So I tried the 'Thank You's at the Bottom - and I hated it!
So, they are back where they belong!
Thanks to everyone who has read and favorited this story!
To the awesome "We Hate Howe Club" and my repeat reviewers: lisakodysam, voltagelisa, Shakespira, Lavinia Luscious, zevgirl
Miltonia, CCBug, sandradee27, Nithu, Nanicane, WitchWeaver, FallingDarkAngel, tgail73, KayraCousland, and Eriana10: You support means everything to me!
The greatest thanks, as always, to my friend and Beta Reader, Lisa: I am now going to write "I Will Not Write 'Which' When I Shouldn't" 500 times and get it over to you! ;-)
Zeva had been unprepared when Zevran finally caught her and flung her into the cool water. She surfaced, sputtering, and saw him approaching her, his blond hair plastered to his shoulders. He was truly beautiful and, had their circumstances been different, she could easily have fallen in love with him. Though she loved another, she still felt a kinship to the elf that she had never known with any other person, and she was truly happy that he had become a part of her life.
"See?" he said, smiling tenderly at her, "I knew that a little dip in the lake would cheer you up."
"Yes," she replied, rolling her eyes at him. "Just wonderful, Zevran. Now I get to head back to the castle and explain why I look like a drowned rat."
"What have I told you before, Zeva?" he said, moving closer to her, taking her face in his hands. "You will always be beautiful, regardless of the situation in which you find yourself."
Blushing deeply, Zeva gazed warmly into his eyes. "Zevran, about Duncan. I need to tell you.."
"No, my dear," he said, interrupting her. "You needn't say anything. I know that you wish to be with him, and I want only happiness for you. I wish to make my position quite clear to you, however. Though you may feel he is the best man for you, I happen to disagree. I won't be far away, and should he hurt you in any way, he will answer to me. Do we understand each other?"
Nodding slowly, Zeva smiled. "Thank you for being such a wonderful friend, Zevran," she said softly. "I can't imagine doing any of this without you, truly."
"And you shall not have to, my dear," he replied. "Before we return to the castle, however, I do insist on a reward for successfully catching you."
"Do you, now?" Zeva said cheekily, cocking an eyebrow at him. "And that reward would be what, exactly?"
In answer to her question, Zevran closed the distance between them, drawing her mouth to his and kissing her tenderly. His tongue traced her lips, begging entrance, which she readily gave. Zeva closed her eyes, losing herself in the moment, needing the warmth his kisses always gave her.
Finally, Zevran pulled away, and, for the briefest of moments, Zeva thought she saw sadness in his eyes. "Now, let's get you back to the castle, where you will no doubt have some explaining to do to your fellow Warden, should he still be up," Zevran said, chuckling softly.
Thinking of the look of disapproval that would undoubtedly be plastered on Alistair's face, Zeva groaned and swam to the side of the lake, climbing out and wringing out her drenched clothes. She punched Zevran on the shoulder after he laughed at her disheveled appearance, and the two companions headed back to the castle, arm-in-arm.
o~~~~~~~~o
Duncan saw Leliana seated in the courtyard when he returned. She glanced up at him with a smile that faded quickly when she saw the look on his face.
"Where is Zeva?" she said, concern evident on her face.
"I was too late, Leli," he said, staring down at the ground.
Her eyes widened as she gazed at him. "What do you mean, 'too late'?" she asked quickly. "What happened, Duncan?"
Clenching his fists, Duncan began pacing, his anger rising. "She was with him, Leliana, that's what happened!" he began, his words choked. "I found her by the lake with Zevran! He was chasing her through the forest and she was so happy! Then he caught her and kissed her. I knew I should never have left her with him, and now she is gone and there is nothing I can do about it!"
"I hate to ask this, Duncan," Leliana began, "but did anything more than a kiss pass between them?"
Duncan shrugged sadly. "I don't know," he began, "I-I couldn't stay; I didn't want to see…"
Crossing her arms over her chest, Leliana stared at him irritably. "So, that is it, then? One kiss and you are giving up?"
"What do you want me to do, Leliana?" he asked incredulously. "She seemed happy with him! Happier than I have ever seen her. How can I compete with that?"
