Thank you lcook93 and Ravenwiccn for favoriting and Dennis nist for the story alert! As always, thank you Brelaina for beta reading. :)
Ch. 11 Trust
Violet was lost in thought as the group ventured down the road toward the Circle Tower. She was not as concerned about the return as she first anticipated. It was true she did assist Jowan to escape the Tower, but that was what friends were for. She stood her ground and was prepared to accept whatever fate the Knight Commander deemed acceptable. If Duncan had not been in the area she considered the worst consequence. She was eternally grateful to have been given a second chance and admired the man for doing so for so many others – such as Alistair.
She unconsciously pulled the straps of her backpack. The rose Alistair gave her was wrapped and tucked comfortably inside. A warm sensation filled her chest and tickled her stomach. That feeling came and went whenever she thought of the previous night. She felt her lips creep into a smile, but she bit it to stifle herself. Smiling for no reason would raise some unwanted attention from her companions and she felt it wasn't the time to confess her affections.
Her much needed distraction came when a woman ran to them for aid. Violet sensually searched the air for any darkspawn. She smirked and her excitement grew with each step. Bandits, she hoped and rushed to the site.
Over the past encounters she grew to fancy having bandits fall victim to her spells. Such spells included a victim being slowly reduced to a pile of ashes. She thought the flames danced marvelously as the body flailed around in horror. Another would be a scruffy face foaming at the mouth and his eyes rolling to the back of his head as his body seized from her electric rays. Her beams had an interesting purple and blue aura around them which made the attack almost mesmerizing. Yet, her favorite were those darker spells she secretly read about. She learned to give her opponents flashes of terrible nightmares that lasted up to a minute. She usually planted the images in third person so they could watch themselves perish; meanwhile, she would commence to deliver the fatal blow. Those taunting premonitions were thrilling.
Oddly, darkspawn killing had yet to present the same amount of pleasure. Perhaps bandits had the higher score because she was silently seeking revenge? She hadn't decided yet.
However, it was a bit surprising to find the band a bit tougher to take down this time around. They had set up an ambush; each person had a role and position. They were organized and skilled. More than once she had to break away from spell casting to dodge sudden dagger stabs. Luckily, Alistair fought a little way before her to keep the mass of opponents at a distance. She never admitted it out loud, but sometimes she wished she wasn't so exposed – her clothing did no justice against physical attacks. Her mistrust in her gear did lead her to have healing spells on hand, though, and was grateful for them when Alistair was struck down from the rear. She was an amateur, though, and knew he would need to be tended later that day.
A few more swings, spells, and arrows later, the band fell with their leader unconscious in the middle of the road. Violet woke him for interrogation. She concluded they were professional hit-men and intended to confirm who hired them. Sure enough, it was Loghain. Violet growled at the news and was about to finish him when a particular confession made her freeze.
"I was never given much of a choice regarding joining the Crows," the assassin explained. "They bought me on the slave market when I was a child."
He was a fellow elf and had introduced himself as Zevran. He had tanned and tattooed skin, long blonde hair, and amber eyes. Although he was from Antiva, she realized they were very similar.
Violet supposed she was the lucky one of the two. What would have happened if she hadn't escaped that night in the forest? Would she have met a similar fate? Sparing him would mean offering another chance at life. She thought of Duncan and his kindness. Allowing him to join the party would mean higher defense at camp from then on, if he really did keep his word…
"Why would I want your service?" she asked him. Her right hand crackled with electricity. Her gaze was stern and focused. If she was to spare him, he would have to be useful. That was the only way her merciful decision would seem justified.
"Why? Because I am skilled at many things: from fighting to stealth and picking locks. I could also warn you should the Antivan Crows attempt something more sophisticated now that my attempts have failed." Zevran then started to smile. "I could also stand around and look pretty if you prefer, warm your bed, fend off unwanted suitors, no?"
She stiffened and did her best to keep her face from getting hot. His forwardness would be something she would have to get used to. How could he be so lighthearted in his predicament?
Electricity hissed and engulfed her hand. She glared and tried to keep an intimidating front despite her warming heart. "No."
"Ah, well what should it be? I'll even shine armor. You won't find a better deal, I promise," he continued.
"Very well," she said.
"What!" Alistair looked at her with confusion and blatant disapproval. "You're taking the assassin with us now? Does that really seem like a good idea?"
She tried to smile reassuringly and said, "Don't worry about it. We could use him."
He looked at her skeptically. "Hmm… all right, all right. I see your point." She knew very well that he wasn't exactly warming up to the idea, though. "Still, if there was a sign we were desperate I think it just knocked on our door and said hello."
