Chapter 46) Reunion

Aiden POV


"Aiden, when I retire, I want you to become hahren." The words almost startled me enough to drop the boxes I was carrying, and I stared at Valendrian, certain I misheard.

"I'm no leader," I mumbled after realizing I hadn't.

"Not yet, perhaps. But you've the potential." I shook my head. "You'll realize it, when you're older." I highly doubted that. "Box goes on the highest shelf."

"Yes, sir." And I hoped we'd never speak of this again.


"We've a crow watching." Those cryptic words were all Lady Elspeth said as we entered the small village we were supposed to meet the others at. I tried to think of why it was important to know a bird was paying attention to us, but came up blank. Maybe she just wanted to practice the sign language we came up with? We were all slowly learning, after all, and learning the habit of signing as we spoke. It took a couple of tries figuring out that we absolutely had to make sure none of us interrupted the other. Cleon couldn't follow multiple threads of conversation.

"All right," I murmured, confused, but letting it go. She simply nodded. "All right, everyone." I turned to face the group, carefully signing for Cleon. "We split up into two groups to see if the others are already here." They nodded, and I took a breath, bracing myself for the coming protests. "Cleon, Lady Elspeth, and I will be one group. Sten, Alistair, and Morrigan, you're the other." And Morrigan was the first to open her mouth. "Do you have a problem with my order, Morrigan?" She snapped her jaw shut, sulking a little. "I thought not." I nodded to Sten. "Sorry that you'll have to keep them from arguing."

"We'll behave," Alistair sighed. It didn't escape me that he glanced at Lady Elspeth, but he just shrugged. "Or, rather, I'll shut up for once and not rise to the bait."

"Then perhaps the viper in our midst can do the same," Sten murmured. I gave him a slightly confused look, but he simply shook his head, and silently nudged Alistair and Morrigan one way.

Lady Elspeth, Cleon, and I went in the opposite direction, being careful of people who might recognize us from the wanted posters. We'd been strangely lucky on the way here, but…

A tap on my shoulder caught my attention and I shifted to see Cleon's hands. 'Why did you split the groups this way?' he signed.

Unable to help it, I signed back, 'Sad you can't flirt with Morrigan?' He rolled his eyes and lightly hit my arm. 'Or are you sad that you can't watch Alistair and Lady Elspeth be awkward?'

"I can read that," Lady Elspeth stated. The slight redness to her face and the nervous way she held her hands as she signed her words hinted how embarrassed she was. "You are both quite mean. He's just being nice." Cleon and I exchanged an exasperated look. Yes, he was just being nice. That's why he went out of his way to give her a flower. Every. Day. "I can see you."

'Observant in everything but awkward, fumbling flirting,' Cleon signed, sighing to ensure his exasperation was clear.

"We can't all be Morrigan." I choked on a laugh, earning a betrayed look from a coloring Cleon. "When are you going to let her catch you?" Cleon crossed his arms, hiding his hands. A clear declaration of 'no answer'. "Does this mean you don't want to hear what she says? We do gossip a little." I choked on another laugh as Cleon glowered, reaching over to prod her in the forehead. "If you're going to be mean, I'm going to be mean back!" Was it really only a few weeks ago that these two were arguing constantly? …Wait, had it even been a few weeks since Ostagar? It felt like forever, that I'd known the group for eternity. What a strange feeling… "Aiden?"

"Just trying to think of how long it's been," I murmured, careful to sign my words for Cleon. Both of them looked thoughtful, fingers moving as they mentally counted. "It feels longer than it's been." I hadn't even known them two months ago. Yet, here I was, laughing like we'd been friends since childhood. "Ah, sorry, we should probably be watching the crowd."

Both nodded and after exchanging smiles of reconciliation, the two started looking at the people we passed. I did the same, noting how everyone's clothes were loose. Hunger was already starting to set in, the darkspawn likely having destroyed farmlands and blocked trading roads. We had to end this quickly. We had to.

Cleon caught my arm suddenly, and when I turned to look at him, he pointed down the way, to the man chatting with a merchant. I saw the long black hair in a ponytail and called out, "Lord Nuada?" The man turned slightly, frowning a bit before grinning when he caught sight of us. I smiled back, relieved that they were already here.

I felt my smile falter, though, as he turned to face us fully and walked over. A scar, still a bit pink from being recently healed, ran from about the corner of his mouth to his forehead, directly over his eye. The clouded blue screamed everything. How had he'd lost the eye? Had… had things been troublesome at the Tower?