"Duncan, since the day you met Zeva, the two of you have been fighting for your lives!" the bard said, shaking her head. "When, during that time, would you have had the opportunity to see her happy? We both know she loves it here at Redcliffe, so naturally she would feel free to enjoy herself.
Wait!" she continued, glaring at him. "She doesn't even know you are here, does she?"
The Warden turned to her, his face showing obvious frustration. "No, she doesn't know I am here, Leli!" he shouted. "What exactly did you think I would do? Walk up to them and say 'Zeva, I am so sorry to interrupt your intimate moment with the man you have chosen, but I wanted to say hello'? I am not a complete idiot, you know."
"I see," Leliana said tersely. "In your mind, it is better to surrender than to fight for what you want. Well, if that is truly your feeling, perhaps Zeva is better off with Zevran than you." Turning from him, she stormed into the castle. Duncan followed slowly behind her, the young woman's words echoing in his ears.
o~~~~~~~~o
"This place seems awfully active for so late at night, wouldn't you say?" Zevran noted as they approached the doors to the Great Hall. "Do you think the mages have arrived?" Several voices could be heard from the room before them, and Zeva looked down at her sopping wet clothes, silently cursing the elf for putting her in such an embarrassing situation.
"I should kill you!" she whispered furiously, slugging him again. "Now, find me a way to my room where no one will see me until I change clothes!"
"If I do, may I help?" he asked, smiling mischievously.
"If you do, you will avoid a black eye and split lip!" she retorted, though her smile belied her anger.
Taking her hand, Zevran led her back outside and around to the back of the castle. Looking up, he pointed to an open window above them. "That is your room, my dear. Start climbing," he said, glancing around to make sure no one was watching.
"How can you be so sure that is my room?" she asked.
"Who do you think opened the window?" he said, laughing quietly and dodging the fist that flew toward his head. The duo skillfully scaled the wall and slipped into Zeva's room, closing the window behind them.
"Now," Zevran said wickedly, "we need to get you out of those wet clothes, don't we?" He stepped closer to Zeva, who promptly turned him the other way and pushed him toward the door.
"Out, you!" she laughed, opening the door and ushering the elf into the hallway. "Go dry yourself off and come back for me when you are done. I am really hungry and we can go raid the larder together!" Shutting the door in his face, Zeva turned to her room, searching for some clean clothes and a towel.
o~~~~~~~~o
"Duncan, did you find Zeva?" Alistair asked when the elder Warden entered the Great Hall. The mages and Templars were all seated around tables, though not together, and were busy eating a modest dinner. Teagan sat next to First Enchanter Irving, and glared at Duncan as he walked toward the table where the Wardens' travelling companions were seated.
"Yes, I found her," Duncan said softly, "and she will be along directly, I am sure." Looking down the table, he saw the smirk on Morrigan's face and was suddenly sure that she had expected him to stumble upon the scene in the forest when she directed him that way. You bitch! he thought angrily. It appears that I was mistaken in sending either of those two with Zeva! Well, that is a mistake I shall not make again!
Looking at the witch, his decision was suddenly all too clear. If there was even the slightest chance that he could still win Zeva, he would never give up! His gaze met Leliana's and he nodded, smiling at her. A knowing grin broke out on her face and she resumed speaking to Wynne about life in the Tower.
A movement at his side caught his attention, and Duncan turned to see Irving standing next to him, looking exhausted. "Duncan, I think we will be retiring for the evening now," he said quietly. "We will meet in the morning to begin the ritual. I assume you and Warden Zeva will decide who to send into the Fade?"
"We will have a decision for you by then, Irving," Duncan replied, wondering when he would even be able to see Zeva. "I must thank you again for your aid in this matter."
"No need, my friend," Irving replied. "I could never allow a child to be harmed if there is anything that can be done about it."
As he exited the room to escort the mages to their quarters, Teagan stopped next to Duncan and spoke quietly to him. "You and I are not finished, Warden," he said coldly. "I will not let you put Zeva in harm's way again."
"I thought I made it clear when we first met, Bann Teagan," Duncan replied, his gaze unwavering. "Zeva is a Warden now, which makes her mine. I fully intend to make sure she remains mine, in every sense of the word."
