On Unexpected Delays

The day after they left Denerim, a frantic crying woman flagged down the group. Aedan dismounted as the woman grabbed his arm pleading, "Please you have to help me! My wagon was attacked!" She was dressed as a commoner not a servant, and her dress was ripped in some places and smudged with dirt.

"Of course, we'll help. Where is your wagon?" Aedan was taking out a map.

"No time to for a map! Please, please just follow me!"

"Alright, but stay close to us so you aren't hurt. Sten and Surana, you're with me. Emmalynn, you too, there may be injuries. Alistair and Leli, please stay with the horses."

The woman ran ahead and when they caught up to her they saw a wagon on its side and crows picking over a cow's corpse, all nicely nestled into a dead-end.

Aedan growled under his breath. "Shit!" Then he spoke to his three companions. "Look smart, we've fallen for the oldest bloody trick in the book!"

The woman who led them was no longer crying but instead smirking as she stood next to an armed elven man in leather armor.

The elf drew his daggers, as archers appeared on either side of what was clearly an ambush zone, along with one who as clearly a mage.

Surana was the first to hear the crack of wood and saw the tree beginning to fall. Aedan! Move left!"

Aedan saw the falling tree and jumped out of harm's way. However, the tree prevented them from any sort of retreat.

The elf yelled, "The Grey Wardens die here!"

The fight was difficult, but seven of the eight attackers fell to the combination of daggers, swords, and magic, which included some well-placed repulsion glyphs. The sole survivor was the elven rogue who was unconscious but otherwise appeared unharmed.

Aedan disarmed the would-be assassin, including taking away his water pouch, which he opened He proceeded to pour the water over the elf's face while saying in sneeringly sugary tone, "It's wakey, wakey time."

Sitting up, the elven man acted more like someone waking up with a hangover than someone regaining consciousness after being on the losing end of a fight.

He looked around. "I am alive, yes?"

Aedan crossed his arms "For now. How long you stay that way depends on what I hear."

He stood up slowly, but was able to stand on his own two feet. "Then I shall endeavor to tell you what I know. I am Zevran, an assassin from the Antivan Crows. My employers, or now former employers, have been contracted to kill the remaining Gray Wardens. The Crows were approached by Rendon Howe and the payment agreed–"

At the mention of Howe's name, Aedan had a dagger to Zevran's neck so quickly it took all of the assassin's will not to startle. "By the Maker, if you are one of Howe's dogs, I will skin you alive!"

Zevran's voice was calm and measured. "I am no one's dog. My contact with Rendon Howe consisted of being led into the presence of the one who agreed to the payment – a man named Loghain."

Surana spoke directly to Aedan. "Aedan, you need to step back."

Aedan stepped back, and while he was trying to get his emotions under control, Surana looked at Zevran. "I've read that the Crows of Antiva are elite assassins. I have to say, I'm underwhelmed. Happy to be alive, but still underwhelmed."

Zevran shrugged his shoulders. "I admit, I was not at my best, but a Crow does not get a second chance. I have failed to kill you, and thus my life is forfeit. As I am happy to be alive, I think I would like to stay that way."

Aedan had calmed down. "So, what do you propose we do? Take you with us – so you can finish the job?"

"I have no allegiance to the Crows. It seems that killing the last Grey Wardens while in the middle of a Blight is somewhat…short-sighted, yes? I offer myself to you to help you on your journey. Additionally, if there are further attempts by my former guild to complete the contract, I help you avoid them. Present example aside, I am very good at killing things. Additionally, I am a good at stealth, and picking locks…or cleaning armor, if that is what you prefer."

He grinned, his voice was almost a purr. "And as an added benefit, I can also warm beds on cold nights."

Surana laughed. "Aedan, I think he fits right in."

~oOOo~

Their third day on the road to Haven, Zevran was seriously injured after saving Surana from dying on a Hurlock's blade. The blade ended up slicing into Zevran's side as he shoved Surana out of the way.

Emmalynn knelt by him as his armor was removed. The wound was bleeding profusely, which was helpful for washing any taint from the wound. No major veins, just a lot of small ones. Her aura flowed into the wound. I'll knit some of the veins back together to stem the bleeding. Fortunately, his gut wasn't punctured. Muscles are always tricky when they have been severed. Now skin, and… no scar!

