Happy New Year, Everyone!
Now that the Holidays are over, I will get back to a normal update schedule!
Special thanks to voltagelisa, who listened to my insane ravings with such patience - I'd be lost without you! :-)
Thanks to everyone who has read and favorited this story!
To the awesome "We Hate Howe Club" and my repeat reviewers: lisakodysam, voltagelisa, Lavinia Luscious, zevgirl
Miltonia, CCBug, sandradee27, Nithu, Nanicane, WitchWeaver, FallingDarkAngel, tgail73, KayraCousland, and Eriana10: You make each chapter a joy to write!
The greatest thanks, as always, to my friend and Beta Reader, Lisa, for her amazing and speedy beta: You support and friendship means the world to me!
Duncan heard Zeva's joyous laughter as soon as he entered the upstairs hallway. Smiling broadly to himself, he approached their room, carrying several packages containing warm cloaks and supplies needed for their journey. The 'special' items he purchased in the village had been retained by Leliana, and would be returned to him once they were away from the Castle. As he neared the bedroom door, his smile quickly vanished; inside he heard a familiar elven voice join Zeva's in her merriment.
Although he knew he was being childish, Duncan sat the parcels down carefully and quietly approached the partially opened door, curious as to what Zevran would be doing in his bedroom with his love.
"Zev, when I asked you help me pack, I wasn't agreeing to allow you to rifle through my smallclothes," Zeva said and Duncan heard a slight scuffle coming from inside. "Give me those back!"
"But my darling Zeva, they are such a divine shade of blue, a perfect match with your eyes," the elf replied mischievously. "And the lace… why, I don't think I'll ever look at you in the same way when we enter battle, knowing such delights await under your armor."
Duncan moved closer, about to enter the room and remove the intruder's head from his shoulders, when he heard a loud grunt and a small cry of triumph issue forth from Zeva.
"You truly are the cruelest woman, my beautiful Warden," Zevran pouted. "I almost feel sorry for your Warden Commander, should you treat him so."
"Yes, well, Duncan has permission to view my unmentionables; while you, my dear ser, do not," she said, chuckling softly.
"Well, we will see, won't we?" Zevran replied casually. "Decisions can always be reversed, my Zeva, and I am an eternal optimist. You won't get rid of me so easily, I promise you."
"How did I know that would be the case," she said, sighing deeply. After a moment of silence, Duncan heard them both begin to laugh.
"Speaking of unwanted suitors, my dear, you are planning on telling Duncan what happened today, aren't you?" Zevran asked, his tone suddenly turning serious.
"No, Zev, I hadn't planned on it," she replied quietly. "We have enough problems without adding this to the list. What happened here was minor and I don't wish to bother Duncan with it."
Seeing his opening, Duncan pushed open the door and entered the bedroom. "Why don't you let me decide what is important for me to know and what is not, Zeva," he said quietly, crossing the floor and pulling her into his arms, kissing her tenderly. "If there is a problem, I believe you and I should handle it together. Tell me what happened."
Nodding slowly, Zeva turned from him and resumed her packing. "It's nothing to be concerned about," she began. "Teagan came by to see me while you were gone. He isn't taking the news of our relationship very well."
His internal alarms triggered, Duncan grasped Zeva's shoulders, turning her to face him. "What did he do, Zeva?" he asked sternly. "If he so much as touched you, I swear I will kill him!"
"Duncan, please," she said, smiling at him gently. "He is hurt and upset. I am sure he simply overreacted."
"My dear Zeva," Zevran began, shaking his head. "You know I adore you, but I am afraid in this case, I must disagree with your assessment of the situation." Ignoring the furious glare he received from the young woman, he continued. "When I stepped into this room, he had a rather tight grip on both of your arms, and seemed quite adamant in his intentions. Had I not intervened…"
"No!" Zeva insisted angrily. "No matter what either of you may think, Teagan would never hurt me; especially not in the way you are suggesting, Zevran. Besides, it is over now, and you were here to diffuse the situation." Duncan felt his stomach churn at the realization that Zeva had been saved, yet again, by the elven assassin.