"What? Does the additional scar make me more handsome?" Lord Nuada teased, knowing immediately what caused my staring. To give me time to recover, he gently poked Lady Elspeth's cheek, sighing at her look. "Yes, Elspeth, I'm an idiot. You can stop wondering how I got it." I glanced between the two of them and he sighed again. "I didn't heed a warning." And I was trying to figure out what was… ah! Cleon!

I turned to face Cleon, who was frowning in frustrated confusion, and tapped his shoulder to catch his attention. When he faced me, I carefully signed out the conversation, adding 'they are also being quite strange and communicating with looks.' He nodded, apparently understanding fully, and I fought off the urge to sigh. Lady Elspeth waved as I did so, and signed to us that she would go get the others, leaving only when I nodded and signed, 'Go to the inn'. …Well, tavern, because only the Alienage sign language had anything like that, but hopefully, she knew what meant.

"Was that sign language?" And Lord Nuada was leaning over my shoulder, watching my hands. Did he mean to make sure I was on his blind side? "When did you learn sign language?" he asked, looking curious. "And why? Is it to make sure we can all be heard while there's a battle?" Uh… actually, that did seem like a good idea, but…

Cleon reached over and playfully tugged Lord Nuada's ponytail as it fell over his shoulder. When Lord Nuada, equally playful, pouted at him, he covered his ears and shook his head. Would that be enough? Maybe I should actually say-

"Oh, he lost his hearing?" I automatically translated for Cleon and Cleon nodded. Lord Nuada just smiled wryly. "Well, it seems like neither of the groups got allies without trouble." Lord Nuada shrugged, straightening. "We did secure the mages help, and the templars." The way he said it made me think it was good in a different way than I thought. "Basically, we just got two companies." Uh… I somehow doubted the sign I had for company would fit. And I didn't know another meaning. "That isn't accounting for the Dalish, of course, so perhaps it would be more accurate to say we had three? Depending on numbers, that might actually be the equivalent of a battalion." Uh…

"Nuada, you are doing it again!" And there was Mistress Layla, huffing as she appeared on his left. Where had she come from?! "What even is a company?" she demanded, hands on her hips. Her hair was expertly braided, pinned up to take the weight off her neck, and I noticed her robes were very different from before. She wore chainmail under it. Where had that come from? And that wasn't the only change in her appearance With how she held her head and shoulders, she appeared confident, sure. Very different from the shaking, traumatized girl I'd said goodbye to not all that long ago.

"I'm sorry." Lord Nuada smiled sheepishly. Now that I paid attention, he was more relaxed, his smile more real. Was it the lack of armor? …No, he was just… more settled. Less pretending. "A 'company' is a military unit." Perhaps Alistair or Sten had a sign for it then? "They typically consist of about eighty to… ah, I think I saw one in Nevarra with around two-hundred." Maybe just Sten, then. "It's simply an organization thing, to help with military hierarchy and supplies." And I was faltering on what signs to use so that Cleon could keep up. "…Aiden, I know Fereldan military hand signals, if that'll help" Lord Nuada smiled apologetically to Cleon. "Loghain taught Fergus and me."

"Yes, it would," I sighed. I signed to Cleon 'when we have paper, I will explain it better', and he nodded, scowling. I couldn't blame him for it.

"Eh? Cleon cannot hear?" Mistress Layla yelped, peering up at Cleon. Cleon simply smiled wanly. "The Circle has a sign language. Wynne knows it really well." Wynne…? Wait, the mage from Ostagar? The one Aneirin wanted us to deliver a message? "She is resting in the inn right now with Leliana." She was here? What were the odds of that?! "Will that help?"

"I don't see why not," I answered, quickly signing Mistress Layla's words before adding the signs for my reply. "It's not like this isn't a hybrid mix anyway." We really needed some paper. "Right, before I forget. As you assumed, Nuada, the Dalish are on board, but they're recovering."

"That'll be an interesting tale," Lord Nuada grinned. He reached out to clasp my shoulder and missed a little before adjusting. Was his fighting similarly affected? Cleon was still adapting. "By the way, it's good to see you all again. I'm not sure if I said that."

"…The feeling is mutual." It really was and, as I signed it to Cleon, he nodded for emphasis. "To the inn then, my lord?"

"Yeah, that sounds good." His eyes, however, flicked to the side. I followed his gaze, but saw nothing unusual. "We've a crow watching." That was the same thing Lady Elspeth said, and it still made no sense. "Oh, before I forget, Wynne is rather motherly, and unintentionally patronizing, so if either bother you, tell her immediately." Ah, yes, that…

I burst into laughter as Cleon immediately signed, 'We better keep her away from Morrigan.' It took me a bit to recover enough to translate, and even as I did, I wondered why it had made me laugh, made all of us laugh. Maybe… maybe we were just that happy to see each other again. It felt… far too long to be apart.


