Chapter 5

The following morning Alex had just finished up breakfast when a knock came at her door.

"Come in. It's open," she called out.

"Good morning, mi Bella Terso. Did you sleep well last night?" Zevran asked as he sauntered into the room.

"I slept okay. I was a bit chilly. It's much warmer where I come from. I think I'm going to ask one of the servants for an extra blanket tonight."

"No need to do that, my Sweet, I would be perfectly happy to use my body temperature to keep you warm tonight," Zev purred.

Alex smirked and replied, "Thank you, but the point of having another blanket is to help me sleep better. With you there I'll get no sleep."

Zevran laughed and said, "This is very true, but I promise to make the lack of sleep worthwhile."

"I think I'll ask the servants for an extra blanket," Alex retorted.

Zevran chucked, "Well, the offer stands. Just let me know if you change your mind. I took the liberty to stop by the armory on my way to your room and picked out a beautiful Dalish inscribed leather armor set."

Zev held out the two piece armor set that was embossed with designs of hunting hawks and serpents. Alex looked at the top that looked like a leather sports bra and the pleated leather skirt. The armor had matching leather gloves and boots.

"Are we going to the sparring ring or an S&M club?"

Zev gave her that inquisitive look that she was starting to grow a custom to. She explained, "You know, it's a fetish club were the patrons wear a lot of leather and like to get spanked."

Zev laughed and said, "I wish we were going to such a place, but sadly no. You are a saucy little minx. I like the way you think, my pet. Trust me; you are going to want armor on when sparring. Even with the blades blunted it will still hurt when it makes contact with your body."

"So it is an S&M club," Alex replied as she grabbed the armor and headed behind the changing screen while Zev settled himself on her bed.

Zev had been quiet for a long time, which probably wasn't a good thing. So she said, "Aaah, Zev are you still there?"

He was quiet for another moment and then he asked, "Who is Victoria and what pray tell is her secret?"

Alex immediately popped her head out from behind the screen and saw Zev holding up a pair of her black lace panties and matching bra that had been in her backpack so that she could change after her shift at work. "Zev, put that back and stay out of my bag."

"But my dear Alex, you can tell so much from a person's belongs," Zevran muttered.

Alex had only managed to get the leather top on, but she quickly darted out from behind the screen half dressed and grabbed the pack. She gave him a reproachful look and said, "That is personal and none of your business."

Zev snickered at her as his eyes roamed over her body. She glanced down are realized she was standing there in her blue lace thong. She sneered at him and backed up behind the screen. "I think I am beginning to realize what Victoria's secret is and I like it. I'm glad she shared it with you," Zev purred.

"Oh, shut up," Alex snapped and Zev laughed.

When she was finally dressed they made their way down to the sparring ring. Darrian and Anders were already there. Zev walked over to them and said, "Good morning, gentlemen. It's a lovely morning for a bit of sparring. Don't you think?"

Both Darrian and Anders looked over Zev's shoulder at Alex. Darrian raised an eye brow and said, "You are going to spar with one of Alistair's personal guests?"

"Alistair challenged her to a sparring match so I thought I would evaluate her and see what she's got," Zev replied.

"I'll tell you what she's got…a fantastic body that looks delicious in that armor," Anders muttered as he side stepped Zev and approached Alex. "My Lady, I do not believe that I have had the pleasure to make your acquaintance yet. I am Anders and you must be the Contessa Alexandria Seymour that I have heard so much about." Anders took her hand in his and kissed it.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Anders, but please call me Alex," Alex smiled.

"Alex, I must say that I am a bit surprised to see a Lady as lovely as yourself in the sparring ring," Anders said.

Alex raised an eye brow and asked, "Are all of the noble woman in Ferelden damsels in distress, unable to defend themselves?"

"Well, I certainly hope so. I have a better chance of playing the hero if they are," Anders chortled.

"Well, I'm no damsel and I won't need rescuing." Alex replied as she gave him a smirk.

Anders laughed. "We will see about that, now won't we."

Zev led her over to the weapons rack. "Since you haven't officially trained with duel weapons let's start out with two daggers," Zev said.

Alex ignored him and walked over to the next rack and selected a short sword. She swung back and forth as she checked its balance. She then selected another one, turned to Zev and said, "I'll use these."

Zev chuckled, "A woman who knows what she wants is so rare these days. I like it."

Anders and Darrian went to the side of the ring while Alex and Zev walked to the center of the ring and Zev said, "I just want to get a feel for abilities and your skill level. I'll start by giving you a series of vertical and diagonal attacks to block then I will attack horizontal. I want you to come in and make an attack. You can do that either by dodging and moving in, or else by blocking and slicing…" Zev paused and looked at her. She had this huge grin on her face. "What?"

"Do you always tell opponents what moves to make and the order in which you are going to attack?"

Zev was stunned for a moment and then said, "I…I…thought I was going to train you."

Alex continued to grin and she said, "How about we spar and then afterwards you can give me pointers on my weak areas?"

