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Zeva awoke with a start, having had yet another darkspawn-filled dream. They didn't terrify her as they had in the beginning; nevertheless, they were quite disturbing. It was still dark outside, but the smallest sliver of light had begun to penetrate the cave.
She turned over on the bedroll and gazed at Teagan's sleeping face. He looked so peaceful and her heart ached as reality struck her. Maker, she thought, what have I done?
She didn't feel guilty about having given herself to Teagan. Duncan had made it quite clear that he wasn't ready to commit to a relationship, if what they had could even be called that, and she had urgently needed to feel desired again.
However, she knew that Teagan had real feelings for her; feelings which, try as she might, she could not return. Not now, at least. There was still the Blight to stop and she still cared for Duncan, no matter how angry he had made her. She only hoped Teagan would give her the space she so desperately needed.
Zeva was so wrapped in her own thoughts that she didn't realize Teagan had woken up and was staring at her until he spoke. "Good morning, beautiful lady," he said quietly and smiled at her, leaning over to kiss her gently on the lips.
Zeva snuggled up next to him and rested her head on his chest. "Good morning to you, handsome. Did you sleep well?"
"I slept wonderfully, though my dreams were filled with visions of a certain exquisite young woman of my acquaintance," he said and held her tightly against him, running his fingers through her hair.
They lay in each other's embrace, listening to the water cascading down outside the cave. Zeva wanted to stay, secluded and safe, but knew that she couldn't. Slowly she pulled away and sat up. "Damn," she murmured, "we should get back to the castle before everyone else rises."
Teagan sat up and reached for her, pulling her back into his arms. "Not yet, Zeva. We need to talk."
Oh no, she thought, here we go. She turned to face Teagan, and saw the sober expression on his face. "I know, Teagan. Let me explain myself. I'm aware that last night was somewhat impetuous, but I have no regrets. I wanted to be with you and I will never be sorry for that. I don't know what the future will hold for us, but..."
"Zeva," Teagan interrupted, placing a finger to her lips. "Let me speak, please. I know about your relationship with the Warden Commander." He smiled when Zeva's eyes opened wide. "I am no fool, and I could sense that there is more to your relationship than the two of you being just fellow Grey Wardens. He has made himself quite clear on that subject." Teagan felt it best to leave his conversation with Morrigan a secret. He might need an ally eventually and Zeva seemed to trust the witch.
"I have no illusions about last night," he continued. "Whatever may happen in the next few months, I will treasure the memory of being in your arms forever. And I know, deep inside, that you felt something, as well. I could see it in your eyes and feel it in every touch of your hands."
Teagan pulled her closer and kissed her gently. "I love you, Zeva Cousland. I have loved you for many years and I will love you always. Nothing will ever change that. I know that you cannot respond in kind right now and I accept that. I will not ask it of you. I only ask that you give me a chance to win your heart. Please don't shut me out."
Her heart filled with conflicting emotions, Zeva stared at Teagan. Here was a man who would love her always, and yet all she could think of was Duncan. What in the Maker's name will I do now? she wondered. Suddenly Teagan's words penetrated her mind. He isn't making me choose, she realized. He wants me to take the time to decide.
And decide she would. But not now, not today. There was a tremendous battle ahead, starting with rescuing Connor and Eamon. She needed to focus on the task at hand. There would be time for the big decisions later. As for this moment...
Zeva smiled and ran her fingers down Teagan's cheek. "I promise I will think on everything you have said, Teagan," she said gently. "Thank you for understanding. We both have much to accomplish in a very short period of time. However," she added, and her smile turned seductive, "I think we still have a little time before we need to go back, don't you?"
Teagan laughed and pushed her onto the bedroll, climbing atop her and gazing deeply into her eyes. "Without a doubt, my dearest Zeva. And I have the perfect way to spend that time." With a low chuckle, Teagan captured her lips with his, and once more proved his love to her.
o~~~~~~~~o
Duncan arose from a fitful night of sleep. After his quarrel with Zeva, he had returned to his room and spent the next several hours pacing the floors, waiting for some sign that she had returned to the castle. He wanted desperately to go out searching for her, but knew it would only make things worse. She had asked to be left alone, and he would honor her request.