The inn was warm, friendly, far more than I would've expected. More importantly, we were staying free. Because apparently our actions in Lothering did accomplish something: it told the people of Fereldan that we were helping.

"It's very good to see you two," Wynne laughed, smiling. I just smiled back, still stunned that she'd survived. Especially given what I'd just heard about the Tower! "But what an interesting tale you all had about your travels." Yeah, I had no idea who'd had the weirder story. On the one hand, werewolves. On the other, fighting in the Fade! "Still, you are Neria's cousin." I was very glad to hear she'd survived. "I can see the resemblance." Oh?

"We did look alike as children," I murmured, smiling softly. I missed those old days. "I can't say I dislike knowing we still look like family." I glanced around the room, checking on everyone. Lady Elspeth and Leliana wer helping the innkeeper clear the plates from the group tea we'd all had. Morrigan and Layla were chatting rather animatedly over something in the corner, Layla's eyes bright with excitement, and Morrigan's smile strangely soft and giddy. Lord Nuada was teasing Alistair over something, or so I assumed by the latter's blush, and Sten wasn't far away, going through signs with Cleon, adding in some of the Fereldan military hand signals Nuada showed us. Ah, right, Layla had said… "There's a Circle sign language?"

"There is a Kinloch Hold sign language." Ah, right, different Circles would have different sign languages. "I imagine it, at least, has signs for different spells." She chuckled. "I noticed the templar signals, but typically, they just focus on 'spell', moving to block it." Right, Alistair had actually explained that. "I certainly don't mind teaching it. It'll also be fun to learn what you made." You mean the hybrid mess? Maybe she was curious on how it actually worked.

A clap cut through the air and we all turned towards the sound. I was surprised to see it was Cleon. He shook his hands like they stung before snagging Lord Nuada and Lady Elspeth by the sleeve to make sure he had their attention. 'What were you two talking about earlier?' he signed, scowling in annoyance. Oh, what happened this time? 'About crows.' Ah, so it had bothered him too.

However, both Lord Nuada and Lady Elspeth frowned, tilting their heads in confusion. "We mean there are crows watching?" Lord Nuada answered, Lady Elspeth signing for him. A glance around showed no one… no, wait, Leliana was biting her lip in though. "What else would we mean?" Why would it be a thing, though? What did birds have anything to do with… wait. Wait, I'd… had this thought before. Something… Something Master Duncan…

"Pardon me, my lord and lady…" I began slowly. All eyes fell on me. "But… you two aren't talking about birds, are you?"

"Why would we be talking about birds?" Lord Nuada looked even more confused.

"Then we've assassins." Maker, seriously, give me patience!

"Yes? We told you this." NOT IN A WAY WE UNDERSTOOD, DAMN IT! "We figured you were employing the 'wait and see' tactic. It's one we use often."

The cracking of wood cut off whatever retorts any of us could've possibly have had. I whirled, seeing a group trying to get in. Alistair used a chair to shove them out, though, getting us the room we needed to push them out of the inn, though we were still stuck right at the entrance. Thankfully, most of us were still armed, and there weren't really a lot, but these were supposed to be skilled assassins so…

Someone was behind me, knives at my neck, but when I whirled, I found them already falling, Cleon's dagger splitting their neck. Blinking slowly, I saw him retreat, back to the wall of the inn, eyes darting around. Well, maybe I didn't need to worry so much about him fighting? And it seemed like everyone else had things under control. Sten was easily deflecting blows, Alistair was guarding the entrance, Leliana was firing arrows, the three mages coordinating spells together…

"There you are." I brought my greatsword up in time to catch the daggers of the elf attacking me. The thing I most noticed about his was the tattoos on his face. "The Wardens die here." Excuse me?

"I highly doubt that," I told him coolly. I shoved him off me, taking advantage of my superior strength, and then took advantage of his stumbling to ram my pommel into his temple, knocking him out fairly quickly. "That worked?" I sighed, shaking my head, and slowly turned around, looking for whoever was closest. "Sten?" He came over immediately. "Watch him, please. I'd like to try getting information." He nodded, and I stepped away, checking on everyone. With the exception of the one I'd 'fought', the assassins were dead and everyone was accounted… wait, no, where were Lady Elspeth and Lord Nuada?

