Disclaimer: Dragon age belongs to Bioware~

Thanks to John Beck for review, finally got a friend to proofread the story.
This chapter sure took a time to write...writer's block really hurts...
The fight and romance scene might be a bit lame, sorry in advance, too little experience in those area(the second one not the first one XP).

Chapter 3

"You've grown your hair." Merrill commented as she played with Theron's hair. They had been busy wandering around ever since they left the camp. They finally took their chance for a break after finding a spot near a lake. theron is resting his head on merill's lap and they talk of past events they had been going through.

"Well being on the move didn't exactly grant me the convenience to sit down and cut my hair. Anyway I like my hair longer. Doesn't it make me look more dashing?" Merrill giggled as she runs her fingers through his hair."It suits you Theron." They continued to chat till they reached to a particular topic."Are you returning to the clan now,Theron?" Theron stayed silent, and then he stood up to face Merrill."Merrill, even though the blight has ended, Ferelden is still not in peace. I can do better for our people as a grey warden rather than as a dalish."

Merrill just smiled hearing his answer but little tears run on the edge of her eyes."It is just like you Theron...always looking out for others before yourself. The Hero of Ferelden...the clan was ecstatic when they heard the news. We still couldn't believe when you asked a land for our people as a boon. A land...imagine that. After having nothing for so long... we finally have a place to call home...and I'm rambling again aren't I? Merrill looked down at her lap, trying to hold down her tears.

Leaning closer, Theron asked,"Merrill, remember the promise that I made to you?" Merrill looked suprised before she nodded her head.

XXXXXX
2 seasons ago

"Right this is it. Whoever wins this fight will have the right to propose Merrill and the loser will have to stop sabotaging the other." Theron snorted and rolled his eyes at Tamlen."You know I'm going to win so why not make this easier and just give up? I promise to let you be the best man for our wedding. Plus I'll even name our first child after you."

It had already been nine years since Merrill joined the Sabrae Clan and all of them have grown well in their respective fields. Tamlen has become one of the finest warrior in the clan and Theron has learned all the stories of the ancient and become the best scout for the clan. Merrill herself was already an excellent First and now has become the center of attention for all the young men of the clan. Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on the view), Tamlen and Theron has become overly attached to Merrill that others do not have the guts to approach Merrill or they will have to face the wrath of the two guardians.

Even so, they were not immune to Merrill's charm and slowly their friendship turns to rivalry for her love. Both of them are aware of each other mutual affection to Merrill and being great friend, they never fail to sabotage each other in attempt to get even closer to Merrill. Merrill, being her oblivious self, never noticed the subtle war around her even when they are together and that leads to today.

A simple bare-handed fight. Whoever managed to knock out the other first win.

Theron and Tamlen fist bumped before taking a step backward. They circled each other, looking for opportunities. Making the first move, Tamlen rushed forward and swing a right hook. Theron barely managed to duck and quickly threw a punch to Tamlen's stomach.

The punch barely fazed Tamlen and he tries to deliver a jab to Theron but Theron proved to be faster by dodging his jab and quickly did a straight right to Tamlen's face. Tamlen managed to put up his guard to lessen the blow and countered with a straight left. Though Theron managed to guard against the strong punch, he can still feel the damage from it. Seeing that his punch didn't affect Tamlen, Theron tried to change his strategy. Everytime Tamlen tries to hit him, he will strafe to Tamlens's side and deliver a low kick to Tamlen's knees.

After a few kicks, Tamlen began to feel the pressure on his knee and began to step back, trying to get some spaces between him and Theron. Sensing victory, Theron presses to his advantage and closes infor finishing blow. He quickly delivered a two jab combo, putting Tamlen on the defensive stance and keeps pushing him. Then he realized that he was too close with Tamlen. Quickly he tried to distance himself but it was too late.

Smirking, Tamlen did fierce right hook. A tremendous pressure is felt on his jaw. For couple of second, darkness covered his mind and stumbled.
By the time he recovers, Tamlen was grinning at him and offered his hand. Theron gratefully took it and slowly got up."Nice tactic, playing possum so I will let my guard down."Theron, still a bit woozy from the punch stumbled in his steps. Tamlen quickly caught him and supported him."Well I did learn from the best after all." Smirked Theron as they slowly make their way back to the clan.

