351 réponses à ce sujet

[Shadow of Light Dragon]

A short one, but a fun one. :innocent: Me need sleep now!


Part 11 - Bathing

Asleena sank into the marble-tiled bath with a contented sigh. If there was one creature comfort she missed from home, it was large amounts of hot water. On the road one had to make do—a stream, melted snow, a bucket and cloth, and there was never much in the way of privacy. Since it was stupid to go ducking under the water alone, back in Ferelden she and her friends had gone in teams. Usually that had meant she, Morrigan, Leliana and Wynne in one group, Alistair, Zevran, Sten and Oghren in the other. As the Blight had progressed, however, she and Alistair had eventually…formed their own group.

A smile stole across her lips at the memory.

**

“A bath?” Leliana looked artfully surprised. “Oh, Asleena…Morrigan and Wynne and I, we have already bathed this evening! There is a beautiful fall further up the stream, just right for washing the suds out.”

“You…you three went without me? When?”

“While you and Alistair were cooking. It was delicious, by the way.”

“I’m glad you liked it, but they must be able to smell me all the way over in Antiva City by now. I really wanted a bath.”

“You two just seemed to be having so much fun, I did not wish to interrupt!”

“We did?”

“You were giggling, Asleena.”

She flushed. “I was not.”

“You were! And so was he.” Leliana grinned impishly. “I could still come with you if you want to bathe, of course, but I rather thought you might enjoy other company on a beautiful night like this. It is very romantic, no?”

Asleena’s blush deepened. “I…suppose…”

“My dear ladies,” Zevran’s voice almost purred as he wandered up from nearby. “Leliana, whatever did you say to make our fair leader look so…charmingly flustered?”

“We were discussing the possibility of her bathing with Alistair tonight, Zevran,” the bard said with an arch smile.

“Leliana!” Asleena gasped, but Zevran broke out into open laughter.

“If you haven’t done that yet, Asleena, you really should,” the assassin said, grinning broadly. “Bath-sex can be quite enjoyable. The water will not feel cold for long, I promise, and everything is wet, and—”

“Maker, I can’t believe you two. Bath-sex? Are you…serious?”

“Deadly serious,” Zevran replied, while Leliana just laughed.

“Um.” Asleena fiddled with her folded towel and looked over at the campfire where Alistair, who’d once again fallen prey to a pair of large brown eyes, was cutting up some leftover meat for Ferrix. “I don’t know if he’d…I mean…what do I say?”

“You will think of something, I’m sure,” Leliana said.

Asleena turned away from the two grinning rogues and began a hesitant approach to Alistair, clutching her scrubbing brush and towel like a sword and shield. She hadn’t the faintest idea what words to use, and didn’t know why. They’d been sharing blankets and bedrolls for weeks now, so why should the idea of a bath feel so…scary?

“Love, are you all right?” Alistair asked, and she almost jumped. He got up at once, looking at her with concern. “What’s wrong?”

“The others…bathed without me.”

Oh Maker, just strike me down with lightning right now.

“Oh.” Alistair relaxed noticeably and smiled. “Afraid of going alone, hm? I suppose it’s gotten pretty dark, but Shale and Ferrix should be enough protection.”

Asleena glanced past him where Ferrix had taken advantage of Alistair’s distraction and was wolfing down heroic mouthfuls of sliced venison. “Protection…right. Um. What if there are darkspawn?”

He blinked at her. “You’re a Grey Warden, remember? You’ll be able to sense—”

“I’ve been having trouble with that whole sensing thing lately,” she lied. “Still haven’t gotten the hang of it. I think I need you to come as well. To protect me.”

“Should I get my armour—?”

“No, you’re good. Come on. Ferrix!”

Taking the bewildered man’s hand, she led him quickly out of the clearing and ignored the sounds of hilarity coming from Zevran and Leliana’s direction. The trees of the Brecilian Forest obscured the light of the campfire almost immediately, and before long they had reached the banks of a shallow stream that rushed over water-smoothed stones. The tributary grew wider and deeper upriver where a modestly sized waterfall cascaded down a rise of rocks. Moonlight struck glints against the rippling pool and turned the misted spray of water into a cloud.

“Are you sure we shouldn’t have brought Shale along as well?” Alistair asked uncomfortably, his eyes averted and ears reddening as she pulled off a boot to test the water with her toes.

“Pretty sure. Why?”

“Well…it’s just…I don’t know how well I’m going to be able to…” he cleared his throat. “…keep watch. With you…you know...”

“Bathing?”

“I was going to go for ‘naked’. ‘Naked’ and ‘wet’, but yes, bathing. That’s the word I was after.” He folded his arms and stared resolutely into the forest.

Perversely, his discomfit was making her feel more confident. Smiling to herself, she shucked out of her clothes and waded into the water, gasping and shuddering at the cold, until she reached a deep enough part to duck under the surface. With a few lazy strokes she reached the tumbling fall and let it splash down on her head and shoulders. Slicking her hair back, she peered through the curtain of water to where Alistair stood on shore.

