Hey everyone!

First of all I want to apologize for the long delay on the release of this chapter. However a case of viruses wiping files, re-writes, work, the overall fact that it is summer, and that I am also working on a new story which all contributed to the delay of this.

Hope that y'all like this chapter! Once again a huge thank you to my awesome beta reader Apollo Wings!

And if your interested please check out my new story 'Project Magia and Lazarus' which is a cross over between dragon age 2 and mass effect.

As always please leave a review and let me know what y'all think!

Alim felt something he'd never expected as he walked through the halls of the Kinloch Hold. Serenity. The one time gilded cage of the mages of Ferelden had been turned into what Alim had always thought the Circle should be. It was now a place of learning for those who possessed the gift of magic. Children newly brought to the Circle no longer feared the treatment they would receive and those who been their longer breathed a breath of relief at no longer having a constant threat of doom hanging over their heads. And it was all thanks to King Alistair's proclamation after the end of the Fifth Blight. All it took to keep this was showing the people of Ferelden that mages could be trusted with their powers in exchange for some more freedoms.

After the celebrations within Denerim had died down enough for him to leave, he and Leliana along with the surviving mages and Templar's and a good number of King's guards, had made the trek back to the Circle. At first they were greeted as Heroes as they crossed Lake Calenhad, but once the Kings proclamation was read things changed immediately. When they arrived Alim had called upon First Enchanter Irving and Knight-Commander Greagoir to assemble all of the mages and Templars into the field outside of the Tower. Once everyone was gathered Alim stood upon a hastily built platform and, flanked by Irving and Greagoir, read the proclamation.

As the last words of the proclamation, signed by not only the King and Queen of Ferelden but the Grand Cleric as well, left his lips utter silence descended upon the assembled mass. The Templar's were the first to break out from the news. The ranks of armored men who'd not already known of the decree started shouting in protest. Just as things were starting to take a turn for the worst Alim found and ally. Knight-Commander Greagoir himself stepped forward and told his Templar's that these were orders from their monarchs and the Chantry. And as they are the arm of the Chantry, they would follow their new duties to the letter, despite any personal grievances.

Only one Templar seemed to truly think himself above the new orders of the Chantry. Ser Cullen openly voiced his resentment of the new orders before the assembled mass and told everyone quiet blatantly that he would never stop his sworn duty to the Maker. A small part of Alim understood why Cullen was so reluctant to leave the Circle alone. Maker only knows what happened to him when Uldred took over. The domination of blood magic, he'd felt the sharp dagger of control as they'd fought through abominations and desperate mages. This boon he'd requested of the new Monarchs was to change this though, it was to ensure none would seek such destructive means to their cause.

But what he tried to do just before he was transferred…it still made is blood boil! Not to mention that he'd nearly caused things to go back to the old ways when that Maker forsaken Templar stepped out of line!

Flashback

It had been two weeks since he and Leliana returned to the Circle with the news of the new freedoms allowed them. The Templar's were supposed to have completely removed themselves from the Tower within the first week, but many had found ways of dragging out their leaving and finding new excuses to stay. Alim had just gotten out of a meeting with the First Enchanter and the Knight Commander about the Templar's delayed departure so his mood was definitely sour. The old knight assured them that they were moving as quickly as possible, but said that the Order couldn't be blamed for trying to keep a modicum of their charge they'd thought a vow to service a lifetime.

Hoping to calm himself down he went to the one person who was his strength. Unfortunately for him however she wasn't in their room. Knowing exactly where she would be however he made for the small Chapel that still held services for the Mages.

"-don't understand! You're a Lay Sister of the Chantry!"

"It doesn't matter if you understand or not Ser Templar. My choice is mine alone."

Stopping outside the doors to the Chapel Alim's brow drew close as he heard the voices coming from within. One was definitely Leliana, and the other belonged to none other than the recent thorn in his side, Ser Cullen. Unable to help himself he opened up the door just widely enough for him to peer inside. Leliana was standing in the center of the Chapel with her arms across her chest obviously annoyed at who she was talking to. Cullen was standing before her in full Templar armor, his arms waving about widely as he talked. "But-but even still! They are mages! How can you as a Lay Sister condone them being outside the watch of the Chantry!"

"The mages have earned their freedom Ser Templar," Leliana said clearly growing tired of the conversation. "If nothing else, their actions during the Blight have earned them the benefit of the doubt. Plus…the Chantry has much to make up for when it comes to the mages."

"What are you talking about? The Templar's have only done what we must! What is our Maker given duty to do!"

"The Templar's have done things to the Mages outside of the Chantry Ser Templar."

"Is that what 'he' told you?"

"Ah…and now we come to the heart of it." Shaking her head ruefully Leliana turned and walked away from the man.

"What do you mean, 'the heart of it'? Don't speak in riddles Sister Leliana." Cullen demanded walking after her.

Turning about abruptly she pushed him back with her hand. "This is not about the Mage's being freed right now, is it Ser Templar. It is about the fact that I am with Alim. And not a pious man such as yourself."

