Raviathan stood and picked his way carefully around his cousins before hopping down and hurrying over. Though her face and clothes were streaked with dirt from the road, her eyes puffy and her shoulders slumped with exhaustion, Raviathan thought her very attractive. Her cornflower blue eyes were striking and she had flawless, pale skin beneath the dust of the road. Her ash blonde hair was braided, making her look groomed despite her long journey. Like all elves, she was willowy with long limbs, but there was a delicacy to her features that made her seem appear daintier than most elves. Her eyes widened as he approached. Raviathan said, "Excuse me. Are you Nesiara?"

"Ah. Yes. I am" She smiled, obviously weary from the journey and intimidated by a new city.

"I'm Raviathan." He took her pack, unable to keep from staring. This was his wife. He would wake up to the sight of her face for the rest of his days. Beautiful wasn't a adequate word for her. "If you would like, I can show you to our apartment. You must be tired."

She nodded as she studied his face just as intently as he studied hers. "That would be fine."

He wanted to say something more, but was at a loss. She was tired, that much was clear. Best not to disturb her until she rested? Make a joke? Tell her how pretty she was? He hadn't been flustered around a girl in years. In the end, he led her silently up the narrow stairs. There were a few calls from neighbors as he passed. Most noticed the new elf but said nothing yet. News would get around quickly enough anyway.

They entered the main room of his apartment, and Raviathan gestured at the comfortable chairs under the window. "Would you like some water? I can make tea, if you'd like."

She sighed, half collapsing into a chair. "Water is fine."

He brought her a glass of water, then headed up the ladder with her pack. Again, he was at a loss. Would she stay in the bunk bed with him? No. That was just silly. Would his father be bringing a new bed later? That seemed far too extravagant. He set her pack next on the floor near his trunk before heading back down.

"Would you like something to eat?" he asked.

"Sure. If it's not a problem."

Poor girl, he thought. She must be exhausted. He wondered how far away Highever was. Except for the messengers who were trained, elves were unused to long journeys. They had no cause for endurance training in an alienage that encompassed little more than a few city blocks. Although she was worn out from her journey, her voice carried with confidence.

Raviathan added wood to the remaining embers in the stove. "No. No problem. Upstairs is the bedroom. There's some water in the tub if you would like to wash up." She took another sip of water before heading up the stairs.

Raviathan diced root vegetables, cauliflower, and potatoes to sauté, sliced in some dried meat for flavor, added a few spices and herbs he got from working in an old granny's garden, then put the pot on for tea. He mixed rose hips, chamomile, the last of the ginseng –which was an expensive import, and motherwort for her tea, hoping the mix would relax her after the long journey. The bread was a day old, but if he toasted it with a little garlic butter, it might not be so bad. Last, he added yogurt heavily spiced with garlic, ginger, cumin, pepper paste, and turmeric to the sautéing vegetables to make a sauce. Their yogurt was running low, so he reminded himself to buy some milk from Alarith to make more.

Nesiara climbed down the ladder and took her seat at the table. Water droplets darkened her dress in random patches. She looked refreshed, her natural beauty restored. He smiled as he set the meal down in front of her, then added two plates and forks. She took a bite then smiled in surprise. "You can cook."

"My grandmother worked in a lord's kitchen. She taught me some simple things." He shrugged, grinning, a little embarrassed by the complement. "I'm glad you like it."

They each ate a few more bites before she broke the silence. "Raviathan?"

"Everyone calls me Rav."

She watched him as they ate. "Rav. Are you nervous? About the wedding I mean."

He looked at her for a long time. When he spoke, his voice was gentle and calm, "I think I was until I saw you."

Her mouth twitched, and she looked back at her plate. He put his hand out on the table palm up. Nesiara studied his long fingers and the lines along his palm. His was a simple gesture, but the trust implicit in her acceptance would set the beginning of their relationship. It would mark their first touch. How she wished she had beautiful hands. His prominent wrist bone only further set off the masculine delicacy of his bones. They were the kind of beautiful hands artists were suppose to have. Hers were better suited to a weathered field hand or scarred blacksmith. She put her fork down looking at his hand before placing hers on top.

He felt the calluses that marked her hand. Raviathan gave her hand a gentle squeeze as he turned in his seat to give her his full attention. "Nesiara, I will try to be a worthy husband for you."

"With such a promise, I think I am lucky to have you as my match." She looked up at him, smiling, a light blush adding color to her cheeks and the tips of her ears. Though fatigued by the journey and stress of the situation, Nesiara didn't strike him as weak. Raviathan wasn't sure, but he sensed loyalty and a hint of feistiness that intrigued him. He smiled, kissing her hand then releasing it so she could continue her meal.

"It does seem awkward, doesn't it." He wanted to make a comment about the more intimate part of their marital arrangements, but he didn't think he could pull off a joke without sounding like a total ass. Thinking she was probably most nervous about that part, he decided to go for silly and disarming so they could get some common ground. "You're going about your life, and then one day, all of a sudden, there you are, getting married. I knew I was coming of age, but it was still a surprise. What about you?"

"My parents were open about it. They told me about all the potential matches they were seriously considering."

"Oh," Raviathan said. Had his father been looking for more than one? His earlier feeling of having this marriage rushed returned. At least now he had an idea of who his father had chosen.

Nesiara was watching him, a slight disappointment pulling her warmth away. She said quietly, "You didn't know much then I take it."

