always hide behind your 'duty' as a Grey Warden. You know, when I first saw you, I was sure that you were the type of man who would do anything to have what he wanted. Now I don't think I even know who you are."
"Zeva, please, listen to me.." Duncan began, but she cut him off.
"No, you know what? I am done listening to you. I was sure of my feelings for you, and that wasn't good enough. And I will no longer be dangled on some line while the Great Warden Commander decides to be a man. I think it's high time I made some decisions of my own. Goodnight Duncan. You had best get some sleep as tomorrow will be a long day."
Zeva turned and walked away. Duncan started after her, "Zeva.." he said, his heart breaking.
"Do not follow me, Duncan. I need to think," Zeva said over her shoulder, never looking back.
From her balcony on the second floor overlooking the courtyard, Morrigan watched and smiled. Now to find Bann Teagan, she thought, a wicked gleam in her eye.
o~~~~~~~~o
There was a pond on the Redcliffe Castle grounds known only to the Guerrins. Zeva was privy to its location from her teenagers years spent with the members of the family. It had been her favorite hiding spot when she needed time alone. It had clear blue water and the most beautiful rock formations along the bank, some large enough to lie upon. It backed up to a tall cliff, and a waterfall flowed endlessly into its depths.
As teenagers, she, Fergus and Teagan had go there to swim and bask in the sun, away from the prying eyes of the castle staff. Those days had been some of the happiest that Zeva had known, aside from her time with Nate.
Now she returned to her hiding place, needing some distance to clear her mind. She was bone tired, from crying and fighting and feeling too much. She needed some peace, somewhere she could just let go and feel free again. So she carefully approached the lake and began removing her armor.
o~~~~~~~~o
Morrigan moved silently through the castle, looking for Teagan. He had said he had work to do, and she assumed he would be patrolling the families quarters.
She had witnessed the exchange between Zeva and Duncan and had felt a strange sense of pride. She had felt a kinship to the Warden almost as soon as they had met. Zeva was so much like herself, so full of fire and strength, with a lust for life. Morrigan could respect that.
Her only flaw was her affection for that controlling Warden Commander, Duncan. Morrigan had taken an instant dislike to the man, for the way he had treated the Warden at their reunion. No true man should behave that way with the woman he supposedly loves.
She was hardly surprised, though. Most men had less than a phial full of brains in their entire head. And none knew how to appreciate a strong female. But, even with all their flaws, men did have their uses...
She found Bann Teagan in his brother's study. He was sitting at the desk, working on the castle's books. She approached him and he looked up, smiling as he saw her.
"Morrigan, right? May I help you with something?" Teagan said cordially.
"'Tis not I who needs help, Bann Teagan, but Zeva," Morrigan replied.
Teagan rose from the desk quickly. "Zeva? Where is she? Is she alright?" he said, panic in his voice.
"She is physically uninjured, if that is your question. Her life is in no danger. Her heart, however..." Morrigan let the last of the statement drop away.
Teagan cocked an eyebrow, and sat back down in his chair. "Maybe you should explain what you mean, Miss," he said.
Morrigan sat in the chair opposite and told him everything she had witnessed since the Warden Commander and Zeva had been reunited. She could see the pain in his eyes as he realized Zeva's feelings for Duncan; however, pain quickly changed to anger as she recounted the details of their fight earlier that evening.
"Idiot!" Teagan spoke furiously. "To have such a woman as Zeva and then turn your back on her! If I were in his place..." he began, then stopped, remembering he was not alone.
"That would be my point, Teagan," Morrigan said emphatically. "The Warden Commander is clearly unworthy of Zeva's affections. You, however, have proven to be a true and loyal friend, and possibly much more. Zeva needs someone who will put her above all else. And, that, I believe, is you."
She saw the flash of joy in his eyes, before he regained control of his emotions. "Why exactly are you telling me all of this? Is there something you hope to gain from it?" he said suspiciously.
Morrigan smiled coldly. "I have nothing to gain but my own life. You see, the battle ahead will be long and arduous; of that I have no doubt. Our best hope of survival is Zeva. Duncan may be the Warden Commander, but 'tis Zeva who our companions seem to follow. She alone has the strength to reunite the lands against this Blight.
She cannot do this, however, if her feelings are in constant turmoil. She needs someone who can stand by her, whose affections she can rely on. I believe that to be you. Perhaps I was wrong, however," Morrigan said and rose to leave.
"No!" Teagan said quickly, "Don't go. You are right in your assumptions. I have loved Zeva since I first saw her at her father's estate and I had hopes that she would accept me as her husband. Regardless of what the future may hold, I do not wish to see her hurt. Tell me where she is and I will go to her."
Morrigan smiled and replied, "Well, that is the problem, Teagan. After her altercation with Duncan, she headed into the woods next to the estate. I have no idea where she may have gone."
