Owned entirely by Bethesda and Bioware. I'm just lucky enough to play in their sandbox.

An Unexpected Vow

The ceremony in itself was rather depressing. Well for everyone else. As for me, not so much. I know what you are probably thinking. 'How can she be so heartless?' Actually its quite simple. I'm used to this. Being an assassin makes you use to seeing death all around. Looking over I see the Crow, Zevran, looking bored. Almost zoning out during the whole ceremony. It took everything in me to not start laughing when he moved over towards me and start whispering in my ear. Before you ask. No I will not tell, it would be much to inappropriate. Judging by the glares we received from Leliana she heard every word, that only caused me to slightly snicker drawing a few annoyed glances.

I thanked Sithis once Mother whatever-her-name-is closed the prayer and we were all allowed to leave and grieve on our own. Looking over I catch a glimpse of my brother with his arm around Leliana's shoulder and kissing her temple, almost as if to comfort her. A form of jealously clouded my mind when I saw that causing me to clench my fists at the sight.

'After I attacked them and they let me join their group he hasn't said two words to me.' I stew silently. Unclenching my fists I see that Alistair is jogging my way. As soon as he is close enough I look at his facial expression to see mistrust written all over it. Then again it might not all be for me since Zev was still by my side.

"I see you two have become friends rather quickly," He states crossing his arm as he looks over both of us, as if to see if we were secretly plotting something.

'Oh we were plotting something alright,' I think saucily as I wink up at Zevran. 'Now if only I could find those handcuffs...' my thoughts wonder away with me. That is until I realize that a fight is about to break out between Alistair and Zevran.

"Could it be that you, my dear Warden, are jealous of our rather close relationship?" Zevran quips rather quickly to something Alistair said. Looking up at him I see him blush a deep hue of scarlet.

'Aww he looks so cute when he blushes,' I am almost instantly disgusted with myself. 'No he was.. is only a contract.'

"O-of course not! I merely worry about the safety of our little group now that we have two assassins with us. For all we know you could be plotting together of how to rid us." Alistair slightly stammers but pulls himself together rather quickly.

"Why thank you very much for that excellent idea Alistair," I say as I grab Zevran by the arm. "Come Zevran we must begin to plan our great strategy of how we shall rid ourselves of these horrid Grey Wardens."

"Of course my dear," he says as I take his arm and we saunter off laughing. Looking back I see Alistair standing there in disbelief.

"You intrigue me, my dear," Zevran chuckles as we finally enter the camp that they have set up. Looking around I see a cluster of second hand tents drooping close to each other. Also a ring of fresh ashes indicating that there had been a fire there recently.

"You may share a tent with me until we find something more suitable for you," Zevran says with an extravagant bow. With a light chuckle I curtsy and thank him for being such a gentleman. "Oh I was not planning on being such a gentle man tonight." he says with a seductive look.

"Oh I see. You are the type that like it rough," I purr in his ear. "The type that love it hot and heavy." A slight groan escapes his lips as my fingers run lightly up and down his back.

"You my dear are playing a very dangerous game you see," the slightly quiver in his voice tells me his desire. With a light smirk I push away from him and leave him behind in shock. Leaving the tent I come out to see Leliana and Alistair sitting around the ring of ashes. Using my best sneaking skills I lean in to hear what they are saying.

"Can you at least try to make him reconsider bringing her with us? Is it not dangerous enough to have ONE assassin with us?" he slightly growls as he tries to start a fire.

"You don't think I haven't tried that? She is his sister, he is not so easily going to get rid of her." Leliana sighs as she takes over making to fire from Alistair. "I do agree that it is dangerous for all of us to have two of them. Especially if the rumors about the Dark Brotherhood are true."

"And what are you two gossiping about like old women?" the elder mage comes over and asks. "I hope it is not about Aedan's sister."

"You can't possibly get angry with us if we were? She is after all an assassin that tried to kill us all and will most likely again," Alistair remarks bitterly as he throws a few sticks into the fire. "Besides from what Leliana has told me about her "organization" they never stop coming until they have killed their target."

"I agree that assassin's are dangerous, but we should give her the benefit of the doubt and try to not judge her too harshly. Besides don't we all have little secrets about our past that we don't wish for others to know? Or that we regret doing?" She says looking at both of them with a piercing gaze. Leliana sighs and nods her head.

"You are right Wynne. The Maker says we should forgive others not condemn them. We should show her the love that the Maker has," Leliana says almost repentantly. Wynne nods and looks pointedly at Alistair almost waiting for him to say something.

"Oh all right. I will try, as long as you stop giving me that look." Alistair says with a sigh of defeat. "I don't like it but for the sake of the group I will." Looking away from the scene I find Aedan talking to a giant of a man. Taking a deep calming breath I walk over to him. Once they both spot me they stop talking and the giant leaves us alone.

"Hey Brother..." I say in a small, nervous voice. "We never really got to talk." A soft smile graces his lips as he pulls me into a tight huge.

"I have missed you Sister. As did mother and father. Of course Fergus also missed you," he says as he lets go and leads us to sit down next to his tent.

"As I have missed all of you. Not one day went by that I didn't think of you, or anyone at home," I say taking his hand in mine and holding it tightly. "Even though some of the decisions I have made you might not agree with, they are what I did to stay alive." Aedan smiles as me and kisses my forehead.