"Thank you again for everything, Zev," Zeva began, "but now I need to get ready for Isolde's dinner party. I think we could all use could the relaxation, so I ask that you both refrain from starting an argument with Teagan, at least for tonight. We will be leaving tomorrow morning, and hopefully by the time we return, he will have made peace with the situation."
Smiling softly, the elf inclined his head toward Zeva and walked into the hall, shutting the door behind him. "Now, my darling Warden Commander," she said, sliding her arms around Duncan's waist and gazing up at him coyly, "will you perhaps tell me what you went shopping for today, as I cannot imagine it was only cloaks and dried rations?"
"No amount of batted eyelashes will get you the information you seek, my dear," Duncan replied, kissing her on the top of her head. "You will learn all in good time, I promise you. Now, let's get this blasted meal over with. I will try not to rip Teagan's arms from their sockets for his earlier indiscretions, but I will not tolerate any further interference from him. Do we understand each other?"
"Yes, Duncan," Zeva reluctantly agreed. She was secretly thrilled over the recent change in Duncan's demeanor and her desire to leave Redcliffe was growing by the moment.
o~~~~~~~~o
Duncan and Zeva arrived in the dining room just as the meal was being served. Zeva wore a simple green dress purchased in Redcliffe Village and Duncan was in his armor. A broad smile spread across Zeva's face as she regarded the seating arrangements. Zevran had placed himself at the end of the table furthest from Teagan, and left two empty chairs next to him. He motioned the couple over and Duncan held out her chair while she sat, then slid into his own on her other side.
Teagan's gaze had been fixed on her from the moment she entered the room, and remained that way for much of the meal. He consumed a great deal of ale, and even Isolde seemed concerned, often glancing his way as he sat, transfixed by the Warden seated so far from him.
"Warden Commander," Isolde began quietly, as she was positioned across the table from Duncan, "I could not help but notice what hearty appetites you and your fellow Wardens seem to have. Is this typical of all Grey Wardens?" At her words, Alistair, who was wolfing down his third plate of food, looked up and smiled sheepishly, his face turning a light shade of red.
"Why yes, Arlessa," Duncan replied, "I have found that most recruits, when initiated into the order, tend to have a surge in appetite."
Teagan finished yet another goblet of ale and spoke up, his voice slurring slightly. "I, myself, experienced this increased appetite first hand," he stated, his eyes resting on Zeva, "and I must admit that I found it quite exhilarating."
Duncan and Zevran both made to rise from their seats, but found themselves held in place by Zeva's hands, tightly clenched on each man's thigh. Fine, if he was determined to make a drunken arse of himself, she would happily oblige. She smiled and met Teagan's gaze unwaveringly. "I seem to recall that meal as well, Bann Teagan," she said sweetly. "For an appetizer, it was acceptable. However, I find I am most anxious to move on to the main course." As she finished speaking, she moved her hand from Duncan's thigh to his arm, sliding her arm through his and pulling him closer to her.
Teagan's eyes flashed furiously and he rose from the table, storming out of the room. Turning to Isolde, Zeva spoke politely. "I am sorry to have disrupted your wonderful meal, Isolde," she began, "but I found Teagan's behavior most common once he began drinking so much and I felt it was best to end any conflict before it could begin."
To her surprise, Isolde chuckled softly. "Well played, Zeva," she said quietly. "I must apologize for my brother-in-law's odd behavior. He isn't normally this way, as you well know. I fear Eamon's continued illness is taking a far greater toll on him than he is willing to admit."
"Yes, well he may find himself in an equally inauspicious situation, should he continue on his current course," Zevran muttered, glancing sidelong at Zeva. "After all, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to many unfortunate 'accidents', they say."