Frowning, I frantically hunted around before I happened to glance to the back. Where they were. Unarmed. Not stained with blood. They… they didn't fight. They seriously, seriously didn't fight. Maker, above, I was going to hit them or yell or…!

Cleon beat me to it, sliding in front of them and signing rapidly. Between his speed and angle, I couldn't make heads or tails of what he was saying, and Lord Nuada's blank face meant all he knew was that Cleon was angry.

When Cleon paused, though, Lady Elspeth had her hands up. "We're sorry," she murmured, signing the words as she drooped, eyes downcast. "We didn't think a Crow would be stupid enough to attack in broad daylight, with a frontal assault. They are an assassin, after all." …Now that she mentioned it, it did seem odd. Why would…? "When we recovered, all of you were there and…"

"And I decided jumping into the fray would only hurt," Lord Nuada continued, talking slowly so Lady Elspeth had time to sign the words for Cleon. I noticed the others slowly relaxing, not quite as annoyed. "I haven't yet adapted to fighting while blind in one eye, and with the chaos, Elspeth couldn't get a clear shot. So, we stayed back, helping the innkeeper get the other patrons to safety, and paying for the damages." I glanced guiltily at the splintered doorframe. "We're sorry. This is all because it didn't even occur to us that you didn't know what we were talking about when we said 'Crow'."

"To be fair…" I sighed. Sluggishly, I lifted my hands to sign for Cleon too, waiting until he faced me to continue. "I should've asked when Lady Elspeth first mentioned it. You were trying to relay important information, and I should've asked for clarification. The fault lies in both sides." But judging by how tense Lord Nuada and Lady Elspeth held themselves, they put it solely on themselves. Nothing I could do about that, except reassure them it wasn't the case. "Regardless, you two know Crows?" They both nodded and I seized Lord Nuada by the arm. "Good. You're helping me question."

"Interrogation won't work." Still, Lord Nuada followed me without even stumbling. When I glanced back, Lady Elspeth and Cleon were conversing, signing quickly. "It's a Crow thing. You know you bought their silence, along with their skill." He paused. "Or, well, that's how it should work. We're dealing with a very weird Crow." Joy of joys.

I approached the assassin, noticing him stirring, and nodded to Sten. "We'll take over from here," I told him. He nodded back and stepped away, going to where the others were gathered, whispering together.

Lord Nuada and I, however, waited quietly until the assassin opened his eyes. "Oh…" he groaned, blinking owlishly. "Mmm… I rather thought I'd wake up dead." The assassin carefully pushed himself up, shaking his head. "Or, rather, not wake up at all, as the case may be." I didn't recognize the accent at all, but the name was 'Antivan' crow, so… "But it appears I'm still alive, yes?"

"For now," I answered. Probably a better idea to be firm? "That can be rectified."

"Yes, the lump on my head says that." I didn't hit him that hard. "You are most skilled. So, if I'm not dead, then it means I am alive for a reason." His eyes were focusing on me slowly, voice losing little bits of its grogginess.

"You're… really nonchalant about this." He only chuckled in response. "So…"

"Interrogation, yes?" Uh… "Very well. Let's save some time." Huh? "My name is Zevran. I am a member of the Antivan Crows, brought here for the sole purpose of slaying the Wardens." Um… didn't… didn't Lord Nuada just say…? "Which I failed at. Sadly."

"If you'd succeeded, you would be missing your head." Was it bad the threat came naturally? Probably. At least I… felt calmer than I did in the estate.

"Well, yes, but being captured by a target tends to be a tad detrimental to one's assassin career." I felt like I was talking to another Lord Nuada, the one from right after Highever fell. "Regardless, you'll want to know my employer, yes?" Uh… "A rather taciturn fellow. Loghain, I believe?" He tilted his head in thought before nodding. "Yes, that's it. Seemed to like the wine, or at least the alcohol."

I gave Lord Nuada a look, and he was absolutely baffled. "You… are perhaps the worst Crow ever," he murmured. Zevran simply shrugged, smiling wryly. "It's like you've a death wish." Lord Nuada shook his head. "Normally, I'd call bullshit, but his information makes sense. Mostly."

"Only mostly?" Zevran sighed. "Tsk, tsk." Don't say the sound! "I assure you. I am most truthful."

"The part I don't get is how Loghain contacted the Crows. He always covered his ears when Father talked about it."

"Oh, that? That was because someone named Howe did the contacting." Bloody flames. "But regardless, if I might make a suggestion? If you're done interrogating me." I nodded. "So, here's the thing. I failed." Yes. "Meaning my life if forfeit, or should be as far as the Crows are concerned." Okay? "So, since you're the sort that gives them pause, how about I join up with you instead?" …What. "I'd hate to waste the life you so generously saved." I… I… "Besides, I can think of worst things than serving a magnificent sex god." Oh, wait, what?!