When he finally went to bed, his mind had been plagued with memories of the fight. '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.' Had she really meant she no longer cared for him? He couldn't believe that to be true. He refused to accept that she could just turn away, even after everything that had happened; the way he had treated her.
He knew without a doubt that this was all his fault. He had been so determined to remain the Warden Commander, the one in charge who never allowed his emotions to control him. Now he may have lost the one thing he was fighting so hard to protect.
Duncan was in no way a man to be ruled by his feelings. He had never felt for any woman the way he felt for Zeva. This scared him far more than any darkspawn could. He knew he needed to tell her everything, share his emotions with her, but he just couldn't seem to let go. Soon, he swore silently. I promise you, Zeva, I will tell you everything soon. Just don't give up on me.
With a deep sigh, he climbed from the bed and began to pack his belongings. They needed to leave as soon as possible. He was anxious to put Redcliffe far behind he and Zeva - if only for awhile.
o~~~~~~~~o
Alistair greeted Duncan as he entered the dining hall. "Morning, Duncan!" he called. "Come and have some food before you leave."
Duncan crossed the room and sat down at the table next to his fellow Warden. Alistair asked, "Have you seen Zeva this morning? No one seems to know where she is."
As Duncan opened his mouth to respond, soft laughter could be heard drifting in from the hallway. Teagan and Zeva entered together, deep in conversation.
Morrigan spoke happily, a wicked glint in her eye, "My, my, my, doesn't she look happy? Must have had a good night's sleep," she teased, "or a poor one."
"Good morning, everyone," Zeva smiled broadly as she and Teagan sat down and filled their plates with food.
Leliana spoke up cheerily, "Good morning, Zeva! You look refreshed today."
Zeva laughed and replied, "Thank you, Leli. I do feel better today. Must be something in the water."
Morrigan's smile widened as she saw the blush creep up Teagan's face. "So, I assume you have packed your bags and are ready to leave, Warden?" she asked.
"Yes, I have. We need to get moving as soon as we have all eaten," Zeva said.
"Zeva, may I speak to you please?" Isolde said sheepishly as she entered the hall. The Arlessa looked terrible, her nose swollen and both of her eyes blackened. Zeva couldn't help but smile as the sight.
"Of course, Isolde. What can I do for you?" she inquired pleasantly.
"It's in regards to the Urn of Sacred Ashes that the knights have been searching for." Isolde said, her voice regaining some of its strength.
Zeva rose from the table, Teagan following her closely. "I meant to ask you about this before we left," she said. "I know you sent the knights away in search of the Urn to cure Eamon. What made you believe they could even find it?"
"We had a scholar residing in the castle for awhile. His name was Brother Genitivi. He had done a great deal of research into the Urn and was sure he could locate it," Isolde explained. "When Eamon fell ill and no amount of healing from our mages would cure him, I sent the knights in search of Genitivi."
"Where does this Brother Genitivi live, Isolde? If there is a chance we can use the Urn to help Eamon, I will seek it out," Zeva said resolutely.
Duncan rose and joined Zeva, his eyes darkening. "Zeva, our first priority should be Connor, don't you think?"
"Of course I do, Duncan," Zeva replied. "However, we need Eamon's help, wouldn't you agree? So eventually we will need to seek the Urn." At Duncan's nod, she turned her attention back to Isolde.
Isolde's eyes brightened, "Maker be praised! Thank you both!" the Arlessa exclaimed. "Genitivi resides in Denerim. Please find the Urn and cure my husband!"
Zeva nodded and turned to Duncan."I think we should get moving now, don't you Commander? The Tower is a day's journey from here, and Jowan can only control Connor for so long."
Duncan nodded in agreement, though his eyes were currently locked with Teagan's. The man was standing much too close to Zeva for Duncan's comfort. There was also something new in his gaze, some determination that the Warden hadn't seen before. What had changed to make the Bann seem so confident? he wondered nervously.
Zeva walked away from the two men and called to her fellow Warden, "Alistair, may I see you outside for a moment, please?"
"Of course," he replied quickly and followed her from the room.
Once they were away from the others, Zeva turned and smiled at Alistair. "I found this last night while making the rounds of the lower floor," she said and held out the amulet she had discovered. "I thought you would want to have it."