"We'll see about that," Teagan spat angrily and stormed from the room.
o~~~~~~~~o
Zevran knocked on Zeva's door and she opened it, smiling brightly. "Ah, my partner in crime," she said quietly. "Now to get some food!" She stepped into the hallway, dressed in a pair of cotton breeches and a peasant blouse, opened low in the front. "Maker, Zevran, stop staring at my chest and let's go!" she said, grasping his hand and heading for the stairs.
Halfway down the hallway, the duo stopped short when they ran into First Enchanter Irving and his fellow mages. Teagan had retired to his room, preferring to avoid the fight that he knew would come should he return to the Great Hall. "Warden Zeva," Irving said, smiling warmly at her. "How wonderful to see you again."
"First Enchanter," Zeva replied, inclining her head respectfully. "I trust your journey was safe?"
"Well, we were in the company of a Grey Warden, my dear," Irving said jovially. "I cannot imagine a safer companion."
"Duncan?" Zeva asked excitedly. "He arrived with you?"
Irving smiled, recognizing the look on the Warden's face. He had seen the same when he mentioned her name to the Warden Commander. Oh, to be young and in love, he thought wistfully. "He certainly did, Zeva. He is downstairs with your companions right now," he said, nodding slowly. "I think he would be most pleased to see that you are safe."
Holding her eagerness in check, Zeva asked, "I assume you will be moving forward with the ritual in the morning, First Enchanter?"
"Yes, my dear," Irving replied. "Now, if you will excuse me, we have had a long journey and need some rest before morning."
"Of course," Zeva said, blushing slightly. "I am sorry to have kept you."
Taking her hand and squeezing it gently, Irving smiled. "Not at all, Zeva," he said quietly. "It was a pleasure to speak to you."
"You should hurry, my dear," Zevran said softly as they moved further down the corridor. "I am sure your Warden Commander is anxious to see you. I think I shall return to my room, as I find myself quite exhausted." He had no desire to see the woman he had grown to care about in the arms of another man.
Zeva turned to the assassin, hugging him tightly. "You are the best, Zev!" she said happily. "I'll see you in the morning!" Without another word, the young Warden turned and ran down the stairs.
You had better be worthy of her, Duncan, Zevran thought angrily, or I will take her from you; I swear it.
o~~~~~~~~o
Alistair looked up from his plate of cheese as Zeva entered the Great Hall, her face flushed from running. His cheeks turned a scarlet red upon seeing her attire; Duncan noticed the look and turned around, his heart nearly stopping as he met her gaze.
The Warden Commander had spent the last hour planning what he would say when he saw Zeva again; how he would even begin to tell her how he felt. Now, as he looked at her smiling face, he found it hard to breathe, let alone speak.
"First Enchanter Irving told me you were here," she said cautiously, forcing herself to slowly approach the table. "I am so glad to see that you are safe." Her greatest desire was to run to him and confess her feelings in front of the entire room; yet she was unsure of how he would react to such behavior.
Duncan rose from the table, turning to face her. "Irving told me of the troubles at the Tower," he said, his voice missing its usual strength. "He said you saved them all. I am sorry I wasn't there to help."
Zeva reached the group and stood before the Warden Commander, her eyes shining brightly. "Well, it all turned out for the best. I suppose we should talk about the plans for tomorrow?" she asked, trying her best to remain casual.
"No," he said softly, moving closer to her. "You and I are done talking." Before she could respond, Duncan grasped her around the waist and pulled her to him, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss.
Recovering from her initial shock, Zeva pressed herself tightly to him, wrapping her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. She moaned softly as she felt his tongue enter her mouth, sliding sensually against her own.
The couple remained locked in each other's arms for several minutes, the world around them ceasing to exist. When their lips finally parted, Duncan gazed down at Zeva, his heart pounding wildly in his chest.
"Maker, I never expected that," she said, her breath escaping in gasps.
Chuckling softly, he brushed his lips against hers once more. "It has been far too long in coming," he said, holding her tightly.
"Well," Leliana spoke from behind them, "it has been a very long day and I think we could all use some rest. We'll just leave you two here to catch up." Pulling an astonished Alistair up from the table, the bard ushered the shocked companions from the room. As she passed by Morrigan, Leliana stopped, smiling snidely at the witch. "I would say that was the perfect example of a 'proper greeting', wouldn't you?" she asked, laughing at the hateful look Morrigan gave her before storming toward her bedroom.
"I have missed you so much," Duncan said, bending to kiss Zeva yet again. "I should have never left your side."