Cullen stepped back from her. "Wha-no-no that isn't what this is about! But…but how can you…he's a mage…they aren't like us! They don't deserve the same thi-"

"They are the same as us!" Leliana said advancing on the Templar. "They are the Maker's children the same as us! It is beliefs like yours that are the true affront to the Chantry! And as for Alim…I would take his touch over yours any day."

Saying her piece Leliana turned away from him. And that was when Cullen made his move. Raising his armored hand he charged at her. Moving without thinking Alim charged into the chapel, his hands clutching his staff on his back, spinning from its holster. The blunted dragon end of the staff slammed into Cullen's arm before he could cover two steps. Cullen stood wide eyed, his steel on his arm dented from the force of the blow. No doubt the bone beneath was either fractured or at worst broken.

"Alim!" Leliana shouted turning back to him. But he was focused solely on the Templar. The stench of drink was rolling off the man.

"Walk away now Cullen," he said much calmer than he felt.

The Templar looked from his arm to him. "So…the little knife-ear magi grew some balls…guess I'll just have to end you before you get too full of yourself!" Stepping back from him the Templar drew his sword clumsily and readied his shield.

Holding his staff across his body he readied himself. "Alim, what are you-"

"I'm fine Leliana," he said never taking his eyes off of Cullen. "Just…trust me."

Cullen swung unevenly at him. Pushing the sword to the side Alim side stepped the strike and struck him on the chest below his sword arm. Every strike Cullen threw at him he was able to deflect aside and countered with the blunted end of his staff into the Templar's gut. Before he left the Tower he would've never dreamed of fighting a Templar. But now he'd been training with Aedan and Alistair for nearly half a year. His skills were by far more experienced than the Templar.

"Come on! Use your magic you foul knife-ear!"

Alim didn't take the bait however. The moment he tried to use any form of magic, Cullen would smite him, and then it would be all over. Instead he fought staff to sword against the Templar. Compared to fighting against Aedan…Cullen was no problem. Soon enough Cullen made the mistake he was waiting for. The Templar lunged over-reaching Alim. Spinning around the whipped the staff around and crashed the blunted end into the side of Cullen's head sending the drunken Templar straight to the ground.

End Flashback

It'd had taken him and Irving nearly a week to fight off the backlash from his fight with Cullen. The Templar's were ready to charge back in and Annul the Circle once they caught wind of what happened. It was only thanks to Leliana telling everyone what happened that the crisis was adverted. Almost as soon as the situation was calmed, Cullen tried once again to pick a fight with a mage and was transferred away by the Knight Commander the next day.

Fighting off the wave of bile that rose at the mere thought of the man, Alim stopped near an open class room and peered inside. At least ten apprentices no more than ten or twelve years of age were sitting at desks neatly arranged, listening to Petra as she led a lecture about Restorative magic. Leaning against the door frame Alim couldn't help but marvel at the woman. After they'd been brought back from the top of Fort Drakon she'd been little more than a husk of a woman mindlessly moving about and healing. But once they returned to the Circle she threw herself fully into her study and teaching of the Restorative School of Magic. Unable to help the chuckle the he let out as Petra dropped a particular heavy book atop of dozing student's desk he turned and left the class.

The older mages who'd never known freedom like they now had were starting to take full advantages of it. Letters to families were leaving the Circle in bundles and the sheer numbers of papers of Requested Leave from the tower were nearly threatening to drown poor Irving alive! And it was with this new freedom that Alim found himself in a position he never thought he'd be in.

As their new found freedom slowly sunk in, the Libertarians seemed to think it an ideal time for them to truly push for what they wanted. The Priestess of the Chantry were almost forcefully removed from the Circle before the Templars had even exited the doors and it was only by Alim and Irving pushing back against them that they were able to settle the matter without incident. Just because the mages had more freedom now did not mean that they were completely free of the Chantry…and any step out of place could give the Grand Cleric reason to revoke their new freedoms.

For the first few weeks Alim found himself walking a very fine line. He was helping the mages discover their new found freedom, while at the same time having to forcibly remind the mages that they were still bound by the Circle and the Chantry. And it was during this time that he was thankful, and not for the first time, that Leliana stuck by his side after the battle.

Seeing the state the Circle was in and the growing momentum there was towards annexing the Chantry from the tower, Leliana slipped back into her role as a Lay Sister of the Chantry. She took up the mantle of giving the sermons to the masses. Only her message was quiet different than what the mages were used to. She didn't preach that magic was a curse, or that it was evil. Instead she spoke of how their magic was a gift from the Maker to his children. And how it was the mages responsibility to use their gift for the greater good and then to pass their knowledge onto the next generation. While her views may not have been entirely in line with the Chantry, she'd told him that this was what she believed. And after more than a few sermons the tensions in the Circle between the mages and the remaining Chantry Priestess eased.

"Excuse me Ser; I have a message for you."