The healing process took only half a candle mark. Zevran opened his eyes, took Emmalynn's hand and kissed it. "Your hands work miracles, cariña. Perhaps you will let me return the favor?"

Emmalynn frowned in confusion. "But you can't heal."

"True," he hummed, "even so, the miracles my hands work will have you singing the Maker's praises."

Emmalynn stared at Zevran as if he had suddenly sprouted another head. She opened her mouth to speak, but closed it again. Standing up, she stammered, "Ah, no. That's okay. Glad you're...um feeling better. Happy to help." She backed away then turned and bumped directly into Alistair.

"Whoa, what happened, Emma? Did you have a problem healing Zevran?"

"No problems, he's fine. But…ah…" She lowered her voice. "I think Zevran propositioned me. He said that my hands worked miracles and the miracles his hands work would have me singing the Maker's praises.' "

Alistair scowled. "He definitely propositioned you, the randy bastard. He also appears to be an equal opportunity lech."

"Did he…with you?"

Alistair rubbed the back of his neck as his ears pinked up. "Yesterday, when all the men were on the riverbank getting ready to bathe, Zevran asked if he could use my abdomen as a washer board."

"What did you do?"

"I picked him up and gently tossed him into the river."

Emmalynn stifled a startled laugh. "Was he angry at you?'"

"No, he just looked at me and said, 'You have such powerful hands, my friend.' " He chuckled awkwardly.

"I feel a bit uncomfortable with it. No one has ever spoken to me that way. Ali…am I making a mountain out of a mole hill?"

"No Emma. If it makes you uncomfortable then he should stop."

"Hmm. Well, I will talk to him, but not tonight."

Alistair nodded. "Once we make camp, will my lady grace me with her presence for an evening stroll by the river?"

"So formal, Ali." She chuckled. "My lord, I would be most eager to accompany you."

That night, Surana was sitting by the fire sewing a tear in one of his under-tunics when Zevran sat down with a knife care kit. The assassin laid everything out meticulously and picked up a cleaning cloth as he turned to Surana.

"Such fiery passion!"

Surana started. "What?"

"Your fireballs! They are things of beauty. Such intensity!"

Surana turned pink. "Oh! Ah…Thank you."

"Speaking of fiery passion. I notice you only go by one name? Is it your first name?"

"No, it's my family name."

"You don't ever use your first name?"

"No. Truly, if you knew what it was, you'd understand. Why do you ask?"

"I wanted to be sure I called out the right name while in the throes of passion. By the way, I go by Zevran or Zev. So, you wouldn't need to call out Arainai!"

Surana went from pink to red, nonetheless, he smirked, "You think we will be in the throes of passion, or were you just telling me that you get off thinking about me?"

"Well at the moment the latter, but I would be most amenable to the former."

"Good to know."

~oOOo~

The following evening, Zevran was sitting at the campfire when Emmalynn walked up to him.

"Señor Arainai, puedo hablar contigo?"

Zevran grinned, seductively putting his hand to his heart "Finalmente! Mi hermosa dama has sucumbido a mis encantos!"

Emmalynn cleared her throat, shaking her head no. "Por favor deja de coquetear conmigo, me hace sentir incómodo." She winced and bit her lip, waiting for him to respond.

Zevran's normal licentious smirk vanished but he gave her a genuine smile. Muy bien, mi bella dama, me abstendré de coquetear contigo

Emmalynn's shoulders relaxed, she was relieved. "Gracias, Señor Arainai."

"De nada. Ah, y tu antivan es muy bueno."

"Thank you." Emmalynn bowed her head once and quickly walked back towards camp.

When Alistair saw Emmalynn approach Zevran, he kept a suspicious eye on them. Aedan came up to him smirking. "Alistair, do you want me to translate?"

"If you would. My Antivan is limited to yes, no, please, and thank you, where is the garderobe,

and a few things about horses."

"Emmalynn asked if she could speak to him. He responded with 'Finally, you have succumbed to my charms.' Then Emmalynn asked him to please stop flirting with her because it made her uncomfortable. Zevran said, 'Alright my beautiful lady, I will refrain from flirting with you.' Emmalynn thanked him. Zevran said that she was very welcome and she spoke Antivan well."