Alistair took the amulet and examined it gingerly, a look of surprise crossing his face. "This is my mother's amulet. And it's not broken. Where did you find it?" he asked quietly.
"In Eamon's study," she said and smiled broadly. "It appears he fixed it and saved it for you. Perhaps you were more important to him than you believed?"
Alistair's eyes met hers and he smiled warmly. "You remembered about the amulet from the conversation we had?" he asked in a shocked tone. "Wow! I am used to people not listening to me when I speak."
"Well, if they don't listen, they are idiots!" Zeva said indignantly. "You are my friend and a wonderful person, Alistair. Anyone who does not see that is not worth your time, understand?"
Alistair nodded, a sheepish grin on his face. "Yes, ma'am!" he replied and laughed heartily. "By the way, remind me never to make you angry. Isolde's broken nose looks quite painful!"
"Well, I don't regret a thing. After the inexcusable way she treated you, and the horrible things she allowed to happen here in Redcliffe, she is lucky a broken nose is all she suffered from me," Zeva stated angrily. "And don't think for one moment that Eamon isn't going to hear about this all once he recovers." Seeing the pained look cross Alistair's face, she added, grasping his hand in her own, "and he WILL recover, Alistair. I will see to it personally. Now, come on, we need to get moving." She turned and strolled back into the dining hall, leaving Alistair to gaze longingly at her retreating form.
o~~~~~~~~o
The party assembled in the courtyard, ready to depart. Zeva had gone to her room to retrieve her belongings and turned to see Teagan standing in the doorway, a concerned look on his face. He crossed the floor and pulled her into his arms, kissing her gently.
"Please be careful on your journey, Zeva," he said quietly. "I couldn't bear it if something happened to you now."
"I will, Teagan, I promise," she said and softly caressed his face. "You need to be careful, as well. If we believe Jowan, he can control Connor to a point. But it will take us several days to return and you will all be in danger until we bring the mages back with us. I know this will be hard for you, but you must be ready to kill Connor should the need arise. Alistair and Sten will be staying to provide support in the event of an emergency."
Teagan's face darkened, and he nodded slowly. "I know what may need to be done, and I will see to it if it comes to that," he said. "Hopefully you will return long before that need arises."
He kissed her once more and pulled her into a tight embrace, resting his head on her shoulder. "Remember what I said this morning, Zeva. I will wait for you and I love you," he whispered tenderly.
They heard a soft cough from the doorway and turned to see Morrigan standing there, smiling. "'Tis time to go, Zeva."
Zeva moved from Teagan's embrace. "Of course," she said and held Teagan's gaze a moment before she headed from the room.
As Teagan moved to follow her, Morrigan stopped him. "I will watch over her," the witch promised, and Teagan nodded gratefully.
The trio rejoined the group in the courtyard. Duncan stared heatedly at Teagan, who returned his gaze, a smile playing upon his lips. Enjoy your momentary victory, Bann Teagan, Duncan thought angrily. She is leaving with me, and I will wipe you from her memory. I swear it.
Duncan approached Alistair and Sten. "Be careful, both of you," he said quietly. "And do what must be done, should the demon inside Connor gain control."
Sten nodded sternly, "Do not worry. I will not allow the abomination to injure anyone else."
The companions said their goodbyes and headed for the main gate. Suddenly, Teagan called from behind them. "Zeva, wait!"
The Warden turned to Teagan and walked back to where he stood, apart from Alistair and Sten. Duncan clenched his fists at his sides, jealousy boiling inside him. Teagan reached into his tunic pocket and removed a small pouch. He handed it to Zeva.
"Please take this with you, for luck," he said. Zeva opened the pouch and a necklace fell into her palm, a horse head pendant hanging from a silver chain. She gazed up at Teagan, and her mouth dropped open.
"Teagan, I cannot take this," she said quietly, "this belonged to your mother, did it not? I remember her wearing it. She loved her horses."
"Yes, it did," he confirmed. "Before she died, she gave it to me and made me promise I would gift it to someone special to me. It would ease my mind greatly if you would accept it."
"But Teagan," Zeva began, "I..."
He shook his head, stilling her."There are no promises attached to this, save for the one you gave me earlier today to allow me a chance to make you mine. Just take it, please. No matter what happens, it belongs to you."