"Lord Nuada?" I whispered as I heard the rest of the group gasp and mumble in surprise. "Would you mind if I leave this to you?"

"Considering the situation, I think its better you do let me," he answered easily. I breathed a sigh of relief. "Clearly, you're not used to Antivans." THEY WERE ALL LIKE THIS?! "Leliana? Can you come here for a minute?" Oh, wait, what?

Leliana skipped to his side, one eye on Zevran, and the two of them were soon conversing in a flowing, lilting language, Lord Nuada taking an accent that matched Leliana's. Was this Orlesian? Why converse in that?

"Oh, very clever." I glanced down to see Zevran nodding approvingly. "I only know a smattering of Orlesian," he laughed. "And they're keeping an eye on me to see if I recognize what they're saying." Someone was far too chipper about this whole situation.

"Aiden, let's take him up on the recruitment," Lord Nuada said, breaking off his conversation with Leliana. I studied his face and he smiled slightly to reassure me. "I can think of a few tactical uses for an assassin." Oh, lovely. Still…

"All right," I agreed. I heard strangled noises of protests and glanced at the others, who looked confused, aghast, or both. "Is there a problem?" I meant the question genuinely, but they seemed to take it as a threat, as they quickly shook their heads. "All right then?" I had a headache… "Wynne, do you mind checking him over?"

"Of course not, my dear," she answered immediately, smiling gently at me. "Come along, child." She helped Zevran up. "Let's see about your injuries."

"Oh, I'm sure I'll be just fine if you let me rest on your bosom," Zevran replied nonchalantly. Wynne's gentle smile instantly dropped for an exasperated frown. "What? You have a magical bosom." I wasn't even going to listen anymore. I wasn't sure if I wanted to gag him or laugh.

"Aiden?" I turned as Leliana approached. She didn't look me in the face, fiddling with her hands. "Um…" I waited for her to find her words in silence, glancing around to see the others dispersing. "Well…" Finally, she took a breath to steel her nerves and looked up at me. "Do you know what it means to be a bard in Orlais?" she asked. Since the question came up, I had to assume it didn't mean 'storyteller', so I shook my head. "It means 'spy'." …Wha…? "Bards are spies, assassins. Like the Crows, their skills are sold to the highest bidder. It is a… horrible life. I once thought it fun." Let me get this straight. In this group, we had five wardens of varying colorful backgrounds, a noblewoman, a witch of the wilds, a qunari who slaughtered a family, and, now, two assassins? Wow, the Maker had the greatest sense of humor. "I know now it's not. It's a nightmare that swallows you whole, where you create nothing of worth." Her hands shook, even as she clasped them in front of her. "But I still remember the training. Nuada and I agreed that a good way to use them would be to watch Zevran for signs of betrayal." …Oh, that's what… "So, please, don't worry." She smiled reassuringly. "I may be rusty, but I can take him. At least, long enough to get the warning."

"I see," I murmured. Well, this was all a revelation, but… well, she was still the same kind, if slightly odd, woman I met, so… "Thank you." I smiled at her, only to become confused as she stared, flushing pink. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine!" Her voice was squeaky. And was she even pinker now? "I'll… um… just go ahead and get started!" And she bolted, leaving me confused.

What in bloody flames was that?!


While Wynne and Leliana tended to Zevran, I asked Sten and Alistair to check the area and make sure we didn't have any more attackers waiting in ambush. Lady Elspeth had requested Morrigan's help in making something with a far too complex name for me to pronounce, but had made Morrigan grin wickedly. Meaning I was currently fearing what it was as I relaxed in Nuada's room in the inn with him, Mistress Layla, and Cleon.

"So, much as I like relaxing, there is pertinent information that needs to be shared," Lord Nuada began. He sighed, rolling his shoulders as he straightened, sitting cross-legged on the floor. He'd insisted on Cleon and I sitting on the bed, while Mistress Layla had the only chair. "Aiden, if you're going to punch something, aim for the pillow. It needs fluffing anyway." I had no idea to react to that as I signed out everything for Cleon. "Howe is Arl of Denerim." All my thoughts froze at that sentence, even as my hands still moved. What about the Alienage? Was it okay? "I'm sorry, but the merchants I've talked to don't know about your home, Aiden." As soon as I finished translating the words for Cleon, I could only put my face in my hands, bowing as I ground my teeth. Cleon rubbed soothing circles on my back, but it didn't take away the knowledge that I had given the opening Howe took. "He's also the Teyrn of Highever." I looked at Lord Nuada, and… well, while I was angered at hearing it, I was glad to see Lord Nuada wasn't hiding behind his smiling mask this time. "I don't know what's worse. That Howe has control of our homes, or that he got it because Loghain didn't trust Elspeth, even after she asked." His voice cracked on the last word and Mistress Layla shifted to the floor, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