Just as they about to reach the camp, Merrill spotted them and seeing their injuries, quickly rushed to their side. "Creator,what happen to both of you?" Tamlen and Theron just looked on to each other and shrugged."I was attacked by bears and Tamlen was attacked by raving rabbits."At that answer, Tamlen dropped Theron to the ground. Theron groaned,"Injured here."

"You'll live you big baby." Theron and Tamlen laughed while Merrill was fussing over their injuries."how on earth did the two of you angered the bears and rabbits? Did you guys steal their foods? How could you? We have more than enough in camp." Theron just snickered at Merrill's naivety and nudged Tamlen, smirking at him and nodding towards Merrill.

Tamlen's face brightend up and when Merrill attended to him, Tamlen gathered his courage."Merrill,do you have anything to do later?" Merrill just tilted her head at Tamlen and answered, "Marethari needs my help to gather some herbs and I have to go through some grimoires afterwards. Why?" Tamlen barely able to stutter out a response,"Well, you see...I..errr... .."

Rolling his eyes, Theron 'accidently' bumped into Merrill, pushing her towards Tamlen. Suprised, Tamlen barely managed to catch Merrill's shoulder but the momentum pushed her lips toward his. Theron congratulated himself mentally,smiling sadly at them as they tried to detangle themselves.

"Don't worry Merrill, I'll help Marethari with the herb gathering. By the way Tamlen, ask her the question."With that Theron began to walk towards camp. Merrill and Tamlen were red-faced by the time they managed to separate themselves and awkardly look at each other. Merrill shyly enquired,"Tamlen,what did Theron mean by asking me the question?"
Tamlen fidgeted and blurted out,"Merrill will you live your life with me?"

There was a long awkard silence between them. Fearing the worst, Tamlen tried to save the situation,"It's alright if you can't answer it right now. I mean, this is too sudden and all and I should have waited a bit and..."Tamlen was silenced by a kiss from Merrill. It took a few seconds for Tamlen to register it in his mind. Stepping back, Merrill gives Tamlen a shy smile,"I'm sorry it took a while for me to answer, yes it was a bit sudden and all and the kiss back then and I'm rambling again but yes I'm willing to spend my life with you."

Tamlen couldn't believe his ear just grinned from ear to ear and lifted Merrill of her feet and twirled her around, laughing all the way.

XXXX

The sun was almost set by the time Theron saw them again. He was just returning from gathering the herbs when he heard a giggle from nearby bushes. Curiosity got the better of him, he decided find the source of his curiosity. Seeing the sight makes his wrench. Tamlen was affectionately cuddling Merrill and whispering to her ear and Merrill giggled in whatever he told her.

Theron can barely restrain himself to interrupt them but remembering the deal he made with Theron, he just bit his lip and walk away. He barely noticed when he stepped on a branch causing Merrill and Tamlen to jump and quickly stand up before turning their attention to his direction. Theron mentally cursed at his fate and put up a grin."I'm not interrupting anything am I?"

Merrill smiled sweetly and replied,"No you're not Theron. We were just talking." Theron raised an eyebrow towards her noticing her flushed face. Before he could say anything, Merrill brightened up and excitedly blurts out,"Oh Theron, you won't believe it. Tamlen proposed to me and I agreed." Merrill smiled widely and looked expectedly at Theron. Theron not willing to ruin her mood just smile."That's good Merrill. I'm happy for you. Tamlen sure is a lucky man."

Merrill excitedly nodded at his answer and barely managed to stand still."Thank you Theron. I can't wait to tell Marethari. She always insisted me on finding a partner." With that she headed back to camp. Theron watched her walk away when he heard Tamlen coughed. Theron looked around and saw Tamlen with a raised eyebrow."I thought we had a deal? No sabotaging or anything." Theron weakly raised his hand in mock surrender,let out a bitter laugh and answered,"It was an accident, honestly. I was just checking out when I heard giggling here."

