Chapter Five

Assassins

Aedan had us all gathered near the Tower entrance. Redcliff is our next stop, right?" Aedan asked when everyone was present – including Cullen for some reason.

I nodded and said, "Yeah – hopefully, Arl Eamon will help us."

"Then let's get a move on," Alistair said. I bit my lip before I hugged Cullen. "I'll see you later, hun. You take care of yourself, or I swear I will… um… do something. I'll think on it, but for now lean down here," I snipped. I was too short to kiss him on the cheek if he didn't. Of course his head turned at the last second; like a cliché movie scene. I will gladly admit that I was happy about it. He pulled away almost immediately, to my disappointment. "Well… um… that…" Cullen couldn't seem to form words.

"I do believe, my dear, that what we just did was called a kiss. I meant it for your cheek, but I'm not gonna complain," I smirked. He was lollipop red and Aedan and Alistair were gob smacked… as were Templars surrounding us in the hall.

"I've never seen Cullen kiss anyone," I heard someone whisper. I had to capitalize on that, "Oh, goodness! Was that your first kiss, hun? That would be just horrible of me; to have such a short kiss be your first, I really must make it up to you," though my words sounded contrite, I was smiling. He stammered some more, "That's… it's alright."

Lelianna was giggling, and pushed a stool at me. I sent her a wink as I climbed up and gave Cullen a much longer kiss. He really was an amazing kisser, once he actually kissed me back. His right hand came up to cup my cheek as his left rested on my hip.

When it ended, I pulled away. I was breathless, and Cullen seemed to be as well. I gave him a smile and said, "Wow… that was… damn."

I got down from the stool, handing it to a stunned Templar near me, and headed over toward Aedan. "Let's go before I decide to stay here," I declared with a flushed face, arousing many sniggers.

When we were in the boat, rowing it ourselves to give control back to Kester, Aedan finally cracked. "You have magic, and you just… kissed a Templar! Are you trying to be thrown in a Circle?"

"No; but he won't always be a Templar. Besides, he started it! I was only gonna kiss his cheek; he turned. Don't scold me, brother, or I'll kiss Alistair just to spite you!" I was leaning against Lelianna, who was chuckling as Alistair was again bright red.

"You wouldn't dare!"

That was a Challenge! I sat up and was kissing Alistair before anyone could react. Unlike Cullen, Alistair didn't pull away at once and actually kissed me back sooner. Likely because he was worried I'd pull the same 'it's your first kiss?' stunt that I did with Cullen.

I was actually rather surprised – how could two innocent men kiss like seasoned lovers? I needed to prepare gift baskets for the women who taught them…

When I pulled away, I had to just rest my forehead against Alistairs' for a moment while I caught my breath. After a moment, I looked to Aedan, "I am a woman of my word, brother. Never challenge me; Alistair, I'm so sorry to have pulled you into our fight. I know it was wrong of me, so I owe you a favor. Name it, and if it is within my power I will grant it."

Sten nodded and said, "One must always keep their word, or they are not worth knowing." I handed him a paper bag of chocolate chip cookies.

Sten nodded his thanks, and Alistair finally snapped out of his daze. He didn't say anything and I felt kind of like a bitch for what I had just done. Why had I even done that? I shouldn't have even said anything to begin with.

We reached the shore and I went and talked to Kester, telling him his boat was back in control.

I also saw the scavenger and motioned to Sten to follow me. He did so without a second thought – I had beaten him without him landing a single blow, I was more than worthy in his eyes.

"You there; what is your name?" I asked the scavenger near a pile of Qunari bodies. Sten stiffened.

"Back off! I was here first!" the white haired old man growled at me. I rolled my eyes, "Seriously? We're looking for a Qunari Blade, you oaf."

"Looking to buy one… what's a Qunari?"

I pointed to Sten, "That would be a Qunari, friend."

"Oh… honestly, I… don't have anything. This spot was picked clean when I got it." He sighed.

"Who sold you the spot?" I asked.

"His name was… Faryn, I think. He was a squirrelly little bastard, he was. Said he was heading to Orzammar but that was nearly 6 weeks ago. Either he sold whatever he got from here or he's already halfway to the Frostbacks."

"What did the man look like?" Aedan asked.

"Erm… black hair I think and he was human. All I can tell you, though – my memory isn't what it used to be."

I smiled, "Have a gold piece for your willingness to co-operate, friend." The man lit up and thanked me before heading to the Spoiled Princess for a bite to eat.