"I am sure such accidents will not befall Teagan," Zeva replied softly, her meaning clear to the assassin. "Speaking of Eamon, Isolde, we will be departing early tomorrow morning to continue our search for Andraste's Ashes. I think it best that we all retire early tonight. I would like to depart at daybreak."
Rising from the table, the companions exited the dining room, heading toward the guest suites. As they reached the top landing, Duncan and Zeva came face-to-face with Teagan, who paused for a moment before launching himself onto the Warden Commander, sending both of them tumbling down the stairs.
"Duncan!" Zeva cried, running down the stairs after them. The remainder of their companions, having heard the shout, came rushing to her side. The two combatants landed with a loud crash at the bottom of the stairs, Duncan on top. Immediately he sprang from the floor, pulling Teagan up with him, holding him by the collar.
"Have you lost all sense?" Duncan managed to yell before Teagan slammed his fist into his nose, breaking the Warden's hold on him. Quickly regaining his balance, Duncan countered with his own punch to the Bann's abdomen, doubling him over. He continued, slamming his knee into Teagan's face. Zeva heard a sickening crunch as the bone gave way, the momentum sending him onto his back.
"Stop this, both of you!" Zeva yelled, attempting to position herself between the combatants. Sten grabbed her around the waist, holding her tightly against him. Zevran moved toward the struggling Warden, but stopped at the murderous glance the Qunari gave him.
Ignoring the wriggling woman in his arms, Sten spoke in a calm, but stern manner. "This situation does not require your assistance, Warden," he explained, watching the two men before him carefully.
Rising from the floor, Teagan wiped the blood from his nose and stared hatefully at Duncan. "You will never be good enough for her!" he yelled angrily. "You sent her alone to fight in a cursed tower, an assassin as her companion! Then you further endangered her life by allowing Howe's men to learn her whereabouts! Yet, still, she chooses you over me, when all I have ever done is love her! At least Nathaniel Howe was a nobleman; you are nothing!"
"You arrogant bastard," Duncan replied, his voice lethally calm. "I may not be from your noble line, or Nathaniel Howe's, but none of that matters to Zeva. I am the man she wishes to be with, and you would do well to remember that, Guerrin. Should you decide to take this matter further, I will not stop at a broken nose; I promise you that." Turning away, Duncan climbed the stairs, taking Zeva from Sten and escorting her toward their room.
As she reached the top of the staircase, Teagan called to her. "Don't do this, Zeva!" he pleaded. "If Fergus were here…"
Stopping mid-stride, Zeva turned toward the Bann, her eyes dark with fury. "If Fergus were here, he would be disgusted by the behavior you have exhibited tonight, Teagan," she stated, her voice shaking slightly. "Go to bed and sleep off your ale. We leave in the morning to seek the Ashes; I do not expect to see you before I go." Resuming her previous course, Zeva preceded Duncan into their room, the door closing quietly behind them.
o~~~~~~~~o
Teagan had just reached his room, carrying yet another bottle of ale, when he heard a soft knock at the door. "What?" he grumbled as he pulled it open; only to find Morrigan's frowning countenance on the other side.
"Well," she began softly, "you have made quite a mess of things, have you not?"
"Thank you ever so much for reminding me," he spat sardonically. "Now, if you don't mind, I would like to be left alone with my ale, toasting the fact that the woman I love more than life is currently in the arms of another."
Shaking her head in frustration, Morrigan pushed her way into his room. "Come, let me fix your nose, at least," she said irritably, pulling him back inside and shutting the door.
Teagan sat at his desk as the witch began healing his broken nose. "Why are you here, Morrigan?" he asked sadly. "I assume Zeva did not send you, as she certainly hates me now."
"She most certainly did not," she replied scornfully. "In fact, I am positive she would be quite irritated with me were she to learn that I corrected the damage done to you by the Warden Commander."
