.15 Clarity
Despite their mutual recent ordeals both Alistair and Elissa had managed to make their escape a lasting one.
Determined to avoid the capitol where they had undoubtedly been recognized and searched for, they successfully counted on the hospitality of the inn they had resided earlier. Shocked but somehow fascinated by the story they procured when asked for an explanation about the absence of their elven companion, the matron had offered them a bed free of charge and two fresh horses to continue their journey as soon as Elissa's condition permitted it.
Despite how the innkeeper had offered to send anyone asking for them off on a wild goose chase to the harbor of Val Royaux, neither of the Wardens rested easily enough to remain there longer than for the night. After the matron sensed their eagerness to travel along she had kindly offered them a change of clothes and a fill on their reserves. Elissa had gratefully accepted, but not before she had promised her to pay her back one day.
Although she still felt weak she proved to be able to ride by herself. The open road ahead of them temporarily fed her stamina, and they were able to pass Val Chevin that same day. It wasn't until they had reached the vicinity of Cumberland that her strength started to wane once more.
If Alistair hadn't noticed her sagging down in the saddle she would have surely rode until she had fallen off her horse. Elissa seemed determined to create a vast distance between her and her former friend as much as her endurance allowed.
The single time Zevran's name was brought up a shadow had crossed her eyes, and she had insisted on continuing their travel immediately to increase the separation even further. It was only then that Alistair realized she too felt intensely betrayed by their former companion, now reunited with his band of criminals. It lead his own hatred to a newfound high, which fed his ideas to decide never to let Elissa Cousland out of his sight again.
Forced to take a prolonged rest in the Nevarran city, Alistair had sought out the Mages' College for help. Despite his templar background he hoped that the mages would be willing to aid them if they required so. Upon the mention of Elissa's name, the savior of Ferelden and the one who prevented the right of annulment on it's Circle of Magi, they were immediately provided with the means necessary to prolong their stay.
Being one of the head scholar's guests did not only prove convenient to Elissa's healing rite, but also to contacting the outside world: Old enemies or no, Alistair soon enjoyed the advantages of being near the most resourceful mages of the known world.
After Alistair reluctantly accepted word from queen Anora on the culling darkspawn threat near Amaranthine, he had also received word from one of the Warden mages in Weisshaupt.
He headed back to Elissa in the College's guest housing with great reluctance. Although a promotion to Warden Commander of Ferelden should have been reason for joy for Elissa, he doubted that she would be happy to hear that it was only he who was called to Weisshaupt Fortress to debrief his recount on the blight. Nor was he.
As the new Warden Commander, Elissa would be required to return to Ferelden. While she would set course to Highever by ship as they had already arranged, he alone would have to travel the imperial highway north as soon as possible and would only be allowed to return when his services in the Anderfels were no longer needed. Despite his plan to unite with his love in Amaranthine as soon as possible, only time could tell how soon that would be.
Occupied by this daunting prospect Alistair barely noticed the tugging at his sleeve as he walked the streets of the city. When he looked down in surprise a boy quickly squealed his message before he ran off.
"The master of the Crows seeks to parlay with you, Ser. The Golden Keg inn!"
~.~.~.~
When Alistair had entered the tavern, he was surprised to only find one familiar face. He awkwardly slipped onto the bench opposite of the elf, demonstratively propping his two hander against his knee.
He had expected to find Zevran sitting in front of him, though he looked quite different from when they had parted ways. Within the span of a week the elf had acquired a new tan colored set of leather armor and gleaming new weapons to match. Only his gloves looked weathered, and despite their matching make and color Alistair easily recognized them as his old pair.
He snorted when he had noticed the gift Elissa had presented him during their travels, but the elf did not respond. Instead he waved the waitress over for a refill on his ale. Alistair sternly passed on his offer for a drink yet he couldn't help but feel confused; leaving recent events out of the equation, it felt like they could have been resting at an inn like they had done not so long ago, when the three friends had taken up stopping the Crow threat together.
"I got to say I'm surprised you haven't ambushed me yet," Alistair spoke derisively as the elf drank deeply from his tankard. "The messenger boy articulately mentioned 'the master' of the Crows. Or has your burly band of bandits abandoned you already?"
Zevran put his ale down before he spoke, but ceased to meet the templar's eyes.
"On the contrary. They are posted at the outskirts of the city, not taking the few that insisted on keeping out a watchful eye into account. Their loyalty is most admirable."
"Too bad yours is not." Alistair spoke snidely.
Zevran now looked up from his ale, but chose to ignore him before he spoke again.