"I only found out about our match this morning." It wasn't her fault, so Raviathan tried to keep his voice even. Whatever the circumstances, this was to be his wife. Trying to make the best of it, he forced a little levity into his voice. "I'm sorry I don't have anything prepared for you really. Now that I can see how beautiful you are, I'm going to be hard pressed to find an adequate gift."

She smiled as she looked back down at her plate and took another bite. "You're right. This is awkward. If I had known you had eyes as exotic as that, I would have tried to match them with glass. Stone that color is too rare."

"A gift?" Now he really felt like a heel. "I'm sorry. If I had known…"

"It's alright." She smiled, revealing a genuineness that melted away his remaining resentment. "You have until the official wedding, and this way it isn't just a random gift because you're meeting a stranger. It'll mean more because it will be for me."

Raviathan put down his fork, took her hand, and kissed it. "You make me feel very lucky." Rough and strong, her hands were shaped by years of discipline for her craft. Her hand was cold, so he held it in both of his to warm. "I'm sorry. I'm taking you from your meal. I want you to know Nesiara, I really do feel lucky."

"Well," she said, her hand gripping his, "we will make an interesting pair. Dark and pale."

"Pale," Raviathan said in mock affront. "Fair and flaxen."

"It's like we're pieces from a game of queens." Raviathan cocked his head, unfamiliar with the game. "You've never played?"

"Never heard of it." He let go of her hand so she could continue eating. In between bites she explained about the thirty two pieces and the board. The details of the game sounded complicated, with six different types of piece, each with a different movement quality. "It seems like you like this game."

"It's all about strategy," she said, her eyes narrowed as if imparting a great wisdom. "You have to defend the king, the most limited of all pieces, but still the most important. Take the king, and you win the game. But it's the queen who has all the power."

Raviathan's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Is this some comment on our marriage?"

"You still get to be the important one," she said.

"Oh well then. Too bad I'm so limited. I'll never be able to outmaneuver my queen."

She covered her mouth with her hand and tried to suppress her laughter until she swallowed. "I'll have to remember to write my sister about that."

"You have a sister?"

"An older one. She's married and lives in West Hills. I also have a much younger little brother. You?"

"Just my father, two close cousins, and an aunt on my father's side. She works as a handmaiden for a noble woman, so we almost never see her. I have more distant relatives, lots of cousins from my father's side. About half of them with red hair."

"Dark skin with red hair?" Nesiara squinted as she tried to picture it. "Odd combination."

Raviathan grinned. "Only Alarith the shopkeep here looks like that. You'll find out quickly that I take after my mother. She was from Tevinter. Dark skin, black hair, and she had a story about how we got our eyes. If my queen can outmaneuver me, I'll tell it to you."

"There's a challenge," she said smiling. "If you take after her, she must have been quite the beauty."

"Oh," Raviathan started with a hand up, "you have no idea. Ask anyone in the alienage and they'll all admit she was extraordinary. I actually look more like her sister, but I have my mother's eyes. But you said there were many matches your parents were considering. It must have been hard to choose when you couldn't meet any of us." Raviathan wasn't sure, but Nesiara seemed uncomfortable with the subject.

"Well, my parents still chose. And there weren't so awfully many."

Had she wanted someone else then? Or maybe left someone back in Highever? Raviathan was surprised by how much that stung. It would have disgraced her parents to have their child force her own match. Worse if it was from their own alienage. Though rare, such couples either left to find employment with a lord who would house them or ran off to find the Dalish. The couple wouldn't be exiled, but after such a scandal, life in the alienage would be uncomfortable.

Sensing that she had put him off, she took his hand. "Rav?"

He turned back to her, wondering at her earnestness. Though he had expected an arranged marriage since he was able to understand what marriage was, and he had heard many other elves describe the experience, nothing matched the surrealness of meeting a person for the first time and understanding she was his wife. Would they live forty, fifty, sixty years together? The time seemed to draw out in front of him. Would she resent him, wishing she had another? Would she grow to care for him? Would resentment at the marriage cause a distance to grow until they were cold? "Ness. I want to be a good husband. If there's any reason you want to call this off…"

"No," she said quickly, which only made Raviathan wonder more.

There was more going on with her than just the long journey. Patience, his aunt had told him. Whatever was bothering her, she would not be able to hold it in for long. Now that he was looking, he could see it under the surface like a rushing river under a thin layer of ice. Either he or his father would learn soon enough. He smiled and squeezed her hand. "It's alright, Ness. I just didn't want you to feel stuck if this isn't what you wanted. As far as I can tell, I'm getting the better part of this match."

"You're sweet," she said, relaxing. She tried for a flirtatious smile, "And you're even more handsome than I heard."

Raviathan smiled back trying to keep the uncertainty from touching his expression. Why was she trying so hard? It had not occurred to him until then that her reputation might be tarnished and kept hidden from his father. If that was true, it did not matter to him. Maybe the problem was with her family. Be patient.

When they finished with the meal he cleaned the dishes, shooing her away when she tried to help. Instead, she sat by the window with her tea, the aloe plant creating long spikes of shade across her dress. He gave her a fresh glass of water and took the second chair. She smiled as the sun glinted through the window to make, her hair glow in the gloom. "I'm sure you are told this all the time, but you really are beautiful." He reached out to touch her soft hair.

She almost giggled but was too tired to manage more than a shy laugh. "You think I'm beautiful?"

"Who wouldn't? You must have left many a broken heart in Highever."