Cleon nudged me, and I rapidly signed out the conversation for him. Afterwards, he nodded and signed back. I translated, "So, he didn't reciprocate the trust you two put into him?" Lord Nuada sighed and nodded, tensing. "I'm going to kill him."

"Cleon, I love you dearly, but either Aiden or I get first dibs." Lord Nuada's eyes were fierce, and I caught my breath as I recognized the light in them. I'd seen it in Teyrn… in Bryce Cousland's face too, during the Landsmeet. The light that marked all their successes, and inspired their people to follow them faithfully. "I've no illusions he'll treat the Alienage any better than he'll treat Highever." As I translated, Cleon nodded, understanding and I slumped at that wonderful reminder. Had… had my admitting guilt… had my sacrifice been wasted?

"There is more," Mistress Layla murmured. Both Cleon and I sighed, me not even having to translate as Cleon read her tentative body language, and she smiled sadly. "There is a civil war." …You have got to be kidding me. THERE WAS A BLIGHT, DAMN IT! We really were the only ones actually trying to deal with the threat! "The Bannorn rose up or… something?" She looked to Lord Nuada, poking his cheek. He gave her a look while I made sure Cleon had gotten everything. I was worried about forgetting the signs with all this… wonderful information. "Ah! R-right, I am sorry. I forgot that you asked for me to not do that on your blind side." Right, we needed to learn what quirks he had now. "But, I do not quite remember your explanation?"

"Basically, the Bannorn decided Loghain was full of it, and rebelled," Lord Nuada answered. When Mistress Layla tried to move away, he caught her sleeve. "No, stay. I like knowing my right isn't unguarded." She nodded, and smiled brightly. What had happened between them? "Fereldan is divided into two while the darkspawn devour the south. Lothering's gone." I closed my eyes at that. Expected, but still… "Anora's mysteriously absent during all of this too. I have no idea what in bloody flames she's doing." And it was clear from his tone and posture that he was rapidly getting tired of everything.

"My experience might be different from most, but by my eyes, she always seemed more of a politician than a queen," I murmured. My stomach churned in anxiety, but I kept myself from curling into myself through sheer force of will. Thankfully, Lord Nuada didn't look offended. Mistress Layla just looked curious, while Cleon nudged me again to remind me on signing. I wondered if we should pause for paper, but then decided against it. It would probably take just as long. "I won't deny she's skilled, nor will I deny she's well loved, but I can't say the lives of elves have been good under her rule." After all, Vaughan's worst deeds had been during the past five years.

"Mmm, I suppose stepping back, she could be waiting to play the game." Lord Nuada nodded, even as he sighed again. "I feel like I'm back in Orlais." …I didn't have a sign for Orlais. "Can you sign 'Leliana's home country'?" I nodded and signed that to Cleon, who nodded after a moment of thought.

He brought his hands up to sign again, and I translated again. "Why is no one going after…" I trailed off, tilting my head. "Cleon, who are you referring to with that sign?" It was a Qunari sign for 'person who must die immediately'. "Is that Howe?" He nodded. "I didn't use that one for him!" Cleon grinned. "Ass." I couldn't help but glower when both Lord Nuada and Lady Layla snickered. "Regardless, the question was 'why is no one going after Howe?.'"

"Ah." Lord Nuada slipped back into the smiling mask. I resisted the urge to sigh even as I prepared to sign. "The official explanation is that they were traitors, allying with Orlais." That… that sentence didn't register fully, even after I signed it for Cleon. "It's bullshit, and everyone knows it, but since it's the official story with no countering evidence, no one has a leg to stand on." Lord Nuada's voice became a growl. "Andraste's flaming…! Mother destroyed an Orlesian warship when she was fifteen!" She… what. "If you're going to lie, you have to make it believable."

Cleon nudged my arm and signed, 'Is it bad that I am a little glad he's rambling?' I paused to think before shaking my head. No, it was… probably good for him to vent. …It was probably good for me too.

"That is all the information we have on that front for now," Mistress Layla murmured. She stood, brushing off her skirt, and Lord Nuada stood with her, stretching his arms above his head.

