Well, that didn't go as I would've liked it to. Haiden sat in his bed, his back against the wall. His armor had been tossed into a corner of the small bedroom. He had known that Sicilia would not have just ran into his arms, but he also didn't expect her to like the Arishok. Rubbing his hands across his face, he hoped that his actions wouldn't effect their friendship.

Tucking her hair behind her ear, she felt the new earring that graced her helix. Her thoughts returned to Haiden. It wasn't that she didn't like him; he was a great guy. Sicilia just wasn't sure if he was the right one for her. He was nice, handsome, and had a thirst for adventure, which were all great things, but there was something else that she was searching for. Honestly, she didn't know what it was.

She had hardly slept the night before. It was difficult when she was arguing with herself the whole time. Right now, she needed to talk to Markl. He was always level-headed and would be able to tell her honestly what she should do. She found him sitting at his usual table at the tavern in front of his usual mug of ale. Sitting in the chair next to him, she groaned and laid her forehead on the table.

"Let me guess. Haiden?" She only groaned in response. "How can I help?"

"Tell me what I need to hear? I want an honest opinion, whether it's good or bad." She raised her head and rested her chin on her palm.

"I can't tell you who to choose, Sicilia, but I can tell you what I've thought all along. Haiden is the type of person who can loose himself easily. He's a good man, don't get me wrong, but he would always put you first above all things. I don't think you want that. I don't see you wanting to be protected and loved above all else. Am I right?" Sicilia thought about this for a moment. She smiled when it all sounded familiar and nodded. "Don't worry. Everything will work out how it's supposed to."

"Asit tal-eb," she smiled. "Thanks, Markl."

Markl downed the last drop of ale from his mug. "I'm meeting Haiden at the North gates for the rest of the day and tonight. If Haiden's calculation is correct, the Tevinters should be here tonight or tomorrow. Where will you be?"

"I think I'm going to the coast for the rest of the day. If I'm not there, I'll be at the inn."

There were a few people at the beach that afternoon, but they slowly began to fade out when darker clouds began to settle in. Carrying her boots in one hand, she walked the coast. Each wave that came in, stopped at her ankles. The wind began to pick up and she pulled her hair tie from her pocket. She tossed her boots in her usual spot and pulled her hair back.

"You seem distraught." A deep voice sounded from behind her.

She jumped, obviously startled. "I must be for you to surprise me like that." She took a breath. "I am."

"Is there any news?" He stood, arms crossed, just as stoic as always.

"Not yet. My friends are at the North gates keeping watch. They'll let us know when the Tevinters have come and gone." Sicilia took a seat next to her boots. She watched as the Arishok followed her example. A small light flashed in the distance as she removed her weapons. She was reminded of her dream in the rain. It was just a dream, Sicilia, don't get worked up over it!

"This is not the reason you are troubled?" His voice seemed to roll from his throat that resembled the thunder in the distance.

"No. I was troubled before, but I'm fine now. I just needed to relax for a bit." Sicilia realized that it wasn't the full answer he was searching for. She sighed, wondering if she should tell him. "Haiden, one of my friends, told me last night that he likes me, as in love."

"This did not please you?"

"It's not that I wasn't pleased. It's just that I can't feel that way for him. He's a good friend, a good man, but I just don't feel like he's for me."

"You have your mind set on someone else, then?" His mind seemed distant, his thoughts elsewhere, while he kept his onyx eyes focused forward.

"Are you really so interested in my personal life, Arishok?" When he did not answer, she replied, "In a way, I guess I do. It could be futile, but-"

"Nothing can be futile. Everything in life has a useful result whether good or bad. It is the way things are. Our choices are what give us purpose."

"Maybe you're right, but it's the bad result that I fear." She watched as the seagulls began to retreat to shelter for the night. "It seems that I fear a lot of things, but the possibility of death doesn't frighten me near as much."

"Death is inevitable. You fear that which is uncertain."

Sicilia was fearful of uncertainty. She always had been. It was always her belief that, even when frightened, a person should always go with what feels right. Her instinct never led her astray. Right now, it was telling her that she respected the Arishok. He was honorable, strong, and shared her belief. It was entirely possible that she respected him in a completely different way, though.

He had a temper that was easily triggered. His pride and strength were equal in her eyes. His trust was difficult to earn. Someone like him could be dangerous for her to even try to be more than friends with, but none of that mattered to her. In that moment, she knew that if he were to kiss her, she would return it without a second thought. Will I ever get the chance?

The sun had finally fell, leaving only the moonlight. Sicilia tried to think of ways to break the silence. She only thought of one question, but she was apprehensive. "Are you ok with me calling you 'kadan?'"

His brow furrowed. It seemed that he was a little put off by the question, but he answered still. "I do not dislike it."

She smiled. Am I blushing? I never blush. Well, this is awkward. Change the subject, Sicilia! "Do you regret not going after that pirate woman?"

"I would have enjoyed killing her, but retrieving the tome is more important." Thunder rumbled after a soft light flashed over the horizon.

"I've always found storms relaxing," she sighed as she laid back against the sand. She closed her eyes and listened to the thunder. As time drew on, she found herself beginning to drift off so she sat up slowly. "Though, they always make me sleepy," she laughed. A corner of his mouth twitched upwards for a split second. She found herself staring again.

Haiden and Markl had followed a group of Tevinter mages to a warehouse not too far from the tavern they frequented. They had managed to stay hidden from their view despite Markl's lack of stealth. It seemed that the mages had no paranoia of attackers. Haiden kept his eye on the door that they vanished through. Who knows how long they could be in there.

Apparently, it wasn't long; a few moments later, they exited and began to retrace their steps North. He noted a large book being carried by a middle-aged man with brown hair. It was bound in a deep brown leather that seemed worn away at the corners; in the center of a decorative, blue, leather front sat a copper embellishment. A clasp held the pages tightly bound. That has to be it.

Haiden began to wonder if they would simply leave or stay the night within town. It wasn't long before he realized that they were leaving as quick as they had entered. With a simple nod to Markl, he made his way towards the coast.

A soft thudding could be heard from behind them. Looking up, she saw Haiden running in their direction. As Haiden caught his breath, he gasped, "They've just left town. They have the tome." Finally. She rose quickly after pulling her boots on.

She turned to the Arishok who was now standing behind her. She asked, "You remember everything I told you? Head out and set camp just before the forest. If we don't return by this time three days from now, assume we won't be."

"We need to catch up with Markl. I had him follow as far behind as possible so he wouldn't be seen," Haiden said impatiently.

Sicilia grabbed her weapons and strapped them onto her back. Her heart began to race with both excitement and anxiety. Turning to follow Haiden, she stopped. She spun around and grabbed the Arishok's arm as he turned towards his camp. "Arishok, do you trust me?" He nodded after a slight hesitation. "Panahedan, Kadan. I'll see you in three days time."