A/N: This may look familiar and it is due to the fact that is a repost of the same chapter. There are enough changes here to warrant a reread, so please do and enjoy the new update. Huge hugs and kisses to my new BETA reader, AElfric's Cat. If anyone else is interested in beta reading, feel free to pm me.

Chapter 33: Beginnings

Hadrian told Alistair to take him far away from the camp should anything happen to him on the eve of the full moon. It would have been easier said than done were it not for their newest addition, Zevran, who was currently being watched by a very angry Mabari hound and the tall, impassive Qunari. Alistair expected the hound to keep a very close eye on the Antivan elf, but Sten really took him by surprise, his initial coarseness rubbed the Wardens the wrong way, with his terse, almost apathetic responses to his questions. Now, something had changed though and he wondered if it had anything to do with what had happened in the Fade.

Now there was something to talk about. Unfortunately, with Hadrian in his current, delirious state, the talk may have to wait. However, with Hadrian's warning swirling in his head, he knew that he had to take him away. The sensation was nagging him on, forbidding him to try to excuse it on the circumstance they were in. He couldn't just take Hadrian away, not without raising some questions. Perhaps the best way to do this was to be direct and blunt.

He approached Leliana, who was sharpening her blades with a whetstone. The force of the blade coming into contact with whetstone suggested that she was still pissed off at the elf and Alistair knew he had to step carefully. The last thing he wanted was to be accidentally stabbed.

"Leliana," Alistair said calmly. The sounds stopped and she looked up, to regard him with cool eyes before they softened.

"Oh, Alistair! How is Hadrian now?" The Orlesian bard gently placed her sharpening tools to the side and she stood up to level her eyes with his.

"He's still sick. I think," Alistair paused for a second. Should he tell her of what he's about to do? Hadrian hadn't said to not tell anyone, but his tone had insinuated that it wasn't common knowledge for him to be away on certain nights.

"Alistair? Is something wrong? Did he make another attempt again?" Leliana's eyes narrowed and they glinted dangerously. They reminded Alistair that this was not a woman easily cowled by threats and blades. Although she didn't say his name, the elf pined his sharp eyes on them, somehow knowing that they were talking specifically about him. Alistair was startled to see those piercing eyes turn mocking instead and he felt disgusted at the way they trailed up and down his body, the mocking laughter giving way to a blatant and unwanted leeriness.

"I need to take Hadrian somewhere," Alistair tore his eyes away from those of the elf to focus on the bard he was talking to.

Her brows furrowed in concern and confusion. "Is he ok? Perhaps we can do away with the elf..." A slender hand was now clutching one of the daggers she was sharpening and Alistair's eyes blinked. Had she always had that dagger in her hand? Maker's breath! I'm surrounded by dangerous people!

"While I would have loved to kill the pointy-eared myself, Hadrian spared him." Alistair's tone was harsher than he had intended. "However, if Hadrian dies, so does he." Alistair had unknowingly growled and Leliana's eyes hardened for a second. A wry smile graced her features and her head nodded in understanding. Alistair could now see the respect held in those green eyes of hers and it boosted his confidence up even more. "Just keep an eye on things, here please? I still don't trust him, even if Hadrian spared his life."

"I'll keep four eyes on him," Leliana said in a soft but deadly voice. Regus' head popped up at the pair but then plopped back down on its front paws. However, the Mabari's black eyes were riveted to the elf, who hummed to himself as he attempted to get acquainted with the campsite. Another thing seemed to have caught the assassin's eye and Alistair's lips tugged at the corners, his grimace converting to a smile of bemusement as he watched the elf make his way towards the lonely Morrigan. The Witch could probably use some other form of entertainment besides him and Alistair found it tiresome of being made fun of by the topaz-eyed witch.

He was too far away from the pair to overhear their conversation but after several moments of talking, the elf had eventually gone away, still humming as he walked towards Wynne. While the senior Grey Warden really would have loved to stay behind to see how the older mage would handle herself, Hadrian was his primary concern. However, he felt increasingly hot, as if he was wearing a thick layer of fur.

"She's shining brightly tonight," Leliana murmured to him and Alistair's brown eyes turned to where she was looking at. Almost instantly, his right hand burned and he grabbed at it, hissing at the sensation of what felt like fire licking at his palm and forearm.

Leliana immediately put aside her knife and she watched with horrified eyes at Alistair's palm, the shape of a six-pointed star revealing itself in a bloody mess.