At the mention of Duncan, Teagan's hands closed into tight fists, an action that did not go unnoticed by the witch. "If that is the case, I must repeat my question," he said. "Why are you here?"
"'Tis quite simple, Bann Teagan," Morrigan explained. "I do not wish for you to give up on our lovely Grey Warden just yet; regardless of the ground you lost tonight with your drunken antics."
"Really?" the Bann asked incredulously. "How exactly am I to win Zeva back from Duncan, now that he is once again taking her away from me?"
"You may wish to start by sobering up," she began. "I don't think you will be useful to anyone in your current condition. Now, tell me, is what you said about Fergus Cousland true? Would he truly not approve of his sister's infatuation with the Warden Commander?"
Teagan gazed unsteadily at her, his ale-addled brain taking a while to process her question. "Of course it is true," he said indignantly. "I have known Fergus Cousland most of my life, and he always wanted the very best for Zeva. He would never approve of her relationship with someone like Duncan. As the eldest living Cousland, and the male besides, it would fall to him to ensure that Zeva was married to a proper husband; one who would provide for her every need."
"Someone such as you, in other words," Morrigan added, arching her eyebrow at him.
"Yes, dammit, someone like me!" he cried, slamming his hand onto his desk. "Fergus knew how much I loved his sister, and he told me that he always hoped we would end up together. What good is any of this talk now, though, when no one knows his location, or if he is even alive?"
"You should never give up hope, Bann Teagan, not when it comes to Zeva," Morrigan said softly, rising from her chair and smiling at him. As she opened the door to leave, he heard her say, "One never knows what may happen next." With that parting remark, she vanished into the night, humming softly once again.
o~~~~~~~~o
Duncan awoke the next morning, his arms wrapped tightly around his beloved. Zeva had maintained a strong façade until the bedroom door closed, at which point the tears she was holding in began to fall. Duncan held her tightly, wishing he had drawn his dagger and split Teagan's throat from ear to ear. How could he claim to love her, only to throw in her face the fact that her brother was still missing? Well, they would soon be gone and Bann Teagan Guerrin would no longer be of any concern to either of them. They had delayed their primary mission for the sake of this family long enough, already.
As he gazed down at the sleeping woman beside him, he could not help but reflect on Teagan's words to him. The Bann had been partially correct; it was his fault that Zeva had been thrown into harm's way, each time to be rescued by the assassin whom she now held in such high esteem. Well, that was over now. They were together and he would be her protector; no one else.
A loud pounding on the door broke Duncan's train of thought and Zeva sat up, her deep sleep rudely interrupted. "Warden, it is time to leave this place!" Sten yelled, hammering the door once again.
Zeva jumped from the bed and yanked the door open, smirking at the shocked expression on the Qunari's face as he stared at her standing before him in only her nightshirt. "Sten," she began irritably, "though I long to be gone from here as much as you, I swear I will kill you myself if you don't stop at once!" Slamming the door in his face, Zeva turned, running her hands through her hair. "Well, I suppose we should get moving then, before the big oaf begins again!"
Rising from the bed, Duncan approached her, pulling her into his arms and kissing her hungrily. "Though his methods are somewhat brutish," he began, smiling wolfishly at her, "I must admit to a strong urge to be gone from this home as soon as possible. Do you think outside the main courtyard would be far enough away to break our agreement?"
Laughing heartily, Zeva shook her head. "Unfortunately no, my darling Commander," she replied, pulling away and gathering her armor. "I am afraid we would be somewhat on display there, and I really think I would prefer privacy for what I have in mind."
"Oh-ho! You have something in mind, do you?" Duncan teased, pulling on his armor, once again turning his back to the undressed woman behind him.
"As if you don't!" Zeva retorted. "Don't think I am unaware of the knowing glances you and Leliana were exchanging all day yesterday! Either you have a plan of some sort, Duncan, or there is something else going on between the two of you, and I shall be forced to rip that lovely red hair from her head." Turning toward him, she put her hands on her hips, grinning wickedly.