“I left my scrubbing brush with my towel!” she called over the noise of the falls.

“Then come get it!” he called back.

“Can’t you get it for me? Please?”

She saw him throw his hands up then turn to the rock she’d left her clothes and towel on. “Where did you get a scrubbing brush, anyway?”

“I bought it in Denerim. Oh, I’m over here!” She waved.

“You’re right under the waterfall!” he protested. “If I go that close my clothes will get all damp. Then they’ll get mildewy. I really like this shirt.”

“Then take it off. Take everything off.”

It was impossible to see his expression in the dark, but she could practically hear the thoughts churning in his head as he stared in her direction. Setting the brush down, he unbuttoned his shirt, folded it carefully, then tugged off his belt and scabbard, boots and trousers. He strode into the water, every step measured, the pale light carving his body in marble until he reached the place where the forested cliff obscured the moon. When he came to the spot where she stood, cloaked by the stream running over her shoulders, his eyes were full of the night. Mist shone in his hair and across his shoulders and chest.

“I…left the brush with your towel,” he said with a sheepish smile, reaching out to tease a wayward tendril of hair back behind her ear. In a deeper, softer voice he added, “I hope you’re not too upset.”

For answer, she slid both arms around his neck, smiled, and pulled him under the waterfall.

**

“Lost in thought, my lady?”

Asleena’s eyes snapped open and she spun, splashing water and foam as she thrust away from the speaker and snatched up the dagger she’d kept to hand.

The white-garbed figure behind her lifted his veil, revealing the face of Xai Merras.

That’s the second time you’ve interrupted a very nice dream, you bastard.

“Your weapon is unnecessary, Warden,” the Crow said, seemingly unperturbed. “I only came to give you that evidence I promised.” He held out a large rounded bundle, shook the cloth open and stood back as something metallic fell to the tiled floor with a loud clatter.

Alistair’s helmet.

“Give me Zevran,” Xai said quietly, tucking the bag away and crouching before her. “He is an oath-breaker, willing to turn on even those he claims to care for. Surely you know this by now. Give me Zevran and I will give you your Grey Warden friend.”

Modifié par Shadow of Light Dragon, 31 janvier 2010 - 11:15 .

[Jules8445]

Alright. I'd resisted reading this because it seemed long. I had some time today though and ended up reading the whole thing...please please please please write more, AND FAST!

You capture the characters so well, and the story idea is so awesome! Keep up the good work!

[Kulkodar]

oh my! That waterfall scene was nicely spicey You must continue this story. Xai is a right b***rd. I do hope he gets his comeuppance in the end.

[MarcusDeVarro]

Gah! Xai robaste casco Alistar's! ¡Cabrón!

[Phoenix Swordsinger]

More please!!!

[Sialater]

Love it! Good job!

[AdorableAnarchist]

Oooo, exceptional bathing scene! And I agree... Xia is a nutter!

[Shadow of Light Dragon]

I meant to write more last night, but got distracted by music that wanted me to write epic fight scenes. XD

Glad to have you along, Jules!

Marcus, I have no idea what you said except possibly that Xai is a bastard, hehe.

Ok, back to the full time job. Unless Bioware wants to hire me. >.>

[MarcusDeVarro]

lol i said that Xai stole alistars hat! Bastard!

[Shadow of Light Dragon]

rofl Ok, not sure I'm completely happy with how this part rolled, but part of writing 'on the fly' is that it's on the fly. Hoping it reads ok regardless!

Part 12 - Traps

Ferrix was agitated.

The warhound scratched at the door. When this failed to make it open, he put his nose down to the small gap near the floor and huffed. After another scrape with his paw he trotted over to Zevran and whined urgently.

“I know. Believe me.” The assassin smeared a coating of poison along the length of his sword, being careful to get none on his skin. It left a rainbow sheen on the metal. “Never fear, they are not after her. Not in that way, at least.”

Ferrix whimpered and sat, looking anxiously to the door then back to Zevran.

“Of course I worry,” he replied. “What, you think just because we met when I tried to kill her that I don’t care?”

The dog growled, but it trailed off towards the end into another plaintive whine.

“I can see why you’d say that. For your information, I care quite a bit.” Zevran stoppered the bottle and stowed it safely away. “And don’t give me that look,” he added sourly. “I know what I’m doing.”

He should have left before dawn. That had been his intention: to leave another note and slip away before the net tightened around him. He didn’t want to acknowledge why he’d remained—she was not the one being hunted, and with Ferrix keeping watch she would have been safe. Staying at all had been unwise, but he’d made a worse mistake by falling asleep in his chair in the early hours of the morning when fatigue had finally caught up with him. He had woken scant seconds before Asleena herself, and berated himself angrily both for dropping his guard and letting his mind be addled by trivialities like affection. He should have learned by now, after Rinna, that such emotion was a dangerous thing…and so easily turned into a weapon. That was one of the very reasons why the Crows were trained to be cold of heart.

Ferrix returned to the door, casting another beseeching look at Zevran when it remained closed.