Cleon waved his hand to catch my attention. 'We should collect more information.'

"Very true," I agreed. I slid off the bed, wincing as my legs protested. "More information gathering, at least for the next day or so." All three nodded. "Not today, though. We need a break."

"Good. I would scold you otherwise." Lord Nuada and I both lunged to trap Cleon's arms as he prepared to throw a knife at Layla's startled squeak and jump. Well, jump. "Ah, I'm sorry." I had the strongest urge to yell at Wynne, but I held it in check. She hadn't had time to adjust to Cleon's deafness. Maker, I hadn't fully adjusted, and I'd been there. "I simply came to tell you Zevran is fully healed," she explained. The dryness hiding under the words made me think Zevran had very much tried his luck. Somehow, it didn't surprise me. "If any of you want to talk to him."

"I will," I volunteered. Slowly, I let go of Cleon, and Lord Nuada did the same. Cleon, scowling, returned the knife to his belt. I tapped his shoulder and signed, 'please, try to look first.' He grimaced, but nodded. I knew this was difficult for him too. I should change the subject… oh! "Wynne, do you know an Aneirin?"

"Aneirin?" The effect the name had was immediately. Dark, raw guilt and pain flooded her eyes as she nodded. "Yes, he was… he was a student of mine. My first." She sighed, shaking her head. "I was a fool, convinced I knew everything. It cost him his life."

"Not if he's the same as the one who saved us in the forest." Her jaw actually dropped. "Cleon has the note and amulet." Quickly, I signed to him what was going on, and he nodded, heading to Wynne and taking her by the arm, leading her out. "With that errand done…" I turned to Lord Nuada and Mistress Layla. "What will you two do?"

"Knowing Layla, she'll want to check my injuries," Lord Nuada noted absently. Mistress Layla nodded, while I gaped. Didn't he refuse her last time? "Layla's learned when to stop pushing, so I'm swallowing my trauma and letting her." Trauma? "I'll tell you the full story later, but the short version is that I once had a Crow as a nurse." An assassin as a… maybe that is one I should let Lady Elspeth explain to me. I didn't feel comfortable with how tense he… wait, no, it should probably be something he tells me.

"I understand," I murmured. After all, I… I had a problem with red. An actual problem. I needed to acknowledge that. And accept Sten's offer for help. "After that?"

"I intend of giving everyone a good health checkover," Mistress Layla declared firmly. "I will ask how far to go, of course, but you all were without a healer for a significant time." True. Morrigan learned on the fly, but Mistress Layla had years of experience from my limited understanding. "I want to make sure there is not something that was missed."

"I'll probably head to the Chantry to check out their records," Lord Nuada said. I gave him a curious look. "Chantry keeps very good records on many, many things. You have to be careful with historical stuff, because they're incredibly biased, but records of battles and how to fight things tend to be invaluable." He shrugged. "Knowing our luck, we're going to be fighting demons again, and I'd rather have no one lose an eye again." Yeah, that… yeah. "I'll be sure to take someone with me, in case I get ambushed while out. Probably Alistair. I need to tease him some more."

"You can't have him die from embarrassment." Lord Nuada laughed. "Then, forgive me, but I shall take my leave. Mistress Layla, will you do my health check after I talk with Zevran?"

"Okay," she whispered, smiling. "We shall see you later." I waved goodbye as I headed down the hall, trying to remember where the room was. However, just as I found it, I also found Lady Elspeth, leaning against the wall by the door.

"I'm sorry," she murmured, bowing a little. "But I figured you would be coming to talk to him." And, apparently, had to talk to me.

"Are you done making that… whatever it was?" I asked. I shrugged, smiling sheepishly. "I couldn't figure out what you said."

"Tenebris domina." Okay? "It's Tevene, or derived from it. I cannot quite remember. It translates to 'dark lady' and involves amplifying the effects of belladonna." I tried to pay attention, but… "Belladona is a poisonous plant once used for cosmetic purposes. The consumption of a single leaf or ten tiny berries is lethal." She smiled and I bit back the urge to point out most people wouldn't smile while talking about poisons. "Morrigan is watching the brew for now. I must return shortly."

"All right." Meaning she had something she wanted to say and then she wanted to leave. "What is it?" She remained silent. "Lady Elspeth?"

"…I will get you their army." Her words were quiet, fierce, and the 'Cousland light' was in her eyes. "I will win you Fereldan's army, to make up for the consequences of my choice." Her choice? …Right, to run onto the field. And probably saved Cleon and me. But I had a feeling she focused far too much on the negative. "I promise." Wait, could I think that without being hypocritical? Hmm… "So, I just… wanted you to know that." All I could think was how, in Lothering, she'd needed Cleon or I with her to even go shopping. And here she was… seemed like all of us were changing.