"Since word of my unexpected coup had spread, my followers among the Crows have only increased. But in practice, I am not the new master yet. I have yet to call a meeting with the remaining elders, but taking my current support into account, it seems only a formality."
He held silent to offer Alistair room to comment. When he did not, he continued with his usual careless charm. Alistair noticed that the audible accent he had carried since he had first met the elf had grown thicker over this short period of time.
"Despite the growing allegiance I am not worried they will turn against me. My travelling with your order has apparently made me a household name within the Antivan Crows, a legend, so to speak. I will become the first master known amongst his men, not hiding in the shadows but ruling just and dividing the riches accordingly."
Before he finished Zevran grinned roguishly. "With a little extra to cover my general expanses, of course."
Alistair crossed his arms and sat back as far as the cramped seat permitted him. For a moment he just stared at the elf, until his face filled with mockery.
"So you've got everything your heart has always wanted."
Zevran sighed, but did not elaborate.
"I guess it does seem so."
"Everything, except for the girl."
Zevran chuckled and took his time to take another hefty swig of ale.
"I would have surely liked to count her among my victories."
"Then you're out of luck," Alistair spoke scornfully. "If you think I hate your guts after what you pulled me, try getting her sympathy."
The humor instantly disappeared from the elf's face. He softly placed his tankard back at the table.
"As I deserve. Yet, I will atone."
Alistair almost jumped up from his seat after the elf finished his sentence. He quickly sat down when he noticed he would be drawing unwanted eyes if he'd drag the elf across the table by his collar. He had to steady his breathing before he managed to speak his mind.
"You don't honestly think I will, that she will allow you near her ever again? By the Maker, you forced yourself upon her when she was too weak to even tell you off!"
Despite how the days had passed, the scratch marks were still visible on Zevran's cheek. He covered them with his hand shamefully, or maybe affectionately, Alistair wasn't sure.
"My new, ah, occupation will require me to retreat to Antiva. Despite the occasional travelling I don't expect to ever see her again."
"Yes, drown yourself in your work for all I care, I bet there are plenty of other women to rape back home."
This is when the elf pulled his dagger. In a flash he had pinned it between Alistair's outstretched fingers, into the table. The blade sang as it vibrated in the heavy oaken surface, yet nobody of the guests seemed to have noticed the sudden gesture.
"I did no such thing, and I never will. My timing was unfortunate, my ways unorthodox. But as I told her, a man can only take as much."
Despite how Alistair had grabbed his sword by the hilt, he allowed Zevran to contemplatively retrieve his dagger and put it away. He seemed filled with determination, yet his grief stricken face told the templar more than his words did.
"If it were up to me I would have stayed with her, or left her side at her command. Yet the stakes have changed, and opportunities arose that should not have gone untouched."
Alistair opened his mouth to object, but Zevran intervened.
"Surely you understand, as it is one of our mutual interests. When I have secured my position as the master of the Crows, no assassin will hunt her, ever again."
Silence followed as the words sank in. Alistair sighed, and then once again in relief. Zevran could easily withhold any contract on her head, or maybe even provide her protection. But it made sense. Elissa's safety from the Crows would finally be ensured as she was in good grace with it's new master.
Zevran had used the moment to silently empty his tankard. Wiping the foam from his mouth he stood up, but turned around before he moved towards the door.
"Do you truly think I would have aspired to rule the order Elissa had helped me escape so shortly ago? To trade my newly acquired freedom just like that?"
Alistair looked at him dumbfound, unable to respond.
"You owe me nothing, Ser templar," The elf spoke with determination, "But I would only devotedly retreat to Antiva if I knew there would be someone who would be able to tell her the truth, because I realize at this time and place, she herself would not accept it."
Zevran then turned around and made way for the door. Just when he pulled up his hood to cover his face from the spring rain, he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Thank you." Alistair spoke as they both stepped into the dreary afternoon. "I don't…. I don't want to say everything's forgiven, because it's certainly not…"
Zevran nodded but remained still, appreciating the unexpected gesture all the same.
"But this is a step in the right direction of forgiveness in my book."
The elf allowed Alistair's hand to slip off his shoulder as he walked into the drizzling rain. Before they parted ways, Zevran turned around and spoke his final concern.
"If only it were in hers, Alistair."
He then pulled his hood down over his eyes and disappeared into the bustle of the city.
This is the end of this story! I hope you enjoyed it; please remember to leave a comment or a review, I really appreciate them and it's those that keep me inspired to write!
This is the first story not entirely based on ingame events but I do say it tastes like more. I will have to wait what DAII will bring, but as this point it doesn't sound like a bad idea to write more stories like these, if a plot comes to mind. Let me know what you think!