"Alistair? Your hand..." She twisted the hand further upward and was just about to dab the wound with a clean cloth that she had on when the blonde Warden jerked his hand away from her. "Alistair?"

"We're leaving," Alistair managed to stay without groaning in pain. Leliana didn't say a word at the abrupt departure of the blonde warrior but watched with curious eyes at the diminishing back of Alistair. Several minutes later, she could see the silhouettes of the Grey Wardens, the taller one carrying the smaller, injured partner to the small wooded area in front of the campsite. Take care of him, Alistair. She knew in her heart that Hadrian would be safe with Alistair and that they probably won't be back till the next day.

-o0o-

The burning ache in Alistair's body refused to go away. He would have stopped and taken the time to care for it were it not for the person in his arms, with his right hand currently hooked around the man's cool thighs and his left supporting the back.

Hadrian was sicker than even Wynne had anticipated. Half of a candlelight after the older Warden's collapse, she had asked him on what he intended to do if Hadrian did pass into the Fade that night. He told her that perhaps all Hadrian needed was some fresh air.

Right now, he was walking away from the campsite and heading deeper into the wooded area of the Hinterlands. The party had camped not too far away from where the two rivers met at a confluence point and Alistair found himself currently wading through the shallow end of the fjord, trying his best to keep Hadrian out of the freezing waters.

Once he crossed the fjord, howls echoed throughout the woods on the south side of their campsite. He stopped for a minute then, his head jerking up to listen attentively to those strange, almost mournful howls. The howls grew louder and closer, causing Alistair to clutch tightly at his burden. What should he do? Just lay Hadrian on the ground and hope to the Maker that it's not a pack of wolves or even bears sniffing for dinner. It wasn't entirely unheard of to hear wolves attack humans for prey.

In front of the warrior, a wall of bushes and thick, evergreen trees loomed out of the undergrwoth. It was the start of the winter months now and Hinterlands bears, while famous for their ferocity towards humans, were equally famous for following closely with their hibernation cycles. However, bears weren't the only predators in the woods and Alistair began to worry that perhaps whatever was howling in the woods would be very hungry, hungry enough to eat two full-grown men.

He wouldn't be able to fully defend Hadrian if his arms were occupied and he gently laid Hadrian against one of the evergreen trees, all too aware of shadows darting in the wild brush, even in the growing darkness of twilight. Goosebumps traveled along his limbs at the sight of white shapes darting around him in his peripheral vision. He could hear something crashing from a distant, like a large wave pounding into the cliffs. The roar increased in tempo until it finally tapered away and Alistair grimaced as he stood over Hadrian's supine form in a protective stance. The fear of the unknown that had started to dig its claws in his heart gave way to an instinctive need to protect his friend. Even in his protective mode though, he was so startled to see a large shape loom out of the barriers in front of him that he almost dropped his drawn sword and his shield lowered just fractionally.

The large shape, he saw, was that of a white wolf. No, silver Alistair corrected himself. Or maybe it was both? Could that be possible? Apparently, ghosts are possible now.

"Alistair Theirin," the wolf growled. The Warden made another jump, shocked to hear the wolf say his full name. One, he wasn't expecting a ghostly wolf to appear out of nowhere and two, he had never told anyone of his unwanted heritage. Not even Hadrian.

"Our Cousland brother, why is he near him like that? He has no right." Something snarled angrily at the Warden. Another wolf had appeared at the white wolf's side and then another and another, until Alistair found himself encircled by smaller versions of the wolf, all differently coloured though. The one that snarled at him had a dark-brown coat, but even in this darkness, Alistair could still see right through him. What's going on? Have I gone mad with the Taint already?

"Has he hurt him, Alpha?" A black wolf cried out in concern, its jaws snapping dangerously to Alistair's thigh.

"Kill him, We should kill those who has violated our Cousland." the same brown wolf snarled again and his body coiled, as if ready to jump and attack the confused man. Just as he was about to spring up at Alistair, a large paw pinned him to the ground and the brown wolf whimpered pitifully as it pressed even harder against its torso. Were it to continue, the ribs would have broken and the organs would have been crushed.

"Stand down, Beta. In your haste for revenge, an innocent would have suffered. Also, this mortal here is the only one who can share our Cousland's burden."

"Y-y-yes," the wolf yipped out and the head nodded fervently, desperately trying to ease the wolf's anger so it would take its paw off him.

