"Ferelden has changed so much over the past years. Once great towns have disappeared and grand cities vanished to infinity, it fell to almost ruin. After King Alistair's rule over Ferelden ended and his successor took over, all fell into chaos. Cities demanded more trade routes protected by certified knights, and other nations started to bombard Ferelden for help against any Blight that might come. Shame it be, the new King tried as best as he could to help all those asked, but it was futile all in all. He died shortly after from a popped blood vessel to his heart, which mages alike tribute to him overworking himself. Regardless to say, he was not one of the worst leaders Ferelden was to see in it's time..."

I sighed aloud and rested my head on the heavy book, slumping down as far as I could go. I had been in the public library for ages, reading up on the history of Ferelden so I could pass my regulated class and become a real Gladiator, just like my father. I had been so excited to become one, I had completely forgotten about all the requirement reading you had to do. It was a shame really- wasting my energy brushing up on Ferelden history. Stranger enough, I was the only to-be-Gladiator in the library looking over history. Ah, yes. The others blew off studying to go to a party that Todd was having. How typical...

I lifted my head groggily, half-opened eyes and glanced around the room. I could see tons of pre-Zodiac kids everywhere, followed by some fellow Ninjas teleporting everywhere. Mostly the TP users... I observed. Farmers gained most of their combat experience simply from the land that they toiled on day after day; Wildlings were some what beast-like anyways, so the only way to gain more experience with beasts was to be out in the labyrinth and forests; Buccaneers weren't allowed in this school since they were used for stealing mostly, and the Via Sentus Academy would never admit thieving cretin into the school, so they trained somewhere along the harbor I heard; Monks stayed upon high mountains to train their mentality and to become more 'one with themselves'; and Princes and Princesses were already given their title from birth, as long as they were born into proper royalty. "Excuse me"

I jolted in surprise. I was so deep in thought, I had forgotten to look around me for anyone approaching, not that I would of done anything anyways. A in-training Arbalist looked at me with a smile, his glasses and goggles glittered in the florescent light. His blonde hair was spiked up everywhere, perhaps on purpose or from his goggles, but it matched his blonde beard nicely. I looked at him confused, since from the time he had said 'Excuse me' he had been standing there smiling happily at me for what seemed for too long of a time. He smiled brighter, "I'm concerned why a pretty young miss like yourself is sitting here by your lonesome self."

I furrowed my brow and looked down at myself in deep confusion. I looked back up at him, "I don't know what you're talking about..." I replied back hesitantly.

He had a quick flash of a frown, but smiled again as if nothing happened. He pulled over a wooden chair from a nearby table and sat down across of me, "Well, you don't have anyone sitting with you, and you are quite charming- if I do say so myself. I want to know why you're all by yourself, dear."

I frowned, still completely baffled at what he was talking about and was asking of me, "All the other Gladiators are off at a party, but I've decided to stay here and study for the final test that is coming up..." I trailed off.

"But certainly you must have other friends then just the Gladiators! I mean, look at that book! You must come to the library all the time to associate with the other groups"

"I'm not really friends with any of the Gladiators, but I don't have any friends from other groups, if that is what you're implying. I don't come to the library at all, this is my first time in fact. I only have this large book in front of me is because the librarian said it was the best one for my subject" I replied back truthfully, but still hesitantly. I don't know why I was being so truthful with this complete stranger, maybe because of his disarming smile, or his calming voice.

His smile stopped at he looked at me gravely, "You're kidding right?"

I cocked my head in confusion. Was he asking if I was kidding about the book? Or having no real friends? Both were legitimate questions. "You really have no friends, what-so-ever?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.

"I wouldn't exactly say that per-say, but I suppose I don't have anyone I hang out with often." I replied back thoughtfully.

He shook his head in disdain, "Something must be weird in the head..." he muttered to himself, preparing himself to stand up.