She laughed. It wasn't some coy, fake thing, but real laughter that made him warm inside. Then she probably had not left some romance behind. "I'm sure to get some evil looks from the maidens here."

He smiled, taking her hands. He looked down at them. He liked the feel of their strength and calluses from work. He ran his thumb over the top. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable. If you need me to be patient, I will be."

She bit her lip. "Um. Yes. I appreciate that." She looked down. "But, I don't want you to be too patient."

"Then how about this. I set the pace for this," he squeezed her hand then massaged it between both of his, "but you tell me if you need me to slow down."

Her eyes gleamed in the light though she still looked tired. "Sounds fair."

He smiled and scooted his chair closer so he could hold her hands easily. "How was your journey here? I'm surprised you didn't have an escort."

"Yes. I made it all right," Nesiara said.

He could see she was trying to hide her embarrassment. What was the story there? He bit the inside of his lip and decided to ask something else that might not be so sensitive. "Um, that's good. Then tell me about Highever." Her already pale skin turned ashen. "What happened?" he asked. She squirmed in her chair. He said in a soft, low voice he used to calm children, "Please. Tell me what's wrong."

She continued to hold herself for a moment before blurting out, "The Teyrn family, the Couslands, were all slaughtered."

"What?" was all he could manage.

Once she started, the story rushed out. "They were all killed in their beds by Arl Howe. He's taken over Highever. The Couslands were good rulers, and now everything is chaos. The local Banns loyal to the Couslands have been run off but some have tried to take the city back. There has been fighting in the streets, and guards everywhere, and talks of a purge. Howe has a reputation of being hard on elves. We've all been afraid. Another traveler told me the purge did happen just after my family left."

Raviathan put an arm around her shoulders. "I'm so sorry. Why doesn't your family come here? They'd be safe."

"They went to West Hills where my sister lives. The dowry money is what's helped them leave. We had a shop in the alienage. They had to leave so much behind." She looked down as a tear escaped. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say anything just yet, not like this, but… it's been so hard. I've been so worried."

Raviathan closed his eyes. She needed him to accept her so her family could keep the dowry money. His heart went out to the poor girl. Maker, that must have been painful in so many ways. No wonder she had been so willing to get along with him. He sat back, feeling like a cad. She looked up at him in alarm, which affirmed his worry. "Ness. I am terribly sorry for what's happened with your family." She tried to take his hand, but he held her wrists. "We'll work something out with them. I promise. We want everyone safe, alright? Maybe in time they could pay back part with another dowry from a better match. I'm sure my father would be reasonable about it. "

"Rav." He looked up to see tears, and he wanted to reach up and wipe them away. "The dowry has been paid. It's alright."

He winced. "No. I can convince my father not to hold the dowry against you. You shouldn't be forced into a marriage like this."

She sniffed. "It's okay."

He looked at her, pained. "Ness. You're not a slave to be bought. If you want out of this, I won't be upset. It'll be okay. We'll work something out."

She freed one hand to touch his face, but he caught her wrist again. "You'll stay here with us until your parents get settled. From there we'll figure out what to do."

"You've been so kind to me. What makes you think I won't be happy here?"

He sighed. "I know they panicked. You could get a better husband. I'm sure there would be lots of opportunity for you with someone else."

"Rav. I want this marriage."

He frowned at his feet as he thought. Her parents were no longer secure now that they were refugees in another alienage and had lost their shop. Her options were more limited now that her family could not argue for better. He held her wrists, his thumb lightly stroking over her fine, light skin. "Ness, I'm so sorry this happened to you. We can wait until your parents are better positioned to find you a good husband. We'll take care of you until then, alright? Don't worry. It'll be fine."

"Please, Rav. This was almost finalized before the attack. It just made everything happen sooner."

Clear, concerned eyes met hers. "Are you sure?"

She freed her wrist to touch his face. When he moved to catch it again she surprised him by slapping his hand away. She said surely, "Yes. I feel honored to be your wife."

He kissed her wrist and held her hands in his. "Ness. I think you can do better."

She kissed him. It was small, just a peck, but it was their first kiss. He smiled sadly. "You don't have to. I'm sorry I pushed before. I didn't know."

"Rav," she huffed to his renewed surprise, "would you stop being stubborn. I want you to kiss me."

Looking into her resolute, deep blue eyes, he was certain he liked her now. Just as he thought—a little feistiness to add some spice. Sweet, but not weak. He gave her a saucy grin. "I don't know. Maybe I need a little proof." She grinned in return. She kissed him with more passion but kept it sweet.

He smiled ruefully. "That's why you didn't have an escort."

She nodded. He cocked his head studying her sharply. There were still shadows in her eyes. "Did something happen on the way here?"

Nesiara took a long breath. "There were some highway men. My father told me to hide if I ever felt that there was danger." She closed her eyes and swallowed. "I was so scared."

He scooted his chair forward so he could hold her. She leaned into his chest, grateful to be safe again. It had been such a relief to see Denerim. She began, "There were five of them on the Imperial Highway catching people who were leaving the unrest. I was behind a cart so they didn't see me. There was a man who couldn't pay so they threw him off the road. His wife was screaming, and one of them took her behind the barricade. I ran back as fast as I could and down the nearest slope. I hid in the forest and only moved at night. I didn't go back to the highway until I saw Denerim."

"Oh, Ness." His voice was tight. "I'm so sorry. You must be exhausted after all that. I'm such an idiot. Do you want to lie down for a bit?"

