Well hello there. It has been what? Three years since my last update? Well now, I have time to right again and have dug out this old fanfiction. It took a while to remember what I was hoping to achieve with this.

Disclaimer: Bioware owns all rights to the DA universes

Previously on Deals We Make…

Fayne didn't know if it was the liquor or Leric's words that made her do it, but she leaned over and kissed the side of his cheek. His scruffy jaw tickled her lips, "Thank you" she breathed against his face.

Instead of him pulling away, he turned his face so that it was aligned with hers; his lips were flush against Fayne's. His deep green eyes locked on hers with intensity, he seemed to be searching her very soul. Leric's hands came up to cup her face, his thumbs softly tracing patterns on Fayne's cheek. He closed his eyes and softly placed his lips on hers; it was a delicate and emotional display on his part.

Fayne was the one who pulled away from the kiss. Her eyes were glazed over and she had a pretty smile on her face, "Leric…" she put a hand on his chest. "I am sooo tired…" Fayne promptly fell onto Leric's lap, unconscious from all the alcohol.

Leric brushed her curly hair away from her pale face and stared at her. He sighed and repositioned himself so that they were both leaning against the larder wall, "I am tired too Fayne….so very tired." Leric closed his eyes and let darkness overtake him.

The first thing Fayne noticed upon awakening was the fact that she was on something very warm….and very male. Slowly she raised her head letting her red braid slide down her stiff neck, unruly strands sticking to the sweat on her face.

Urg, I need to find a bathing chamber, thought Fayne as she rubbed the last vestiges of sleep from her eyes. Unfortunately her hangover-induced clumsiness woke up the person beneath her and Leric groaned as he stretch into wakefulness.

"Mmmm good morning" his voice, rough from sleep, rumbled through his chest. Fayne unconsciously snuggled deeper into him and his manly scent. A hand ran down her back until it reached her waist and pulled her body more fully into his body.

Fayne froze, her body stiffening against Leric's warmth. What the hell am I doing?! Granted she had overdone with the alcohol last night, but she had no memory of falling asleep with Leric or…..

A sudden horror griped Fayne as she quickly sat up, startling Leric into full wakefulness. She cast a glimpse at her body, she was still dressed, and he was still dressed- so it meant nothing untoward had happened.

When Fayne again sneaked a peak at Leric she was met with a slightly amused grin….a self-satisfied grin. The mix of her sudden memory of the kiss she had shared with him last night and the mind-numbing headache that was creeping along her head was too much to take. Pushing off his solid chest, Fayne stood up on wobbly legs and made her way out of the larder.

"Wait" commanded Leric as he gracefully sprung from the floor. Fayne thought it was unfair that he seemed so unaffected by the alcohol.

Boldly the man reached for her face and Fayne stood there like a statue. Leric's thumb traced little circles on her cheek as he moved ever closer to her lips. Gently, but with more passion and conviction than previous, Leric kissed Fayne. Again his unique smell was everywhere and Fayne found herself hard pressed to deny her attraction to the man. Under Leric's touch, her body loosened until Fayne was molded against his as her arms reached around his neck as she drew him even tighter against her, his pleased hum making her gasp in surprise.

Leric took the opportunity to plunder Fayne's mouth with his tongue; his strokes slow and curious as he tasted her. The whole thing was very overwhelming for Fayne; she had never been kissed so sensually and so completely.

Despite the intensity of Leric's kiss, Fayne refused to be some woman swooning over her first kiss. Lerics finger's painfully dug into her hip as she fought his tongue for dominance. She sucked on his lip and moved so that she was the one exploring him.

Leric suddenly grabbed the bottom of Fayne's ass and pushed her pelvis against his own. Mewing, Fayne found herself grinding against him as he held her. Leric was no less affected by the action as a deep rumble started in his chest.

The rumble was enough to break whatever spell she was under. Dazed and breathless Fayne pulled away from the kiss, "What are we doing?"

Her question made Leric pause his menstruations and look down at her, "I had thought it was quiet obvious" Leric sounded oddly like Zevran when he said that.

Her red eyebrow lifted in annoyance, "I know what we are doing…..but what are we to each other?" The passion and the hunger she felt was so sudden and raw that Fayne was surprised. Only yesterday she had wanted to kill the elf and now she wanted nothing more to be in his arms. Though, if she was being truthful with herself, Fayne had felt something towards Leric for a while.