"It was the best choice at the time," Zeva said, resting her head on his chest, "though I don't think I wish to repeat the experience." Suddenly remembering where they were, Zeva spoke quietly. "I think it would be best if we continued this conversation somewhere more private, don't you agree?"
"Without a doubt," Duncan said and lifted her into his arms, carrying her from the Great Hall to her room. Once there, he placed her on the fur rug in front of the fireplace, sitting behind her and pulling her into his arms. They sat in silence for a while, watching the flames dance in the hearth, content to simply be together.
"Zeva," Duncan said, turning her to face him, "There is something I need to tell you."
"What? Is something wrong?" Zeva asked, her eyes clouded with concern.
Shaking his head, Duncan pulled her close, gazing into her eyes. "Honestly, everything couldn't be more right. I love you, Zeva. I think I have loved you since the first moment I saw you," he said softly, running his fingertips down the side of her face.
She opened her mouth and he placed a finger over her lips, silencing her. "No, let me finish," he said quietly. "For the longest time, I thought it would be better for all concerned if I kept my feelings locked away. We have a long fight ahead of us, and there are so many things that could go wrong. I didn't want you to be hurt again, as you were with your family, should the worst occur."
Duncan smiled gently, wiping away the tears that had begun to slide down Zeva's cheeks. "I can't stay away from you any more, my love," he declared. "I don't want to. No matter what we may encounter in the days ahead, I know the only thing that truly matters is that we face it together. Never again will you have reason to doubt how I feel for you. I love you with everything that I am, and I always will."
"May I speak now?" Zeva whispered, bringing her hand up to stroke Duncan's beard. He nodded, resting his face in the palm of her hand.
"When I lost my home and my family, it was as though a part of me died with them," she began. "I was sure that revenge would be the only thing keeping me alive. I now know how very wrong I was."
Zeva leaned forward, kissing Duncan softly before continuing. "You are my life now, Duncan," she said, smiling tenderly. "I know only too well how fragile our existence is, and that one or both of us may perish in our attempt to stop the Blight. I don't fear what may come, as long as I know I have you beside me. I love you more than I ever thought I could love anyone, and nothing will ever change that."
"My beautiful Zeva," Duncan murmured as he pulled her face to his, kissing her deeply. As she lay wrapped in his arms, Zeva knew she had finally found where she belonged. There was one more subject they needed to discuss while they were still of a mind, however.
Pulling away from him, she spoke softly, placing her hands on his chest. "I want to be with you more than anything, Duncan," she began, "but I don't want our first time together to be here, in this castle, under this roof." She emphasized the last, hoping he would understand her meaning.
He smiled at her and nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. "Of course," he said, squeezing her gently. "I agree completely. I don't think I want the memory of my first night with you to have anything to do with Bann Teagan Guerrin."
"I don't want you to go, though," Zeva said, leaning against him, sighing contentedly. "Unless you think you should," she added quickly.
"My love, I have no intention of ever leaving your side again," he said, taking her hand and leading her toward their bed…
o~~~~~~~~o
Duncan awoke the following morning to the sound of a gentle knock at the bedroom door. He carefully disentangled himself from Zeva's sleeping form, pulled on a pair of breeches and opened the door. "Morning, Leliana," he said softly to the broadly smiling female in the hallway.
"Good morning, Warden Commander," she said joyously. "I trust you had a pleasant night's sleep?"
"Better than I have had in a very long time," he said, glancing over his shoulder to make sure Zeva was still asleep. Stepping into the hallway, he closed the door quietly.
"However, certain 'concessions' were made regarding our sleeping arrangements," he said pointedly. "Neither of us wanted to take our relationship any further in this particular home," he said, quirking his eyebrow at her.
"Ahh… Bann Teagan…" Leliana said, a knowing look crossing her face.
Duncan nodded, glancing down the corridor to make sure they were alone. "I need your help once again, Leli," he said quietly. "We should be leaving here in the next couple of days, once Irving and the mages have performed the ritual to save Connor. I have something special planned for Zeva once we are on the road. I will need you to keep her occupied while I prepare it."
"Duncan, how you have changed!" Leliana said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I would be proud to help you in any way I can, of course! Now, I actually came here for a reason," she continued. "First Enchanter Irving and his mages have assembled in the dining room for breakfast. They should be ready to begin the ritual within the hour. So, you need to wake your lovely sleeping companion and join us as soon as possible."