She continued to hold on to him, surprised by the hardness of his body. "Maybe later. Right now it feels really good to talk with someone."

He rubbed her back. "Anything you want. Would you like more tea or something else?"

She moved out of his arms with a sigh. "More tea?"

He kissed the corner of her mouth. "Coming right up." He added some wood to the stove and herbs to her cup before hopping upstairs with surprising agility. He bounced down holding an ornate brush in his hand. He smiled as she looked at it. "It was my mother's. Have a seat here," he indicated one of the dining chairs. She moved over, frowning in puzzlement. He stepped behind her and undid the braid with nimble fingers.

It was odd having a man do this. Normally only the women in her family would play with her hair. The kettle whistled as the braid was undone and her cup was refreshed. He kissed the top of her head and started singing softly as he brushed her hair. Nesiara closed her eyes as she listened to his voice. It was wonderful, so rich and resonant, full of nuance. All the tension seemed to drain as his voice soothed her. He stopped only to say, "Drink your tea before it gets cold."

"Please keep singing. Your voice is so beautiful."

He leaned down to kiss her head, his fingers trailing through her hair. "My mother was trained as an entertainer. She taught me music. Singing and such. She had the most beautiful voice you could imagine." He returned to singing as he gently brushed her hair. The soft, rhythmic scrape of the brush brought memories of childhood when she was too young to fully appreciate the care her family gave her When her tea was finished he replaited her hair and led them back to the more comfortable chairs under the window.

She smiled shyly. "I've never had a man do that before."

He shrugged. "I did that all the time for my mother and aunt. It made me feel good that I could care for them a little." She leaned over and kissed him, feeling genuinely happy. His sweetness was completely unexpected after all the stories she had heard. One of the girls who had moved from Denerim had told her he was the easily the best looking man in the city, but that didn't prepare her for how exotic he was. He grinned, and she was struck by charming his smile was. "I just wanted to get to know you better. Maybe you should decide what to tell me next." He went back to holding her hands.

"How about my family?" Nesiara offered.

"Sounds good," said Raviathan as he kissed her hand. He watched her intently for a moment, looking like a cat getting ready to pounce. What she had planned to say was foremost in her mind, but that captured her complete attention. She watched him back, wondering what this boy was going to do. Though he moved quickly, there was great tenderness in the way he caressed her face and in the kiss he gave her. She wondered if she felt so warm because this was to be her husband, if it was because a near stranger was so intimate, that this intimacy need not be hidden but was expected, or if this was a promise of her future.

Whatever the reason, her lips parted willingly. He deepened the kiss, soft lips feeling exquisite on hers. His hand was on her waist pulling her forward, and she was embarrassed by the tremble of warmth that travelled down the inside of her legs. She felt caught between what was expected from her as a wife and worry that he would not want someone who gave in so quickly. His lips left, but he remained close, just a breath apart. "Too fast?"

"No," she answered honestly.

"Good." He kissed her again, his hand travelling around her back. She knew then that if he wanted, she would be sharing a bed with him tonight. What would it be like to have him see her body? If he wanted to take her upstairs now, she would have made only the barest of protests. Again, she wondered at the hardness of his body, the easy strength in which he held her and pulled her close. When he ended the kiss, she had been transferred to his lap. There was a naturalness in the way her arms moved around his neck. He gently brushed her hair back, and to her astonishment, let his finger slowly caress down the long slope of her ear. The hair on her arms raised at the touch, and she knew she must be blushing by the sudden heat that flashed through her.

Raviathan kissed one of her bare shoulders lightly. "Even your shoulders are red."

"Ah," she started, wondering what to say.

"I'm taking advantage of you, Ness," he said kissing her shoulder again.

"You are?"

"Oh yes," he said letting his lips brush across her shoulders and to the corner of her jaw. His voice was soft and dark as it caressed her earlobe. "You're tired, had a difficult journey, worried. I said I'd be a good husband, but I'm already breaking my promise." His lips caressed lightly up her ear, and she shivered.

She expected him to start nibbling her ear, giving all the wonderful sensations that would cause, but instead he sat back in the chair with his arms loose around her waist. An odd thrill fluttered in her stomach when she realized she could feel his arousal pressing up against the bottom of her thigh. "Oh," she said not sure if she should be embarrassed or offended. "I… um. I can feel you."

"I like you, Ness," Raviathan said calmly. She was startled by his confidence. He wasn't the least embarrassed by any of it. His fine boned fingers stroked her hair, and his gaze went dreamy as he watched his fingers run lightly through it. "If you want to be my wife, which so far you've said yes to, you're going to have to put up with some of my more particular requests." He smiled gently at her and slumped back against the side of the chair, his fingers still trailing through her hair. "But not to worry. We're both still fully dressed."

There were no apologies for his response to her and no attempt to hide it. She found it strangely refreshing. "Raviathan Tabris. I think I'm going to be marring a scoundrel."

He grinned at her, the smile filling his clear blue and emerald eyes. "Good thing you're a queen. You're going to need all that strategy."

She kissed him back making sure to press against him and was delighted when he made an involuntary little moan. It was okay to like the feel of his desire. What will it be like to be with him? So far she hadn't been all that impressed by sex though her experience was limited to only one other elf. But Rav created more passion in a single kiss than Bennly ever had. She ended the kiss and sat back to watch him, rather enjoying his look of calm longing. What would it be like to be married to him?