Teagan rose from his chair and grinned broadly. "If she has gone into the woods, I know exactly where to find her. Thank you, Morrigan. I won't forget this."
Morrigan smiled and replied simply, "'Twas my pleasure, Bann Teagan, I assure you." With that, the mage left the study, humming softly to herself.
o~~~~~~~~o
Teagan left the castle and headed into the woods, his thoughts a blur. She had chosen the Warden Commander! Damn him to the Black City!
This wasn't the first time Teagan had been passed over by Zeva. He had been aware that her first choice of husband had been Howe's son, Nathaniel. He had seen the two of them together many times, and knew how they felt for each other.
Then Nate had suddenly left for the Free Marches and Teagan had seen his opportunity to win her affections. Eamon and Bryce were close friends, and Zeva spent much of her time in Redcliffe. They had slowly grown closer and he had been sure she would accept him when he next spoke to her father.
Teagan had been devastated at the news of the attack on Highever. No one knew if any of the family had survived, and Teagan had sent several men to look for news of Zeva. When they didn't return, he feared the worse.
Now she was back, but she still wasn't his. She wanted Duncan. Well, he would be damned if he would step aside this time - not without a fight.
He entered the clearing next to the lake and froze. Before him was a sight which stopped his heart.
She was standing beneath the waterfall, letting the water run over her perfect body. He stared in wonder at the rivulets that ran down from her wondrous full breasts to the patch of moistened hair covering her sex.
She was running her hands through her hair, eyes closed. He felt himself stiffen as he never had before when she moved her hands down her over her breasts and cupped them tightly, pinching her nipples between her fingers. One hand moved lower, fingers entering her folds and moving purposefully. After several minutes, she threw her head back and cried out. He stood there, eyes open wide, mouth ajar. Maker, he thought, blood stirring lazily in his veins, surely there was no more magnificent creature anywhere in the world.
His gaze moved to her face and he found himself staring into her eyes, her expression one of pure surprise. What to do now? he wondered in terror. Should I leave? What must she think of me, a perverted lecher watching a woman while she pleasures herself.
Before he could decide his next move, her expression changed. A coy smile spread across her lips and she dove into the water, slowly swimming towards him. He moved to the edge of the lake and looked down as she approached the shore. She surfaced at his feet and smiled up at him.
"Naughty, naughty boy aren't we, Teagan? Observing me in a most intimate situation without my knowledge. Whatever shall I do with you?" she said, her voice dripping with desire.
"Zeva...I am so sorry. That was completely inappropriate of me. I..." Teagan began, and Zeva laughed heartily, breaking his concentration.
"Teagan, really, no need to apologize. I am not angry. In fact," she said, glancing up at his breeches, "I find it very arousing. However, I seem to be at quite the disadvantage. You are fully clothed, while I am not. I think the only way for me to forgive your transgressions would be for you to join me."
Teagan stared down at her in shock. Was she really inviting him to join her? Before he could respond, she giggled and began swimming toward the waterfall on her back, breasts rising above the water.
She stopped halfway to her destination and called, "you had best hurry, Teagan. You know I am more than capable of starting without you."
Without another word, Teagan pulled off his clothes and dove in after her, laughing joyously.
By the time he reached the cave behind the waterfall, Zeva had already climbed out and was lying on the ground on her side, waiting for him. They had discovered this cave as teens, and Zeva, Teagan and Fergus had furnished it for their own comfort. Bed rolls were strewn about the floor, as well as clean shirts, towels and blankets. Teagan hadn't been back here in quite some time, and as he walked in he was flooded with memories of the wonderful times they had spent here.
He approached Zeva and lay down on the ground at her side, his eyes roaming over her voluptuous curves. He was almost afraid to touch her for fear she would disappear. He had dreamed of this moment so many times, and he could barely believe it was real.
"Teagan.." Zeva whispered as she reached out and pulled him to her, her lips brushing his.
At his first contact with her skin, he felt the blood begin to rush through his body and he grabbed her to him, furiously kissing her, thrusting his tongue between her lips, groaning loudly.
He rolled her onto her back and brought his full weight upon her, parting her legs and settling between them.
Zeva returned his passion with her own, grabbing his hair and pulling his head back, biting a trail along his neck and following up with soft licks. She wanted this so badly. She was desperate to feel wanted and loved, if only for one night.
Teagan growled into her hair and pulled his face back, looking down at her. She was panting heavily and he could feel the heat streaming off her body. "Such impatience, Milady," he said lustily. "I think we need to slow down a bit, don't you? I have been waiting for this moment forever and I intend on making it last as long as possible."
He bent down and gently tugged her bottom lip between his teeth, gazing into her eyes passionately. He began trailing kisses down her neck and across her shoulders, moving lower until her reached her breasts. He gasped at how beautiful they were, and dipped his head, pulling a taut nipple into his mouth and running his tongue around it.