An apprentice no more than a young girl stood by his side. Her eyes were wide as she stared up at him a rolled parchment held in her hands. "Thank you," he said politely talking the rolled paper from her.

The young girl blushed and awkwardly shifted her feet back and forth. "Umm…If it's not too much Ali-Warden Mage can I…can I ask you a question?"

Putting off opening the letter he gave the girl of soft smile. "Of course you can. What's your name?"

"Elie," the girl's blush spread. "People say that during the Battle of Denerim you fought against a…darkspawn mage one on one…and won. Is-is that true?"

Placing a hand over his chest next to his heart he fought against the memory threatening to surface. Every time someone asked him about the battle the only thing he could think of was Commander's sword piercing him through the chest. "Yes. I fought against several darkspawn mages. The one in Denerim however…he was by far the strongest."

"But not nearly as strong as you! You're stronger than anyone! Many say you could've won the battle on your own! You're a hero!"

The way that the girl was looking up at him, admiration so clear on her face, made him a little uneasy. He still wasn't use to all this 'hero' business. And it was worse in the Circle. Many of the mages here nearly worshiped him as their savoir. It was unnerving to say the best. "I'm only as good as I am because I have my friends around me," he said tucking the note into his robes and kneeling down to eye level with the girl. "I'm not the only person who fought in that battle. Everyone who fought, Petra, Wynne, the other Wardens, the dwarves, the elves, and the Bannorn; they are all heroes. And it was only because we all worked together that we were able to end the Blight."

"But…but you're so powerful. You don't need other's help." Elie said quietly shuffling her feet.

"I'm only as powerful as those I have around me," placing a hand on her shoulder he urged her to look at him. "Put do you want to know how I got strong in the first place?"

"Yes!" Elie practically shouted bouncing on her toes.

"I went to all my lessons and paid attention to my teacher. And I never skipped out of class either."

Elie backed away from him with wide eyes. "I gotta go Warden! I'm gonna become strong just like you!" And with that the girl turned tail and ran back down the corridor before disappearing back into one of the many classrooms.

Chuckling to himself he pulled the note out of his robes. The wax seal keeping the letter closed was imprinted with a griffon. 'What does Aedan need? He should know that I'm on leave for now.'

Breaking open the seal he unrolled the parchment and began reading. The letter soon fell from stiff fingers as the mage reached the end of the message. The next instant the halls of the Circle were echoing with his heavy footsteps as he ran down the halls back towards his room.

"May the Maker's blessing's be on you now and always. Amen."

A small chorus of 'amen' repeated back at Leliana as she opened her eyes as her prayer ended. The small number of mages who attended her service was mildly disheartening, but considering the number she started with the scant dozen or so who came made her feel as if she'd truly made progress. Of course the ones who most frequently attended her services were still considered young to the Circle, after weeks of trying she'd pretty much given up on trying to get some of the older mages to her service. They'd suffered too much and too long at the hands of the ones who should be helping them to let a few words sway them. Yes the Chantry definitely had a ways to go to make up for its treatment of the mages.

"Fine sermon once again Sister Leliana." Sister Rose, a young Lay Sister of the Chantry who'd only been assigned to the Circle after the incident with Uldred, was smiling as she watched the mages leave the small chapel. "It's amazing that you've gotten so many mages to come in such a short time. Sister Jean and I have been trying for years to get the mages to come, but it hardly ever worked! At one time Sister Jean was even considering going to the Knight-Commander and requiring the mages to attend regular service."

Leliana had to force a smile for the young Sister. 'That is because for years Sister Jean has preached that magic was a curse from the Maker, not a gift.' She thought as Rose began tidying up the chapel. 'Not many will come and listen to the words of the Maker when all you say to the people you are preaching to is that they are cursed with evil since they were born. And the only cure is Tranquility or death.'

"I just wonder why Sister Jean has suddenly put in a request for transfer," Rose said interrupting Leliana's thoughts. "I mean…attendance is starting to rise. The mage's are starting to listen to the word of the Maker again! Why won't she even attend services?"

Leliana didn't answer the question, but she knew why. The elder Lay Sister had survived the ordeal with Uldred, barely, by hiding away and having to listen to the horrors going on around her. And from what she learned from Alim, the woman was almost overly zealous before the incident, preaching that the mages were cursed and that magic was evil. And after the incident…the elder sister's attitude toward the mages only worsened. And after she'd arrived with Alim, a Lay Sister whose lover was a mage, and announced that the mages were allowed to practice free from the Chantry, the elder sister reached the end of her rope. And while Sister Jean never said anything, Leliana could read in the older woman's body language that she hated her and Alim both.

"Just remember what has brought the mages back to the Chantry Sister Rose," Leliana said gathering her few belongings preparing to leave for her room. "Soon you will be the one to lead the Chantry here in the Circle."

At this the younger woman's face drew up in fear. "Are you…are you sure that you can't stay with us Sister?"

