Chapter 21

They reached the wooden steps leading to the small village of Redcliffe while the sun was still high in the sky. She saw Alistair pull Aedan to one side, and carried on walking, allowing them some privacy to discuss Alistair's parentage. She joined Zevran, Wynne, Leliana, and of course Revek, who was currently up to his massive paws in mud trying to dig something up.

"So, you and Aedan?" Leliana's voice was playful, her blue eyes twinkling. Emma picked at a loose thread on her tunic as she laughed, feeling a little abashed. "I would ask how he is, but judging from the sounds you make when you two are alone I think you've already answered that question."
Emma chuckled as a slight flush coloured her skin. "He's..." Her eyes slid to the side to glance appreciatively at Aedan - the broad shoulders, the tapered waist, that firm ass and those long legs - damn, it should be illegal for anyone to look that sexy.

"He's..?" Leliana prompted. Emma turned her attention back to the bard and cleared her throat. "Sorry, got a bit distracted." She thought of him holding her through the nightmare, thought of all the times he'd shown compassion and kindness, not just to her but to everyone whose circumstances required it. She recalled how he could ease a tense moment with his sense of humour, and how he naturally exuded an air of command.
She answered honestly. "He's everything I've ever wanted in a man." She felt her cheeks heat up. Blimey, since when had she turned into such a romantic?
"Are we ready to head into Redcliffe?" Aedan's deep voice supplied the answer to the question she'd asked herself. She'd become this way since she met the man who could make her knees go weak with just a smile.

They met Tomas at the bridge, and after a quick discussion, they were on their way to the Chantry to meet Bann Teagan. Emma reminded herself not to stare at him; she'd promised Aedan she would do better. Alistair greeted Teagan with a friendly handshake, and there were a few chuckles regarding the mud comment. Then things took a more serious turn as the Bann spoke about their nightly visitors.

There was no hesitation in offering their assistance to battle the undead. Bann Teagan thanked them profusely and suggested they talk to Mayor Murdock and Ser Perth. They explored the Chantry, picking up some loot and talking to the frightened people huddled in groups. Listening to their stories was heartbreaking; so many had lost friends or family. As they made their way to the exit, they saw a slim blonde woman trying unsuccessfully to fight back tears. Emma knew this was Kaitlyn and went to talk with her. She soon learnt about her missing brother Bevin and promised to have him safely returned.

As they stepped outside, the cry of a seagull could be heard in the distance, a solitary and lonely noise which echoed the feeling of desolation in Redcliffe. A large man stood in the centre of the village issuing orders in a deep, gravelly voice.
"That must be the Mayor," Aedan said as he made his way over to the older man. Murdock seemed unimpressed with their Grey Warden status and it sounded like he begrudged them being there. However, he seemed to realise how his grumbling could be misconstrued and added, "We aren't going to turn aside any help though. Don't take me for being an ingrate or nothing."
Zevran gave a dangerous smile. "That's good, the lifespan of ingrates is remarkably short, or so I hear."
Emma bit back a laugh; that comment always cracked her up.

After listening to what Murdock had to say, it was clear that their first stop would be the blacksmith. As they walked over to Owen's house, there was some friendly banter about Alistair's lineage which hadn't stayed secret for long.

It took a minute or so before they managed to get the blacksmith to open the door. They stepped inside and the stink of alcohol hit Emma like a ton of bricks. Good grief! How the hell was the man still standing? Owen told them about his girl, Valena, being trapped in the castle. Initially, it looked like they were going to fail in their attempt to get the blacksmith working again, however, Wynne's calming influence finally got through to his alcohol-soaked brain and he eventually agreed to fix the weapons and armour in exchange for the safe return of his daughter.

They returned to Murdock, who mentioned that they could use a seasoned fighter like Dwyn in the coming fight. He pointed them in the right direction and they soon found themselves at the door to Dwyn's home. Aedan knocked loudly and waited. Emma nudged him. "Best to just pick the lock."
Aedan mused over the option. "He's not going to open the door?"
She shook her head. "Nope, it's either lock-picking or kicking in the door."
He pulled out a set of lock-picks and squatted down to tackle the lock. Emma grinned as the leather trousers stretched over his ass. Yeah, she really needed to get him to do more lock-picking.
"Ah, now I see why you suggested that."
She slapped Zevran's arm. "I didn't tell him for that reason, but it is a nice view isn't it?"
He chuckled, the sound both risque and amused. "Indeed it is."

There was a click, and Aedan stood up. "Just so you know, I have great hearing." He looked over his shoulder, his blue eyes swimming with amusement and held Emma's gaze. "However, it's nice to know you like that part of me."
She chuckled. "Amongst other things, love."

There was a small cough as they stared at each other. "I believe we can enter now?" This from Wynne, who gestured to Dwyn's door. Aedan gave her a sheepish smile, then turned and walked into the small room. Once they had Dwyn's agreement to join the fight, they headed over to Kaitlyn's home. Emma was struck by how small the place was, though it probably didn't help to have so many of them crowded in at once. After Wynne got Bevin to come out of the wardrobe, Aedan took over, speaking gently to the boy. Finding out about the blade, Aedan persuaded him to give up the key to the chest in exchange for some gold. She watched the young boy leave to rejoin his sister, thinking how brave he was to try and fight the undead at such a young age.

They trooped upstairs to collect the Green Blade. Zevran exclaimed at the fine quality. "Ah, this is fine workmanship; it makes my sword look shoddy in comparison." He lifted sad brown eyes, and Emma was reminded of the cat from the popular animated film with the green ogre. Damn, no wonder this guy could get most people in his bed. The men pulled out their swords and started discussing the merits and who would benefit the most from receiving the new blade. Suddenly Emma had to bite back a giggle; she could just imagine telling this story – the men all whipped out their swords and started comparing them.

Unfortunately, that thought raised an image of the three of them naked and holding their... er... 'swords'. Bloody hell, what was going on with her? She was fairly certain she'd never been this horny in her world. She turned away and skimmed through a book titled Adventures of the Black Fox while trying to rein in her libido. It was finally decided that Zevran should have the blade; she was certain the smooth-tongued elf had talked his way into it.

Outside once more, they cut across the training yard where Dwyn and his bodyguards now stood in readiness. Emma was halfway up the hill when Zevran eagerly pointed out a tavern. "Wonderful, we have been walking around this village for a while. A drink and a rest would do us good, yes?"

There were some enthusiastic nods of agreement, and they turned towards Lloyd's tavern.