"Sweet Sister you truly are something. Having married the legendary King Maric, stolen the heart of King Cailan all at the age of sixteen," he laughs as he stands up. "So tell me Sister, do you still believe that you can beat me?" Quickly he draws his sword, I instantly knew that it was the Cousland family sword, and shield, once again it had the Cousland family crest. With a smirk I draw my elven sword and dagger. Quickly I assume a defensive stance that opposes his offensive. With great speed he attacks first, even through his speed I still managed to deflect his sword with my own. Looking at him from almost every angle I try to find his weak spot. Internally I laugh as I see that he still is not covering his right as well as he needs to.

'Just as when we were kids he could never figure that out,' my smirk widens as I take the chance to strike. My patience is rewarded by me meeting my mark. With the blunt side of course. He lets out a grunt as he sinks to his knees. A barking laugh escapes his lips and he forces himself to stand.

"You always were the patient one and knew the right time to strike," he laughs. "Not to mention you can easily find your opponents weak spot." Laughing along with him we both look over and see that all his companions are standing with their hands on their blades ready to strike if need be. Rolling my eyes I sheath my sword and help him to his feet.

"Come one lift up your shirt so I may check on your wound," I snicker as he slowly pulls it up and I see a purpling bruise marring his pale flesh. Gently I place my hand over it and perform a small healing spell. Once down he looks down and sees that the bruise is completely gone.

"The fact that you have magik will never cease to amaze me," he chuckles as we leads me over to the group. "Of course I wouldn't go showing it off all around. The Chantry might not take to kindly to that." I simply roll my eyes.

"To the Void with the Chantry," I say as we reach the fire. "It is just full of ignorant fools and hypocrites. Anything that doesn't agree with their beliefs or their Maker they believe is evil. By the Dread Lord I swear all of Thedas thinks that anything they don't understand or that has magikal properties is evil and should be locked up," I growl. "I will not be locked up and chained like an animal!"

"So I take it that this is your dear sister Aedan?" a woman with hardly any clothes on says looking at me with an inquisitive expression. "I like her." the smile she gives has a slight menacing feel to it.

"Watch out miss, first it's I like you then zap! frog time," Alistair quips looking over at me. I let out a slight giggle and feel my face burn slightly. "Why did you never tell us that your sister was a mage?"

"Because I'm not," I state simply. "The magik I know, I learned from hard work. Not because I was born with it." Everyone gave me a confused look. "The magik I know can be taught to anyone who has the desire and drive to learn."

"Could you teach others the skills you have learned?" Wynne asks obviously intrigued by the idea. I simply nod.

"Oh Alistair. May I talk to you for a moment?" Aedan asks as he nods his head in the opposite direction. Alistair merely nods and follows Aedan.

A few hours passed and dinner was finally ready. Looking over at Leliana I ask, "So tell me, what exactly is this?"

"It's lamb stew. Did they not have lamb stew where you came from?" she asks with genuine curiosity.

"Oh they did, just it wasn't as decorated as this," I say as I taste it and sigh quietly in contentment. I am aroused from my stupor by the sound of Alistair's laugh.

"Well you see this is Orlesian style. For them food is meant to be fruffy," he laughs in good humor as Leliana huffs and looks away. My brows knit together as I see that Alistair is looking at me in a new way. Almost like respect? Or possibly care. This confuses me since not five hours ago he wanted me gone. With some effort I get up, stretch and wish everyone goodnight.

"Wait!" Aedan says getting up. "You shall be staying in a tent with Alistair instead of Zevran." Looking at him I raise an eyebrow willing him to explain. Zevran too is looking rather shocked at this new turn of events. "I would rather get some sleep tonight then be forced to hear Zevran trying to seduce my baby sister." Knowing he was right I look to Alistair and see that he is in shock and obviously had no role in this new development. "Alistair, if you would please show my sister to your tent."

"Oh... umm... right," he stammers as he lifts himself up off the ground and leads me away. Once in front he looks at his feet and I see that he is blushing. "Well here we are. Have a good night," In the blink of an eye he is gone back to the fire. A soft sigh escapes my lips as I watch his toned muscle form stretch and flex in front of the fire. Instantly I shake my head, trying to push away the growing attraction that I have for this man. After a few moments I realize that it is futile.

'This is not the time to be crushing on boys like a little girl. Or dare I think it.. fall in love. Besides he is a Grey Warden and I am an assassin. An assassin charged with killing him... and my brother.' I think as I enter the tent and remove my armor so I am just in some trousers and a shirt. 'Forgive me Night Mother, Dread Father Sithis. I can't fulfill this contract. I can't, no I won't kill my brother. Or this man that causes my heart to race with every look.'

For once in my life, everything is clear. I now know what my true purpose is. It is my job to help see these Wardens to the end of the Blight and what lies beyond. That night I made a vow that I would lay down my life in service of them and help them through every trial and challenge that comes their way. With this I rest my head on a make-shift pillow and fall into a peaceful sleep. For once not riddled with nightmares.

Sorry it took so long to upload this Chapter. School is crazy right now.

Hopefully a new Chapter will be posted quicker then the last.

As always,

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-Kiro