Giving the Sister a light smile she nodded. "Yes. While this time has been pleasant, my place is by Alim's side."

"The Lay Sister and the Mage…sounds like one of those tales that get told after hours." A light blush had turned Rose's cheek's red.

"Oh…if you only knew. There are certain…advantages…to being with a mage." She said smiling coyly as she passed the Lay Sister whose face was now a deep shade of red.

Out in the hallway she was greeted with a sight that warmed her heart. Children were running up and down the halls playing with each other and laughing. Seeing how the Circle was now, it was almost impossible to believe Alim's stories of how it used to be. But even before she met Alim, even before she found refuge within the walls of the Chantry, she knew how bad the Circle truly was. Sketch had told her more than a few horror stories of his time within the Chantry before he managed to escape. She wondered what her old mage mischief maker would think of the Circle in Ferelden now that these changes had been made. He'd still liken it to a prison and be on the run all his life if I know him. She thought to herself.

Carefully avoiding the playing children she made her way down the hall and to Alim's and hers room. The inside of their room however was in stark comparison to the joyfulness out in the halls. Clothes were scattered about, a mix of her own and Alim's, a large duffle bag was laying open on the center of large bed with clothes and other stuff unfolded into it. Potions and tomes were scattered as well amongst the pile of clothes. In the center of the madness stood her brown haired elf mage completely oblivious to her entrance. His back was turned to her as he hurried through drawer after drawer pulling out some cloths, abandoning others, and then flipping through books before either throwing them onto the growing pile on the bed or dropping them to the floor.

"Well…not exactly how I expected you to say 'it's time for us to go', but I must say that this manner certainly gets the point across."

Alim nearly jumped a foot in the air at the sound of her voice. Placing a hand over her mouth she tried, and failed miserably, to contain her amusement. Her amusement died in her throat however as Alim turned around. His sapphire eyes were haunted. "What's wrong?"

"I-I got a letter from Aedan," he said looking anywhere but her.

"Ok," she said becoming more and more worried. "You received a letter. What's wrong then?"

Letting out a sigh he finally looked to her. "Darkspawn attacked Vigil's Keep." All of the blood in her body froze. "All of the Wardens present at the time were taken by the darkspawn back into the Deep roads. Kallian and Lyna included."

She suddenly felt as if Sten-no-as if an ogre had balled up its fist and slammed it into her stomach. Any amusement or joy she had in her was immediately destroyed with those few words. "Aedan's managed to recruit a few more Wardens," Alim continued looking at his Grey Warden robes lying on the bed. "He's recalling myself and Natia back to Vigil's Keep while he hunts them down."

Still in shock over what he'd just told her Leliana could do little more than nod. 'Kallian, Lyna…captured by the darkspawn. Maker protect them…please.' "When do we leave then?"

Alim's back straightened. "I-I am going alone Leliana…I-I don't want you to come with me."

What? No…she must've heard him wrong. "What are you saying?"

His hand started running through his hair. "Well…you're doing a lot of good here. I was thinking that, maybe it would be best if you stayed here."

He was lying. He'd gotten much better at hiding his body language from when they first met, but he was still no match for a master of The Game. "You're lying," she said marching on him. "Why don't you want me to go?" She poked him in the shoulder for emphasis as she reached him. "Do you think I'm some frail porcelain figure to protect?" Another poke and he backed away from her. "Do you not trust me to watch your back?" Another poke and another step back. "Do you think I would abandon my friends to the darkspawn? Answer me Alim Surana! Why don't you want me to go with you!?"

"Because I'm scared!" He shouted pulling her up short.

Alim's eyes had hardened for a second and for the first time since she'd met him she was actually momentarily afraid of him. But just as quickly as his eyes hardened they softened again and she felt a great shame swell within her for her fear of him. "Do you think I don't want you to go?" His voice was barely above a whisper. "I-I want to be by your side forever. But…this is the darkspawn. They are not your responsibility. They're mine. And…if something were to happen to you," his hand rested over his heart. "I don't know what I'd do."

Placing her hand over his she knew what he was feeling. The nearly hand long scar next to his heart and a matching one on his back. The scar that'd almost ended him. "Je t'aime," leaving his hand her own traveled lazy up his chest and wrapped around his neck pulling his head over for a quick kiss. "I did not leave you the night before the final battle Alim," she whispered a hair's width from his lips. "And I'm not about to leave your side now. No matter what hardships you face, I want to be by your side and face them with you."

His eyes shone with unshed tears and she knew that her own were moist as well. "What did I ever do to deserve you Leliana?"

"Whatever we did my love, the Maker rewarded us both with each other."

"I'd like to think it was my dashing charm that won you over, not just being a reward for prayer." He said grinning at her before taking her in his arms and kissing her gently.

Leliana was losing herself in the feel of him. The sweet taste of his lips, the feel of his hands running up and down her back, her own fingers weaving into his hair. Pulling back from him quickly she struggled to catch her breath. Some bard she was! Getting lost in a kiss! Maker! It was unthinkable! "I-I think we should pack," she said quickly leaving his embrace. "I want to cover as much ground as possible before nightfall."