Zevran narrowed his eyes at it, just as he had the window in The Dancing Halla.


**

“They’re out there,” Taelin confirmed, drawing the filmy curtains closed. “There’s always at least one of your ilk flapping around. I find I have less liking for them since Rinna was killed...none of them thought it was particularly important she’d been murdered by one of her own.”

Zevran closed the door and latched it. “She said she was assigned to your house on occasion.”

“Often enough that we got to know each other well.” Taelin faced him across the dappled moonlight illuminating the floor. “I’ve had few friends, Zevran Arainai. It’s not considered politically or socially correct for a lady of my standing to have friends below her station, and anyone deemed acceptable in Antiva is only ever after something.” She paused, watching him in the dimness. “She loved you. The way she spoke of you, tales of your many successes, admiration of your wit and charm and skills as a lover…she loved you. How could you and that ****son Taliesin kill her?” she spat.

Zevran’s jaw clenched. “We thought she had betrayed us. Taliesin said she had taken a bribe—“

“Spare me. You just believe everything Taliesin says? Why take his word over hers?” Taelin walked towards him slowly, the light casting shifting shapes across her blue dress. “You were afraid of her, Zevran, of her feelings for you.”

“What do you want to hear?” he demanded angrily. “That I am sorry? I am. I wanted to die for what I did to her.”

Taelin raised an elegant brow, still drawing closer like a cat stalking prey. “For an assassin, you did a remarkably poor job of killing yourself. Funny, considering such good work you did on Rinna. A blade across the throat, I’m told. An unpleasant death, that, unable to breathe—”

“Stop.” Useless to claim the actual killing stroke had been Taliesin’s. Zevran was just as guilty for condoning it, for laughing while it had happened. Familiar pain squeezed his chest and he strove to keep his wits about him. He’d known that following this woman would mean facing accusations, making himself vulnerable to what would certainly be a trap.

“Stop?” Taelin echoed. “I think not.” She stepped nearer and glared straight into his eyes. “I still have at least one more dagger to twist in your heart.”

He allowed himself to be backed right up against the door and prepared himself, confident he could prevent any attack she attempted to make. “And the first one is?” he prompted quietly, ready.

She leaned closer, angling to his left to put her lips near his ear as she whispered the poisonous word: “Forgiveness.”

She began kissing him then, and he concentrated one part of his attentions on responding, his eyes and senses alert in case she went for one of his blades, his hands busy searching her for hidden weapons of her own. This was aided somewhat by her assistance in shedding clothing, and the one blade she had on her person, a jewelled poniard strapped to her calf, was easily divested. By then they were drifting towards the bed, and Zevran, still cautious, was careful to steer them both around the pool of moonlight even though she had been the one to close the curtains. His sword and dagger he placed beyond her reach, but close enough that they were to hand. His armour fell to the floor by the bed, and then she was pressing against him, skin sliding against skin, lips whispering in his ear once more.

“Show me why she loved you.”

And Zevran obliged.

Much later, both satiated and lying close together on the bed and the tangled sheets, she murmured, “Rinna’s stories didn’t do you justice.”

Zevran chuckled softly, but did not reply. He contented himself by running a lazy hand through her hair and across her soft shoulder. He was not sure he wished to speak right now, which was a rarity for him. His wariness had faded, not completely of course, but a large portion of his soul hungered for this to be…real…and he did not wish to ruin it by saying something careless. He would never have forgiveness from Rinna, could never forgive himself, but if Taelin, her friend, could absolve him? Perhaps…perhaps then that wound could finally start to heal.

“Is Taliesin still around?” she asked presently.

Zevran almost asked if Taelin intended to repeat this process on him, but caught himself in time. “Alas, no. Taliesin was killed on a mission in Ferelden.”

No need to tell her the full truth of the matter, and she seemed content with the answer he gave. Pleased even. All of a sudden his misgivings began to stir.

She rolled over to face him. “And the woman downstairs? The Warden? I saw how you acted around her, not wanting her to know your sordid past.” Taelin’s blue eyes studied his features, watching for any reaction. “What is she to you?”

“Why do you wish to know?” he riposted.

“Why should you fear to answer?”

When he said nothing, she pulled away and rose from the bed. He sat up in case she went for one of the weapons, but she passed them by and walked naked to the curtains, which she threw back to admit the full light of the moon. Zevran got to his feet then, slowly, keeping close to the bed and wall so that the angle from his position to whoever might lurk on the other side of the street would make him an impossible target.

Perhaps she just wanted to look at the night sky. She had not jumped out of the way.

He wanted to believe that. He really did.

“The truth is, you are a coward, Zevran Arainai,” Taelin said, staring out the window. “Afraid to love, afraid to live, afraid to die. What forgiveness does one such as you deserve?”

“I am guessing then,” he said softly, taking a stranglehold on his fury and disappointment and forcing them away, making himself cold, “that forgiveness is no longer on offer. Why waste time with this, my dear lady, if you despise me so?”