Opening the bedroom door quietly, Duncan nodded. "Thank you, Leliana," he said, "for everything. We will be down soon. Tell Alistair to leave some food, if he would."
Rolling her eyes, Leliana added, "That may be a much harder task than anything you have asked me to do so far. After all, the more food I shove into his mouth, the fewer questions I have to answer about what he witnessed last night!"
Smiling apologetically, Duncan slowly closed the door and crossed the room to the bed, where Zeva lay, still sleeping peacefully.
Sliding into the bed next to her, he pulled her into his arms, kissing her forehead. "Time to wake up, sleepyhead," he said softly.
"Can't we just stay in bed all day?" she whispered, slipping her hand under his nightshirt and over his stomach.
"No, you wicked wench, we cannot," he groaned huskily. "And if you keep that up, my darling, I will most certainly break the agreement we made last night."
"Your stomach muscles are sensitive; good to know," Zeva chuckled, climbing from the bed and deftly avoiding Duncan's hands as he tried to pull her back to him. "I think not, Commander," she said teasingly. "We have work to do, remember?"
Growling in frustration, Duncan climbed from the bed and began dressing. He turned his back to Zeva as she changed into her armor. It was difficult enough to refrain from making her his own, despite their earlier arrangement; he certainly didn't need the added temptation of her naked body.
"I'm decent now," she called, laughing joyously. Duncan turned toward her and his heart leapt when he saw the happiness on her face. This was what he saw when she was at the lake with Zevran, and it was all for him.
"Come," he said and took her hand, squeezing it gently. "We have a possessed child to save."
o~~~~~~~~o
All eyes turned to the couple as they entered the dining room. Teagan stared at Duncan, his eyes filled with rage. He had overheard the hushed conversations among the Wardens' companions regarding the reunion the night before, and knew that Zeva had chosen Duncan as her lover. However, he had no intention of simply stepping aside, as he had done with Nathaniel Howe. Zeva was the only woman he wanted and he would never give up on her, no matter what anyone said, or what he had to do to win her.
"Good morning, First Enchanter," Zeva said politely as she walked to the far side of the room and stood at Irving's side. "I trust you and your companions found the arrangements to your specifications?"
"They were perfect, Zeva," Irving said. "I was just telling Bann Teagan that we are ready to proceed immediately. You need only tell me who you wish to send into the Fade."
"Give me a moment, then," she began, "and I will have an answer for you." Zeva approached the party, stopping near Wynne and Morrigan. "We need to decide who will be entering the Fade to rescue Connor. Do either of you have an opinion?"
"I shall go," Morrigan said firmly. "After all, she is a great deal older than me and her heart might give out if the demon is truly powerful."
"Excuse me?" Wynne asked angrily, and Zeva quickly stepped in to diffuse the situation.
"Thank you, Morrigan," she said, motioning for the witch to follow her. As they approached Irving and Teagan, a Templar cut them off and stood before the Bann, his shoulders squared angrily.
"Bann Teagan," the Templar announced, "I must insist again that we be allowed to take the maleficar, Jowan, and return him to the Circle Tower."
Teagan glanced at Zeva before returning his attention to the angry man. "I thought I made myself quite clear, Ser," he said sharply. "Jowan will not be going anywhere until my brother has a chance to decide his fate. Though there are many things in this home over which I have no control," he stated, and Zeva flinched at the angry tone in his voice, "this is not one of them."
"As you say, Bann, it is your choice," the Templar replied. "However, I would ask that we be allowed to keep at least two Templars here in residence until such time as this situation can be resolved."
"I think that can be arranged," Teagan said, his voice softening. Bowing respectfully, the Templar walked away to join his fellows.
"You are… Morrigan, if I am not mistaken?" Irving asked, smiling slightly at the mage before him. "If you will come with me, please, we can get started."
"Will I be able to stay with her, First Enchanter?" Zeva asked quietly. Morrigan glanced at her curiously, seeing the concern on the Warden's face.
"Of course, my dear," Irving said. "Everything is prepared for us in the study. Give me a few minutes to get her situated and then you may join her."