Alistair stared at the odd scene of the wolves, the smaller one completely dwarfed by that immense paw holding him down. Duncan's voice then murmured gently to him, from a distant memory. Humans are almost like wolves. There is always an Alpha and a Beta to lead a pack, just like there is a King and Queen to lead the people. The Alpha serves the people through action while the Beta supports him. The Alpha is always a male but the Beta is not necessarily always a female. Even so, everyone submits to the Alpha as it should be. As if to support his mentor's words, the wolf titled as 'Beta' went completely limp underneath the paw, hoping to reassure his Alpha of his obedience.

The larger silver wolf, satisfied that the smaller one knew his place, gently lifted its paw. The brown wolf showed its submission by tucking its ears low and its leg lifted up, to expose the vulnerable belly to the growling wolf. It earned a soft bite on the ears and gave a soft whine when the silver wolf briefly licked the minor hurt. All in all, it was all very weird to take in by Alistair.

Just when Alistair had even started to even think of getting away from these strange creatures, the large head twisted suddenly. A pair of luminous blue eyes gazed back at him steadily, almost knowingly. Alistair fidgeted uncomfortably underneath that piercing stare and he couldn't stop his body from trembling in fear when the head ducked down.

Despite the fact that seeing those intimidating rows of serrated fangs made him tremble, he was equally determined to protect Hadrian if necessary. He gripped the sword tightly in his hand and went into a defensive posture, with his shield positioned close to his body. He had no idea of the wolves' intentions, except maybe to eat their newfound prey. However, he would make them regret it if they ever touched his helpless friend, his mate. Wait, where had that come from?

It seemed like forever before the large wolf finally drew its eyes away from Alistair and towards Hadrian, who was currently shivering and shifting uncomfortably against the tree.

"He is cold, Alistair. His sickness will be made the worse because of this. However, he is made of stronger stuff than this."

"You know him?" Alistair gaped like a fish, shocked at how familiarly the wolf was talking about Hadrian, as if the wolf and Hadrian were the best of buddies, which they may very well could be.

"I have known him and his family for many generations. But that is another tale to tell, one I'm sure Hadrian would prefer to regale to you himself. Come now; there is a special place we will show you."

The wolf raised its haunches and Alistair almost stepped back when he fully realized how immense this creature was, how much of a danger he could really be to Hadrian. Standing at well over seven feet, the wolf easily cleared over the tops of trees. It was quite eerie to see the wolves pass into the trees and even more eerie to have the trees rustle, as they merely brushed by them.

"Come, human," the black wolf snapped at him but he didn't dare go near the puzzled Warden, more out of fear for what his Alpha could do to him than the Warden himself.

Alistair watched the departing backs of wolves and he was again unsure of what to do now. Should he give into these fancies of his and follow them? Or maybe go back to the campsite and let Hadrian recover on his own?

A soft moan could be heard amongst the rustles of leaves and it prompted Alistair to kneel next to his charge.

Hadrian's face was contorted with pain and the Cousland buried his head even closer to Alistair's chest, as if seeking the warmth the younger Warden provided. Hadrian shivered violently and his body hunched in. Alistair brought him even closer now and smiled gently at a breathless sigh. He looks so...so vulnerable.

"You will not be able to find your own way here, Alistair Theirin. Do not make us wait for you." The Alpha said, his voice carried on by a cool breeze. Even Alistair shivered and he headed in the same direction as the wolves, hoping that he would have his questions answered.

The wolves had led him to an open area, a wide clearing void of trees and the cold, despite the snow being there. However, Alistair was astonished to not feel the awful cold of snow seeping through his deerskin boots. It was rather warm, a nice contrast to what he was used to. Fereldan winters were unusually harsh for a country that was sandwiched between the cool Kacori Wilds and the hot Free Marches.

"Where? Where are we?" He was sure he looked pretty stupid to the wolves; his dumbfounded eyes taking in his new surroundings with innocent awe and reverence. The sky was still dark and devoid of clouds, giving the bright silver orb in the sky full reign. His hand no longer burned painfully. In contrast, it became almost a soothing ache, a reminder of that dream with the little boy and his implications about Hadrian.

"You are still in Ferelden, in the southern side of the Hinterlands. However, with us here, no one can trespass with impunity. Hadrian needs you, especially this night."

"Why? Why this night?"