I glared at him, halting him in his tracks. Maybe he hadn't expected me to act so irrationally, or that I had actually heard him, but he looked back surprised. I'm not sure what ticked me off either, but it might of the way he said it. He had been so inviting, and just the simple mention of being alone sent him away. Maybe I'm just lonely, or I just need to blow off some frustration, either way I did... "I'll have you know, I'm completely fine. I have no friends here because I don't like any of the other Gladiators at all. If you have actually stopped to talk to one, you would find an arrogant dick that should probably be put into his place! I don't have any friends from other groups because I find reading a book, completely boring and would rather die then have to read 10 books, period. I'm only here for one reason- to become a Gladiator- not be some floosy selling my body off to every pretty boy, like yourself, who compliments me once or twice" I huffed out. As I let the last word slip, my eyes widened. I hadn't meant to say all of that, but I was on a roll when I was talking, I could barely stop, and I didn't I guess.

His eyes widen with shock before his smile returned to his lips. I frowned in distaste at him , expecting some mocking tone to come out of his pretty, little plush lips, "I like you"

I frowned deeper, "What?"

He smiled bigger. That smile was like a mocking phrase in itself, my anger rising with the edge of his lips. "Yeah. I thought since you didn't have any friends you'd be a nut case. Apparently I was right! So I'll make sure that I'll be your first friend, for sure!"

I glared at him and muttered, "I'm not a nut case...", and spoke up, "When I told you off, that meant for you to go away"

"I figured, but in truth..." he glanced around the room a bit and leaned in, beckoning me closer, "I don't have any friends either. Just friends-with-benefit kind of deals"

I looked at him disgusted. I can't believe that I would actually meet someone who actually uses that type of friendship. Then my blood boiled, remembering the first truth. No friends, huh? "You hypocritical bastard!" I hissed in a low voice, "You're judging me when you don't even have any friends of yourself!"

"Tsk, tsk. Don't scrunch up your face like that, you'll get 'angry' lines, and that won't do your face any justice! And I also said I had FRIENDS... with benefits. I had them, just not without a reason. You get to be my first real friend that doesn't have to do something 'amazing' for me!"

I growled a bit under my breath and looked away in anger. I could feel his smile burning onto my eyes, and it pained me not to smile into my palm. "Alright, alright... As long as you keep the flirting and touching in front of me to a minimum"

"Jealous?" he asked mischievously.

I blushed, "Of course not, I just met you! No, I just don't want to have you smelling like perfume, like you do now. It's unbearable! I don't wear any, I diffidently don't want a man smelling like it!"

He frowned, "What? I've heard from plenty of girls that they've fallen in love with me from my looks! I mean, look at this handsome chin! And these bright blue eyes! Aren't they just to die for?"

I rolled my eyes at his dramatics, "Yeah sure. You're a sex god, but you heard my request, I know you did."

He brightened up again, shining me with another of his award winning smiles. His smile was almost infectious, almost, "See, I knew I was handsome! But how can you tell me to tone down my flirting when there is so many beautiful babes out there- like yourself?"

"I don't know how, but just do it. Got it?"

He looked away as if he was bored already and didn't reply. We fell back into a silence and I returned to reading my book, almost as if he wasn't there. Of course that would be easy, but he was so... so... I don't even know. As I read, I could feel him getting bored, but he didn't dare get and leave my side to get a book, instead he figured he read from my. First he tried to read from across the book, but I could tell he failed because his face was scrunched up so tightly that it would of took a crow bar to pry it apart. Then he scooted over to the side of it, trying it from that angle. Obviously he failed at that one to, because soon after that, he was saddled right up next to me reading the book. He didn't touch me, but I knew he was slowly inching closer, I heard his chair moving ever so slightly on the floor. When I thought he had finally tired himself he sighed loudly in my ear and I glared at him. It seemed that was his true intention the entire time because he then began to speak, "Why are you reading about Ferelden, when Antiva is so much better? I only say this because it is true, but I want to have your opinion."

I sighed, figuring I wasn't going to get much reading done after I responded, "I'm only reading this because I'm having a test on Ferelden history, so I'm brushing up on it. I haven't been to Antiva so I don't have a real opinion on it, although I heard they have some very excellent leather."