I looked at Sten, "Your sword is now in Redcliff. I knew it would be, but I wasn't sure when. Timing can get a bit sketchy."

He nodded, but I knew he wouldn't believe it until he had the blade in his hand.

We all began walking.

Over the course of the next few days, it became obvious that Alistair was avoiding me. I felt horrible because I knew exactly why; that damned kiss… I had enjoyed it and he had kissed me back, but that didn't mean it was right.

I knew he hadn't kissed anyone before – and he had already said that he was saving himself. In the games if you pushed the issue by asking too often when your approval wasn't up, he would leave you. And that made sense – pushing someone when they weren't ready…

Leliana and Aedan had noticed my sour mood – and even noticed what was causing it. Alistair wasn't exactly subtle in his avoidance. Where before, he would walk beside me, he now took to being in the middle or back of the group. He would jump to clean the dishes just to get away from me. I wasn't even sure why I was so hung up on it – I had just lost my husband and son mere weeks ago but here I was piing after another man.

It was the fifth day when I turned in early – feeling like I was going to cry when Alistair sat as far from me as he could. This was my own fault, so I didn't think I should confront him – it wasn't his fault that I had crossed a line.

But regardless, I heard Aedan corner him near my tent, "What is your problem?"

"What do you mean?" Alistair asked; he sounded so confused.

"You're avoiding Ara like she has the Blight, Alistair – is it because of that kiss?"

"I'm not avoiding her," he denied. "Yes, you are – you used to walk with her, not you walk as far from her as you can. You jump to do the washing up. You sit as far away as you can. You won't even look at her, Alistair – and it's affecting her."

"What…? I'm really… I mean… she just lost her family, Aedan – I liked the kiss… maker – I loved the kiss… but how do I approach her when all I want is to do it again? She obviously loved her husband, Aedan."

"Don't you think that's for her to decide? She lost them when she died – they're still alive and healthy. She seems more upset that you are avoiding her than the fact that she lost her family."

Lelianas' voice cut in, "I do not believe she would have kissed Cullen or Alistair if she was in a state of grief."

I sighed, wishing they would take the conversation elsewhere – these were Alistairs' private thoughts on the matter. I had no right to hear them no matter how happy they made me.

Alistair groaned, "Well… how do I approach her? I… I like her. I'd like to… to see where things could go… but like I said, I thought she was grieving her family."

"You could do what she did – just kiss her." Aedan suggested.

Alistair began stammering, "W-what? I couldn't… I mean that…"

Leliana spoke again, "She promised you a favor – think of something and use that."

Aedan sounded excited, "Yeah – you could ask for another kiss or something."

"I will… think about it. I still think I should wait a bit. Regardless of who died and who didn't, she still lost them – she'll never see them again."

Leliana suddenly turned fierce, "I will ask you one thing – what is it you want out of her? Are you only looking for a woman to fill your bed or do you wish for more? Because she deserves…"

"No, no – I wouldn't…"

Aedan cut in, "She actually offered that to him once – days after we met her; meaning less than a week after she lost her family. Alistair turned her down because he wanted to wait for the right woman, Leliana."

"Oh…"

"Yeah… I uh… back then, I mean… I admit I was… interested in her but… and now that I've gotten to know her a bit…"

Aedan jumped on that, "Now what?"

"She's just so… caring. After Lothering, she got us all gifts if you recall. She got me a Grey Warden hand-puppet set with a matching horse. She hasn't even expected anything from any of us." I heard them sit down.

I was committed to listening in now – I would have put in ear plugs if I weren't. Alistair continued, "Then she made personalized soaps – she thinks we don't know that those scents were made specifically for us but think about it. River Rain – she mentioned the flower your mother had when she gave that to you. Lethal Beauty – she mentioned Morrigans' love of deadly plants. Templars' Rose – she knows I like roses and was Templar trained. She may have sold the recipes, but we were the inspiration behind them. With her visions, I wouldn't be surprised if Lions' Den was made for Cullen specifically. It may have turned out to remind her of her husband, but I don't think he was the start of it."

… Alistair was really too smart for his own good. Leliana spoke, "Oh… now that I think about it… you have a point. She got me an Orlesian Lute in Lothering."

"I was given this," Aedan said. I could imagine him showing off the locket.

"Right – and then, as we've traveled, she gathers things and mentions their use to us – not her. The Ironbark she's been collecting to aid in recruiting the Dalish, the Elfroot for health poultices and potions, and even the seemingly random things like the Garnets we came across being needed for a 'mission' later. She gives so much of herself to us – what do we give her? How can I expect that she'd want a bastard when I can't give her things she's used to? I have no title, land or money – I'm just a Warden."