"A jealous woman, are you?" he asked, ducking to avoid the pillow that flew at his head. "I think I am quite pleased with this new turn of events. Well, whatever devious designs I have in store for you will just have to wait until we are on our way. So, let's hurry on then, shall we?"
Breakfast was a quick event; Sten paced the floor endlessly while the rest of the companions ate in relative silence. Alistair had been distant from Zeva since Duncan's return, and she made a note to speak with him once they were back on the road. Duncan had also noticed the change in Alistair's demeanor and hoped that there wouldn't be difficulties in dealing with his junior Warden.
Morrigan was missing from the table, which raised Zeva's concern, especially following her journey into the Fade the day before. Returning to the guest suites, she approached Morrigan's room and found it empty, her belongings gone. None of the remaining companions could remember seeing the witch since dinner the night before, and Zeva's anxiety increased. Duncan seemed quite pleased with the idea that she was gone for good, and uttered a deep sigh of disappointment when she turned up outside, standing next to Bodahn's cart as the last of their items were being loaded onto it.
"Morrigan!" Zeva called, rushing down the stairs into the courtyard. "Are you quite alright? Your room was abandoned and I was worried that something had happened to you."
"While I thank you for your concern, 'tis quite unnecessary," the witch replied, smiling gently. "I found it impossible to spend one more night in that dreadful castle, between the Bann's drunken ravings and that incessantly whining Arlessa. Instead, I spent some time outside. 'Tis amazing what one can find when given enough time. Now, shall we go?" Morrigan asked, turning toward the cart and placing her bags amongst the others. Duncan saw the smirk that crossed her features and wondered what she had really been up to all night. He in no way trusted the apostate, and wished to keep Zeva as far away from her as possible.
Duncan and the party said their goodbyes to First Enchanter Irving and his mages, as they had accepted Isolde's offer to rest at the castle for a few more days before heading back to the Circle Tower. Isolde saw them to the main gate, thanking them once again for seeking the Sacred Ashes, and apologizing for Teagan's absence; no one felt it necessary to tell her of the previous night's debacle, and as such she was unaware of Zeva's insistence that he stay away.
As the group exited the castle grounds, only Morrigan, with her superior eyesight, noticed the lone figure standing in an upstairs window, watching as the woman he loved walked out of his life once again.
o~~~~~~~~o
The day passed quickly for the newly reunited group. Zeva was pleased to see the ease with which her companions began to familiarize themselves with each other. Leliana rarely left Alistair's side, pelting him with questions about his time as a Templar and comparing her own experiences to his. Wynne walked with them, giving her motherly views of the Templars as a whole and their importance to all mages.
Morrigan, who could not stay far enough away from the older mage, spent much of the day alone, occasionally speaking to Sten about his homeland. For his part, the Qunari seemed highly irritated that a mage would even dare to speak to him, especially one he had so often wanted to kill since he had met her. His gruff answers only enflamed Morrigan's need to pester him more, and Zeva watched their banter with amusement.
"Zevran Arainai, are you bribing my Mabari with treats?" Zeva asked the smiling elf who walked close beside her; almost too close as far as Duncan was concerned. The Warden Commander was quickly coming to the realization that Zeva's friendship with the assassin was far deeper than he would like, as the pair were never more than a few feet apart, and their conversations, often very intimate.
"Of course!" Zevran replied joyfully, handing Nihlus another piece of dried meat. "I am no fool, my darling Zeva. I have seen how devoted you Fereldans are to your dogs. What better way than to make myself indispensible to you than to gain the support of your fine furry friend?"
"A brilliant plan," Duncan interjected. "Now, when we camp for the evening, you will have a sleeping companion, as well. I am certain you and Nihlus will be very comfortable together, as there is no longer any room for him in Zeva's bed."