There was a danger here, and she couldn't afford to forget that. The concerns about his reputation were real, but she needed this match to work. Her betrothed had been wonderfully kind about the dowry, had been nothing but sweet, but it was too important for her family to rely on those assurances. The hurt returned then, but she put it out of her mind as best she could. Concern entered his eyes at her brief change of expression, and she was again taken by how observant he was. Before he could ask, Nesiara started, "I have a sister in West Hills. She married a servant of Arl Wulff. When we were growing up, we fought like cats."

Raviathan leaned back as he listened, a faint smile on his lips. She talked about her family and friends, moments from her past. Her tales included the time she made her family adopt an abandoned kitten, and when she saw King Maric in the square when he visited the Couslands. When she said something that was particularly cute, he raised her hand up to kiss the back of her fingers but otherwise held it to his chest.

It wasn't until the sun set low enough to hit his eyes that he realized how the time had passed. He sat up, "Maker's blood! I'm sorry, Ness. I was suppose to check in with the shop keep."

He helped her up then rose to leave, but she kept his hand. "Do you want to come with me? You can see more of the alienage." He moved back to stroke her cheek. "Or you can stay here since you're tired. I have some books. Maybe you'd like to rest?"

"I'd like to go with you." She rose up on her toes and kissed him. He smiled and held her tight taking full advantage of the invitation. His lips parted hers as the kiss grew more sensual. He stopped, reluctant to part, his gazed lingering on Nesiara's shining eyes. Their blue depths caught the low light of the setting sun, bright in otherwise darkening room.

"Follow me." Before he opened the door he turned to give her another kiss.

On the next landing one of his neighbors called out, "Hey, Rav."

"Hey, Trean." They stopped when a stooped and elderly man hobbled to the open door. He had kindly wrinkles and light graying hair. A young boy, about three or so, was playing with a little rag doll and wooden horse on the floor behind them, but walked over to see Raviathan and the new elf. Raviathan wrapped an arm around Nesiara's waist so they stood hip to hip. He was practically glowing when he said, "This is Nesiara. My wife."

Trean's bushy eyebrows rose up, and he smiled affectionately. "Wife, huh?" He reached out to take Nesiara's hand. "You're lucky, Rav. She is a pretty one." Raviathan squeezed her waist. The elder's grip was surprisingly strong given his age. "I'm Trean. You'll find me about, looking after my grandson here. Let me know if you need anything." The boy had a hand clutched on Raviathan's pants.

"Thank you, ser," she smiled when he squeezed her hand and let go.

"Please excuse us," Raviathan said. "I need to check in with Alarith."

"Oh, of course, of course," said Trean. "Come by for tea soon."

"Tea soon," said the child.

"We will," he replied. He looked down at the boy, his slender fingers playing with the child's fine hair. "You will join us of course."

"Tea, tea, tea," the child said. Trean chuckled and extracted the boy's hand from Raviathan's pants. The boy started to cry a bit but was easily distracted by the wooden horse.

As they left Raviathan whispered, "Now that he knows, the rest of the building will know by tonight."

Nesiara laughed softly. "We had one like that back home. An old widow woman who always wore black though her husband had died twenty five years ago. Swear her to secrecy, and the whole alienage knew in an hour." Raviathan led the way through various halls and corridors then down two more flights of stairs, never releasing her hand. Nesiara shook her head. "I think I'm going to get lost."

"Hmm," was his only reply as the descended another flight. He didn't release her hand as they made their way quickly to the shop.

Nesiara took in her new home as they jogged down the street. This alienage was a little bigger than the one she had lived in, but in Highever the streets had a cobblestone base under the accumulated dirt. The earthen roads made the Denerim alienage feel dirtier but also less claustrophobic as the barriers didn't press in over their heads. While the walls of the Denerim alienage were every bit as solid, there was something more permanent in the oppressive stone in Highever. The buildings here had more stories on average, but the disrepair was the same: dilapidated buildings that were sometimes just boards hastily nailed together, refuse in the alleys, mangy rats and dogs wandering about. Only the faces were different.

"Hey, Alarith," Raviathan called. The alienage's general store was moderately busy, with wives picking over the remaining produce and two men talking in a corner.

"You're late," Alarith said, but was smiling when he saw the young elf holding hands with a new beauty.

"Sorry. This is Nesiara, my wife." Every head in the store turned at the declaration. Nesiara cast her eyes down as she was suddenly the object of scrutiny. She wondered again at the rumors, but whatever the truth, it did seem he was well known in the alienage. The looks were not hostile, but there was a definite interest in her. Raviathan continued on as if he did not notice, "This is Alarith."

Alarith said, "Nice to meet you. Nesiara is it?"

Nesiara answered, "Yes. How do you do?"

"I do fine. I must say, Rav is lucky to get a wife as pretty as you."

She laughed. "He told me that already. I'm feeling pretty lucky too."

"Nervous about the big day?"

Nesiara squeezed Raviathan's hand. "More excited than nervous. Rav has been nothing but sweet."

"Sweet, huh," Alarith eyed Raviathan skeptically. "Normally I wouldn't ask, but considering how pretty you are, has he been a gentleman?"

Nesiara blushed, which made Alarith narrow his eyes at the two of them. Raviathan frowned and squared his shoulders, his arm wrapping around Nesiara. "She's my wife. Mind your own business."

Alarith cracked a grin. "So she is. Glad you're finally growing up young man."

"Do you have an errand for me to run or not?" Raviathan asked.