“One last night.” She shrugged. “For me. For you. For both of us, maybe.” Turning her back to the glass, she leaned against the sill and looked at him. “Or perhaps I am just entertained to think I succeeded in convincing you that a monster like yourself can come within a hundred leagues of redemption.” She smiled humourlessly. “Forget the Warden, then. Did you love Rinna?”

Again he could not reply. His tongue stuck in his throat.

Taelin took a shaky breath. Tears glinted in her eyes. “I thought as much. I doubt…you even know what love is.” Her breath was coming faster, propelled by fear and adrenalin, and he finally knew why she hadn’t tried to kill him. “Sacrifice…is said to be the highest form of love, you know? Giving your life to save another. You could redeem yourself, Zevran, by taking my place at this window.”

“Vengeance is not worth your life,” he said, finding his voice at last. “Rinna would not want this. Do not be a fool.”

“What Rinna wanted was you,” Taelin snarled. “And she got betrayal.” She shook her head. “Call it vengeance if you will. I prefer justice.”

“I already sought justice. She…decided against execution.”

“I wonder if ‘she’ will spare you a second time.”

**

Ferrix snuffled at the door and the lock clicked, jerking Zevran back to the present. He got up, blades in hand but lowered. The mabari’s short tail was wagging so he already knew it would be Asleena on the other side. Sure enough, when the door opened she was standing there.

But behind her, throwing him a smile as he lowered a white veil, was Xai Merras. He had already stepped out of view before the door fully closed.

“You did see—“ he began, and stopped when Asleena nodded. Then he noticed the silverite helmet in her hands, one he recognised. “And he brought you bait.”

“He did.”

“I hope I impressed upon you, my dear, the fact that he cannot be trusted?”

“At all?” she asked.

Zevran made an impatient noise. “I’m sure if you were one of his superiors he would tell you anything you wished. One does not earn the rank of a master assassin amongst the Antivan Crows without proving oneself unswervingly loyal to the chain of command.”

She turned the helmet over in her hands, a thoughtful look suddenly in her eyes as though some decision weighed heavily on her mind. Zevran resisted the impulse to press her, but started to worry she might be giving serious consideration to Xai’s manipulations.

What the heart wanted…the mind could twist all logic to make the irrational seem plausible.

“You trust me, right?” she asked finally, and his heart fell to hear those words from her lips.

“With my life.”

“We are going to Markham Keep. I will be taking you as my prisoner.” She smiled then, and there was that special something in her face that always served to reassure him. “I have a plan.”

“Indeed?” Zevran’s lips twitched in amusement. “Well. There is rope under the bed. I had hoped to use it for more recreational purposes…” He sighed theatrically and extended his arms before himself, wrists together. “I suppose this will have to do.”

“Hmph. When I drag you out there, do me a favour and try not to look like you’re enjoying yourself so much.”

[Sialater]

Curiouser and curiouser!

[Jules8445]

Yay! Can't wait to see what Taelin has up her sleeve, beautiful work so far!

[tallon1982]

Hmmm very interesting

[Kulkodar]

This chapter was a wee bit confusing to me. I may have to start back at the beginning again. But, for all that, it is definitely intriguing!

[MarcusDeVarro]

god, zevran would have rope lying around somewhere lol

[Shadow of Light Dragon]

Part 13 - Glory and Justice

Ah, Zevran…what mess have you gotten yourself into today, hm?

The assassin had no trouble feeling worried, an emotion he masked with a sardonic half-smile as the Grey Warden, holding one end of the rope that bound his wrists, led him through the streets. She had taken his sword and off-hand dagger but none of the other weapons she knew he had secreted about his person. The knots securing him were good but nothing he couldn’t escape if he put his mind to it. Asleena even had Duncan’s shield strapped to her left arm, and when he’d asked if that was for his protection or to display the griffon emblem of the Grey Wardens she had smiled her appreciation of the observation and said: “Both.”

Their escort of city guards did not daunt him; if any attacked he had no doubts Asleena would free him and that they, with Ferrix, could tear a bloody swath to the gates if they wanted to. He was starting to hope they would draw steel. A rousing good fight would release some of the tension and make their course quite clear.

There were at least three Crows travelling with them in various guises, two elves and a human who was not Xai. Zevran could not see the master assassin anywhere. This did not bother him much either, as he didn’t believe any of them would act while he was in Asleena’s custody in case her wrath came down on their heads.

No. What worried him was why she hadn’t told him what her plans were.

“Because you might disagree or talk me out of it. You said you trusted me, remember?”

He did trust her, as much as his assassin instincts screamed that he was a fool for doing so. The smart course of action would have been slip out of the city entirely (he could have managed it, he was sure) and wait out the lockdown. She would have emerged eventually, probably unscathed…maybe even with Alistair at her side.

And what would you have done then, Zevran? Approached and begged pardon for having abandoned her? Expressed happiness they had found one another?

He brushed these thoughts aside as unimportant. What was done was done. He was here with her, unlike Alistair. He had not left her.