"I assume Isolde is upstairs?" Zeva asked Teagan, her manner completely professional. She avoided his eyes, not wishing to see the pain she was sure she would find there.
"She was quite beside herself this morning," he explained, nodding slowly. "I had her sedated and left the village physician in her bedroom with her."
"Good," Zeva replied. "That should keep her out of the way." Turning on her heel, she returned to the table with her companions.
Teagan spoke to Duncan as he turned to leave. "You have won nothing," he said viciously. "Eventually, I will have her."
Glancing over his shoulder, Duncan met Teagan's gaze steadily. "Never," he said simply and walked away.
o~~~~~~~~o
Zeva entered the study just as the mages brought out the bowl of lyrium and placed it on a stand in front of Morrigan.
"'Tis unnecessary for you to be here, you know," Morrigan said, shaking her head at Zeva. "I shall be fine."
"Of that I have no doubt," Zeva said as she moved further into the room, seating herself in a chair near the chaise lounge the witch would be resting on. "Nonetheless, I will be here when you wake up, my friend."
Chuckling softly, Morrigan replied, "Of course you will. Now, let us get this nonsense over with so we can leave this wretched village. You completely ruined my jovial spirit last night, you know."
Zeva watched in amazement as Morrigan placed her hands in the lyrium, and a blue glow enveloped her arms. In mere moments, she slid back into the waiting arms of the mages, and they placed her on the chaise. Zeva moved quickly, kneeling at her side and taking her hand.
"Warden, you may not wish to stay close to her, in case she doesn't return as herself," the closest Templar said. "We would be forced to handle the situation, should it occur."
"I have no worry of that," Zeva said tersely, glaring at the helmeted man. "And if, by some slim chance, she becomes an abomination, I will be the one to 'handle the situation', not you." She glanced over at Irving, who was covering his laugh with a cough, and smiled. Now, there's nothing to do but wait.
o~~~~~~~~o
Morrigan wandered through the Fade, passing several spirits on the way to meet the demon who had possessed the boy. She heard a deep male voice calling his name and followed it to its source. Before her stood Arl Eamon, or the Fade version of said man, and she spoke briefly to him, attempting to convince him that she was there to help his son. She couldn't seem to get through to him, so she left, wishing she had just allowed the old woman to come in and deal with this mess.
When she finally came upon the boy, she tried reasoning with him, to no avail. He became immediately panicked and the demon was able to break through. A Desire Demon, Morrigan thought as she saw the scantily clad being appear before her. I should have known.
She confronted the being and fought its incarnations, along with an increasing number of Lesser Rage Demons, several times before reaching the Desire Demon's inner lair. The demon approached her seductively, attempting to play upon her ego in an effort to get her to converse with it. What's the harm in listening? Morrigan thought as she stared at the demon. I can kill her at any time. If I am being forced to handle this problem, I may as well entertain myself.
"Well, now that you have my attention, what do you want, creature?" Morrigan asked, crossing her arms across her chest.
The Desire Demon smiled. "I have no wish to fight one as strong and lovely as you, and you would do well not to fight me in my domain, either," she purred. "Instead I propose an exchange, if I may. I will leave the boy for now and return to take him at a later time, when he is far stronger. In return, I will give you something of your choosing."
"What could you possibly have to offer that I would want?" Morrigan asked haughtily.
"I can teach you the secrets of Blood Magic," the Desire Demon began. "I can also increase your natural talents or…" she added, running her hands up her own body and caressing her breasts sensually, "I can show you pleasure like you have never known before. You only need choose, and agree to let me have the boy."
"I have no need for your Arcane Arts, demon," Morrigan said condescendingly. "Nor do I need your help increasing my talents; and I would never be interested in your idea of pleasure, I can assure you."
Shaking her head, Morrigan straightened and her hands began to glow a bright blue. "I think instead I will destroy you and return to my own world," she announced.
"You will regret this!" the demon screeched and cast Flame Blast. Morrigan dodged the attack and countered with Horror, which seemed to have no effect on the being.
Well, if you are so fond of fire, I wonder how you will feel about ice? the witch thought and cast Cone of Cold, freezing the Desire Demon in place temporarily. Upon recovering, the demon created several copies of itself and Morrigan noted with irritation that each incorrect guess she made seemed to increase her opponent's strength. She finally struck the actual demon and the reproductions disappeared.