Distracted annoyance replaced Alarith's good humor, and he beckoned them back around the counter where they could speak more privately. "I finally got word from the supplier. There won't be any eggs from him for a while. The armies have been called to the south, so food prices are going to soar."

Raviathan's shoulders slumped. As if winters weren't bad enough. "Seems an odd time for war."

Alarith crossed his arms and his mouth quirked to the side as he thought. "It's going to be tough, alright. I've got a decent storage of dry goods to stretch things out, but that won't last more than a month or two tops. Here's hoping that the fish don't go to war." He shook his head. "I don't get it. Gravie told me south, but unless the King wants to go after some Chasind miscreants, what's the point?"

"Chasind?" Nesiara asked.

"They're the barbarian tribes far to the south," Alarith said. "It's been one of the mildest winters I've ever known. Don't know why they'd be making trouble or why the banns can't handle it."

Raviathan shrugged, not really caring about the reason there would be shortages. Knowing why didn't change the fact that lean times were ahead. Nesiara said cautiously, "Not east then?"

Alarith shrugged. "Could be he was wrong. I would have thought if anything it would be the Orlesians."

"Howe sacked Highever," Nesiara said.

Alarith straitened in surprise. "Howe? Did what?"

"Is that important?" Raviathan asked. "Doesn't change that new suppliers are needed."

"It changes a lot," Alarith said. "If the armies are going south, most of the Bannorn will be supplying them. I was hoping to find something north, but if Howe is rampaging around while the King is off chasing south tails, will get little help there."

"What about imports," Raviathan asked. "I know they're more expensive, but if the armies are driving prices up…"

"That's part of the problem," Alarith said. "Howe now controls two major ports for trade. That's a lot of power for one man to have."

Aside from the issue, Raviathan was surprised that Alarith was confiding in him and that he had not gotten a lecture after all. He squeezed Nesiara's shoulder and held her close. Her skin was cool where it was bare, and he wanted to let his fingers roam over the fine texture. "Aside from selling fishing poles, all you can do is find other farmers willing to sell. I'll let Valendrian know we're in for a rough winter."

"Fishing poles aren't a bad idea," Alarith said. "Anyway, I shouldn't worry you with this today." He leaned forward giving Nesiara a light kiss on the cheek. "Welcome to Denerim, Nesiara. Let me know if there's anything I can do for you."

Nesiara smiled and nodded in thanks. Raviathan squeezed her hand. "If it's okay, I'm going to show Nesiara around."

"Be back tonight to clean up," said Alarith.

"Okay." They headed out under the open watch of the elves. There was an excited buzz of conversation as they left. Just who was this elf she was marrying? "This is the square and vhenadahl. That platform over there is where we hold all of our celebrations, including our wedding," he added, wrapping his arm around her waist. "Alarith has been really kind to me. I make a little money doing the books, running errands and cleaning, and he lets me read anything in the store, and we get a big discount on food." The square was still full of children and a few gossiping women milling about. Raviathan led her to the stage to sit on the edge and watch the square. "Our hahren is Valendrian. His house is just over there."

Nesiara said with a coy smile, "So he'll be the one to do our handfasting?"

He grinned, ducking his head. "I suppose. You're ready for that then?"

Raviathan had been introducing her to everyone as his wife. To Nesiara, the day felt unreal. Looking around, Nesiara saw that this alienage was different than the alienage in Highever, yet very much the same. The streets were still littered with children and gossips. The muddy roads were still lined with the same patchwork of buildings. It was all familiar, only this place came with a different arrangement and different names. It must be strange indeed to learn that you were betrothed the day you met your spouse. Nesiara was grateful that she had known about her upcoming marriage for the last month as her parents decided over potential husbands. At least her parents had given her warning. She had heard Raviathan was handsome, but the stories didn't do him justice.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Raviathan waved to a red headed woman about his age. As she walked up with a wide grin, he said, "That's my cousin Shianni. She's been my best friend as far back as I can remember. Hey, Shianni. This is Nesiara."

"Hey, cousin," the read head said, her smile filled with a bright interest. Nesiara liked her immediately. There was an openness about her that Nesiara found attractive. "So this is the little wife? How are you, Nesiara?"

"Fine," she said.

"Don't let the brave smile fool you," said Raviathan. "She's had an awful time of it." Raviathan recounted what happened at Highever and her journey to Denerim.

Shianni's jaw dropped open as she heard. "By the Maker. I'm so sorry, Ness. And then on top of it you have to deal with this idiot."

"Hey!" said Raviathan.

Nesiara laughed. "He's been very sweet."

"Has he now," said Shianni with a mischievous glint in her eyes. The two shared squished faces of playful annoyance. Shianni did notice how the two hadn't stopped holding hands yet. So quickly, she thought a little sadly.

"Just wait until you get married, cousin," threatened Raviathan. "I'll have to make sure he's ready for that temper of yours."

"I don't have a temper," Shianni retorted.

Raviathan whispered in Nesiara's ear but loud enough for Shianni to hear, "Never trust a red headed woman."

Nesiara laughed again when Shianni slapped Raviathan's knee. Nesiara said, "You two don't look at all alike."

Raviathan said, "Her mother is my aunt, so we're first cousins. That's what I meant when I said I take after my mom. My other cousin Soris is also pale. We'll probably have a double wedding with him."

"Oh?" asked Nesiara.

"I met his wife," said Shianni brightly. "Her ears are huge and the type that folds back."