Zarieth's gaze lingered on his face far too long for his own comfort but eventually, the wolf turned away, a dismal expression crossing his face. It was strange to see so many emotions on a wolf's face, a face whose mouth could swallow him whole without trouble.

"It would have been his mother's birthday today," Zarieth then threw his head back and released a devastating howl, one that jarred the Warden's bones. His mournful wail was soon followed by other howls and Alistair watched with amazement as the wolves howled at the silver moon. They're crying for her...but why?

The sad howls still lingered on, despite the wolves having disappeared into the background, leaving Alistair all alone and uncertain of what he was supposed to do. Hadrian began to moan in earnest now and thrashed in his arms. Incoherent mumbles began to stream out of the unconscious man's mouth, causing Alistair's brows to knit in worry.

"...mother...no...please..."

Mother? Why is he calling for her?

"...no...dead...they're...all dead...fire..." The blonde heard another strained moan, which was followed by a choked sob. The sound tore Alistair up in the inside and he wrapped the older man in his arms, rocking him slowly and murmuring comfortingly to him.

"I'm here, Hadrian," he whispered softly to the writhing man, his hand coming up to cup his cheek and stroke it in long, slow movements. "There's no fire. I'm here..."

"Alistair...don't..." Alistair, stunned to hear this strong-willed man cry out to him in his sleep, stopped thumbing his cheek. He called out my name...but why?

While he hoped that his efforts would help soothe the pain of his friend's nightmares, he didn't want to add any discomfort to the man by making unwanted moves. However, when he withdrew his hand, he found that he couldn't for it was held tightly by the other man.

"...don't..." Hadrian moaned, his eyes scrunched tightly as if in pain. "Alistair...don't leave...don't leave me..."

Leave? He thinks I'll leave him? "No, I won't leave you," Alistair murmured, cupping his cheek tenderly. He let out a soft gasp at Hadrian turning into the palm and instantly relaxing at the sound of his voice.

A few moments had passed before Hadrian fully settled down, his face almost wanting to bury itself in the soft furs. The blonde Warden held him up while he checked to make sure the ground wasn't too cold for him. Pleased to feel the same warmth that had seeped into his feet earlier, he slowly eased Hadrian down and carefully straightened out his limbs.

His friend was out of his armor already due to Wynne saying that all that heavy armor was not good for someone experiencing a fever. /Too much heat can overwhelm the body, especially for one in a dangerous fever like Hadrian. Keep him cool and dry if you can./

Wolves heal their wounds by licking them. We are not so different.

It was a whisper of a voice, his own in fact. However, it was deeper, more baritone.

Poison runs through him like a sharp knife through butter. Swift and merciless. You must reopen the old wound and suck the poison out

Alistair's stomach protested violently at the thought of having to cut open Hadrian. It felt like he was cutting into something precious, sacred, even if it was marred already by an Assassin's blade. A growl could be heard and Alistair was startled to know that it had come from him.

Alistair's hands gently extricated the two pieces of clothing and he blushed furiously at the sight of the man's groin, whose treasure was hidden away beneath a small, white loincloth that just barely covered the flaccid member, impressive in its dormant state, and sacs.

A single shaft of moonlight shone down on Hadrian. The smaller man whined pitifully, shifting restlessly, only to let out another set of pained moans and gasps. The sounds of Hadrian's suffering wrung his friend's heart and he hastily undressed himself, noticing that despite the clear night sky and the slight chill in the area, he was in fact still warm.

The blonde leaned over his friend and he couldn't help but inhale that intoxicating scent, of something woodsy and masculine. He nuzzled the man's throat gently and was inwardly pleased with himself that the head shifted to the side, giving him easy access. For some reason, he wanted to bite at the succulent throat, to leave his mark on Hadrian. To ward off any potential suitors like that damned knife-eared Zevran...The image of Zevran hugging, kissing the man underneath him increased his ire at the elf and he unknowingly bit into Hadrian's neck, causing Hadrian to emit a soft cry. Blood spurted into his mouth, the rich essence coating his mouth and tasting so sweet to him. Alistair was too far gone in his stupor to notice that he had bitten his friend. He pulled back, tsking at the sight of two torn holes. His tongue lathered the wounded area, relishing at the bloodless holes now, which began to scar almost immediately.

He kissed his way down the man's chest, feeling the burgeoning erection nudging his thigh. Even unconscious, Hadrian was getting aroused and if it was up to Alistair's inner wolf, he wanted him to stay that way.