The shadow of Markham Keep blocked out the sun as they neared the gates. Their escort passed them on to another patrol within the grounds, and the three Crows came with them, now openly displaying who they were and all watching Zevran with cautious eyes. He smirked at them in reply. Asleena had mentioned there being six Crows in total with the Irrenill entourage, and it had been Zevran who’d reduced this number to four on that first bloody morning. If only today could be so simple.

“Warden,” a guard captain who’d approached Asleena said. “We will show you to the jails. This murderer can wait behind bars until the teyrn is ready to speak with him, but you and your…ah…your dog…are to be shown every courtesy.”

Asleena drew herself up and assumed the authoritative voice Zevran had heard so often back in Ferelden. “I would prefer to speak with the teyrn myself, with Zevran present. Until he is formally judged he will remain with me. I hope that does not mean I will have to revisit the dungeon?”

The captain looked uneasy. “I pray that will not be necessary, Warden. I must, however, question your desire to bring so dangerous a man into the presence of our lord. I am sure you can keep him on his leash, but it would be safer and more comfortable for everyone if he was locked up during your audience.”

“I disagree.”

He stared at her helplessly and shook his head with a sigh. “Very well, then. I hope I need not tell you that we will take action if the assassin gets loose.” He motioned to his companions and they formed up around the woman, elf and mabari.

Zevran edged closer to Asleena and murmured, “Please don’t tell me your plan consists of talking the teyrn’s ear off until he drops the charges.”

“That is indeed the first part of the plan.”

“Ah. And if that does not work, then what?”

He had hoped for a smile or a wink. Instead her face became troubled. “You will find out.” And then she was walking ahead and he could only follow.

**

Teyrn Ramvor was a fair-haired man, his blue eyes dark-circled by grief, his clean-shaven face marred by a long battle scar across his left cheekbone. It was hard to judge his age with the weight of emotion scribed so heavily upon his features, but he looked past his thirtieth year. Even wearing black mourning his frame betrayed the muscled bulk of a warrior born, and there was an impressive double-bladed axe resting across his knees when Zevran, Asleena and Ferrix were ushered into his presence. Also on the dais, just behind the teyrn’s throne, stood Xai in black robes. The assassin’s twin blades were in clear evidence, but sheathed.

The hall was large, practically empty of furniture except for the throne, and there were many guards. Four stood at posts on the dais with crossbows primed, others lined the tapestried walls with swords drawn. It reminded Zevran rather uncomfortably of when he, Asleena, Alistair and Leliana had been confronted by Ser Cauthrien’s guards in the Arl of Denerim’s estates. Asleena had surrendered before a fight could break out. One wayward arrow, she’d explained later, and Anora might have been killed...and who would have been accused of her death?

The warriors who had escorted the small group into the hall remained close, but the Crows drifted apart and away to their own selected places.

Asleena bowed to the teyrn. “Your Grace.”

“Warden,” Ramvor responded with a courteous inclination of his head, but his eyes were like ice. “What do you want for him? Your missing companion?”

Zevran could have sworn there was a very slight pause preceding Asleena’s reply. “If you have knowledge of Alistair, your Grace, I would expect it freely given.”

“I could say something similar about the murderer of my bride.”

“But the murderer stands behind you, your Grace.”

“Of that, Warden, you will not convince me. Xai Merras may be a master assassin, but even he cannot be in two places at once. He was with me the night of the murder discussing the politics of wedding into the House of Irrenill.”

“Doesn’t he have the other Crows to do his bidding?” Asleena pointed out.

Xai spoke here. “Taelin Irrenill always had at least one attendant when she went into the city. Alejo and Seve were with her that night. Alas, dead now,” he finished, looking directly at Zevran, who merely returned him stare for stare.

“I know what you’re going to try and convince me of, Warden,” Ramvor said impatiently. “Some story about the Crows using Taelin to set up Zevran, correct? Why would they do such a thing when the Crow delegate came to ensure my marriage to Taelin progressed smoothly?”

“The Crows have been trying to kill Zevran ever since he left their ranks,” Asleena said. “It’s a matter of honour for them.”

“The House of Crows do indeed seek Zevran’s death,” Xai agreed. “He took a contract to kill the Warden who defends him now and failed.”

Ramvor scoffed and rose, the heavy head of his axe swinging down to rest upon the floor. “Wonderful. This Zevran tried to kill you? Why did you spare him?”

“If his crime was against me and mine, doesn’t that give me a right to choose mercy?”

“But you will refuse me the right to choose justice?”

“He is not guilty. And he has proven himself to me since then, many times. I trust him.”

The doors at the rear of the hall opened and Lord Irrenill entered with a pair of his personal guards. Zevran had never laid eyes upon the man before, but he looked an old man as he was escorted past the party and up to the dais.

“Welcome, my friend,” the teyrn said gravely. “Andraste’s grace willing, we will see an end to this sorry matter today and Taelin’s spirit will rest easy.”

“I pray it will be so,” Roja said. He glanced once at Xai, then down to Asleena with bleak eyes. “My sons and wife will be comforted that justice was done.”