"Huh," said Raviathan, wondering at his cousin's lack of tact. Normally that was the type of comment she would have scolded another elf for. Though trends came and went, that type of ear structure was considered unattractive by most. Of the three present, all of their ears were sky pointed, the more attractive of the two styles. Large ears, unless they were excessive, were mostly up to personal preference as with eye or hair color, but as long as they weren't too small, there wasn't much difference elves paid to them. Small eared elves might be picked on as self hating elves though they had no control over their biology. Some mothers who suspected their child's ears were not up to standards would pull them to keep up appearances. That irritated Raviathan to no end when he had to care for little cracks in the babies' sensitive ears. Bad enough shems pulled their ears in spite. Raviathan hated that elves would hurt their own babies for the most senseless reason. Raviathan's shapely ears were longer than usual and frequently poked out of his long hair. As far as he was concerned, Nesiara had the most alluring set of points. "Soris told me she had a high voice."

"She does," agreed Shianni. "She's sort of quiet but really nice." Raviathan's lips quirked and he looked down. Shianni eyed him. "Out with it."

"Um, it's kind of mean," he said trying not to smile.

"What," Shianni demanded.

"Um," Raviathan hedged a bit. "He's been calling her Mouse."

The two women looked down with their own embarrassed smiles. "That is mean," agreed Nesiara.

Shianni just shrugged, and again Raviathan wondered at her callousness. Deciding it would be best to talk to her in private and not in front of his wife, Raviathan changed the subject. "Do you know much about dancing, Ness?"

She shook her head. "If your dancing is anything like your singing, I think I'm going to be hopelessly outclassed."

Shianni's face fell a little at that statement though she tried to hide it, and Raviathan suddenly understood. He hopped down, grabbing his cousin by the waist, and hauled her up. She laughed, startled, but he was on the platform pulling her to her feet. "Come on, cousin. Let's show her one my mother taught us."

The two of them stepped to the middle of the platform. They stood facing Nesiara with their hands clasped. Raviathan started with a thump thadda thump thump thump of boots hitting the platform hard. Shianni echoed the steps, then the two moved in simultaneous quick pace, their foot falls creating a beat that could be set to music. A few of the elves gathered around to watch, their claps keeping time. Nesiara clapped with them, delighted with the display. Shianni and Raviathan finished with a flourish to the applause of the small crowd, and Raviathan pivoted to spin Shianni around. She laughed and hugged him tight. "You always know just what to do, cousin," she whispered to him.

He kissed her, his hand buried in her bright red hair. "Shianni, you know I'm always going to love you."

"I know," she said a little sadly. "It's just… you and Soris in the same day. At least you're staying here," she said taking his hand and leading him back to Nesiara.

Nesiara took Shianni's other hand and kissed her lightly on the cheek. "You dance beautifully."

Shianni already had a faint flush from the fast paced dance, but her color deepened. "Rav's mother knew more dances than you could believe. She taught us, but I never had a head for music like my cousin."

"So true," Raviathan said. "She sounds like a cat in heat."

Shianni's mouth opened in shock then she punched him. Raviathan laughed at her, grabbing her wrists when she tried to do more. "You ass," she said trying to free her hands.

Nesiara scooted back, laughing at the two. Shianni wrestled Raviathan on his back, putting her weight on top of him. Raviathan said, "I'll toss you off the stage."

"No you won't," Shianni returned, struggling unsuccessfully in his grip.

"Yes I will. You'll land in mud. Get your dress all messy."

"Ha! You liar. There isn't any mud."

"There's always mud," Raviathan said. He leveraged her off then rolled with her across the stage. In the confusion of her skirts, Shianni found he had an arm around her waist and was hauling her up and over his shoulder. "Off we go, sweet cousin."

"No!" Shianni shrieked, her breath catching in laugher. "Ness, help!" She held out her hands, and Nesiara rose quickly to grab them.

Raviathan pretended not to notice as he dragged the two struggling women across the stage to the stairs. "Cousin, have you gained weight?" he asked slapping her rump. "You're a lot heavier than I remember."

"Let me go," Shianni gasped. "I give, I give."

Raviathan put her down, and she promptly punched him in the shoulder. "See," he said to Nesiara. "Never trust a red headed woman."

She was about to renew the fight, but Raviathan hugged her tightly and kissed her, and everything was forgiven. "Ness, are you sure you want to marry him?"

"Yes," Nesiara said happily.

The smile Raviathan gave her made butterflies flutter in her chest. He took Shianni's hand and spun her away. The red head moved lightly, ending the move on one toe with one arm extended gracefully. "Here, Ness," Raviathan said. "Let me show you how to dance."

"Oh no. I couldn't."

"We'll start simply." Raviathan put an arm around her waist and clapped one hand in his.

Shianni put her arms in a similar position as if she had an invisible partner and swirled around the stage making time by repeating, "One two three, one two three."

"It's just like that," Raviathan said gently. "Just follow me."

Though Nesiara was nervous, Raviathan moved his partner confidently around the stage, his eyes never leaving her. At the end of each series of steps that completed a long half circle, Raviathan led her to the next so she swirled around. "I'm going to get dizzy."

"No you won't," Raviathan said. "Keep your eyes on me." They often came close to the edge of the stage, and Nesiara worried that they would fall off especially since Raviathan never seemed to look at anything except her, but they never did. The steps got easier as she became familiar with them, and she found herself relaxing. She stopped thinking about the stage or the steps. For the first time she wasn't embarrassed for staring at her betrothed. Even Shianni's voice melted into the background. The two of them spun about, and in the swirling background of brown and grey buildings, blue sky, and green leaves, her betrothed stayed constant.