Alim was just standing off to the side, a slight grin on his lips. "Leliana…did you-"

"Not one word Alim!" She said although with no heart in it. "I have my reputation to protect."

Laughing to himself he turned and continued pulling out traveling cloths from the dresser. "As you wish mon amour." Maker…she was going to regret teaching him Orlesian…she just knew it.

Within the throne room of Orzammar High King Duran Aeducan was having a difficult time trying to keep his attention on the matter at hand. "-as you can see my King we've provided more than adequate evidence that the land promised to us by your late brother does indeed still stan-"

"That bastard is not King! The High King has no reason to follow through with promises his brother made in his mad quest for the throne!"

"And if you interrupt me once again I shall give you a taste of my families mace!"
"I'd like to see you try you nug sod! You couldn't fight your way into a whore's spread legs!"

Rubbing his forehead the young King tried in vain to fight back pain steadily growing in his head. Ancestor's flaming…he always knew that the nobility were a pain to deal with. But he just didn't have any idea that they were this bad! Lord Jumar had received promise of unclaimed land that he'd been fighting over with Lord Guregor in return for his support of his brother's ascension to the throne. The problem now was that even though his brother was dead, the decree was made in the name of House Aeducan, not Bhelen. A small part of him was actually starting to long for simplicity of the deep roads again. Down there things were simple. You fought and you killed. You knew who your allies were and who your enemies were. Now back in court…things were not so simple.

"Why you son of a w-I'll end you now!"

"Enough!" Duran's voice echoed off the stone ceiling as the High King threw himself from his throne and advanced on the two nobles. "For three days I've listened to you two whine like wounded nugs! I've had enough!"

The heavy sounds of his boots hitting stones echoed as he advanced on the two. "Your right, my brother did promise you the land for your support. By as such, my brother is not High King! But then, it is also true that he signed the treaty using the name of House Aeducan. And that gives validity to your claim."

"B-but my King surely you cannot be-"

"But…my brother made this decree without the consent of our House." He said cutting off Lord Guregor with a glare. "Therefore, seeing as how you've both wasted my time with this, I will in turn take the land for the Crown."

Both of the Noble's jaws dropped open. "My Lord! You can't do that!" Jumar yelled advancing a step.

Ringing of steel echoed the hall as a dozen swords left their sheaths. Within a heart beat the two nobles were surrounded by a ring of steel of the King's Guards. "I am the High King Jumar. And you will not tell me what I can, and cannot do." Returning to his throne he flopped down. "This land was unclaimed when I rose to the Throne. And seeing as how it is still unclaimed, I in turn give it to the newly formed House Brosca."

"What!" Both Lords cried out at once. "You can't do that!" Jumar continued. "To give such a land to an illicit Hou-"

"Lord Jumar! My patience with you has been remarkable so far! But should you insult the House of my wife and the House of one of the Five Heroes of Ferelden than the next acquaintance you shall make will be a darkspawn blade!" Leaning back in his throne Duran rubbed his eyes tiredly. "You are both excused."

Showing the first semblance of brains in days the two Lords hastily bowed to him before quickly making their exit. 'Ancestor's flaming balls. Father…was it always like this?'

"My King, a messenger has arrived."

Looking between his fingers he watched as the messenger entered the hall before quickly prostrating himself before the Throne. "My King," the kneeling man began, "I bring word of the expedition."

For the first time in days Duran felt his anger leave him. Three weeks ago he sent out Natia along with her elf lover and perhaps three dozen of his best soldiers and volunteer's from the surface to try and reclaim the Deep roads between Orzammar and the recently re-discovered Ortan Thaig. "What news do you bring?"

The man bent even lower to the stone floor. "My King, the Warden Natia, her companion Zevran, and several of the members of the expedition have reached the gates of Orzammar."

Letting out the breath he didn't know he was holding he thanked the Ancestor's for guarding Natia. Rica would make the Blight seem like a walk on the stones path if her sister was harmed or killed through his orders. "And what news of the expedition?" He asked leaning forward. "Were they successful?"

"Yes my King. A path between Orzammar and Ortan Thaig has been cleared of the darkspawn and the expedition was able to set a stronghold within the Thaig."

By the Ancestor's! He would've been happy with the expedition just returning! But to actually set a strong hold within the Thaig itself! She was a gift from the Ancestor's themselves! "Tell the cooks to prepare a feast!" He said standing from his throne and heading towards his private chambers. "Our Hero has returned to us with joyous news! And it is time for us to celebrate!"

Stepping out of the deep roads and into the city of Orzammar Natia had to fight the urge to kiss the stones she was standing one. Never in a hundred years did she actually think she'd be glad to see this sorry arse pile of nug droppings. Out of the few dozen that went in with her and Zev to the deep roads only a handful was still with them. Most had stayed behind in Ortan Thaig to set up defenses, but an even number to those who stayed behind had also fallen. She'd never been given command of anything before so she wasn't prepared for just what if felt like to lose those who were under your command. The first death was…painful. "And here we are, safe and sound. Shall we have a celebration of our own mi bella?"