The process repeated itself several times, until Morrigan finally drained enough of the creature's energy that it disappeared. She stood in the center of the Fade clearing, exhausted, and felt herself being pulled back to reality. Opening her eyes, she found herself back in Arl Eamon's study, gazing into Zeva's smiling face.
"Welcome back, my friend," Zeva said quietly. "I take it you were successful?"
"Was there ever a doubt?" Morrigan asked and tried to sit up, finding the task harder than she imagined it would be.
Shaking her head, Zeva pushed her back onto the chaise. "You will stay here with First Enchanter Irving and recuperate. That's an order," she said and rose from the floor, turning toward the elder mage. "Please watch her for me until I can return. I need to go and check on Connor."
"Of course," Irving said as Zeva walked from the room.
o~~~~~~~~o
Teagan rose from the table and rushed to Zeva's side when she entered the dining hall. "Well?" he asked anxiously. "Was she successful?"
Zeva smiled softly and saw the look of relief that fell across his face. "Morrigan has defeated the demon controlling Connor," she announced. "I think you should go up and check on Connor right away. If you don't mind, Teagan, I think you should take a couple of my people with you, just in case there is a problem."
"As long as you are one of them, Zeva," he said quietly and took her hand, caressing it tenderly. "You have saved us again."
"Of course I will come, but the thanks in this case need to go to Morrigan," Zeva said. "Alistair, Duncan, Wynne, I think you should come, as well." The party came quickly to her side, and they all headed to the family's quarters, weapons drawn.
All was silence on the top floor of the castle as the group made their way down the hall. "Teagan," Zeva began quietly, "I think you should go to Isolde while we check on Connor. I don't want her making her way to his room in case there is a problem. I will come for you both once I know everything is alright." The Bann nodded and turned down a corridor, toward Isolde's room.
When they reached Connor's room, Duncan opened the door slowly and the companions filed into the room. Jowan looked up at the new arrivals and smiled. "Connor, this is Lady Zeva. She is a Grey Warden and has come to help your father get well," he said to the pale young boy lying on the bed.
"A Grey Warden?" Connor asked, his eyes wide. "How amazing! I have never met one before. It is a pleasure to meet you, ma'am. Father always says one should be polite when meeting new people."
Smiling gently, Zeva moved to the side of the bed and ruffled the hair on Connor's forehead. "Your father is a very wise man, Connor," she replied. Turning toward the door, she motioned Wynne over.
"Connor," Zeva said, "this is Wynne. She is a mage from the Circle Tower. She will be staying with you for a few minutes while I go and speak with Jowan, alright?"
"We will be just fine, Zeva," Wynne said and sat next to Connor on the bed. The two began talking quietly as the group left the room.
Once in the hallway, Zeva turned to Jowan. "He doesn't remember a thing about what happened, does he?" she asked.
"Apparently not," Jowan answered. "I knew the moment when the ritual worked. He groaned softly and began stirring. As his eyes focused, he looked at me and smiled, asking how I was. He truly is a sweet boy, normally."
"Well, I am actually quite glad he doesn't remember," she said, glancing at Duncan and Alistair. "I wouldn't want him to have to relive the things he did while under the demon's control. If you all would keep an eye on Connor, I will go and get Isolde and Teagan."
Isolde was the first into the room, running to her son's side and hugging him tightly. "Connor, I have been so worried about you!" she cried.
Teagan followed her in and Zeva stood in the doorway, motioning for the others to follow her out. "I think we should give them some time alone," she said quietly. "Jowan, you may wish to stay up here, as there are some rather unhappy Templars downstairs waiting for you."
The mage shivered, his gaze dropping to the floor. "What will happen to me now?" he asked shakily.
"Nothing will happen, yet," Zeva replied. "Bann Teagan has informed the Templars that you will not be leaving the castle until the situation with Arl Eamon has been resolved, one way or another." Seeing the flash of pain on Alistair's face, she grabbed his hand, squeezing it gently.
"I told you I would save him, didn't I?" she said and Alistair nodded. "Well, that hasn't changed. We need to return to the others and plan our next step."
o~~~~~~~~o
Duncan and Leliana shared the information they had retrieved from Brother Genitivi's home, showing the location of the small town, Haven, on the map that was laid out on the table in front of them.