"Thank you." I'd think about that later. For now, I could recognize how scary this promise was to her. She smiled slightly. "So, brew?"

"Yes." She bowed to me again and headed off. I waited until she turned the corner before knocking on the door, just in case she had more to say. But she didn't, so…

"Come in~" Bracing myself, I opened the door, to find Zevran shirtless, sprawled out on the bed. "Oh, how lucky I am!" he laughed, swinging his legs to sit up. I found my attention drawn to the tattoos. I'd thought they were just on his face, but he had patterns going all the way down his chest and abdomen, disappearing into his pants. "Like what you see?" Was it Antiva where Lord Nuada picked up the mildly flirtatious nature? I could really believe it! Or was he just trying to distract me? Oh, I didn't know! I should've asked someone to come with me for this.

"I just need to know your skills," I answered, deciding one of us had to be serious. He sighed, shaking his head. "So?"

"I am skilled in many things. Fighting, stealth, seduction, poisons." Should I keep him away from Lady Elspeth then? "I know the Crows, so I can warn against more sophisticated tricks. I am also an excellent bedwarmer." Something told me I was going to get very used to such comments, very fast. "Plus I know many card games, massage techniques…"

"I get it, I get it." I sighed, resisting the urge to sit down. "So, why would someone of your skills join the Crows?"

"Oh, I never had a choice in the matter." Huh? "I was bought young, and at a bargain." …I had a headache. "Oh, but don't let my sob origin story bother you." He waved a hand to dismiss it. "The Crows keep one well supplied with their wants. Wine, women, men." He winked at me, and all I could think was how one Antivan was way too much for me. "Though the severance package is garbage. I wouldn't join, if I were you."

"I don't think I'm suited for sneaking."

"No, you're for charging forward, getting covered in cuts and scars to be admired!" He laughed at his own joke. "So, for accuracy's sake." Accuracy for what?! "What is your preference? Women, men?"

"Does it matter?" I sighed. Well, it wasn't like I kept it secret. "Both. I'm bisexual."

"Oh, so I do have a chance!" I wasn't even going to react. Instead…

"What do you want?"

"Well, living is nice, and makes me marginally more useful."

"Not that." He gave me a curious look and I looked back at him. "What do you want?" What made him take the job in the first place?

He continued to stare before bowing his head and whispering, "Might I… get back to you on that?" I nodded, accepting that answer. I at least knew there was something. "Regardless, I do have a piece of information you'd probably like. About Loghain." Hmm? "He requested that I not touch Nuada and Elspeth." He was still smiling, but there was something serious and calculating in his gaze. "I'd take advantage of that weakness, if I were you. I'm sure those two are already thinking about how. They're both very calculating, in different ways."

"…I'll leave that to Nuada." My words were surprisingly firm. "He's much better at strategy than I."

"Ah, so that is how the delegation lies." Uh… "Mmm, I think I will play a little with Wynne." I gave him a look and he laughed. "No, not like that. I know when to back off from the line, most times. But I think you all might like some of the Crow's sign language for your learning." Huh? "It's good to have multiple. To clarify, or to better hide. And it'll help you identify Crows hiding."

"…You're frighteningly clever."

"And here you thought I was just a pretty face." He winked and I rolled my eyes. "Until later~"

I moved out of the way to let him leave the room and leaned against the wall In thought. Delegation, huh? Well, at this point… at this point, I was pretty sure everyone had named me leader. I shouldn't be! And yet… and yet, I was. So, I should just accept it. Think on what to do. It would be stupid to try and take on everything…

I shook my head and walked out of the room. It would probably be best to think on such things later, when I had a clearer head. I just needed to get on. Somehow.

I turned the corner and found Sten walking up. I hesitated, took a breath, and called out, "Sten?" He paused, looking at me stoically. "Let's spar." He studied me a moment before giving me a small, small smile, and nodding. "Thank you."

One step at a time, Aiden. One step at a time. You could do this. Just one step at a time.


Author's Note: Zevran's recruitment! Everyone together! Aiden character development! (somewhat) Not… sure what else to say, actually. Oh, this'll probably be a good place. Slight change from initial pairings. Leliana-Aiden-Zevran is now one of them. (Sorry for the short fight, but I'm going to use it to better highlight a distinct characteristic of Zevran's that comes up when you befriend him)

Next Chapter – Surprises with Nuada.