Zev nodded in agreement. Alex adjusted her grip on her swords, rolled her shoulders and dropped into a defensive stance. They circled each other for a moment and then Zev made the first move. He advanced toward her and brought one of his blades up for an overhand strike. Alex raised one of her swords, brushing aside Zev's weapon with a soft swipe while the other sword remained in front of her in a defensive position, she then stepped to the side and circled him again. Zev then attacked with both blades, one vertical and one diagonal blow. Alex remembered clearly the lesson in which her instructor had taught about blocking. She raised her swords, and let the opposing weapons slid away. She then darted out of harm's reach.

He advanced on her again, he swung his sword horizontal and Alex moved quickly, stepping out of the sword's reach with a fast retreat. She then pressed forward immediately and came up behind Zev's weapon and jabbed forward at his midsection. Zev leapt back as the blade barely missed him. Darrian and Anders hooted and hollered their approval.

Zev laughed. "How long have you been training?"

"For about ten years."

"You, my dear, have excellent form. I am very impressed, but now I feel is the time to end this," Zev said as he quickly danced toward her in blur of motion as his sword and dagger worked in tandem. Alex backed up as she meet each swing with a block, but he had driven her back against the ring boards. She was in a sideways stance with her left leg leading the right. She pivoted her hips and swung her right leg around in a semicircular motion and struck Zev on the side with her leg. The momentum from the kick caused Zev to stumble back, but his reflexes were lightening quick, before she could pull back her leg, he dropped the sword in his left hand, grabbed Alex's ankle and twisted forward. She lost her balance and fell on her back. Zev stood over her with his blade pointed at her chest.

Anders and Darrian both cheered and rushed over to them. "That was the closest match I think I've ever seen Zev in," Darrian said.

Zev reached down and took Alex's hand to help her up. "What was that last move you did?" Zev asked.

"It's a roundhouse kick. It's used in hand to hand combat where I come from."

"Well, when do I get to spar with the crafty little minx?" Anders said.

"After the little minx takes a break," Alex huffed as she took a sip of water. The four of them stood around for a few minutes while Alex caught her breath. They talked about the celebration the night before and the remaining upcoming events. Alex took one last swig of her water, looked at Anders and said, "You ready to rumble?" Anders looked her inquisitively and she said, "Are you ready to spar?"

"I am ready for you my dear," Anders said as he grabbed a blunt long-sword. "I'll take it easy on you and not use any magic. This will give me a chance to practice my Arcane Warrior skills and give you a fighting chance."

"Oh look at the big bad mage taking it easy on the little minx," Alex said sarcastically.

Anders laughed, "Oh we are going to have fun."

xxXxx

Alistair had spent the morning with Eamon and Giselle as they showed her around the Palace grounds. Eamon rambled on about different historical facts that bored Alistair and seemed to have the same effect on Giselle. He noticed her eyes glaze over a couple of times and once when he caught her gaze he winked at her and she smiled back.

They were in the courtyard when they overheard two of the Palace guards comment on a sparring match. "For a moment there when she had Zev against the boards I thought he was going to lose the match. She has super quick reflexes," the one said.

"Yeah, but did you see that move she did at the end were she pivoted and kicked him in the side. That was a great move," the other guide said.

"Who knew the Contessa would be as deadly as she is beautiful," the first guard replied.

"I just wish I could have watched her spar against Anders. Now that would be entertaining," the second guard answered as they moved away from ear shot.

Alistair turned to the Eamon and Giselle, "Sounds like there is a very interesting sparring match taking place in the ring. Let's head over there and observe."

Eamon nodded in agreement. Giselle hesitated and then agreed. As they approached the ring Zev and Darrian were seated on the fence at the side of the ring. When they saw Alistair approach they leapt down, bowed, and said, "Good morning, your Majesty."

Alistair waved them off and said, "Stop that. You know I hate when you two do that." He glanced at the center of the ring; Anders and Alex were in a defensive stance as they circled each other. The Dalish armor showed of Alex's tight and fit abdominal muscles and well defined legs. Her hair was pulled back into a pony tail and her face glistened with sweat, but she had this gleam in her eye that he had never seen there and it made her look breathtaking.

Anders was the first to strike, he swung in an arch, Alex lifted her swords in a crossed position and blocked the blow. There was a loud clang as the swords connected and they locked as Anders and Alex pushed against the swords as they tried to shove the other off balance. Anders surged against Alex and shoved her to ground.

Alex rolled backwards just in time to avoid the spot where Anders' blade pierced the ground, where her body had been a second before. Alex sprung to her feet and stood in a side stance as Anders advanced on her with his blade lifted in the air, Alex raised her front leg, she turned it slightly and pulled it back, when Anders was inches away her leg shot forward, her foot landing hard at the center of Anders' chest knocking him backwards.

Zev and Darrian cheered and Alistair and Eamon joined in. Giselle muttered, "True ladies should not be involved in combat."