"Do you think he'll stop?" Alistair asked.

Aedan shrugged. "He seemed sincere."

Surana chuckled as he came to stand next to Aedan. "He'll stop. Even Zevran will find it hard to break a promise to M."

Aedan and Alistair both looked at Surana with identical puzzled expressions.

"You have already noticed that M is Andrastian. At the circle she has always attended services. Chantry mother for Kinloch was Mother Agatha, who the rest of us referred to as Hagatha. Out of the blue she decided to change the time of services because she wanted more templars to attend. The new time was in direct conflict with the creation class M had been teaching for the last two years. Me and several others believed Mother Hag intended to exclude M. I don't think she's ever liked the idea of mages attending services.

"Anyway, M went to Greagoir to see if he could help. He promised he would talk to the Mother so there would be at least one service a week that she could attend."

"Did he?" Alistair asked.

"Well he did speak with Mother Hag, but he couldn't convince her to hold an additional service. I was watching when he met M after her class to tell her that there would be no additional services.

"M was sad about the news, but told the Knight-Commander, 'Thank you for trying, I really appreciate it.' After she walked away, Greagoir sort of looked like someone who'd lost their puppy.

"Two weeks later, Mother Hagatha was recalled to Denerim and in her place came Mother Elaine. Mother Elaine held two services a day, one that was convenient for the templars and one that was in the morning right after breakfast, which M happily attended, along with more mages and even more templars. When Greagoir made the announcement, M looked like it was Satinalia morning.

"Greagoir never said, but the scuttlebutt was that he wrote to a revered mother in Denerim and complained about Agatha not being willing to hold additional services. Anyhow, I doubt Zevran will intentionally make her uncomfortable, now that she's asked him to stop."

~oOOo~

Emmalynn woke just before dawn with a sudden feeling of alarm. She took a few deep breaths and focused.

It's the Arl! Thank the Maker we are near the turn-off for Redcliffe.

Aedan was already up when Emmalynn left her tent.

"Aedan?"

"Good morning. You look unsettled."

"I am. Aedan, we need to go to Redcliffe. I just can't shake the feeling that the Arl has taken a turn for the worse. But, I don't want to delay the journey to Haven."

"Look, if the Arl dies before we can get to Haven, then our going there is pointless. We'll break camp and head directly to Redcliffe. If all is well, we can just re-provision and leave the following morning."

"Thanks Aedan. Do you want me to tell everyone?"

"No, I'll take care of it."

~oOOo~

They made good time and arrived in Redcliffe midday. Teagan met them at the stables.

The poor man, he looks exhausted! Alistair notices it too.

"Thank the Maker you're here."

Aedan was quick to explain. "We don't have the ashes yet, we were on our way and Emmalynn said we needed to stop here because she was concerned that the Arl had taken a turn for the worse."

If Teagan was surprised by this news he didn't show it. "He has. The Circle even sent a healer to Redcliffe."

"That would probably be Senior Enchanter Wynne, my former mentor."

Teagan nodded. "She has only been able to ease him for short periods of time. May I take you directly to him or do you need time?"

Emmalynn pulled off her riding gloves. "I don't want to wait."

Teagan spoke with one of the servants before he led her to the Arl and Arlessa's bedchamber.

Wynne was waiting for them at the entrance to the family quarters. Together they walked to the bed chamber.

Teagan addressed both women, "I'll go in and tell Isolde you're here."

"Thank you."

Wynne looked at her former student. "Surely you don't already have the ashes?"

"No, but we know where to look for them. I was worried about the Arl's health and wanted to check things out before we continued. Bann Teagan filled me in."

Teagan opened the door and motioned them inside.

When Isolde saw Emmalynn, she looked both relieved and reserved. It was clear in the wrinkle of her brow and the slight hunch in her shoulders that she was uncomfortable about having another mage in her private bedchambers.

Emmalynn was coolly professional. "Your Grace, this will take some time and as I need to keep one hand on his forehead and the other on his chest, I would prefer kneeling on the bed. Do I have your permission to do so?"