Zev was standing by her side as always. And like always he was grinning almost from ear to ear. "Not right now Zev," she said turning back to look at the towered underground city.

"Have you become immune to my charm mi bella? What gods curse me to make such a beautiful woman immune to my charms?" His voice was laced with mock hurt making her smile.

"Ain't ya charms pushing me away Zev," she said her smaller fist whipping back into Zev's gut as he stepped closer to her from behind. "Simply put…it's the smell. Ya could rival a month ol' nug pen!"

The elf assassin lifted up his arm. Taking a small smell of himself he quickly lowered it. "Ah…I see what you mean. But perhaps we could do both? Shall we bath each other my little temptress?"

This time he managed to step back just out of reach her as her fist passed him by. "Ahhh my little Warden so…violent. Do not waste such energy now, when it could be turned it something so much sweeter soon."

"Excuse me, Warden Natia. I hope that I'm interrupting."

Daggers spun up into either palm as Natia spun around with weapons raised. Behind her was a messenger boy who barely looked old enough to have hair on his face. He also looked like he was ready to piss himself as one of her daggers rested under his chin. Taking her weapons away from the boy's neck she sheathed them both. Bleedin Ancestors! The deep roads made her more than just a little jumpy. "What do ya want kiddy? I ain't in a mood for puttin my name on ya armor."

The boy was visibly shaking still. "Um…the…High King he-um- he-"

"Breath boy," she said shaking her head. "What does my Royal-pain in the ass-brother in law want?"

The boy paled at her language. "Umm-th-High King Aeducan re-request your presence immediately upon your return my-my-umm-"

"Easy boy," she said sauntering up to the shaking lad. "You delivered your message, now here's your reward." Leaning in close she placed a kiss on the boy's cheek making said boy turn completely red. "Now, go back to your mommy." A quick pinch on the boy arse latter and the young man was fleeing as quickly as possible back towards the Diamond Quarter.

Behind her Zev was chuckling. "Oh my dear little Warden. You are absolutely devious you know that?"

"Hm, sometimes those of the Servant Caste is treated worse d'an the Casteless. All I did was give'm some image to 'polish his sword later'." Zev's chuckle turned into full out laughing at that point. "Now come on," she said giving her elf a quick kick to the shin. "Let's go see what his Royal-pain in da arse wants. Then maybe, maybe, we can see 'bout da bath."

"Sister! You're back!"

Zev and her had barely managed to step foot into the Royal Palace before Natia was barreled into by a pile of silk. Her sisters red hair was tickling her noise as she buried her head into her armored shoulder. Just as quickly as she'd come however Rica took two large steps back from her holding her nose. "By the Ancestor's Natia! What is that smell?"

Lifting her arm up to her nose she smelled herself. "Eh, not sure. Could be bits o' darkspawn, or could be from da nest of deepstalkers we crawled through two days ago."

Stepping one more step back from her Rica waved her hand back and forth quickly in front of her face. "Well…could you two please take a bath first?"

Opening her arms she stalked towards her now backing up sister. "Oh come now sis! Don't ya wanna hug your big sis?"

"Aaahh! Stay away sister! Please! You stink!"

"Hahahaha! Where ya running sis! I jus' wanna hug!"

The two sisters were so oblivious to everything around them that neither noticed Duran's approach until he had caught each woman in one of his fist forcing them apart. "Now Rica…is that anyway to greet your sister after she's come back from the deep roads? And Natia…she's right. You stink."

Smirking at her sister's husband and King she made a crude gesture with her hand. "Sit down an' rotate your Royal-pain-in-da-arse!"

Letting the two women go Rica immediately hid behind her husband. "I swear Natia. Didn't you learn manners?"

"Nah. Must'a mist that one in da streets." She said shrugging while digging a finger into her ear.

Looking past her Duran settled in on Zev. "I take it that my sister in law was not too much trouble for you Zev."

Said elf made a flowery show of bowing to the King. "Of course not your Majesty. And may I say that it is again an honor to be in this spectacular hall of yours again. May your Rule before-"Natia's fist into his forehead cut off the elf knocking him on his rump.

"Stop bein a kiss arse Zev!"

Rubbing his now reddening forehead the elf smirked up at her. "Why mi bella. You must wait until we are alone if you want me on my back so fiercely. And while I'm not afraid of the causal public adventure at times, I fear there are innocent eyes a about."

Duran was trying badly to hold back the smirk through his thick beard and Rica had gone entirely red. Natia merely sighed in annoyance. "Well…my sis has a point. Were be da bath's your Royal-pain-in-da-arse?"