He smiled brightly, impressed with my meager knowledge, "Yes, Yes! That is so! Antiva has the best leather there is known to the entire world! Of course I have some on me, if you would like to see some..."

I shrugged with my indifference. I personally didn't care about Antiva, or Ferelden, or any other nation for that matter. He whipped out a messenger bag from his side and shuffled in it, probably looking for the leather he mentioned to me. As soon as he started he almost ended, because soon enough he was pulling out a leather object, which looked to me of a dress, or some sort. He smiled as I eyed it up and he unraveled it, exposing its naked truth. A bra, or tang-top of some sort in side an overly-large sack. I looked at him, shooting signs of his incompetence, but he ignored them, "Isn't she a beaut? I've never seen it worn, but I got it from my a worker in Antiva. He told me to give it to a very special girl!"

"Obviously your wife?" I inquired.

He chuckled, "Wife? I don't think I'll have a wife in a long time, but I figure you should have it, since you are my first friend."

I blinked in surprise at him," Me?"

"Yeah, you. I don't have any other girl I want to give it to. All the women around me don't deserve it, but you look like you should have it."

I blushed at the gesture, "I... I don't know. I just met you, and you me... But I think maybe you should wait a little longer before you just hand off something important like that off. Plus, a bra isn't a very friendly gift to give anyone but your wife..."

He frowned in confusion, "I don't think I can wait much longer... The worker was my father, and he gave it to me when I was around 3. I've had it for so long I don't want to hold onto it too much longer... Besides, if I don't stick with you, that's okay. At least a worthy girl has it! Plus, I've lost this thing 200 times, I need someone to actually watch over it for me..."

I smiled, "Alright... I take it... But don't expect anything dirty in return from me!"

He smiled back, "Of course not, what do you take me for, eh?"

I smiled back, but still felt a bit guilty for not giving him anything. I looked around my person and I found a perfect gift, well I think. "Here," I plucked off a sword pendant from my pant zipper, "I got this when I was a wee child from my father, but I think you should have it. It's really important to me though, so don't break it or anything..."

"I cannot accept that" he replied back bluntly, looking serious as I have seen so far.

I frowned at him, "What? Why not?"

"In Antiva when a man gives a woman a gift, that is simply a gift. But when a woman returns a gift in favor, that is a marriage offering. So obviously I don't want to push you into anything... yet"

I frowned then rolled my eyes, "Yes, well in Ferelden, when a boy gives a girl a gift she is thankful. Sometimes when a girl appreciates the gift, she wants to return the favor and gives him a gift. No marriage offering."

He frowned then smiled again, "Well... I suppose since I am in Ferelden I could go by some of your social norms..." and he snatched up the pendant.

He began to dig in his bag again and returned with a leather string and put my pendant on it, tying it around his neck. "A necklace. See?" he replied back cheerfully.

I smiled calmly back, happy to have someone to talk to. Before I knew it, he began to chat away, talking of Antiva and his family, and all sorts of stuff. I placed small inputs here or there, listening contently with my head resting on my hand.

Hours passed by as he chattered on, both of us content in our positions. Although I was enjoying him talking, I couldn't help but feel my head and eyes slowly dropping. I tried hard to stay awake, but I knew it was inevitable and inside I wanted to fall asleep so badly. Sometime while I was forcing myself to stay awake, he had stopped talking and was watching me intently. "Tired are we?" he asked.

I smiled in response, "I haven't gotten much sleep from the extensive training I've been doing..." I mumbled, my eyes closing for a second.

I don't know what happened much after that, but I know for sure I felt myself whisked up into the air and I was being carried somewhere. "Where do you live?" he whispered into my ear.

"Mh... In the Yggdrasil dorms..." I mumbled.

Ages past by and I could feel myself slipping further into sleep, but somehow I stayed awake long enough to reach back to the dorm, "Which room?" he whispered again.

"3..."