"This is not the correct direction, Warden," Sten said irritably, staring down at the map. "We are moving further from the darkspawn, not closer."
"You are correct, Sten," Duncan replied, "but we need to get the aid of the dwarves and the Dalish before we can even hope to defeat the Archdemon. Therefore, we must head this way."
"Well," Zeva said, pointing at the map. "Haven appears to be on the way to Orzammar, so I suggest we go there first and then carry on to the dwarven city. First Enchanter Irving has agreed to leave one of his mages here to look after Arl Eamon, so we can return once we have the Ashes and have visited the dwarves." Nods of agreement came from around the table.
"Excellent. Then we have a goal," Zeva said, folding the map. "Now, we need to get supplies and warmer clothing, as Orzammar is beyond the Frostback Mountains. Leliana, could you take Wynne and Sten into the village and purchase the items we will need? The rest of us should begin packing. I would like to be gone from here first thing tomorrow. Don't you agree, Commander?" Duncan nodded, his eyes glittering mischievously. He was well aware of Zeva's reasons for wanting to leave Redcliffe as soon as possible, as he felt exactly the same way.
"Actually, Zeva, I think I will go with the others into the village. There are some items that I need to get, as well," he said, ignoring the knowing smile that spread across Leliana's face.
"Of course," she replied, wondering exactly what Duncan was up to. "Well, we should all get going. We will meet back here for dinner tonight." Isolde had insisted on holding a large dinner to thank the companions for saving Connor. Zeva had readily agreed, knowing that they could all use the time to relax before starting out on their trip.
o~~~~~~~~o
Zeva didn't turn from her packing as she heard the door to her bedroom open. "Well, that was a quick trip, wasn't it?" she said, filling her backpack with potions and food rations.
"I wasn't aware I had gone anywhere," Teagan replied, and Zeva spun to face him, her face flushing.
"Oh, Teagan," she said quickly. "I am sorry. I thought you were someone else."
"The Warden Commander, I assume?" he asked, his voice chillingly calm.
Unconsciously, Zeva backed away from him, her legs bumping into the table behind her. "Teagan, about Duncan…" she began, stopping when he shook his head, advancing toward her.
"Don't say any more about him, Zeva," he said quietly. "It is obvious that things have changed between you, but I have no intention of letting you go."
"Teagan, I am so sorry," she said, and gasped as he closed the distance between them, grabbing her arms in his hands.
"I love you, Zeva," he declared, his eyes dark with emotion. "I told you that would never change and I meant it. You may think you have feelings for Duncan, but I know what I felt when we spent our night together. You wanted me as much as I did you. Those feelings we shared are still there; you just need to give us a chance."
Smiling softly, Zeva shook her head. "Teagan, you need to find someone who can give you the love you deserve," she said. "I can't be that person. I love Duncan." She flinched as she felt the grip on her arms tighten painfully.
"Don't say that, Zeva!" Teagan exclaimed. "There is only one woman for me, and that is you! I will not let you throw your life away on someone who is so unworthy of you; not when I love you so much! I stepped aside for Nathaniel Howe, but not again!"
"Let me go," she replied, trying to remove her arms from his grasp. "There is nothing more to say, Teagan, I am sorry."
"Please don't do this, Zeva!" Teagan cried. "I can't bear to lose you again, not after waiting so long for you." The Bann suddenly stilled as he felt a sharp point digging into his back.
"You will let her go now and move away, Bann Teagan, or I will be forced to do something you will regret," Zevran said, pressing the blade of his dagger a little deeper into Teagan's back to make his point.
Teagan released Zeva's arms and moved toward the door, never taking his eyes from her. "I will leave for now, Zeva, but this isn't over," he said determinedly. "I love you, and I will never give up." With that, he left the room.
Zeva slumped against the table and Zevran approached her, checking her arms for injuries. "Are you quite alright, my lovely Warden?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
"Yes, Zev, I am fine," she said shakily. "I cannot blame him for being upset, even if I did tell him from the start it could end this way. And I suppose I should thank you for coming to my aid, yet again."
"Well, I do have some ideas, if you insist on thanking me," he said and laughed loudly at the look of irritation on her face.
"You are impossible, my darling Zevran!" she exclaimed, leaning forward and kissing him on the cheek. "Now, let's get this packing done. I am now quite sure that we should leave here as soon as possible."