Zeva began moaning softly and reached up, running her hands through his hair. "Oh, Teagan, yes," she gasped, pulling his head closer to her. Each touch of his tongue sent shockwaves of passion through her, moistening her further. She could feel the warm fluid dripping from her to pool beneath them.
He lavished attention on both of her breasts and then moved lower, each kiss burning her flesh, making her moan and writhe beneath him. She knew never before had she been this excited, this acutely aware of every nerve in her body. She felt sure she would explode if he didn't enter her soon.
Teagan could feel her passion building as her muscles twitched beneath his fingers and he smiled wickedly. He would make sure that this night would be one she would never forget. The Warden Commander would never make her feel as good as he would - Teagan would make sure of that.
He moved between her legs and gasped as he saw the juices flowing from her. He leaned in and gently stroked his tongue over her lips, causing her to cry out and squirm beneath his hands. He held her hips firmly in place and teased her, sliding his tongue in and out of the folds of her sex.
Zeva wove her hands into his hair and tried to push him closer to her throbbing nub, but he resisted, chuckling softly.
"Patience, my love," he purred against her thigh and bit roughly into it, making her shout out in ecstasy.
Teagan parted her lips and gazed at her quivering sex. He knew her body was desperate for him and it made him harder than he ever thought possible. He blew gently on her, making her whimper and squirm.
Zeva pulled harder on his hair and whined, "Please, Teagan. I have never needed anything as much as I need you now!"
Her words igniting his passion once again, he plunged his tongue inside her, bringing his hand up to gently pinch and roll her clit between his fingers.
In mere moments, he felt her walls begin to throb around his tongue and she threw her head back and screamed his name into the night. She arched her back dramatically and he moved his hand to her stomach, riding out her orgasm with her.
When she finally stopped shaking, he moved up to lie next to her and kissed her gently. She gazed at him through deeply hooded eyes and smiled weakly.
"That was the most intense thing I have ever felt. Maker, you are amazing!" Zeva spoke, her voice husky. She slid her hand down his chest and stomach, and grasped his erection, rubbing her thumb over his engorged head. "Now, my handsome lover, whatever shall we do for you?"
Teagan pulled away and stood up, offering her his hand. "Come with me, Zeva."
She looked at him suspiciously, but took his hand and allowed him to pull her up. He moved back toward the waterfall, bringing her with him. Once outside, he slid into the water.
"Teagan, where are you going? Aren't you forgetting something?" Zeva asked, chuckling softly.
"Come here, woman!" Teagan said, laughing, as Zeva slid into the water behind him. They swam to the far side of the lake, stopping in front of an outcropping of rocks.
Teagan sat on a low rock, the water rising to his chest. "Zeva, I want you here, now, in the open, under the stars."
She felt a warm shiver flow through her body and swam to him, climbed onto his lap and wrapped her legs around his waist. "Whatever you desire, Teagan."
He pulled his lips to hers and kissed her gently. He positioned himself under her opening and said, in a voice filled with emotion, "I desire only you, Zeva. Only you." Gazing deeply into her eyes, he pulled her down onto him, filling her in one thrust.
"Maker, Teagan!" Zeva cried as she tossed her head back and closed her eyes, reveling in the feel of him inside her. She reached behind her, bracing herself on his knees and began to rock her hips, pulling him deeper.
Teagan moaned and leaned forward, kissing his way down her neck and sucking gently on her breasts, which floated on the surface of the lake.
The water flowing around their bodies enhanced their union, swirling about the couple, creating suction where they were joined.
Teagan's hands were tight on Zeva's hips as he plunged into her again and again, feeling the pressure building in his loins.
"Yes, faster!" Zeva yelled as she wrapped her arms around his neck and held him tightly, her ecstasy building. She could feel him swelling within her and rocked her hips harder.
"Maker, Zeva, you feel so good!" Teagan exclaimed, holding her hips tighter, leaving bruises.
She crushed Teagan's lips to her own for one last arduous kiss as they reached the pinnacle of their passion together.
Zeva laid her head on Teagan's shoulder as her heartbeat slowed. She never wanted to leave this lake, this moment in time. She heard Teagan whisper, "stay with me tonight, Zeva," and she nodded. They swam back to the cave and climbed inside. They curled under blankets on the bedrolls and slept in each others' arms, peaceful and safe, locked away from the world.
o~~~~~~~~o
Outside the town of Redcliffe, shadows stirred. Zevran Arainai was speaking to the group he hired for his current mission.
"The objective is the capture of the female Grey Warden. Under no circumstances is she to be killed. I know it may be necessary to render her unconscious, and that is acceptable with the client. Our scout indicated that there are seven members in the party: two human male wardens, a human female mage, a red-headed human female fighter, a Qunari, a Mabari and the Warden we seek. She has been described as tall with black hair. The scout reported seeing activity at the castle indicative of the Wardens leaving in the morning.
Now rest up, everyone. Tomorrow, we meet the Grey Wardens."