Zeva's eyes widened and she gazed at Duncan, surprised yet again at how his demeanor had changed since they had been reunited. Where once he was all business, he now appeared to be able to relax with their companions, and she loved him even more for his ability to let go of some control and simply enjoy himself.
"Touché, Warden Commander," Zevran replied, a mischievous smile spreading across his face. "I shall make note of the experience for you so you will know what to expect when our roles are eventually reversed."
Before Duncan could reply, Zeva grasped his arm and squeezed it gently. "Well, aren't you both clever?" she asked softly, smiling at the men on either side of her. "What say we discuss Haven now?" For the next several hours, the trio planned the trip to the unknown village, going over the information they had retrieved from Brother Genitivi's notes.
o~~~~~~~~o
As night fell the party moved deep into the forest for camping, wishing to avoid any unwanted attention. Bodahn and Wynne took over dinner preparation, the dwarven merchant having purchased some fresh vegetables and meat in Redcliffe. Wishing to show his appreciation for the protection he and his son had enjoyed, courtesy of the Wardens, he offered to prepare several dwarven dishes for them, and the companions had quickly agreed.
Duncan vanished shortly after the tents were set up and Zeva's heart raced in anticipation of what he might be planning. She had no doubt Leliana was aware of what was going on, as the bard practically skipped around the camp, a wicked smile plastered on her face.
The women were given first turn at the lake for washing themselves and their clothes. As Zeva approached the shore, Leliana appeared at her side, a bag in her hands. "Come with me, my dear Warden," she said, pulling Zeva into the water.
"What is going on, Leliana?" she asked cautiously as the bard produced several scented oils and soaps from the bundle in her hands.
Giggling softly, the red head turned the Warden around and began wetting her hair, pouring the oil onto her scalp and massaging it in. "You are so distrustful, Zeva," she sang, pulling out a brush and running it through her long tresses. "Can't I just do something nice for a friend without a reason?"
"Of course you can, but that does not change the fact that you and Duncan have been plotting something since you returned from Denerim," Zeva replied. "Not that I mind, of course, though I would never admit it to him."
"Zeva, Duncan loves you so much," Leliana said seriously. "You have fought so hard to finally return to each other, and I simply want to help make sure this night is one you will never forget. Now, let's get you dried off; there is more to come!"
An hour later, Zeva exited Leliana's tent, wrapped in one of the cloaks that had been purchased for their trip to Orzammar. Her hair was down, cascading around her waist in full, loose curls. Quietly she crossed the camp, heading deeper into the woods, in the direction the bard had instructed her. Behind her, Zevran stepped from his tent and watched her walk away, his heart pounding painfully in his chest.
o~~~~~~~~o
Zeva stepped into the clearing, amazed at the scene that greeted her. Duncan stood before a roaring fire, his back to her, dressed in an ivory cotton shirt with breeches to match; his hair hanging loose around his shoulders. The smell of venison filled the air, coming from a large pot bubbling before him. Zeva's stomach grumbled loudly as she approached the campsite and the Warden Commander turned, his eyes widening at the woman standing before him.
"Well, you have been busy," Zeva said in a voice that barely rose above a whisper. Moving forward, she seated herself on a log in front of the fire, her cape opening to reveal bare legs beneath.
Duncan's breath hitched as he gazed upon her. It had been so long since he had been with anyone, and even then it hadn't been someone he truly loved. After all the time he had waited for Zeva, his blood boiled in his veins and he began to doubt whether he would actually make it through dinner before he dragged her to the bedroll and took her as his own.
Swallowing thickly, he forced himself to sit next to her and scoop the stew into their bowls, though every nerve in his body was acutely aware of her proximity to him. Zeva tasted the food and groaned in pleasure. "Duncan, had I known you were such an amazing chef, I would have confiscated Alistair's cooking utensils ages ago," Zeva commented appreciatively.