The sight of an area of blemished skin mid-torso reminded him of his dusty and he lifted a hand, never realizing that his short stubby fingernails had somehow elongated into sharp claws. He quickly sliced along the scar, both marveling at how quickly blood spurted out and disgusted that he was the cause of Hadrian's body becoming taut from agony instead of passion. The claw didn't cut the skin too deeply, however, and Alistair ducked his head, only to lap at the wound. His saliva dripped from his mouth and tongue and seeped into the cut he had made.

It took a while but eventually Alistair felt the sickness going away. Hadrian's body was no longer hot like a blacksmith's furnace. It released a burst of heat at one point and Hadrian's eyes snapped open briefly before finally fluttering closed, his body relaxing even further into his blankets, soaking in the much needed warmth of Alistair. His pants and breathless gasps soon evened into the soft, steady exhales of breathing.

-o0o-

Hadrian felt warm and protected. It was such an odd but welcoming sensation to have someone curl around him, an arm wrapped around his stomach.

"Hadrian, you're awake." He heard someone shifting behind him and Hadrian gently rolled on his back, only to see Alistair stare at him.

"Alistair..." he whispered out his friend's name as Alistair leaned over him, his warm breath fanning across his cheeks. Dry lips locked with his so softly, so gently that Hadrian thought for a second that maybe he was kissing air. However, a strong hand cupped his cheek and traveled back to wrap around his neck, bringing them closer and therefore deepening the kiss.

It seemed like the kiss lasted forever before Alistair drew back, an intangible emotion swimming in his soft brown eyes.

"Why?" Hadrian asked. He was thoroughly confused, not by Alistair's action, but how he reacted to such a simple gesture of what? Affection? Love?

"I'm tired of not telling you," Alistair's thumb rubbed his left cheek. "that...that living without you would be more painful than anything I've ever experienced."

Hadrian's eyes widened at the confession that came out of his fellow Warden's mouth.

"Alistair...you...you don't know what you're talking about," Hadrian shook his head,instantly regretting the move, as the world shifted around in a nauseating sensation. He closed his eyes, not wanting to see the sky swirl in dizzying patterns. He didn't see his friend move to fully straddle him, their chests aligning with each other. Hands caressed his flanks in a soothing manner and a voice echoed from above his head.

"Breathe," Alistair said to him with all the authority of an Alpha, his voice deeper and those soft brown eyes darkened. "Breathe me in, Hadrian."

Hadrian followed his command and his body reacted to his intended. He felt a flush come over him and his body felt warmer than usual. His inner wolf howled for their joining, despite his rational mind saying otherwise, that this was too soon or Alistair would leave him. Hot, warm breath caressed his throat and he unwittingly let out a moan when he realized that the man was smelling him, scenting him in the way a lover would. He instinctively turned his head to the side, giving his Warden more access to him. Alistair's nose brushed against the the side of his nape and Hadrian shivered when unbelievably soft lips attached themselves to him. As kisses were lavished on his throat, something sharp would press gingerly against his skin and his body started slightly when he realized it was a pair of fangs.

The dizziness stopped and he could once again feel the rough blanket below him, the strong body pressing against his own. Something rubbed incessantly into his thigh and Hadrian knew without a doubt that Alistair was just as aroused as he was, if not more. He gasped as lips landed on his again.

"You better now?" Alistair's voice tickled his ear and he nodded, only to let out a moan as he felt Alistair's hips ground into his.

"Alistair...wait..." Hips ground into his again. "I..." Whatever Hadrian wanted to say was lost in supplicant moans as Alistair kissed him again, passionately and a little bit more roughly as well.

He clutched desperately at his lover, his arms wrapping around Alistair's chest. Alistair drew back, only to nibble on his jawline before nipping and licking his throat. His body thrummed with arousal and he couldn't stop himself from letting out low, almost guttural groans as he thrust against the templar who was perched above him.

"Alistair! Ngghhnn!"

"I've never been with a man before," Alistair said huskily; his hands kneaded the pectoral muscles before pinching the male nipples. "But, if I make you feel good, I guess it won't matter..."

"Gnnhh! Aaahhh!" Never been with a man before? By the Maker, the way he's touching me, you would think that I wasn't the first one.