"Of course, of course, whatever you need to do."

Taking off her boots Emmalynn climbed on the bed, kneeling next to the Arl. "You will see my aura, which will surround your husband; that is me channeling energy to diagnose and to effect whatever healing is possible. I won't be able to hear you while I am working with the Arl, so do you have any questions or concerns?"

Isolde shook her head.

Alistair had entered the room and went to stand by his father as Teagan said, "Thank you for your explanation."

Emmalynn nodded. She turned her attention to the unconscious Arl. Her cerulean aura flared and concentrated around her hands as she placed one on the Arl's chest and the other on his forehead; soon after, her aura enveloped Eamon.

After a candle, her aura faded as she sat back on her heels. The Arl's cheeks had color again and he looked much like he did when they arrived in Redcliffe.

Wynne was smiling "You stabilized him!"

Isolde, said, "Thank the Maker! Thank you, enchanter."

"Je vous suis reconnaissant de m'avoir permis d'aider."

Alistair helped her off the bed, so she could straighten her back. "By your leave, your Grace, my Lord Bann."

Isolde was clearly happy to hear her home language and even if it was spoken by a mage, she responded with a rare smile. "Bien sûr. Merci encore. Teagan, I would like to speak with Enchanter Amell and Enchanter Wynne, would you escort them to my husband's study?"

Teagan nodded and Emmalynn curtsied as they all left the room.

"My Orlesian is rusty; you said you were grateful?" Wynne asked.

"I said that 'I am grateful to you for allowing me to help."

"You allowed Isolde to believe it was her good sense. Clever." Teagan chuckled.

"Not clever, at least not intentionally. I meant it. If she hadn't let me near him, I wouldn't have been able to help. Um…Bann Teagan, is Jowan still here?"

Teagan's expression turned grave. "He is still in the same place although it is no longer the barracks infirmary. No one gets to see him unless I have approved it. He is given adequate food and shelter, and instead of using mage bane, the templars brought an inhibiting collar."

"Templars?"

"They came with me from the Circle, Emmalynn. They are staying here both to guard Jowan and serve as my escorts."

"Oh, that's good. If you encounter darkspawn they could protect you and drain the magic from the Darkspawn emissaries."

"Darkspawn have Emissaries?" Teagan looked horrified at the idea.

"Not in the way you're thinking, Father. They are the magic users among the darkspawn." Alistair explained.

"But there are no templars in your group!"

"Emma can neutralize magic." Alistair's affection for Emma and his appreciation of her talents was clear in the warmth in his eyes and smile.

Emmalynn quipped. "Granted it isn't as…um…formidable looking as a templar performing a smite, but it gets the job done."

They had reached the study. "Ladies, Father, I am going to see Connor and let him know about Eamon." He bowed. "I will see you all at dinner." He gave Emma's hand a gentle squeeze as he walked off down the hall.

Teagan ushered them into the study. Emmalynn took in the large room. It was decorated in dark woods, different tones of leather, and mulberry and cream-colored fabrics. One side of the room was imposing, consisting of Eamon's desk; a solid plain desk of fine mahogany. The Arl's large comfortable looking desk chair on one side and two standard-looking chairs opposite it.

The other half of the room, where the hearth stood, was welcoming. Two large deep-cushioned couches of cream and mulberry were nestled near the hearth facing each other. In between the couches was a lighter-colored wood table on which was a bowl of colorful fresh fruit and a basket of small bright flowers.

"Please make yourselves comfortable." Teagan gestured to the couches. Wynne and Emmalynn sat next to one another.

"Can I offer either of you a glass of brandy?"

"Yes, thank you my lord." Wynne readily accepted the offer.

"Please call me Teagan. Emmalynn, Brandy?"

Emmalynn looked unsure.

"Try it. You might like it." Wynne urged.

"Wynne…you know I've…um…never drank spirits."

Teagan grinned. "All the more reason to try it."

Still looking unsure. "Okay…one very small taste…please?"

Teagan poured a small amount into a glass and handed it to Emmalynn. She was about to take a sip when the Arlessa walked in the room. Quickly, she put down the glass and stood to curtsy. "Your Grace."