Zevran flicked a look at Asleena, wondering if she would understand what had not been vocalised. Apparently she did not.

“Lord Irrenill,” she said, “haven’t you told his grace what you told me?”

“That Zevran Arainai is responsible for my daughter’s death?” Roja’s voice was tired, disappointed. “Yes, I did, Warden.”

Zevran saw it click then. Asleena looked at Xai, who indulged himself with a smile and tiny shrug. The wings of the Crows were widely spread, and to defy them was to dance on the edge of a crumbling precipice. Even the Antivan monarchy was aware of the deadly price of interference, of the risks inherent of thinking themselves and their families immune.

“There you have it,” Teyrn Ramvor said. “You, Warden, are the only one who speaks on this elf’s behalf.”

“Taelin—“ Asleena began.

“Was murdered!” he shouted. Fury contorted his face for a second, whitened the knuckles around the axe half, but he calmed himself with an effort. “I will listen to no more. I’ve heard it all, questioned it myself. Were you not a Grey Warden I would be tempted to have you hanged at his side for allowing this obscenity to take place within my city!” He pointed at Zevran. “That elf is a murderer and worse, Warden. I see you consider him some sort of friend, but that does not put him outside the law.” He hefted his axe up to both hands. “Please do not make me take him by force.”

A ripple passed through the guards, a soft noise of gloved hands tightening around weapons, armoured shoulders shifting, boots moving into readied stances. Ferrix’s ears went back and his hackles lifted, but Zevran forced himself to remain unmoving. One wrong step and some twitchy guard would make a mistake.

Asleena’s shoulders had tensed with the mood of the room, but her eyes did not waver from the teyrn’s. “I was told that you were a reasonable man,” she said. “Under the circumstances…I understand. I lost people dear to me and in those first days wanted nothing more than pain on the man responsible.” Her gaze flickered momentarily to Roja Irrenill then. “When I got my chance, I didn’t take it. I wanted to. I told myself I should. But I couldn’t. I didn’t want to become…something I despised. I didn’t want to be like him.”

“Are you getting to some kind of point, Warden?” Teyrn Ramvor demanded. “I have no interest in causing pain, I just want his head. Isn’t that justice? And for more souls than merely Taelin’s, I might add?”

Asleena set her jaw, then motioned with her left arm to indicate the shield strapped there. “It occurs to me now that the last person I allowed into the ranks of the Grey Wardens considered it a sort of justice as well—“

“What? No!” Ramvor exclaimed as Zevran’s eyes rounded in horror.

“It is my right to recruit or conscript anyone, be it peasant or king, hero or criminal,” Asleena said, her voice carrying to the entire room. “And I see fit to offer recruitment to Xai Merras.”

The stunned silence that fell upon the hall was shattered by a single pair of leather-clad hands applauding. “You are ‘offering’, are you?” Xai remarked, an intrigued smile dancing about his lips. “A fine gambit, Warden.”

“Do you object?”

“So you may conscript me instead?” The assassin chuckled and stepped down from the dais. “There is no need. I am pleased to accept! This is a fine opportunity, after all. The Grey Wardens are figures of legend, privy to secrets and powers even the Crows have no knowledge of. Why would I flinch from something like that?”

Asleena looked more dubious about her decision at that point, Zevran noticed with a wry, inward smile. He could only watch in appalled fascination at what she’d wrought, and that coupled with his relief that he had not been selected robbed him of speech for the moment.

Xai halted a few steps before Asleena, still smiling, and bowed. “Commander. As a Grey Warden I will be dead to the House of Crows, my oaths undone. My fealty is to you and your Order, I so swear.”

“Then your first order,” she said at once, as though she’d been hoping for this, “is to tell those gathered here the truth of Taelin Irrenill’s death.”

“Very well.” Xai half-turned so he could face Teyrn Ramvor and Lord Irrenill. “Taelin was killed by Seve, a Crow now dead, at the lady’s own request.” The faces of both noblemen registered shock at this. “It was brought about as one part hatred of Zevran, and one part melodramatic despair at the thought of being forced into a political marriage. It was the lady’s thought that death would both free her from being wedded to Teyrn Ramvor and generate enough backlash that Zevran, separated from his Warden companion, would be hunted down and slain. Naturally, the idea of killing Zevran Arainai holds appeal to the Crows, so I agreed.”

“How did she even learn Zevran was in Markham?” Lord Irrenill asked in a dead-sounding voice.

“I saw to it that she was informed,” Xai said smoothly. “I freely admit to some manipulation there; knowing her dislike of Zevran I encouraged it to bloom further. I had hoped she would seek him out for some sort of closure, maybe even try to kill him herself and die in the attempt, but the lady was inspired.” He laughed a little. “Not many people are willing to set up their own deaths. A glorious thing.”

“She was…being forced to marry me?” Ramvor said, astounded.

“As forced as any young noblewoman thinks herself in such situations, your Grace. That is something you will have to discuss with Lord Irrenill and the House of Crows.”

“You would have tried to kill her anyway,” Roja accused.