Theron then walk towards Tamlen and looked at him in the eye,"I acknowledge that I lost and I know Merrill has accepted your proposal but know this. I cared for Merrill far longer than you did and she is like a little sister to I hear you ever make her sad, by the dread wolf I will hunt you down and make sure you suffer." Tamlen patted Theron's shoulder and smiled," I know that and I promise that I shall care and protect her as long as I live."

Theron snorted and walked back to the camp thinking of talking to Merrill personally.

XXXX

After a quick ambush,Theron carried Merrill away bridal style leaving behind a gaping Marethari. Merrill could only silently scream as she clinged to Theron's neck as he runs towards the forest."Where are you taking me Theron?" Merrill pleaded as she tried not to bite her tongue."Anywhere without anyone."

As minutes went by, Theron finally stopped and let Merrill down gently. Merrill just stared at Theron wondering what is in his mind as he walked around checking if there any people nearby. "Theron, wha-" Theron put a finger on Merrill's lip silencing her."Please hear me out before I lose my nerve. First of all, sorry about the sudden kidnapping. Secondly about you and Tamlen..."Here Theron seemed to be fidgetting as he tried to find the right words. Merrill stared at him with her eye wide waiting for him to finish his words.

Exasperated, Theron just blurt out,"I love you Merrill." Merrill just blinked owlishly as the words sinked in. As her face started to get red, so did Theron's. "Wha...Ho...When?" "I don't know...You were a great friend. You are intelligent, kind and always there whenever I was down or upset after being scolded by Avalen or Marethari. Your smile always makes me feel happy and I will do anything to protect that smile."

Merrill looked away with hurt in her eyes,"Theron...I'm happy to know how you feel about me...but...I'm sorry. I'm afraid I can't return your feeling. I have always looked at you as a brother, protecting me and always be there. And with Tamlen already proposed to me and I accepted it and I already told Maretheri and everyone else..." Merrill reached out to touch Theron's face and looked into his eyes sadly,"I'm sorry Theron..."

Nervously, she waited for Theron's response. Theron looked at her and though he could see Merrill was nervous, he could also see the finality and the determination in her gaze."A brother..." Theron laughed softly. He then met Merrill gaze,"I see.." He took a step back and to Merrill suprise, he dropped to his knee. "I will concede to your relationship with Tamlen and I promise that I will protect you in the absence of Tamlen with my life." He weakly smiled and continued," As of today I will be there for you as a brother and I promise I will always protect your smile, emm'asha" Finally, he put out his hand towards Merrill.

Red-faced, Merrill reached out to his hand and grasps it," Then I will accept it." She then pulls him into a hug and they embraced under the moonlight.

After a few days, all things were right again with Theron and Tamlen. Though his hearts still ached, Theron knew that Tamlen will make Merrill happy and for his amusement, he will always tease them. That would be the end of their story, with Tamlen being the head hunter of the clan, Merrill became the Keeper and Theron became the clan's story teller, if it were not for the mirror...

XXXXXXX

-Present-

As they were silently recall the past, Theron spoke,"I'm sorry Merrill, I could not save Tamlen. I was too weak...If onl-" "Stop!" Theron was suprised when Merrill suddenly interrupts," I do not blame you Theron. I know you have done your best and you saved us by stopping the blight. We never did found the body but I will find it."

With that Theron could not bring himself to tell her of Tamlem's fate. Theron strokes her arm as he tried to collect his thought. Right then he noticed some thin scars underneath her bracers."What with the scar-" Merrill pulled her arms away and put her back to Therons."It had been a long year Theron...when you were away I have done many things...some of those were things the clan will never understand."

Theron tried to understand the situation but his mind fails him."What are you talking about, Merrill? What did you do?" Merrill stood up and walk away,"You shouln't associate with the likes of me anymore Theron. Have you failed to see the looks of the clans towards me? You are too good for someone like me..."

"Wait...Merrill!"A memory of a long black hair woman walking away flashed through his mind but just before he could give chase, a voice stopped him,"So, you have returned Theron." He turned around and was surprised when he saw her.

"Marethari!"

XXXXXX
-chapter end-

hmmm...too many redundant words... I need to expand my vocab a bit...

hope you guys n girls enjoy this chapter