"Those sounds," Alistair whispered to him, his voice still deep and his eyes lustful but loving all at the same time. "Let me hear them." Hadrian had his mouth closed but a slender finger rimmed his lips, asking for permission to enter that warm, moist cavern. A nipple was taken into a warm mouth before being laved and bit. Hadrian let out a garbled whimper as its twin was given the same treatment, allowing that slender appendage to slip in and play with his tongue. A second finger joined in, allowing strangled moans to escape him.

If Hadrian cared, he would have been highly embarrassed at the whimpers escaping him but he felt so good right now that nothing else really mattered. Not when strong, but silken fingers made their way down from his chest and followed the happy trail all the way down to his groin, only to clasp around his erection. His erection twitched upwards, as if it wanted to be held by this man and a stifled groan escaped his lips when that hand masterfully stroked him, squeezing at the right time, in the right place. He felt as if he was burning from the inside, the flames of passion licking along the spine and dissipating deliciously into his limbs and chest. He wanted to gasp out his lover's name but couldn't, not with those fingers still twirling around in his mouth.

The fingers finally withdrew from his mouth and he gasped out Alistair's name when as his hand stroked down, leaving a trail of fire behind, to place a leg over muscular shoulders. He gave a soft whine when his erection was released from that warm, tight grip and he leaned back on his forearms. His blue eyes took in Alistair moving the remaining leg over his over shoulder. His calves rested comfortably on the man's shoulder blades while his feet touched the lower back. He could feel the strong back muscles working and straining as his lover knelt back. His eyes couldn't take the sight of that, fearing that he would come at that exotic sight of his naked friend. That broad, ripped chest and his taut abdomen. The way he held himself, even when leaning back, was dominating, controlling but in a comfortable, reassuring way. He felt something tingle at the base of his spine and he closed his eyes, not wanting to climax so soon. Wouldn't that be embarrassing? To come before we even get to the good part? His thoughts scattered though at the sensation of something wet clasping their erections together and his hands grasped helplessly at the snow. His hips jerked upwards and he panted when that spit-slicked hand gripped, squeezed and stroked their erections together. Something grunted and growled near him. Were the wolves here as well? Who was making those animalistic sounds?

Then a name was snarled at him in a rough, husky voice and Hadrian's eyes flew open at the realization that it was Alistair who was making those grunting noises, Alistair who was perched above him, his hand holding their erections together, moving along their hot shafts in such a perfect way, his name called out to him in that hoarse pitch.

Alistair shifted his hips forward and Hadrian heard them both hiss at their erections rubbing against each other. The fear of penetration suddenly flew right out of Hadrian's mind and he gave a choked moan when Alistair rolled his hips forward, gently pressing the tips and allowing their shafts to parry with each other in the most seductive manner.

They soon got into a rhythm that had them both shuddering and calling out each other's names. It felt so familiar to Alistair that he almost forgot that Hadrian was the first man, heck, the first person he was doing sexual things with. He peered down at that flushed face and groaned at the sight of the blushed cheeks, those sexy lips parting and he dove for that luscious mouth, wanting to taste his sweetness. Arms wrapped around his back, fingers splayed across the large back. He felt rather than heard his lover groan into the kiss when he picked that moment to snap his hips forward, to abruptly increase the pace of their thrusting.

It didn't long for the man underneath him to start trembling and shivering in the impending climax. Hadrian jerked in his embrace and he unwittingly pulled back from the kiss, only to let out a soft cry of Alistair's name. Alistair felt something hot splatter on both bellies and the feeling of Hadrian's essence on his own stomach triggered his. Bite him. Claim him as yours...Alistair gave into that voice and bit down on the junction where his lover's neck met the shoulder, stifling his own moan with a grunt. Like before, the warm crimson liquid spurted hotly into his mouth and there was a burst of sweetness with a hint of salt.

Hadrian's legs, once wrapped tightly around his waist, had fallen limply to the side and his lover's heaving pants soon eased into even breathing.

"Hadrian?" There was no response and Alistair pulled up, only to find those blue eyes closed, hidden away from him. He would have been concerned were it not for the smile gracing his new lover's face. It was a small, satisfied smile that warmed the younger Warden's heart.

He shifted his weight off the slumbering Cousland and retrieved one of his own undergarments. Looking down on his lover, he noticed that come was drying between them and he had an inexplicable urge to taste him. Two fingers swiped the pooling warmth and he licked it off his fingers. It tasted rather sweet, not bitter and the flavour of something that was uniquely Hadrian burst wonderfully across his taste buds. The blonde Warden discovered that he rather liked it and hoped he would have another chance to taste him again.