Isolde nodded as she came to sit next to Teagan and motioned for Emmalynn to sit. "Tell me what happened to my husband."

"The poison Jowan used was changed by the demon and over time began to antagonize his system."

"How do you mean changed?"

"The poison's alchemical make up was altered by the demon. Fortunately, it was an element I could neutralize without making it deadlier. The poison combines some very lethal herbs and reagents with an odd type of blood magic.

"In any case, I wish I could do more, but he is stable. The good news is that we know where Brother Genitivi believes the ashes to be, and we are going there directly from here. We will bring the ashes back as soon as we can."

"May Andraste guide you in your search. Thank you, Enchanter Amell, for your help . Isolde stood and Teagan opened the door for her.

Once the Arlessa was out of the room, Teagan rejoined the women.

"Bann Teagan there was something I didn't tell the Arlessa: the poison has to have been made in Tevinter. It's not something Jowan could have concocted. The question is, who would have contacts with Tevinter?"

Teagan's eyes narrowed. "Rendon Howe."

"I thought Loghain gave the poison to Jowan?" Wynne asked.

"He did - he sent it to Jowan via messenger. Honestly, Loghain having dealings with Tevinter is as unlikely as him having dealings with Orlais."

Tight lipped and clearly angry, Wynne stated, "Then Howe is clearly working with Loghain."

"Wynne, I don't think we know enough to say that."

"Emmalynn, you have to trust me. You've had little experience with political machinations!"

Wynne's sharp rebuke made Emmalynn grimace, and Teagan looked uncomfortable.

Trying to deflect the sudden awkwardness Teagan pointed to Emmalynn's glass, "Perhaps you should try the brandy."

As soon as she swallowed it she had a coughing fit as she felt the liquor blaze a trail from her tongue to her stomach. Maker, my throat is on fire!

Teagan promptly handed her a glass of water, which she swallowed quickly. "Thank you," she gasped. After finishing the water, Emmalynn chuckled, her voice still hoarse. "This is one of those experiences that um…teaches me not to do something extraordinarily…stupid later on."

"Such as?" Teagan asked.

"Um…like taking a larger drink from a bigger glass."

Teagan and Wynne both laughed.

"I am grateful you were able to stabilize my brother."

Emmalynn shrugged. "Well, Hope did the heavy lifting."

"Hope? Is that the spirit you channel?"

Emmalynn nodded.

Wynne patted her shoulder. "Hope works through you because you are worthy of Hope. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to finish my letter to Irving, then I think I'll rest before dinner."

Emmalynn stood to attend to her former mentor. The elderly mage waved her off. "I'll be fine, my room is just down the hall."

Teagan escorted Wynne to the hallway. Wynne said quietly, "Your son seems quite taken with Emmalynn."

"Hmm, possibly," is all Teagan would say. When he came back into the study, he left the door slightly open.

Emmalynn noticed and looked down as her hands. Now what do I do? "My Lord, if…uh…being alone with a me…with a mage…with mage like me…makes you uncomfortable–"

"No! Oh dear no. That isn't why I left the door ajar; quite the opposite, actually. I don't want anyone to think something illicit is happening in here."

"Oh…Oh!" Emmalynn blushed scarlet. "Thank you for thinking of that. It would never have occurred to me."

"Thank you for your patience with Isolde. She can be…trying. Your deference makes her feel more in control. Which I admit is a double-edged sword, but it makes her calmer."

"My deference is sincere, my lord; it was how I was taught…taught by my mother."

"If I may ask, how old were you when you went to the Circle?"

"Um…I …was nine, about 10 summers ago.

Suddenly, Emmalynn had to stifle a large yawn that made her eyes water. "Please excuse me. I didn't realize I was so tired. I think I need to lie down for a while. We got an early start this morning."

"Of course! Rooms have been prepared, I believe you are sharing a room with Sister Leliana. I'll escort you."

Emmalynn was about to respond when she was overtaken by another eye-watering yawn. She nodded instead.

Once inside the bedroom, she sat down to removing her boots and stockings, then laid down on top of the covers. I'll just close my eyes for a minute or two.

AN: Thank you to my awesome Beta ElyssaCousland. Thank you for reading!