Zeva nodded slowly and smiled at him. She placed the chain around her neck and the pendant settled between her breasts. "I will keep it safe, I promise," she said softly.
"Just keep yourself safe, my Zeva," he said and kissed her hand gently.
Zeva returned to her companions and glanced at Duncan, seeing the pain evident in his eyes. "Shall we go?" she asked, and he nodded mutely, unable to speak. The party left the village and headed around the lake toward the Circle.
o~~~~~~~o
The group had travelled for over an hour when they were stopped by a desperate bystander. The young blond woman ran up to Duncan and cried, "Please help us! Our caravan has been attacked. I can take you to the injured." Without waiting for a reply, the distraught woman turned and ran down a rocky path.
Duncan looked at Zeva, whose face mirrored his own concern. "Did that seem odd to you?" he asked, and she nodded.
"Not that I don't want to help, but I have a very bad feeling about this," Zeva replied. "Maybe we should split up?"
Duncan readily agreed. "I will take Nihlus and Leliana with me and we will follow the caravan owner. You and Morrigan should head up that slope there," he said and pointed to the nearby rise, "and circle the caravan to the back. Hopefully this isn't a trap, but we should be cautious, especially since we know Loghain has eyes on Redcliffe."
Morrigan shifted to wolf form and followed Zeva up the rock face, while Duncan, Leliana and Nihlus headed down the path. It didn't take them long to locate the caravan. The female traveler had slowed her pace and walked calmly to the overturned cart, stopping before a concealed figure and nodding.
The second figure moved into view, an arrogant look on his face. He was an elf, darkly tanned with shoulder length blond hair and tattoos resembling claw marks swooping down the left side of his handsome face. His eyes scanned the three companions, before he inclined his head toward them and motioned with his right hand.
Suddenly, the path was alive with movement, as Duncan, Leliana and Nihlus found themselves surrounded by archers on both sides. Still more attackers moved from behind the cart with swords drawn. Duncan heard a loud crack to his left and looked up just in time to see a tree trunk rushing toward his head.
"Watch out!" he yelled to Leliana and jumped to the side, grabbing the bard and taking her with him, barely avoiding the falling tree.
"The Grey Wardens die here!" the elf yelled and drew his own daggers, rushing toward the fallen Warden.
The attackers had hardly moved when the air became deathly cold and they found themselves enveloped by a blizzard, most frozen temporarily in place. Zeva and Morrigan rushed out from behind a group of archers and Zeva's blades whirled through the air, killing frozen mercenaries as she sped toward Duncan's location.
Morrigan concentrated her attacks toward the archers on the opposite hillside, alternating between fire and ice spells.
Suddenly, Morrigan heard Zeva's yell above the din of the fighting. "Morrigan, stop that bitch now!"
Looking over the battlefield, Morrigan saw the blond traveler who had led them into the trap approaching Duncan from behind as he was fighting with another mercenary. She was only a few feet away when the mage cast Waking Nightmare, paralyzing the woman and allowing Zeva time to carve through the last of her opponents and reach her.
With a quick slice of her dual blades, the Warden deftly removed the woman's head from her torso. As it landed on the ground, Zeva kicked it, sending it spinning through the air, landing at the feet of the elven mercenary leader, who was just recovering from the Blizzard spell.
The elf looked down at the disembodied head and then quickly raised his eyes, seeing the Warden for the first time. No, it can't be! he thought in shock. Stalking across the dead bodies toward him was the beautiful woman from the painting in the Great Hall of Highever Castle.
Her hair streamed down over her shoulders and fell to her waist. The Dalish armor she wore was covered in blood and clung to her every curve. She wielded two daggers and was spinning them both in his direction, moving intently toward him. But it was her face which held him enraptured.
Her eyes were vibrant with light, twin pools of intense blue fury. Her gaze never wavered from his and he could see death in the sapphire depths; his death, and that of anyone else who would dare to interfere with her plans. In that one moment, he understood Howe's obsession with this woman. She was flawless; the perfect combination of violence and sexuality.