Still chuckling Duran clapped his hands twice. Two of the Servant Caste, one woman and one man, came running into the hall and kneeled before the King. "Your baths have been prepared for you. These two will take care of whatever needs you may have." Duran said waving towards the two servants.

"Well my little Warden, shall we have even more fun in the ba-"Another fist to the gut.

"Maybe later Zev. First…bath."

An hour later Natia felt better than she ever did. The servants, despite Zev's constant barrage of antics, managed to get her clean within an inch of her life. She swore that the water was black by the time she and Zev emerged! Now she was wearing her freshly cleaned and polished Dragonbone Warden armor and Zev had put his polished leather armor back on. Entering the main hall she was surprised a large table set up in the middle of the room. Just about every kind of food she could think of, and even some she didn't have a name too, was set up on the massive stone surface. Even more surprising was that there were only four chairs set up around the table. "I thought it would be nice for a quiet affair," Duran said coming in from the opposite side with Rica on his arm. "I trust that you approve?"

Natia could hardly hear him. Her mouth was watering to the point she was afraid she was drooling like a pathetic nug. "Uh? Oh…yeah. Sounds good ta me."

Forcing herself not to run strait to the table and dig in like a wild nug she walked slowly towards the table and sat down with Duran and Rica with Zev following quietly behind her. Looking over the food slowly she tore off a whole turkey leg before gently tearing it apart with her teeth. Her manners were for her sister's sake only!

Duran however was laughing while watching her. "No need to stand on formalities Natia. You two have been in the deep roads for weeks. Please, dig in."

Needing no further encouragement Natia lifted the whole turkey off of the serving tray and onto her plate before digging in.

After finishing off the entire turkey and two more plates of food Natia finally felt as if her hunger was properly sated. "Ah Ancestor's…that was good."

"Is that all Natia? I think the cooks may have a few crumbs left in the cellar."

Raising her hand she made another gesture to the King. "Right here your majesty."

Before Duran could comment again the door to the throne room opened. A guard took two steps inside before dropping to his knees. "A thousand apologizes for interrupting your meal my King."

"Stand," Duran said motioning for the man to come to his feet. "I told you no disturbances."

The guard came slowly to his feet but his head was still down. "I beg your forgiveness my King. But Lord Jumar wishes to see you immediately. And he won't take no for an answer."

Sighing Duran leaned back in his chair. "Very well, send him in." Bowing once again the guard left the room.

A moment later a man Natia never knew entered the room. Judging by his clothing she doubted the man ever worked a day in his life. His doublet was made of silk and he had several heavy golden chains around his neck. His back hair and short black beard were neatly arranged and oiled. But the one who drew her attention was the man next to him. It wasn't strange for a noble to bring in a guard with him. But it was strange if that guard was a human. The human's black hair was pulled back and he was wearing a set of studded leather armor. And along with the human and dwarf were two other humans who stayed a pace behind.

"Hey Zev, what 'ya make of dis-"But the seat next to her was vacant. In fact Zev wasn't at the table, or in the room for that matter.

Duran's voiced echoed off the stone walls as he stood. "Jumar. I trust you have a reason for disturbing me?"

Jumar wasn't looking at Duran. His eyes were resting on Rica in a manner that made Natia reach for her daggers. "I am here to pay you back my King." Jumar sneered.

"For what," Duran asked standing from the table and placing himself between Jumar and Rica. "We have already finished our business and-"

"Not for that! For the insult you have laid upon me! Upon all true Noble Dwarves! By killing the one who should be our King! King Bhelen! And by taking that-that trash as a wife! I will see you pay for your insult in blood! Get all of the men in here now!"

Daggers spun up into Natia's hands in and instant as she jumped from the table placing herself between the men and Rica. Duran reached under the surface of the table and pulled out a two handed axe. Ancestors! How did he manage to hide that!

The lead human standing next to Jumar didn't seem to be impressed by their sudden display. Placing two fingers in his mouth he let out a loud whistle. And nothing happened. Judging by how Jumar suddenly started to look about panicky something should have. "Where are they Taliesen? I thought your men would-"

The door to the throne room opened cutting off the noble. Zev stood in the doorframe. Not a scratch on him but still covered from head to toe in blood. "Your men are dead."

The two unnamed humans drew their weapons immediately facing off at Zev. The human Taliesen however didn't seem as concerned as the others. "Ah Zevran. I suppose I should say I am surprised to see you. But I knew that the rumors about your demise had to be false."

Zev's face was completely blank as he looked at the human. "Taliesen. It has been a while. I take it that it is no coincidence that we are both here."

The human, Taliesen, smirked crossing his arms. "Quiet right Zev. You see, there was another rumor that was going around that you were in fact very much alive and serving the Grey Wardens. Well, I searched the other ones, the three elves and the human, and you were not with them. That left only the dwarf. I am glad to see that my gamble has paid off."

Zev's face never wavered. "Did the Crows choose you for this job? Or did you volunteer for it?"