Xai pursed his lips. “Yes, you are correct,” he said with a nod. “It would have been too good an opportunity to pass up. But that is not how it eventuated, is it? Zevran Arainai did not kill Taelin any more than I did. Not directly.”

“Enough,” Asleena commanded.

“Yes, enough,” Ramvor agreed slowly, sinking back into his throne. He raked a hand through his hair. “You Antivans…I can barely comprehend this. I think the banns were right all along.” He looked to Asleena. “I wish I could be more hospitable, Warden, but I hope you will understand when I say I want your new recruit and the other assassin out of Markham this very day. You as well, Roja, and your Crows.” The teyrn shook his head, looking genuinely saddened. “I am sorry, my friend.”

Roja bowed his head, fresh grief lining his face. “As am I. I will do as you ask.”

“We will leave Markham when I find Alistair,” Asleena said. She turned to Xai, whose expression changed from amiable interest at the proceedings to one of gravity. “Well?”

“Ah yes, your…our brother. Follow me, Commander.”

[Kulkodar]

Well now, a fine twist that. I am very much looking forward to your next chapter!

[Jules8445]

Gah! You're killing me with suspense! I can't wait to see the next chapter!

[AdorableAnarchist]

Wow......... This is so fun!

[Taiyama]

Hey, there. I'm just a lurker who decided to post right now just to let you know that I'm reading and I very much enjoy your work. Keep it up!

[Emma-Lath]

Nice twist! I hope that Xai doesn't become a full fledge warden though, that man is disgusting.



But anyways, is Alistair going to reappearing in the next chapter, this is so exciting. I wonder how he is going to react to Asleena. I can't wait to read the nect chapter

[master-fluff]

Just found this thread today and am loving it. You've got Zev's voice just right I think. You have another fan and can't wait for the next installment. Thank you.



PS. and I always thought that waterfall in the Brecilian Forest was too good an opportunity to miss - someone after my own heart

[Sialater]

Xai is a repulsive individual. However, Grey Wardens do what they must.

[Shadow of Light Dragon]

Phew. Thanks all. Glad that went over well. Here's the next bit, and hopefully there will be more to follow fairly quickly.

Part 14 - Debriefing

The lyrium-infused Juggernaut armour glowed softly where it rested on a table in Xai’s guest chambers. Silverite boots, gauntlets, greaves, hauberk, breastplate, it was all there. Asleena set the helmet down with the rest and tried to bite back her disappointment. She was somewhat surprised to discover she wasn’t even angry…not really. She’d known there was a good chance this might happen, that Xai’s bait might have been nothing more substantial than a lure, but she had not been able to resist hoping.

“Alistair sold the entire suit to an armourer in the market,” Xai said. “The dwarf was charging a fortune to re-sell it, so happily it was still there when I came to take it off his hands.”

“And you could afford it?” Asleena asked.

“Commander…” Xai looked pained. “I didn’t have to. I had it stolen.”

“You must have more information regarding Alistair than how you got your hands on his armour. If you were keeping tabs on him then you know something of where he went.”

Xai inclined his head a fraction. “He bought some less conspicuous mail and took a Chanter’s Board job escorting a group of elves from the alienage down to a Dalish aravel in the Wildervale little over a week ago. He did not return to Markham that I am aware of. I had the Crows search for him again when you turned up and your cause became clear, but we found nothing more of him.”

“How did he seem?” Asleena asked. “Health-wise, I mean?”

“He did not appear to be injured in any way. Perhaps you could be more specific, Commander?”

“Specifically then…his emotional condition.”

“Poor. Alistair spent his first week in Markham drinking quite heavily. I believe he sold this armour when he ran out of coin, and took the Chanter’s Board job after that.”

Maker have mercy…

“…I see.”

“May I make a professional observation, Commander?” Xai asked when the silence stretched out. She gave him a nod and he said, “Alistair had the manner of a man who does not wish to be found and, although I hesitate to draw conclusions from drunken ramblings, I am fairly confident you know why this is.”

Asleena fixed her new recruit with a level gaze, but Xai’s manner towards her remained, as it had since he’d accepted a place in the Grey Wardens, perfectly deferential. “Is there a reason for this observation?”

“You asked after his emotional condition. With your…history…I would have thought you’d have a better sense of Alistair’s state than I. That is all, Commander.”

Perhaps I hoped that some time away from Ferelden might have helped. I should have known better…his hate of Loghain certainly didn’t fade in the months after Ostagar. How many times worse was the Landsmeet for him?

Oh Maker, what must he think of me?

She took a deep breath and attempted to refocus the rising wave of guilt and pain into something more productive. Alistair might not want to be found, but so what? She had wanted to be left alone after the murder of her family, and if she’d gotten her way she’d be long dead. If Alistair was drowning his sorrows in ale then solitude wasn’t going to do him any favours either.

“I will continue after him,” she said decisively. “From what you’ve told me, Xai, if Alistair didn’t come back to Markham then the three most likely options are that he ran into trouble, kept going with the Dalish, or struck out towards Starkhaven.”