Darrian squinted at her and replied, "I disagree, my lady. Every noble woman should know how to properly defend herself and her estate. Not to mention that combat training teaches discipline, strategy, and perseverance. All attributes needed to justly and fairly govern the people." Giselle huffed, but did not reply.

Anders was still a little unstable on his feet and Alex pressed her advantage as she quickly danced toward him in blur of motion while her sword and dagger worked in unison. Anders backed up as he meet each swing with a block. Alistair watched as she danced back and forth, her blades moving in a flurry. He was amazed at her footwork, dexterity and her ability to think quickly on her feet. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. Before Anders realized it his back was pressed against the rails near where the group was observing the match.

Anders leaned back against the rail and Alex leaned into him, "What was that you said about you taking it easy on me?"

Anders laughed. "Oh, didn't I clarify that? I meant this evening when I have you alone and all to myself."

Alex laughed and said, "It's good to have goals, but you really should set realistic goals for yourself; ones that you actually have a chance of achieving, my little magical friend."

Zev and Darrian laughed at her response. Anders was a notorious flirt, at times just as bad as Zevran, but even knowing that Alistair felt his face redden and his heart began to race at the thought of Anders being alone with Alex.

Giselle noticed the change in Alistair and said, "This is why noble women should not spar. That comment was completely inappropriate for a commoner to say to a noble, but because she allows herself to be treated as one of the boys they feel they can say anything they want to her. It's disgusting and she should not have even dignified his comment with a response, but what can you expect from a Nevarrian. They are brutish and uncultured."

Alistair felt his face redden even more, but this time with anger. Eamon also saw Alistair's reaction to the comment and before Alistair could muster a response Eamon took her arm and said, "Lady Giselle, they are preparing a lovely lunch for us on the Palace balcony why don't we head that way." They started to walk away when Eamon called over his shoulder, "Alistair, are you going to join us?"

Alistair sighed and said, "Go on without me, I will be there shortly."

Eamon stopped and said, "Alistair, I really think you should join us now."

Alistair needed time to calm down before he rejoined Giselle. He assumed her comment was not meant to be malicious, but he needed some time to clear his head. He glared at Eamon and repeated, "I said I will be there shortly."

Eamon paused at Alistair's tone and then nodded as he led Giselle toward the Palace. Alistair was about to return his attention to the match when Zev said, "Aaah, Darrian, look at our little King all grown up and standing up for himself. I am so proud."

Darrian chuckled, "Yes, I feel such a sense of pride and accomplishment. This must be what it's like for a parent to watch their child leave home for the first time. I think I might cry."

"Shut up," Alistair grumbled, but with a slight grin on his face and both Zev and Darrian laughed.

Anders had managed to get Alex back toward the center of the ring as they continued the dance… swing, block, attack, parry, the sound of steel clashing over and over again. Anders swung his sword low at her feet. Alex jumped over it, as she landed she rolled past him head first, she came up behind him and delivered a hard blow to his back with the pommel of the short sword. Anders stumped forward, but remained on his feet and quickly pivoted towards her. Circle, attack, parry, swing, block and the dance continued.

"She really is very good," Darrian said.

"With a little more training from yours truly she could be magnificent," Zev said. They both glanced up at Alistair and noticed the awe that was expressed on his face. Both Anders and Alex decided to call a draw and they headed over to the fence.

Alex glided up to him and smiled. "Good morning, Alistair."

He smiled back at her and said, "It's more like good afternoon, it's almost lunch time."

"Oh really, that must be why my stomach is growling."

Alistair pursed his lips as an idea formed in his head, "Well, why don't you join me, Eamon, and Lady Giselle for lunch."

"Oh, I would love to, but I'm not looking my best right now."

"That's okay; I will send word to Eamon and the kitchen staff that lunch will be an hour later than planned because Lady Seymour will be joining us." Alistair looked over at Darrian and said "I would like you to join us too Darrian."

"As you wish, Alistair," Darrian said.

"Great, Darrian, would you escort Alex to lunch?"

"Of course, I would be honored."

"I will see you at lunch," Alistair replied and started to walk away.

Alex scrambled out of the sparring ring and called out, "Alistair wait!" She ran up to him and said, "Do you think this is a good idea? I mean lunch is a more intimate setting then a reception. What if I am asked something I don't know?"

"I will be there, I will help you. Besides, I had a few books delivered to your room about Nevarra, Ferelden and Thedas. So while you are taking a bath, do some reading."

"How about you let me do some reading first and we reschedule this little lunch for when I am more prepared?" Alex asked nervously.

Alistair took her hands in his and he noticed how soft they were even though she was no stranger to holding a sword. He smiled down at her and said, "From everything that I have observed about you, you think very quickly on your feet. You have two hours before lunch so I would study quickly. You will be fine and I will help you out."

She nibbled on her bottom lip which Alistair found extremely sexy and he wanted to lean down and kiss her, but this was not the time or place. She finally conceded and agreed to attend the lunch. Alistair hummed to himself as he head toward the Palace. He was much happier about this lunch then he was twenty minutes ago. It might actually turn out to be very interesting.