"Where is the key?"

I smiled and lazily dug through my pocket, retrieving it from my pocket but having it snatched away. A door opened somewhere, and the room darkened. "Roommate?"

"None. Not enough people choose this dorm because it's so far away... Get room to selfs..." I knew I was falling asleep as I used incomplete sentences.

"Can I crash?"

"Sur..."

I felt myself being laid gently onto my bed, the covers pulled over me and a soft pat on my head. That was all I needed before I drifted off into a well deserved slumber.

As I lifted my covers, I could feel my head spinning. I may of had a good nights sleep, but I haven't eaten for days. As I crawled out of my bed, a waft of sweet goodness filled my nose. I trudged towards it with deadly intent, finding my companion up and making breakfast. Eggs and bacon. I smiled and rubbed my eyes, "Man, you're the perfect wife..." I mumbled and grabbed a plate.

He smiled at me and replied, "Am I?"

"For sure," I replied, swallowing my food, "You carried me back home while I was sleeping, was a gentlemen enough not to do anything to me in my vulnerability, and even made me breakfast. How could it get any better then that?"

He smiled brighter, "Well, maybe a lack of clothing here or there, but you're right."

I smirked at him. "What is your name any how. You've been doing all this nice things for me, yet I don't even know your name."

"True, but names are but trivial things. But if you must now, my name is Zevran. A descendant from one of the companions to the greatest Grey Warden, Aklili."

I smiled, "Really? I heard that Zevran had dashing looks also. Must of inherited them, am I right?"

"Now that is where you are wrong. These good looks... All mine. I make Zevran the first look ugly, compared to me. Enough out of you anyways, finish off your food"

I obliged happily, for his food tasted like heaven. I don't think he was such an amazing cook since he burnt a few parts of my eggs, but from me not eating for so long, anything tasted good. "Dia" I said through a mouthful.

"What?" he replied back, looking at me confused.

"My name is Dia" I finished my food and walk towards the sink with my cleaned off plate.

He looked at me confused a little longer before smiling. "Well then Dia. I heard yesterday you have a test to attend to? The last one? I'm impressed that you got that far in such little time! I'm still on my third test or so, but that may be because I've skipped so many classes... I'll be so lonely without you, what shall I do?"

"Do your tests and attend classes, I suppose" I replied nonchalant.

His face screwed up into a frown and he shook his head in dismay, "No, I mean I'll be lonely! I'm not a very lonely creature you know, I need companionship... Perhaps you can fail this test or so? Only until I catch up of course..." he said slyly.

"No" I replied as bluntly as possible.

He whimpered pathetically, hoping to change my mind, but all I did was shake my head furiously to show I wasn't moving in my choice. Eventually he sighed in defeat and lounged back into a chair, "You're a great friend..."

"You know since I'm not really prepared to go off into the world yet, I think I might just crash at an Inn or something for awhile... Plus I'll have to collect all of my personal stuff, which will probably take weeks. Jeez, why did I pack so much stuff to bring with?" I said, trying to appear bored.

He looked at me confused, not understanding what I was talking about. Imbecile... I sighed and collected the leftover plates to wash them up before I go, when I heard a loud, "Oh!" from behind me. I could feel a small smirk come on my face. Then it was whipped away when I felt his arms snake around my waist, "Awh, I always knew you loved me" and he nuzzled his face into my neck.

"Yeah, I love you... But not enough to have you snuggling on to me... Now you should let me go, so I can get dress and go to class..." I said, trying to pry out of his arms.

"You said no flirting with other girls in front of you, but you never said flirting with you" he said, nuzzling deeper.

"I thought that was implied!" I retorted, still scrambling to get out of his strong grasp.

"Hmm..." was all he said before he let me go and I brushed myself off, as if I got dirt all over me some how, "You're no fun" he added.

"I'm not suppose to be. I'm suppose to be serious. This is my final test, I need to be prepared in my wits. You snuggling up into me is throwing me off balance"

"Then I should snuggle into you more, so then you'll stay with me!" he said triumphantly, throwing his arms around me into a hug.