"She may have grown up with nicer things but greed isn't part of her – not really. She hasn't complained about sleeping in a tent – her special bag could probably give her something better if she really wished it. The main thing she uses it for is clothing that can't be gotten here and foods."

"Again – for us," Aedan pointed out to Lelianas' words. She chuckled, "She eats too, Aedan. She is a kind soul, but you must understand – kindness usually comes from tragedy. She doesn't ask for anything because she likely feels she does not deserve it or that she can do it herself. I do wonder more and more how her family and world were. Does she come by this charitable nature naturally or was she forged in flames like so many others?"

Alistair sighed, "I'm inclined to think she was forged in Flames – you've heard her offhandedly remark on her looks, right? She seems to think her having a bit of weight means that she isn't breath-takingly beautiful."

Leliana said, "I do not understand that at all – most of the weight is in her good areas like her chest and rear end. Her belly looks similar to how many women would after birthing a child – there's nothing wrong with that."

Aedan chimed in, "And her eyes are enchanting, right? It was the first thing Cullen noticed about that picture of her – he didn't even mention the different hair colors."

Alistair said, "Exactly – she's so beautiful but… she seems to think she's completely the opposite. I can't imagine why unless people have told her such things before. I feel terrible at the moment because I can't help but think her husband didn't cherish her as he should have – if she believes herself ugly… was he at fault?"

"That is a good question… and my curiosity of her previous life grows," Leliana sighed.

I shook my head. They had likely figured out I was listening to be speaking of this. I knew damn well that I wasn't beautiful – decent was the best I could say. Even in our group, the women were thin and knock-out beautiful. Wynne, Morrigan and Leliana all looked so damn perfect… I put my ear plugs in and turned over. There was no longer any point in listening now that I had been discovered.

Alistair no longer actively avoided me, but he also didn't seek me out. I was now more than sure that the final part of the conversation was staged.

After a grand total of 3 weeks since leaving Kinlock Hold, Alistair finally approached me.

I was instantly on guard and said, "I uh… I am… so sorry about that kiss. You deserved better than to be pulled into my petty feud with Aedan… if there is anything I can do, as an apology… please let me know. I hate to think I ruined our friendship over a moment of argument."

"That's… kind of why I'm over here…" before he could say anymore I was pulled into a vision. I swayed as I came back to myself and shook my head like a dog, "Shit. That is going be a little sooner than I expected," I said rubbing my face. Alistair looked worried, "What is it? What's wrong?"

I chuckled, "Nothing really. It would have happened soon anyway, I just didn't realize how soon. Anyway, what did you wanna ask me?"

"I want to use my favor… to know more about you," He said. "Alright, gather up everyone to the campfire; tell them that it's open questions on my life before Thedas. And be nice to Morrigan, she's not so bad," I responded. I finished setting up my bedroll in my tent then sat at the fire.

I started cooking bowtie noodles in four cheese white sauce with basil pesto, chicken and peas and carrots. Soon everyone was around the campfire with me and I was dishing out food for everyone – including the doggo's.

"So, Alistair, this is your favor; you get to ask the first question," I told him then took a bite of my food.

"What is your world called?" "Earth"

"You said there was no Magic?" that was Lelianna. "Well… kind of. What we considered magic was mostly just Illusions. There were some, like my mother and I, who were sensitive to feelings, and sometimes saw small events in our dreams before they happened. There were people who would make 'potions' but those didn't always work out. There were many stories about fantastical things that didn't exist in our world, but those were due to imaginations. Things like Magic, Elves, Giants, Werewolves, and so on… didn't really exist. There may have been true Magic at one point, but it's been diluted. Most who had Magic once upon a time were burned alive or drowned… most of what remains is slim."

Wynne stepped in, "So you were married with a son… can you tell us about that?"

"Well… kind of? My husband and I never actually got married. In the, um, province where we lived just living together and calling ourselves married was enough. Alex was the man I called my husband, and his best friend Richard was my boyfriend. Before anyone asks, the practice of having more than one partner was kind of common in my world. My mother had two partners also. My son was three years old and he was such a handsome boy," I responded while pulling out pictures of them all.

"These men look nothing alike; do you not have a type?" Aedan commented. "I know. I… my orientation was pansexual. Didn't matter to me what someone's gender was – male, female, no gender, gender-fluid, male born as female or other way around, so on – I didn't judge on looks either. It was someone's personality that attracted me. I mostly liked people who were kind-hearted, and morally just… with a side serving of being an Asshole."

