.2 Into the light
It was a relief to reunite with the dark alleys of Orlais. A haze of smoke trailed after her when Elissa finally left the shady tavern. She was careful to wrap herself deep inside her cloak before she listened carefully and wandered towards the noise in the distance, eager to mingle with the anonymous crowd.
Besides the occasional outcry over the monotonous rumble of voices ahead, all was silent besides the ticking of her high heeled boots. With a pang of guilt she was reminded of her old travelling companion; Leliana would have loved the pale rose shoes Zevran had arranged for her, laced and tied to her calf in an ornate fashion. Willing as they were, she and Leliana had often ceased to meet in opinions, footwear being no exception. The clicking of her heels made her feel like a stomping horse, making her retreat all but inconspicuous.
Elissa was careful not to be followed; her fellow assassin had reminded her of the danger their current mission held in store, and the two men that had caught their attention earlier could have very well been spies. The Antivan Crows had proved to hold residence in Val Royeaux; a suitable base for those looking to kill for major coin. Unfortunately their hunger for profit seemed exactly what caused her prolonged dealings with the order. Despite the death of teyrn Loghain several men had taken an attempt to rob her of her life, stating the obvious fact that the Crows held to their contracts, either misinformed about the lack of future payment or out for honor and glory among their ranks. A growing inconvenience, that had to be taken care of.
The warm glow from the festivities started to stretch across the wet cobblestones of the alley, causing Elissa to sigh in relief. The smell of bonfires drifted on the humid breeze; there was rain in the air, but judging by the brawly noises up ahead Elissa didn't expect the crowd to be bothered by something trivial like the weather. Besides the single dark silhouette slipping around the corner, everyone moved forward in a dense row. Eagerly bridging the last steps she took off her hood and threw the cloak over her shoulders, trading what made her indistinct in the backstreets for what would easily cause her to blend in with the pressing throng ahead of her.
When a dark figure pressed her up against the wall she was sooner filled with annoyance than worry. She had no time to deal with pickpockets, especially not in a crowded place where her solution would cause attention. When a raspy voice whispered to her she froze. "A straggler, excellent." The hooded man sniffed her neck before he reached for her waist.
She struggled to reach the hidden knife in her garter, but the man seemed too strong for her to succeed. Instead he took the opportunity to open her legs with his knees and force his body close to hers. Worse than a common thief, but at least not an Antivan Crow. Elissa was caught by surprise and his pressing was eager, his body broad and muscular. Familiar. She struggled her hands free and grabbed the hood covering her attacker's face, jerking it back with force. When a toothy smile lit the alley her body became limp in his grip.
"That is not funny."
"Sure it was, you should have seen your face!"
Alistair hindered her when she tried to free herself from his grasp under fervently muttered curses. With little effort he pinned her closer to the wall, eventually causing Elissa to sigh defiantly. Satisfied with the outcome Alistair lifted her chin with his finger and softly brushed his lips against hers, welcoming the response from the woman in his arms. He smirked before he lovingly caressed her cheek. "Every other woman would have screamed."
Elissa seemed reminded of the situation that had brought them to Orlais in the first place and responded heatedly before she was interrupted. "There's a price on my head, I can not permit"
"Every other woman would have called for help." His voice sounded accusative now and Elissa turned her head away before she spoke.
"Well, I'm not every other woman."
There was a definite sadness in her tone that washed the grin off his face. Alistair loosened his grip slowly until her feet reached the floor. She didn't meet his eyes while she quickly brushed the dust from her festive attire, creating a rare uncomfortable silence. All the while Alistair's eyes were set at the passing line of people, oblivious to their presence or squabble. Unaware of the turmoil that would be caused that night.
"That, you aren't."
Alistair took her hand and pulled her closer, bridging the distance between them with a regretful hesitation. Elissa allowed him to unclasp the cloak under her chin, slipping the heavy fabric from her shoulders, leaving them bare to the pressing night. He then reached into his tunic, revealing a richly decorated mask. He carefully fitted it over her nose and eyes, pressing it gently into place before tying the ribbons at the back of her head. Then he kissed her again, sweetly first, sealing her lips with a sudden urgency before they broke apart. He put the mask from his forehead to his face before he took Elissa's hand and guided her towards the pressing crowd. They had a schedule to keep.