Leric lifted his hands from Fayne's backside and ran it through his disheveled hair, "I…don't really know"

Leric removed himself from Fayne, "Yesterday, you were so hurt and so…open "he grabbed one of her hands, "I had wanted to kiss you yesterday, and I don't regret it as I do not regret doing what I did just now"

Fayne squeezed his hand as he continued, "It has been so long since anyone has mattered to me the way you do." Leric let a small laugh out, "You are an impossibly stubborn woman, but you remind me of someone I lost long ago."

At Fayne's sceptical gaze, Leric tugged her into a hug, "You humans have to place a title on everything. I don't know what to tell you-is this love? I think it is too early for that" he sighed, "But I know I could find happiness with you if you permitted yourself the freedom."

It was no declaration of love nor of undying loyalty, but it was decidedly Leric. Open, honest and just a little bit condescending. It made Fayne wonder what she felt towards the man. Since her family's death she had not felt safe, especially with her secret. But last night she had felt warmth for the man and a level of understanding and trust which surprised her.

Tossing her head "I will permit myself happiness" declared Fayne

A quick kiss, then another one was Leric's response to her declaration, "As my lady wishes" mirth filled his voice.

Fayne groaned and playfully punched him on the arm, "Now you sound like Alistair."

"Speaking of which" Leric bent down to retrieve his equipment discarded last night, "We should gather the others and head back to camp"

Heading back to camp was not as easy as Fayne thought it might be. She tried to avoid the guards and their dirty looks, the news must have spread like wild fire that a warden had ended Eamon's child. It was a wonder that the news of Teagan's demise hadn't reached her ears, and Fayne winced at the thought.

I was justified! She had to keep telling herself that over and over every time she thought of the man's death.

While getting past the guards was difficult, it was impossible to avoid Isolde. The woman had been standing in front of the main entry way seemingly awaiting the wardens' appearance. When she saw them Isolde lifted her chin and stalked over, every bit the angry noble. At this point, Fayne expected to be yelled at and maybe even physically assaulted. But the woman held her composure as tightly as she wrung the handkerchief in her hands. Her nasally Orlesian accent strengthened with grief as she explained the situation with her husband.

Isolde, while still resentful of the warden's choice, apparently needed their aide and was not going to be denied. Even as Fayne was about to protest the stupid idea of finding the mythical Andraste's ashes, she saw Leric give her a look. One that clearly indicated that she hold her tongue. So rolling her eyes and keeping her mouth shut, Fayne crossed her hands in front of her and plastered on an understanding and demure façade.

And that was how Fayne ended up trudging back to camp with yet another mission for the grey wardens to accomplish. She was beginning to wonder if every group she went to would require something from them. By the time Fayne, Leric, Morrigan, and Zevran made it back to the camp it was already dark and the fire was full and bright. Against the fire was a tall and broad silhouette of a man in shadow, Alistair stood waiting for the group with a crooked smile. Fayne knew the smile was about to fall off his face with the news she had to tell him. She massages her forehead with thin fingers, the headache she had felt earlier was worse than before, it was really starting to hurt.

"You should not scrunch such a beautiful face the way you are right now my dear" Zevran had come to stand beside the warden with a slight look of concern on his face.

Leric sped up his steps so that he too stood on the other side of Fayne and pointedly put an arm around her shoulders, "Why don't you leave the story telling to me, just go to Morrigan for something to ease the pain" his concern for Fayne would have been touching if Leric had not been having a staring competition with Zevran the entire time he spoke.

"Thank the Maker, I heard that Redcliff had fallen to some sort of plight" Alistair had reached the trio.

"Ummmm" Fayne was a little taken aback by Alistair's greeting; she hadn't particularly left on good terms with the man.

Seeing her apprehension and confusions Alistair sighed, "Ah, look I am sorry how I reacted earlier Fayne.." he rubbed the back of his neck nervously, "anyyywaaay I am just glad you are back" he leaned in whispering, "Lelianna's a few darkspawn short of a blight"

The headache was back, made worse by the fact that Alistair was just so….damn friendly and forgiving. She wondered how long that would last.

"We should head to my tent, warden, ti's a good idea for you to sit down when I give you the potion" Morrigan gently steered Fayne away from the men and towards her own camp on the outskirt on the clearing.