Xai nodded his agreement. “The Green Dales are roughly in the same direction as Starkhaven, Commander. The Dalish are not always fond of humans, but if Alistair was helping the city elves they may have accommodated him, if only a part of the way.”

Asleena looked over at Zevran. The elf had not spoken a word for the whole time they’d been within the keep, and even now only raised a questioning brow at her glance. She abruptly wondered what he thought of how she’d handled things by recruiting Xai. Alistair certainly wouldn’t have approved. Joining the Wardens, to him, was supposed to be an honour, not justice or sanctuary or punishment.

“We will try to track down the aravel,” she said finally, “but we still need provisions.”

“That I can organise,” Xai said. “The Antivan entourage came well supplied for a return journey, and on horseback. Thanks to Zevran there are currently two serviceable horses lacking riders.”

“I have never ridden before, let alone seen a real horse, but if it will speed our passage then I can learn,” Asleena said. “Zevran, do you know how to ride?”

He smirked suddenly and broke his long silence. “I am quite proficient, yes. It would please me very much to teach you, my dear lady.”

“…I meant ride a horse.”

“Mm.” Zevran’s amused smile did not so much as flicker. “That could be fun also.”

“I’ll take that as a ‘yes’. All right. This is what will happen.” Asleena looked at Xai. “You will be going to Denerim and taking Alistair’s armour with you. I will write a letter for you to give to Queen Anora and another for the Orlesian Wardens if any still remain in the city, so if nothing else you’ll have a place to sleep and keep out of trouble. Your Joining, the ritual that will formally declare you a Grey Warden, will take place upon my return. I should be present for it.”

If Xai had any objections to being sent away instead of brought along he showed no sign. “And when shall I expect your return, Commander?” he asked.

“Well, you have an idea of how far I’m travelling,” she said. “It may be weeks or months. There is no rush since the Blight is over, but if you are asked by the Wardens to serve in any capacity, like clearing out roaming darkspawn, then I’ll expect you to obey them.” Remembering her trek in the Korcari Wilds with Daveth, Jory and Alistair, she added, “Consider it a preliminary test of how well suited you are at dealing with blighted creatures.”

“Then so it shall be. I will not disappoint.” Xai pulled off the black Irrenill robe he wore over his leathers and wrapped the Juggernaut armour into its voluminous folds. “This Joining, Commander…is there anything I must do to prepare myself for it?”

“All the preparations will be done by the senior Wardens. You need only be present.”

He nodded and picked up the black bundle. “I will have the horses saddled and meet you in the courtyard. With your leave.”

“He seems keen,” Asleena murmured when Xai had left. She looked at Zevran. “I admit I didn’t expect him to be so eager to join.”

“Do you think he will survive it?” Zevran asked.

“I don’t know.”

“Do you hope he survives it?”

She shook her head and shrugged. “It would be easier on my conscience if he did not, I suppose. The thought of being responsible for him is about as appealing as Loghain was.” She turned one of the wooden chairs around and straddled it, folding her arms across the back and resting her chin on them. Ferrix immediately went to sit at her side and planted his chin on her knee. “On the other hand, he was pretty helpful just now and if he’s a master assassin then he should have no trouble against darkspawn, right?” She paused. ”Aren’t you going to tell me I’ll regret it?”

Zevran leaned on the back of another chair but remained standing. “And what purpose would that serve, my dear? You did what you thought you had to, and it worked. You spared him, saved me and avoided conflict. That was your goal, no?”

“I don’t regret what I achieved, I’m just worried about what this’ll cost me further down the road.” She rubbed Ferrix’s ears absently. “Was I right? Would you have tried to talk me out of it if I’d told you sooner?”

He considered her question a moment, then said, “I would have cautioned you, but left the decision in your hands.” There was a strangely serious edge to Zevran’s words that caught her attention, like he was trying to impress something upon her.

“I appreciate that,” she said finally. “Thank you. After the last Joining, well…I was worried you wouldn’t approve. You don’t seem particularly fond of Xai Merras.”

“No one who knows anything about the master assassins is ‘fond’ of them, Asleena,” Zevran replied with a dry chuckle. “And Xai’s breed, well…even by Crow standards they are ruthless, utterly without remorse…they regret nothing and revel in everything.” His smile became self-mocking. “What all assassins should aspire to be…a perfect balance between a cold heart and passion for the kill.” When her look became concerned, he abruptly changed the subject. “Are you certain, my dear, that you still wish to pursue Alistair? It is starting to sound rather like you will not like what you find.”

“I’m sure,” she said, nodding. She smiled then, a little sadly. “If I don’t, I’ll always wonder…and always regret. I have to try. I owe him and myself that much.”

Zevran regarded her for a silent moment before replying. “Then we will find him. Have no fear.”

Modifié par Shadow of Light Dragon, 10 février 2010 - 02:00 .

[Kulkodar]

oooh, the plot is lovely. I can hardly wait for the next installment. Aren't we all just greedy? It is never enough or fast enough All these delicious stories should be published in a book!