Asepsis wrote...

"I miss the smells of Seheron, tea and incense and the sea."
This story is AU, because my Wardens story, having Zevran in Amaranthine is AU. I hope this is not too far off the prompt, but I loved the idea of travelling there later to see her friend.

Travel...
Keiran and Zevran stood on the bow of the Tortage as she made her way through the swelling seas into Qunandar harbor. Sten’s last letter had come as a surprise. The letter she had received from him during her long months at Amaranthine, at Leliana’s assistance, had been received with great joy. She missed her large Qunari friend and was eager to see him once again.
Zevran, seeming to sense her sudden departure into nostalgia, wrapped his arms about her waist pulling her tight into his chest. There they stood embracing, embarking upon a new adventure together after their long and arduous months defending Vigils Keep. Zevran was still required to return to Antiva to settle his affairs with the crows, but after a long few years spent fighting they desired a little peace before necessity required more hardships.
As the ship settled into its moorings, their small traveling party readied to disembark, gathering their belongings they made a last sweep of the small cabin they had shared on the long journey. Keiran was still a little hesitant to visit Par Vollen, she was after all a mage and Sten had been painfully clear as to the Qun’s viewpoint on magic. She knew her friend would have told her hosts of her talents but after a lifetime of suspicion her thoughts often followed darker paths.
Hand in hand Zevran and Keiran made their way across the dock. Along the horizon of the city walls she spotted her friend, even amidst the sea of Qunari, both male and female, the latter causing her to gawk a little more than was perhaps respectable, Sten stood proud, the slightest smile passing his features as he spotted her in return.
As she neared their meeting place she noticed the fragrance that hung heavily in the sea air, spices mixed with something lighter and sweet; it was a fragrance she was unfamiliar with but instantly taken by.
Sten had spoken little of his homeland, and what he had there was always a sad lament behind, now she fully understood why, the air so beautifully fragranced was matched with spectacular color and architecture, the sky itself was a magnificent shade of orange.
He was exactly as she remembered. Stoic and meticulously dressed in what she assumed was a ceremonial Qunari armor, with Asala resting upon his back. She was certain her that today her usual boisterous greeting of her friend would be out of place, instead choosing to grasp his hands in hers.
“My friend! I am pleased to see you.” Keiran greeted warmly, an ecstatic smiling playing across her features.
“Kadan.” replied Sten in his usual subdued manner. Casually looking across to his left he added a flat, but formal “Elf”.
“Aha! My dear Sten, did you miss me?” teased Zevran as was customary between the two.
Keiran laughed as Sten responded without the humor she had come to adore in her friend.
“No.” muttered Sten.
Any further conversation was quickly halted as the pounding of padded feet raced their way across the planks to their position. Both Keiran and Zevran laughed as a toothy grin spread across Stens face as he observed their final companion for the voyage.
Tanis sped his way to their position, barking loudly in greeting to Sten. Coming to an abrupt rest before him, Tanis sat and grinned expectantly at Sten. Zevran pulled Keiran to him as they watched the two old friends exchange pleasantries. A slight giggle escaped Keiran as she noticed the treat Sten pulled from his armor for Tanis.
Standing and visibly pleased, Sten led their party further away from the ships.
“My brothers will show you to your lodgings. There has been a meal prepared for you. We have a few days until the Arishok wishes to speak with you of the blight. Until then, I am charged with your…amusement.” advised Sten as they walked.
Hiding another grin, she acknowledged his requests and instructions with a slight bow of her head.
As they neared what she guessed were Stens “brothers”, a few pulled him aside and the conversation became quietly urgent in manner, leaving Keiran momentarily uncomfortable. Her thoughts were cut short by Stens booming voice.
“Parshaara!” Stens voiced stopped all argument in an instant.
Keiran was shocked to see what passed as embarrassment on Sten’s face as he turned to face her.
“Kadan, did you receive my last letter?” asked Sten, the smallest flicker of hope lighting his eyes.
How could she have forgotten? Reaching into her pack she pulled out a small wrapped package and handed it over to Sten. The wonder in the faces of Sten’s brothers as they crowed around to get a glimpse of and hopefully share in Sten’s treasure delighted Keiran and Zevran. Allowing each brother a small piece the large formidable Qunari reminded Keiran of children all over Fereldan enjoying this sweet and new confection.
Walking up near Sten, pulling at his arm to capture his attention, Keiran pointed to the crates being hauled up behind them, the crates filled with every cookie she could find in Fereldan.
Edit: Format
Modifié par Hilde, 15 novembre 2010 - 02:43 .