"Why would anyone want more than one partner at a time?" Morrigan sounded disgusted. "Well… for many reasons. Falling in love with multiple people, just plain addicted to sex, so on. I was both of those reasons, just to clarify."

And so the night went on. After about two hours we called it a night.

I pulled Aedan aside though, "I need a word with you."

"What can I help you with, sister?"

"Well… tomorrow, we will happen upon an Ambush. I will use my magic to knock out the head of the group, and then put a shield on him. He will be a good companion. His name is Zevran," Aedan looked at me like I was nuts for a minute before nodding. "Okay."

It came just before we were going to make camp and a woman rushed up to us on the road; she was 5'6 with cropped blond hair, grey eyes and pale skin. She wore tattered rags and looked to be out of breath, but I sensed her mana, and I knew at once what was happening.

"Oh; thank the Maker! Please, you must help us; they attacked the wagon!" she faked a frantic look. I smiled; "Lead the way, girl – I've been waiting for something like this."

Aedan had already informed the others that we would be facing an ambush today. I pulled a few of my throwing stars out and followed after the woman. The others all pulled their own weapons.

I threw one star as soon as we got into place so that the tree couldn't be felled – didn't want someone to have a hard time later on.

Silence reigned as Zevran stepped out from behind his wagon and looked between me and the now dead person. He lifted an eyebrow, "That is an interesting weapon, Bellisima. Care to share?"

"Mmmh – as interesting as that sounds, you're not my type, lover. You're on the wrong side of this ambush."

"So it seems – will you at least tell me what those are called?"

"They are called Shurikens. If you come to my side, I'll even give you a set as a gift," I said with a flirty wink. He laughed, "Tempting, Bellisima – very tempting, if I am honest. I am a man who likes new things, after all. But there is a contract for the lives of the Grey Wardens. How about you join me?"

"No can do, Amico – You see, one of them is my brother and the other… well, I will die before I let you harm either of them. You will get your wish if you try."

He froze, "My wish?"

"Come now – we both know exactly why you took this contract – and it had nothing to do with a competitive nature. Rina… she would not want you dying for that, Zev."

"How…?" he looked somewhat deadly. I smiled, "Join us – we can protect you from the crows for a failed job."

The mercs around him began shifting – not liking where this was going. Zevran looked torn, "If you know about her… you know what I did."

"And I know why you're here – you know you can't win this fight. You seriously came here to die."

The mercs didn't like the sound of that and attacked without a signal. Zev turned on them in that moment. His back was against mine as he fought – the Mercs wanted me dead more than the Wardens at the moment. Alistair actually looked amused at the turn of events.

When the fight was over, he was the first to say, "Did you really talk a skilled assassin out of a mark?"

Zevran chuckled, "What else do you know, little rose?"

"I know that you are one of the infamous Crows – well… you were until a moment ago. You were hired by a 'taciturn fellow' named Loghain. You enjoy living and that realization is why you turned on your men at that last moment. You can fight, pick pockets, warn us if the crows attempt something more sophisticated, and know many jokes and 12 massage techniques, and even 6 different card games."

He gave me a mocking bow, "I did not realize I was so popular."

"Nice try, lover – I had a vision of you offering me those things in return for your life once this little ambush failed. As I stated, you're not my type."

"Are you really sure we should take him with us?" Alistair pouted.

I smirked, "Yeah – he's funny, he's cute, and I have weakness for people with tortured backgrounds. I'm a seer, remember? We protect him, and he protects us – that's how this works."

I passed Zev the Antivan bottle of liquor. He looked impressed, "This is good stuff – where did you find it?"

"There's a Dwarven merchant who follows us around. I bought it from him. Also, this is yours too. I make soap. This one is made using Elfroot, Prophets' Laurel, Vandal Aria and Felandaris mostly. It smells like leather and blade polishes. I call it Smokescreen."

He took it and took a whiff with a smile, "It smells like home."

Alistair pointed, "Ah-ha! I knew it – I knew you personalized the soap!"

I chuckled, "I've been found out, it seems. Wynne uses Leliannas' signature soap, but for the most part… yeah. I had started to make a personalized one for her, but… how do you bottle spirits?"

Wynne coughed lightly, but she was smiling. "May I know the name of my benefactor?" Zev asked as I helped him stand up. "I'm Arvaala Anderson, but everyone calls me Ara. We're on our way to Redcliff, as you likely know, so you can question me on the way," I gave him a smile.