"Why Zev! Of course I volunteered," he laughed. "But not for the reason you think. I know why you did what you did. Why you ran. But you know how these things work. You just cannot leave the Crows. But, perhaps if you come back with me now, we can explain to the Elders what happened and have them excuse momentary lapse in judgment."

"And why should I believe you of all people Taliesen?" Zev asked his eyes narrowing.

Taliesen looked confused for a moment before shaking his head. "Oh Zev. Please tell me you are not still hung up on that woman. Are you?" Zev didn't answer. "Zev," Taliesen continued. "Understand. Even if there is just a rumor of you still alive the Crows will hunt you. Your only chance is to come back to us. Now come on, let us forget the past and move forward."

Zev took two steps into the room. "And, I can assume of course that this contract must be completed first then."

"But of course, as well as the one you botched. It is bad for business to leave such jobs incomplete, even if the employer is dead."

Zev's eyes locked with her own. "I'm sorry," he whispered.

Natia felt her heart shatter. No. No this can't be happening. "I knew that you would come around Zev!" Taliesen said joyfully embracing Zevran. "Now come let us finish this."

Taliesen suddenly went stiff. The point of a dagger was coming out of his back. Zevran's dagger. "I'm sorry Rinna…that it took me this long to avenge you."

Pulling out the dagger made a quick throw with both hands send each of his daggers into the throats of the remaining assassins. Taliesen was left kneeling on the floor, his hands trying to keep his life from leaving him. "Y-you son of a whore."

Natia's hand clenched a fist full of the human's hair forcing his head back. "That may be true. But he's mine you nug-humper!" She hissed before drawing her blade shallowly across the assassin's throat.

The walk back to their room was done in total silence. Once the assassins had been dealt with Duran had seen to it that Lord Jumar was placed in chains by the new palace guards before escorting Rica away from the bloodshed. Natia didn't know what to say to him. She'd never seen Zev look so…defeated before. As the two entered their room and the blot slid home locking them in some part of her knew what was coming. "Let me guess," she started before he could. "Ya 'bout to say somethin like ya gotta go off on ya own now, or somethin stupid like that. Right?"

Zev didn't meet her gaze. "The Crows know that I'm alive. Taliesen's death earned me some time. But they will come for me sooner or later."

"But ya said that stayin with someone strong would keep them away!" She was reaching and she knew it. But Ancestor's damn it! She didn't want him to go from her! "Duran can guard ya! Even the Wardens can! Ya don't have ta go Zev!"

Zev didn't say anything to her; he just walked past her and sat down heavily on the bed. "If I stay here my little Warden I put your family in danger. If I stay with the Wardens, I put you and them in danger. No matter where I go, those around me will be in danger."

"Damn it Zev, I don't want ya ta go!"

Turning her back on him she tried to stifle her tears. She would not break down in front of him! She just wouldn't! "I know my little Warden," his voice was on her ear on his arms circled her chest. "I don't want to be apart from you. You've stirred feelings in me I long thought gone. I want to protect you so I can still feel this way. And the only way I can do that now…is to put distance between us."

Turning in his embrace she buried her face into his chest. "Promise me one thing," she said into his chest.

"Anything Natia."

Looking up into his eyes she felt her own moisten with tears. "Promise me ya will come back to me."

"I can't promise you that Natia," he said closing his eyes. "But I can promise to try."

Pushing him back towards the bed Natia didn't stop until he fell back onto the soft mattress with her on top of him and her lips firmly glued to his. If she was only to have one more night with him…then she was going to make it one to remember.

They didn't speak, their movements mechanical as they stripped each other before deft tanned hands ran up her body, sending trills up her spine. Natia would never tire of the feeling that Zevran send through her. In turn she grasped to his hips and guided him to their bed, claiming his mouth with her own.

Their bodies met and he moved to be inside her with a guttural moan before moving with almost animalistic needs, wanting to connect with another.

Natia's fingernails dug into his back as she felt the waves of pleasure cresting in her and Zevran shuddered as his own climax shattered him inside her.

The next morning Natia woke up alone. On Zev's pillow was a single golden earing and a note. None of the guards had seen him leave.

For the next week Natia was miserable. She wasn't sleeping because every time she closed her eyes she dreamed of what might be happening to Zev. Lord Jumar was convicted of trying to assassinate the High King. His screams and cries for mercy was heard all through Orzammar as the city guards dragged him into the deep roads. The Legion of the Dead promised to find the most darkspawn infest crevice they could and throw him into it. After the excitement died down she tried to find ways to focus herself, but nothing helped to take her mind off of Zev. At the close of the week a messenger showed up to the gates of Orzammar. His horse was nearly dead from exhaustion. He carried but a single letter addressed to her. The darkspawn had attacked the Wardens, and Kallian and Lyna had been taken by the darkspawn in the battle. Not even bothering to say goodbye to her sister Natia left Orzammar heading west on her own towards Vigil's Keep.

Well there we are! Hope that y'all liked it! Please leave a review and let me know what ya think! See ya in the next chapter!