"Thank you for getting me out of there, my head is killing me"

Morrigan scofted, "that boy is foolish, he will not understand your decisions nor the fact that it twas the most prudent one" gently Morrigan sat Fayne upon an old log.

"Here" she handed over the swirling purple-silver liquid. Without a second thought the woman downed its contents. Like usual, the headache abated within seconds of drinking the potion.

By the time Fayne went to thank Morrigan, the woman had disappeared into her tent and it did not seem like she planned to come out any time soon. Fayne looked across at Leric and Alistair who were gesturing wildly at one another. Their voices were raised but not enough for Fayne to understand what was being said, though judging by Alistair's expression he was definitely angry and upset about what Leric had told him. Zevran was not far away from the pair, leaning against a tree and swirling his blade between dexterous fingers.

Zevran's blade looked as sharp as his smile as he watched the wardens. She knew that, as at ease as he seemed, Zevran was coiled and ready to intervene if the situation called for it. The elf must have sensed her staring because he locked eyes with her, his smile becoming more genuine as he winked. The man was acting loyal enough and had kept her murderous secret thus far. He could have black mailed her with the Teagan death, but as of yet he had not acted in anyway against her.

Maybe I should give him a chance like Leric has, she thought as Fayne went back to watching the two male wardens fight with one another. Leric threw his hands in the air and swore in Dalish while grabbing his bow, disappearing into the forest. Alistair swivelled around and his thunderous gaze landed on Fayne. She shrunk back from its intensity.

It wasn't long before the man was towering over her, "WHY DID YOU DO IT?!" he pointed a finger in her face

Fayne sighed at put her head in her hands, "I didn't do anything Alistair, Leric ended the boy"

"Oh Fayne, please." He still stood above her, "you were the one who decided the boy needed to die" again he thrust his finger at her, "YOU were the one who decided to play Maker" at this he reached down and grabbed her upper arm, his gauntlets digging into her flesh as he hoisted her from the sitting position, "Why did you do it Fayne? I knew Connor since he was a babe and have nothing but respect for his father?"

Uncomfortable with her position, Fayne attempted to pull out of his grasp, "Not everything has to do with you….your royal highness."

Colour drained form Alistair's face, "How did you know?" he whispered

Fayne pulled on her arm again, "Alistair….Alistair, let me go"

But he didn't let go, if anything the man tightened his grip, "Fayne…how did you know?" he wasn't angry anymore, rather more shocked and mystified.

Giving up on freeing her arm, Fayne answered, "Come on Alistair, I was raised in one of the most prestigious noble houses. The concept of bastards is not something I am unfamiliar with." She looked up at him, "anyway, you look just like Cailan and the painting I saw of Maric."

They stared at one another for some time until another voice entered the silence, "So much drama in camp today, makes for interesting nights no?" Zevran stood beside Alistair as he picked his nails with the sharp end of his blade, "But my handsome warden, I do think it is time you let go of our beautiful leader, if you wished for more physical activities I can happily oblige" He pointed to Alistair's hand with his blade and a large smile.

Alistair heeded Zevran's advice and let go of Fayne with a slight blush on his face, "I still think what you did was wrong…I just can't comprehend how you could order the death of a child." His voice caught at the end

"Sometimes we have to do things we don't want to. We have a duty, whether we like it or not, to do what is necessary to save Ferelden" she explained.

"I-"Alistair walked away, "I just can't deal with you right now Fayne." He walked over to his gear and started to pack up, "I think I will go to the circle by myself. I know some of the Templars there I am sure I can convince them to offer mages towards defeating the blight" he was very angry; Fayne could hear it in his tightly controlled voice.

"But-"Fayne was cut off when Alistair stormed out of the camp

"Well it looks like we will be heading to the ashes without our dear kingly bastard" Zevran chuckled

White was everywhere.

The trees were frosted or covered with snow and Fayne would have found the sight beautiful if not for the constant chill in her bones. Her breath puffed in the air as she spoke, "Did it ever snow in the forest Leric?"

For a time the man was silent and then he snorted, "Which one? We travel in aravels from forest to forest." He pulled his fur lined cape tighter against his neck, "In the Bracilian forest it only got cold enough for a slight frost on the ground and flakes that never stuck." He gestured to the surrounding area, "nothing like this."