Yes, he thought, death at her hands would be glorious. He would finally be at peace. He lowered his weapons and prepared for his end. Just as she reached him, however, he was struck hard from behind and fell unconscious to the ground, still staring into the exquisite Warden's eyes.
o~~~~~~~~o
Zevran's eyes slowly opened and he groaned loudly. His head throbbed with pain, and it took several moments for his vision to clear.
Once it did, he found himself looking up at the dark-haired mage his scout had reported seeing. She smiled slightly and called over her shoulder, "Zeva! Our guest has awoken!"
Zevran tried to move his arms and legs, only to find that he had been bound tightly. "You should not bother," the mage laughed softly. "The Warden Commander has tied you extremely well. You will only hurt yourself should you continue struggling.
And you owe your life to Zeva, you know. Duncan was already preparing to finish you when she stepped in and stopped him. That did not make you very popular with the Warden Commander, though, I must warn you. He is extremely protective of her. 'Tis a fact I find most annoying, myself.
Ahhh," she intoned. "Here they come now."
Zevran looked past the mage to see both Wardens approaching him, along with the bard and a Mabari hound, his teeth bared and his ears plastered to his head.
What is going on here? Zevran thought as he recognized the man approaching him. I thought we killed him in Highever! That poison had always worked before. How could he be alive?
The beautiful Grey Warden stopped before him and crossed her arms over her chest, watching him closely. Finally, she spoke and her voice sent shivers up Zevran's spine.
"Well, it appears as though you are finally awake. My companions and I have some questions for you and I would advise you to answer them all without fail, as your life depends on it," she said calmly.
He nodded to her and she continued. "I assume you were sent to kill us, as you were far too well armed for a simple group of bandits. Am I correct?" she asked.
"Actually, the answer would be yes and no, my dear Grey Warden," he said and smiled wryly. He saw the man's jaw clench at the familiarity with which he addressed the woman. "If you will allow me, I shall explain who I am and why I am here."
The Warden paused for a moment and then spoke, a slight smile playing across her lips. "Fine, let us all be civil, then. My name is Zeva Cousland and I am a Grey Warden. This I assume you know. The man next to me is Duncan, Warden Commander of Ferelden. The mage before you is Morrigan, and this is Leliana, former lay sister of the Chantry in Lothering. Finally, this," she said and motioned to the Mabari, "is Nihlus. I'm afraid he isn't very fond of you."
"That I can see, my dear. My name is Zevran Arainai and I am a member of the Antivan Crows, brought to Ferelden for the sole purpose of slaying any remaining Grey Wardens. Well, all but one, that is," he added, and saw her raise her eyebrow, then exchange a glance with the Commander.
"Antivan Crows?" Leliana asked. "They are an order of assassins out of Antiva. Very powerful. If they were hired to slay the Wardens, someone paid a large sum to ensure your deaths. Loghain, perhaps?"
"Truly, the facts are these. I was hired by a rather sinister man named Rendon Howe to capture a female Grey Warden, and kill all those who accompany her," Zevran explained. "By the description, I see that you are the lovely Warden I was to kidnap, while your comrades were to be executed."
"So, how much were you paid to kidnap me?" Zeva questioned angrily.
Zevran sighed heavily, "I was not paid a thing. You see, I was purchased by the Antivan Crows as a child for three sovereigns, which I hear is a good price. They raised me and trained me to be an assassin. So, I work for them while they receive the money. And they were paid quite handsomely for this job." He noted the sadness which flashed in Zeva's eyes and his stomach lurched uncomfortably.
Duncan stepped closer, his eyes glittering dangerously. "Where were you to take Warden Cousland once you captured her?" he demanded. Zevran knew the use of Zeva's formal title was an attempt to keep him from being too familiar with her. The assassin inwardly smiled, recognizing how jealous the Warden Commander seemed to be of him. Oh, this could be fun after all, he thought wickedly.
Staring intently at Duncan, Zevran answered, "Howe said I was to bring Zeva to his castle in Denerim." He emphasized the Warden's name to further infuriate the Commander. He saw the man clench his fists, while the mage smiled broadly, clearly pleased with Duncan's discomfort.
"Wonderful," Zeva said sarcastically and ran her fingers through her long, flowing hair. "And now that you have failed in your task - what can I expect?"
"Well, having seen how obsessed this Howe is with you, my Grey Warden, there is no doubt in my mind that he will send someone else to complete my mission," Zevran stated bluntly.