Laughter brought them to a halt. It was deep and carried through the square easily. "So I see you're celebrating early."

Raviathan jumped down and hugged the old man. For all of Valendrian's years, he was still a powerful figure in the alienage. They kissed on the cheek as the two women made their way off the stage to gather under the vhenadahl. "I have a lot to celebrate," Raviathan said grinning widely. He took his bride's hand. "This is Nesiara of Highever. Ness, this is our hahren, Valendrian."

"Indeed," Valendrian said warmly to the young woman, taking her free hand in both of his. "It is a pleasure to welcome you into our alienage."

"Thank you, hahren," Nesiara said freeing her hand from Raviathan long enough to embrace the old elf, and he patted the young woman's back affectionately. "We don't have a vhenadahl in our alienage. It's so pretty."

Raviathan and Shianni both looked scandalized. Shianni's voice was full of pity and astonishment, "You don't? How can you not have a vhenadahl? I wouldn't even feel elven without it."

"Now, Shianni," Valendrian said, "don't make the girl self-conscious. You have better manners than that."

"But, hahren," Shianni said. "I've never heard of such a thing."

"Highever lost their tree many years ago," Valendrian said gravely. "It is a sorrow I do not think they recognize."

"Hahren?" Raviathan asked as he looked at the elder in concern.

"They have not sought to replace it, even after all these years." Troubled by his elder's uncharacteristically melancholy manner, Raviathan reached out to hold the elder elf's shoulder. "Oh, not to worry," Valendrian said. "I just hope it doesn't become a trend. Even when we have hard times, we cannot forget what little heritage is left to us."

"Speaking of hard times," Raviathan said. "I have news." He and Nesiara explained about Highever, and Raviathan finished with Alarith's news and concerns for food prices and availability.

Valendrian took in the news with grim resolve. "Thank you for alerting me. At least this way we can make preparations. I'll meet with Alarith soon, but…" he said, his eyes twinkled in the late sun, "we shouldn't forget our joys either. Are you ready for your handfasting then?"

"Yes, hahren," Nesiara said reaching for Raviathan's hand.

"We both are," he affirmed squeezing her hand back then took the formal hold for the ceremony that entwined their fingers, a symbol of their entwining lives.

"And you will act as witness?" Valendrian asked Shianni. With a proud lift of her chin, Shianni agreed. Raviathan winked at his cousin, glad for her change of heart. Valendrian began the informal ceremony that would be the start of their marriage. He lowered his head, adopting a serious attitude, and the three younger elves did the same. "We have not always been a free people. Much of our heritage and language have been lost or taken from us. But we stay strong. We are elves, the first people, the decedents of immortals. Nothing can take that away. Now we rekindle that heritage as we witness the forging of a new generation. Our strength is in our ties, our bonds of marriage and family, for these are the bonds that set us free. They give us continuity from one generation to the next, and unite us as kin. For only when we stand together are we free."

Valendrian placed his fingertips to the bowed foreheads of the bride and groom. "A pairing of our young is a sacred thing. It is in you that we place the faith of our future. From this day forth, it is your duty to honor and respect your fellow child of immortals. Hold your hands fast so that you may walk your path together and not be lost." At this he wove a red ribbon around their wrists. "Children of immortals, it is time for you to take your place, to take on the responsibility of families as others have before you, to add your voice and strength to your kin. Though the decedents of immortals, you are no longer children in the eyes of your fellows. As hahren of Denerim, I pronounce Raviathan and Nesiara husband and wife."

The new couple kissed under the shifting shadows of the vhenadahl's leaves. A few elves who had stopped to watch applauded the couple. Shianni hugged them both wiping away a tear she knew her cousin would tease her later for, then Valendrian did the same. One of the elves called out, "She's a beauty, Rav. How'd you get so lucky?"

Raviathan turned to see Taedor walking up. Raviathan gave him a one armed hug since his hand was still tied to Nesiara's. "Don't know. I guess the Maker was smiling on me. Have you heard from your brothers?"

"Not yet," Taedor said, his brow furrowing in worry. At Nesiara's curious look, Taedor said, "My brothers, Pol and Jerik, ran off to find the Dalish a few weeks ago. They woke up early, took some food, and left a note."

"May the Maker light their way," Nesiara said. Some elves were fascinated by the Dalish, but the stories just scared her. The danger of life outside the alienage had only become more firmly fixed in her mind after her journey to Denerim.

Raviathan made the introductions as more elves came around to meet their newest member. Nesiara met scores of elves and struggled to remember all the new names and faces. Raviathan escorted her around the alienage, the main street and all the winding paths and alleys. Though Nesiara wasn't sure, it seemed she was getting more interest than the other brides and grooms who had moved to Highever. Was it because she was Raviathan's wife or were the Denerim elves more curious?

When dusk fell they returned to the shop. Raviathan unwove the red ribbon from around their wrists, kiss her wrist, and rewove it into a bracelet for her to wear. They talked about the alienage and his friends as he swept and mopped the floor, then they both picked out food for the evening dinner which he noted in the ledger. He locked up the store, and they returned to the apartment building.

"Here," he whispered in her ear. He pulled out a piece of white chalk he got from Alarith's store. As they went up stairs and through the various halls, he made small marks, triangles and stylized arrows, either at the base or top of halls and entryways. They were small marks and placed where no one would notice unless they were looking for them. "These marks will lead you home."