After cleaning the both of them, he laid next to Hadrian and was immensely pleased at how Hadrian shifted closer to him, the silver head tucking into the crook of his arm. Right before he closed his eyes, he could see a shadowy outline of the large wolf at the edge of the forest, watching them with curious eyes. Despite the lethargy that was spreading throughout his entire body, he had enough energy to pull Hadrian tighter to him. His hand seemed to struggle to reach out for his sword, which was just out of his reach. His heart raced when the large silver wdolf approached inexorably towards them and then curled around the both of them, giving them extra heat for the cool winter night.

I hope he doesn't plan on having us for breakfast the next morning was Alistair's last thought before succumbing to exhaustion.

-o0o-

Review responses on the original post

The kid: I hope the chappie answered the question. I'm kinda worried that I may have rushed the intimate scene though..

Aelfric's Cat: Zevran's is very shiny! Just like his dagger was! And yes, I noticed the undefined switching of POVs in the previous chappie. I will keep an eye on this in the future. Thanks for the suggestion. :D

PS. I hope Alistair isn't too OOC.

Blue-Eyed-Beast of Destiny: Too true to that. There were times when I just wanted to do just the main quests and get the game over with. But where's the fun in that? As for the dialogue, I honsestly couldn't remember the exact words of Zevran in his first meeting with the Wardens, so I just took the liberty of filling in the memory gaps. Glad to know you liked that part!

DZD3: Is this a 10 too? It won't hurt my feelings if it's not. Personally, I thought it was kinda rushed but I wanted to get out soon for a special someone (psst, it's The Kid!)

Gatorsnacks: Wouldn't that be fun to write! Zevran and Alistair fighting over Hadrian, with Regus trying to protect his master from unwanted advances of the elf! I thought Zevran was a jerk in the beginning but he eventually worms his way into your heart with his stories and his attitude later on.

David9999: * sighs * thank you for the reassurance! I was getting kinda worried though. I'm wondering on what I should do to have more people review as well as read this story. Any ideas? Perhaps a sudden character death? Lol, just joking. But seriously, any suggestions?

YoshisSupport: I think I can safely say that this has gone AU now. Yep, the group meeting with the Hawkes defin was not canon. That's for sure! Btw, I posted your special request in Black Book. Check it out and lemme know what ya think!

Review responses for the original post:

DZD3: No problem. I actually like long reviews. It shows me that you had some deeper thoughts about the chappie. I am hoping this chappie a lot better than the previous post.

Sculla: Yes. I think the Cullen/Amell is one of the best non-canon pairings I've come across and I wanted to do a Cullen/M! Amell pairing. The other origins have unfortunately met their untimely demise (details in chapter 12) so only Amell and Cousland are depicted in this story. I hope in this chapter, Alistair is little bit less OOC than in the original posting of chapter 33.

YoshisSupport: Yep, I did all three smuts in one day! Hope you enjoy this one too!

The kid: Please sign up for so I can personally pm you details on the story without putting up spoilers in the 'Review responses'! I love your reviews and I really want to give you more detailed answers. You could also be another BETA reader for me!

Anyhoo, with that aside, the next chappie will shift to Fergus and Anders. I hadn't planned on focusing on Cullen yet but I think I can squeeze in a nice section of our handsome Templar in the next update. A gift to you and another anony reader, Sculla.

AElfric's Cat: To my wonderful BETA reader, I truly hope this chappie is a lot better than its predecessor. Thanks for the awesome feedback!

Gatorsnacks: I personally think Cullen wasn't given enough attention in DA 1, so I decided to add him to my story. Besides, he really needs his favourite mage to heal him, both mentally and physically.

David9999: I rewrote chappie 33, so I hope it's equally if not more enjoyable. You are more than welcome to ask me for any advice or help and to also leave suggestions if you have any for my story. Thanks so much for keeping up with this story and with TLA!

A/N: I hope you all enjoyed this chappie. I see many more like this to come, but with various pairings involved, even straight ones! Ooh!

Loose details on the next chapter: Hadrian and Alistair wake up to find themselves in an awkward position. Meanwhile, Anders finds his phylactery and something else. Fergus, on the other hand, is really starting to wish that he had killed Howe upon first sight as he arrives at Redcliffe Castle. Meanwhile, somehow Amell and Cullen share the exact same dream, bearing unforeseen but not wholly unwelcome consequences later on.