"I think we may wish to do that, anyway," Duncan chuckled, reaching next to him to grab the bottle of wine he had placed there earlier. Pouring two glasses, he handed one to Zeva, who raised her eyebrow at him as she accepted it.
"You wouldn't be attempting to get me intoxicated and take advantage of me, would you, Duncan?" Zeva teased, taking a sip of the warm liquid, smiling at the Warden Commander's excellent taste in vintage.
Duncan placed his fingers gently under Zeva's chin, pulling her lips close to his and staring deep into her eyes. "Not in the least, my love," he said lustily. "I want you to remember every single moment of what is to come." Placing the softest of kisses upon her lips, he stood up, holding his hand out to her.
Her pulse racing, Zeva reached up and took the proffered hand, allowing Duncan to guide her further into the campsite. There, in a secluded copse of trees, a second fire had been lit, warming a nearby bedroll covered in animal furs.
"Oh, Duncan, this is beautiful," Zeva whispered, tears filling her eyes. She had imagined this night so many times, and yet the reality far surpassed any dream she may have had.
Turning toward her, Duncan's heart leapt as he saw the happiness on her face. This was exactly the response he was hoping for. Stepping closer to her, he smiled softly and allowed his eyes to travel over the cape she wore. "Forgive my boldness, but I have been dying to know what exactly is under that cloak since you first arrived," he said huskily.
"Well, you aren't the only one with surprises," she purred, and pulled the strings that held the cape closed. It fell to the ground and Zeva stood before Duncan, dressed in a blue silk nightgown that ended well above the knee. The fabric was quite sheer; underneath, he could clearly see the blue laced smallclothes that he assumed were the focus of her scuffle with Zevran the day before.
"Maker, you are exquisite," Duncan said, sweeping Zeva into his arms and carrying her to the bedroll, laying her gently back on the soft furs. He lay next to her, pulling her into his arms and capturing her mouth with his own, groaning softly as he felt her hands travel under his shirt to caress his back, kneading the muscles sensually.
Zeva moaned as Duncan slowly rained kisses down her neck and over her shoulder, pulling the strap of her nightgown down to uncover more of her skin to his lips. As she began pulling on his shirt, he grasped her hands, raising them over her head, shaking his head slowly.
"Patience, my love," he whispered, running his fingers through her hair. "I have waited so long for this moment, and now that you are mine, I fully intend to take my time and show you how much I love you."
Carefully, Duncan raised the silken gown up Zeva's stomach, kissing every inch of exposed skin. When at last her breasts were revealed, Zeva heard his breath hitch in his throat as he lowered his head, gently circling each hardened nipple with his tongue, drawing them between his lips, sucking softly.
"Please, Duncan…" Zeva begged, arching her back, pushing her breasts deeper into his mouth. "Touch me…" Rising from her chest, he captured her lips once again, sliding his hand into her smallclothes. Gently he parted her lips, locating her swollen nub and stroking it languidly, building the fire within her. Zeva writhed beneath him, her cries filling the campsite. As her movements intensified, he skillfully inserted two fingers inside her, thrusting deeply while using his thumb to continue the sweet torture on her button. Gasping his name, Zeva reached an explosive climax, collapsing back onto the bedroll, her hands clutching Duncan's shoulders.
Quickly discarding their remaining clothes, the lovers lay together, exploring each other with both lips and hands. Wishing to please Duncan as he had her, Zeva climbed atop him, gazing down at him adoringly. "Now, my beloved, you are under my command," she purred, running her fingers through the soft hair on his chest. "I want you to feel the pleasure you have given me."
Beginning with his lips, Zeva covered her lover in soft bites and kisses, lavishing attention on his chest, arms and legs, while deftly avoiding the one area Duncan so desperately longed to feel her. Slowly he worked his fingers into her hair, endeavoring to guide her head toward his now aching member, growling in frustration when she evaded his attempts.