"Argh!" I grunted, but all that was heard was probably Zevran's maniacal laughter.

I sat in the lobby, waiting so patiently to see the results. Did I pass? Did I fail? I know I'd be destroyed if I didn't pass... The door to the office opened and out walked the teacher. Noticing me alone he smiled, "Ah, Dia! Why are you here? Waiting for the results?"

I nodded my head furiously for a yes, hoping maybe I passed if I nodded harder. He laughed, "I don't know why you should, considering you were my best student! Jeez, I can't believe I did so bad this year, usually only three fail..."

"How many failed this year?" I asked, hoping it wasn't as large as he said.

He looked at me curiously then replied back, "24 of my students. Such a shame I had to get a bad batch. Hopefully most of them won't give up and will come back next time!"

24. My heart stopped. 24? There was 28 students in his class, which means only 4 passed! How is that possible? Could I be part of that 24? I know he said I was his best student, but that doesn't mean anything when it comes down to it all... The teacher tacked the results unto the board and left, not saying a word- just slipped away like a ghost.

I sat in the chair for a minute or so, thinking about nothing, just sitting there stunned. As soon as it dawned upon me that the only way to make sure I passed was to actually check the list, so I did. I slid of the chair slowly, my knees shaking a bit as I did so. As I crossed the room towards the list, I could feel my breathing become more labored, worried that I actually didn't pass. What was I so worried about? It was just a test. I could always take it over if I really needed to... Even though my thoughts reassured me, they didn't really help me physically. I stumbled the last few steps and looked into the list for reassurance, and there it was. My name. Passing, but ever so slightly with a 80%. I sighed out with relief, then was washed over with satisfaction. As I stood there for a moment, gloating in my accomplishment I remembered that I didn't have anyone to celebrate with. I had always been so caught up in studing I never really tried to make friends, just like Zevran said. Wait, Zevran. Sure I may of just met him a yesterday, but surely he'll care, right? Remembering that he was actually my first friend, after all these years, brought tears to my eyes. I was so happy, yet sad. Being so alone never really hurt this much before, why then? "Hey! What are you doing?"

I looked up, a tear drop falling from my face. Even though my vision was blurred with the constant stream of tears, I could still make out Zevran's trade-mark smile, which soon vanished. "Huh? What happened? Did you not pass?" he asked, rushing over to me to wipe the tears away.

I smiled and rubbed at my eyes also, "No that's not it"

"Then why are you crying? You're not one of those people who cry when they become really happy are you? People who cry when they are happy are nuts..." he muttered the last part.

"Shut up, Zevran. Yes I am crying because I'm so happy, but not about the test..."

"Then what? You woman..." he said, looking more annoyed as the seconds ticked by.

"Zevran, you know how you're my first friend, right?"

"Yeah, what about it?"

"When I passed, it made me realize how lonely I was... How I didn't have anyone to celebrate with, or talk with... I..." I choked up.

He looked down at me with sympathy, and hugged me tight, "Hush. You have me now, right? At least you didn't end the year off completely alone, right?"

I smiled and sniffed, "Right..."

"Now, to celebrate I think we should head off to this bar I know of, it has really good beer and I heard easy ladies hang around the corner sometimes! A win-win situation!"

Ah, yes~ I do enjoy my Zevran character. This entire story will be based from Dia's POV most of the time (more training for my writing), but I might take small trips here or there to others.

I had Dia met Zevran first, because... Well he was the first person I made a complete personality for so... yeah... But don't worry! I know how all you females enjoyed Alistair (I ran across a pin-up of him on Deviantart while I was looking for references and it was a top rated, so don't even try to deny it!) He will be next, I give my most sincere promise.

I'll give you an idea of how I'm planning on introductions: Dia, Zevran, Alistair, Wynne, Morrigan, Oghren, Sten, Leliana, Mabari (Um... I'll explain later), Shale (think I'd forget? No way!)

R&R Friends~