"However," Zevran continued and flashed Zeva his warmest smile, "should your questioning be done, we could discuss a mutually beneficial arrangement."
"I cannot imagine anything you would have to say that we would want to hear," Duncan said angrily. He was getting anxious to be rid of this elf. Something in the way he looked at Zeva made Duncan extremely uncomfortable. Worse still, Zeva seemed to be interested in what the assassin had to say. Duncan had just gotten her away from one potential suitor; he had no desire to add another to the equation.
The assassin's eyes hardened and he glared at Duncan. "I am sorry, Warden Commander, but I was speaking to the lovely Zeva, whose welfare is the one in jeopardy, no? You may not wish to hear my proposal, but I have a feeling she does," Zevran said and turned his attention back to Zeva.
"I'm listening," Zeva said and smiled down at him. Maker, he is beautiful, she thought as she stared into his deep amber eyes.
Zevran smile sweetly. "It is as simple as this, my dear. I failed to kill your friends and kidnap you, so my life is forfeit. That's how it works. If you don't kill me, my former masters will. Thing is, I like living. And you are obviously the sort to give the Crows pause. So let me serve you instead," he offered. "I know all of the tricks the Crows use and I can protect myself as well as you."
Before Zeva could respond, Duncan spoke up, "Never! If you think I will allow the assassin who tried to kill us and kidnap my... kidnap Zeva follow us around Ferelden, you are greatly mistaken!"
"I accept your proposal," Zeva said and moved forward, cutting the bonds that held Zevran. He rubbed his wrists, slowly returning the blood flow to his aching muscles. He saw the anger in the Warden Commander's eyes and knew he wasn't safe yet.
"Did you not hear me, Zeva?" Duncan said furiously. "I said no! You can't possibly trust this murderer enough to allow him to travel with us! What is to stop him from completing the job?"
Leliana stepped forward, wanting to intercede before the argument got out of hand. "I know this is not my decision, but I heard much of the Crows during my time in Orlais and I can verify that what Zevran says is true. He cannot return to them now that he has failed in his mission. Even if he were to assassinate us and take Zeva, the Crows would kill him for his initial mistake," she explained.
Zeva nodded to Leliana and spoke calmly to Duncan. "I am not arguing with you on this, Duncan," she said emphatically. "Zevran comes with me. You may do as you wish, but if he gives me even the slightest edge over Howe, who is hunting me, not you, than I will keep him close." With that said, she turned to Zevran.
"And you," she said and pointed at him, "need to listen carefully to me. I will keep you free from the Crows and in return you will help me defeat Rendon Howe. I will not allow you to endanger any of my companions. If at any time I feel you are a threat to their lives, I will kill you myself, without a moment's hesitation. Do we understand each other?"
Zevran nodded slowly and Zeva offered her hand to help him to his feet.
As she moved to pull away from him, Zevran held fast to her hand and looked deep into her eyes. The intensity of his gaze stole her breath momentarily. "I hereby pledge my oath of loyalty to you. I am your man, without reservation, this I swear," he declared and bowed slightly to her, bringing her fingers to his lips and planting a soft kiss on her knuckles.
Duncan moved between the two rogues and pulled Zeva away from Zevran. "Fine, assassin, you may come along. One wrong move, though, and I will make sure you pay for it dearly. This I swear," he spat at Zevran and ushered Zeva away from him.
As Zevran watched the two Wardens depart, he heard a soft voice speak from behind him. "My, my. Will wonders never cease? Now she saves the assassin," Morrigan said. "Well, you had best mind yourself, elf. There is much riding on the success of our lovely Grey Warden, and I will not see her hurt. Not by you or anyone else." She left his side and rejoined the party.
As he walked toward his new companions, Zevran's eyes never left the beautiful Warden. Not a day had gone by since Highever when he hadn't thought of the magnificent girl in the painting. He knew Howe was twisted, but had never imagined how far he would go to get what he wanted. Now that Zevran had found Zeva, he would make sure Howe never had the chance to hurt her again.
As for the possessive Warden Commander, he was yet another obstacle to Zevran's plans. But obstacles were Zevran Arainai's specialty and he was sure he could overcome this one as easily as all the rest...