Chuckling softly, Zeva lay down between his legs, skimming her tongue over his thighs, moving ever further up, until at last she reached her ultimate goal, taking him into her mouth and sucking hungrily.
"Oh yes, Zeva!" Duncan panted, feeling the intense pressure begin to build inside him. Grasping the back of her head, the Warden thrust deep into her throat, groaning as the heat of her mouth surrounded him. Desperate to claim her, he grabbed her arms, pulling her beneath him and positioning himself between her legs.
Placing her hands on his face, Zeva smiled softly, tears of joy shining in her eyes. "Everything that I am is yours, Duncan. Forever," she whispered. "Please love me…"
Slowly, purposefully, Duncan slid himself into her, his eyes rolling back into his head as he felt her muscles tighten around him. For a long moment, neither moved, the realization that they were finally united overwhelming. Zeva was the first to act, wrapping her hands around Duncan's waist, sliding them onto his buttocks and rolling her hips against his, pulling him deeper inside.
The clearing was soon filled with the sounds of their lovemaking. What began as a slow, seductive dance of bodies quickly became a duel of passions; the bedroll abandoned as the couple reversed positions, Zeva sitting atop Duncan, plunging herself onto him as he grasped her breasts, rolling her nipples between his fingers.
Feeling his climax fast approaching, Duncan sat up, pulling Zeva tightly to him, his fingers bruising her back as she rode him. Their cries rang through the night air as the two lovers reached their completion together, remaining tightly connected even as the waves of passion subsided.
Climbing under the fur blankets, Duncan pulled Zeva to him, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her softly. "I love you so much," he whispered, his heart nearly bursting with happiness that the woman he had desired for so long was finally his.
Snuggling closer to him, Zeva inhaled Duncan's scent, sighing happily. "And I love you, Duncan," she declared, drifting off to sleep with the sound of his heartbeat in her ears. No matter what was to come, the couple knew they would remain together to face it.
o~~~~~~~~o
Silence fell on Redcliffe Castle as its inhabitants retired for the night. The hallways were empty, except for a few guards, and no one noticed the figure moving toward the guest quarters, entering the room most recently occupied by Duncan and Zeva.
Teagan stared at the unmade bed, his heart breaking. Zeva had been his, and he had let her slip away again, just as he had with Nathaniel Howe. Duncan, that bastard, had ripped her from his arms, and thanks to his own drunken stupidity, she was further from him than ever before.
A glittering object drew his attention as he turned to leave the room. Lying on the dresser was the necklace he had given Zeva before she left for the Circle Tower. His eyes filling with tears, he picked up the abandoned memento, holding it tightly in his hand. Hatred of the Warden Commander flowed through his veins, and he resolved in that moment to win his love back, whatever it took.
Ser Perth came rushing toward him as he descended the staircase, heading toward his own quarters. "Bann Teagan," the Knight called, coming to attention before him, "I have been looking everywhere for you. You need to come with me right away!"
Panicked that something further had happened with Eamon or Connor, Teagan quickly followed Ser Perth into the entrance hall. A group of Redcliffe soldiers surrounded an unmoving form on the floor. The men parted as the Bann approached and Teagan's mouth flew open as he recognized the battered and bruised man before him.
"Fergus!" he cried, dropping to the floor, checking for a pulse. Relief swept through him as he found a faint heartbeat and he turned to Perth, sending the Knight to the guest quarters to bring one of the Circle mages.
Ser Perth returned quickly with First Enchanter Irving, and the elderly mage immediately began healing the badly injured Teyrn. Standing several feet away, Teagan stared at his friend, praying to the Maker for his safety.
It wasn't until much later, as the Bann climbed into bed to sleep, Fergus being cared for by several Circle Mages, that he allowed his mind to wander to the possible implications of this new development. When Fergus recovered, Teagan was sure he would have something to say about his sister's involvement with the Warden Commander. Smiling softly, Teagan lay back against his pillows, visions of the beautiful Warden lulling him to sleep….