Leric cast a sideways glance her way, gently asking her "What about Highever?"

Fayne tightly gripped her long dagger at her hip, "It never snowed, at the coldest times of the year we only received endless icy rain" her steely voice was enough to discourage any further comments from Leric.

"What is this? A place in Ferelden that is not cold and frigid?" Zevran laughed, "I am shocked to say all my contacts in this country were giving me false information, such a shame."

Frosty air blew Fayne's red hair from her hood; it whipped in front of her face and into her eyes blinding her for a moment. As she roughly pulled the strands back from her line of sight, she found herself facing a horror scene. The once pristine snowy path they were following was instead a snowy town center accentuated by bright red pools on the ground. Bodies of people lay across the way, all of which were poorly armoured men, some even with simple farming tools as weapons.

Noticing a lack of chill, Fayne turned around to find herself in the doorway of a shabby little shop. The place was destroyed, but she didn't think the owner would care about it since he lay dead on the floor as well.

'Fayne' the sound of her name being called made her start.

'Fayne'

She delicately walked out of the shop, avoiding putting her leather boots in any gore. When she was fully outside she saw two figures in the distance. They looked like Leric and Zevran. When she raised a hand to wave them over she notice it, along with her blades, were covered with blood.

"Fayne!"

This time the voice was right to her left and she jumped when she turned and saw Leric standing there giving her an annoyed look.

"What happened, you just completely blanked out?" asked Leric "We have been standing here for the last ten minutes trying to get your attention. Are you sure you are feeling alright?" he peered at her questioningly.

"Didn't you see the bod-", Fayne stopped herself, a sinking feeling in her stomach. She slowly turned around, praying that there were still bodies in the snow. But her prayer went unanswered; once again the trail was clear of any sights of a bloody battle.

"Didn't we see- what?" this time it was Zevran who asked her a question

The snow was falling heavier now and night was fast approaching, "Never mind" Fayne drew her shall tighter around her leathers, "I thought I saw something. Let's just quickly find this 'Haven' and get the stupid ashes." Leric squeezed her arm as he walked past.

Keeping her head down seemed like the safest thing to do as the group continued to trudge down the obscure trail. Lelianna tried to coax Fayne into a conversation every time she made eye contact with the woman and Zevran was equally as bad, though his topics were decidedly more…scandalous. Leric was as grumpy as she was, and seemed even more irate after her little episode.

Compared to the rest, Morrigan was unnervingly pleased. She had a small smile upon her lips every time Fayne looked her way. If she wasn't so horrified by her latest vision, she might have inquired why the witch was so happy.

However it seemed Morrigan was more willing to engage in conversation than usual, "You are getting better at handling the visions" she whispered as she neared Fayne.

The rest of the group was far enough ahead to avoid overhearing the conversation, "I think we will be facing trouble in the town" a frown made its way on to her pale face.

Morrigan's smile expanded, "Tis good to see that you can understand what you are seeing now. Perhaps it will become less of a burden for you."

"I don't understand why. I have been plagued by this…issue all my life. Never once did I come close to understanding locations, faces, or times when events were to occur." Fayne put a hand up to stall Morrigan, insuring the rest of their conversation was just between the two women. "Now, all of a sudden I am seeing things more often and more clearly than ever before. Yet the same problem remains, I can do nothing to warn the ones involved without giving up my secret"

"There are ways" drawled Morrigan

"Oh yes. Let me see-I'll just march up to the group and say 'Hey guys, by the way I can see the future… and thought I should warn you of an upcoming attack'"

Morrighan made a tisking sound in her throat, "Sarcasm does not become you, Warden." She rubbed her hands together and Fayne could see a small witch fire floating between them, "I could warn them for you..." she glanced over at Fayne, "Tis not so difficult, I will simply caution them to ready their weapons once we reach the town outskirts"

The fire in Morrigan's hands was giving off a cozy heat and Fayne found herself moving towards it and essentially gluing herself to the witches side for warmth, "You would do that for me" Fayne's green eyes were large with surprise and gratitude.

As expected Morrigan scofted, "Puh-it is nothing. Your gratitude is not needed" even as she mumbled the words, Morrigan moved her hands, containing the fire, closer towards Fayne.

I hope ya'll feel like reviewing, it helps with the story line and writing level.