She walked ahead of the group for the rest of the day, but could sense Alistair glaring at the new recruit. Now and then she looked back to find Zevran smiling and looking around as if taking an afternoon stroll. She assumed that sparing his life made him more appreciative of his surroundings. Alistair, on the other hand, was tense from head to toe. His hand was hovering over the hilt of his blade as if he was prepared to draw it at any moment. He never took his eyes off the assassin. She wondered if she was doing the right thing.
When the sun fell and the group prepared camp, she went over to Zevran who was standing and watching. He had no bed roll or tent of his own and she made a mental note to purchase some in the next village.
He noticed her approach and smiled. "I am needed to help with the set-up, yes?"
She stiffened and tried to look authoritative. "Actually, I wanted to inform you that we do not have a tent or bedroll for you yet. So, until then, I hope this blanket will suffice," she said while handing him her blanket.
He raised his eyebrows. "Oh? You are considering giving me my own supplies? And here I thought you were going to tie me to a tree every night." He smirked and looked her up and down. "Not that the thought sounds deterring."
She scrunched her nose and thrust the blanket forward again and looked away. "Do you want it or not?"
He nodded and took the blanket appreciatively. "Honestly, I was not expecting such kindness after the little… incident this afternoon. Are you certain you do not want me bounded?"
She frowned, remembering how uncomfortable and raw her wrists became from that exact scenario. "No. I won't bind you. We will be keeping an eye on you though. Do not confuse my hospitality with trust. If you try anything we won't hesitate to kill you," she said seriously and looked back up at him. "I am not holding you to any oath, Zevran. You can leave whenever you want."
Zevran raised an eyebrow. "I gave my oath willingly, but if that is the case, then it is good to know what my options are. I am curious, however, why are you doing this?"
Violet's gaze softened and she sighed. "Because I believe in second chances. In a lot of cases, including mine, our choices were made for us. Now, it's our turn to make our own way."
He looked at her with intrigue. "If you don't mind me asking, what is your history?"
She looked to the ground thoughtfully. "Bandits murdered my parents when I was small. If I hadn't escaped… perhaps I would have ended up like you: sold off to the highest bidder and forced to fight because of my abilities. I would have been an apostate, I suppose. But I did get away, only to be locked up at the Circle of Magi. It was only recently that I joined the Grey Wardens."
He stepped forward and placed a hand under her chin; he raised it up so he could look into her eyes. "That is a tragic tale. Yet, it only compliments your strength and beauty."
Violet blushed and quickly stepped away. "Um, thanks." She said, a bit flustered, and crossed her arms. "Well, we'll let you know when dinner is ready." With that she turned and hurried back to her equipment and set up her tent with new fervor.
I swear, I'm not going to get used to how forward he is, she thought. Should I slap him next time? Even though it was a compliment?
A hand grabbed the rope out of her hands and tied the knot she kept failing to make.
"Are you okay?" Alistair asked with concern. "You seem distracted."
She cleared her throat and crawled to the other side of the tent. She took the rope and tried once more to secure it on her own. "I'm fine."
"Did the assassin say something?" he snarled.
"No, no. He just complimented me; that's all."
His eyes furrowed. "He's complimenting you… again?"
She noticed the inflection and paused. Violet didn't know whether to be amused or concerned by his jealousy. "He might just be very grateful to me for sparing his life," she said and looked at him. "I know I'd be spewing 'I love you' phrases to my captor if I was spared."
He pouted and begrudgingly said, "I guess you're right." Then he quickly added, "But don't let your guard down. I don't trust him."
Violet smiled and leaned back toward him. She looked up at him and sweetly patted his cheek. "How does it feel to worry about me again?"
His gaze softened. "I'm not sure. A part of me missed it – having someone to protect – while the other part wonders if there will come a time where I will be completely useless. It was different when we were children. I thought I was invincible back then. But, in the end you were taken so easily…" his voice trailed off and he frowned.
Alistair tenderly took her hands in his and continued to look into her eyes. "I promise you, Violet Surana, that so long as I breathe I will protect you."
Violet felt herself holding her breath. She wanted to look down at his hands and admire how he held them so tightly, but instead lost herself in his eyes. They were determined and confident just as his voice was.
He smiled widely. "Of course, don't expect much if my limbs have been torn off by an ogre and I'm flown across the field. I could still act as a distraction, but aside from that you're on your own."
"Oh!" she huffed and playfully slapped Alistair's shoulder. He laughed and continued to help set up her tent; now and then exchanging glances and soft chuckles.