Mythal's Favour: A Dragon Age Origins Fan Fiction

Epilogue

The late summer sun was hanging low in the sky, still giving off a gentle warmth. Ayu was curled against Zevran, leaning into his chest as they cuddled together in the soft grass. A little boy with a mop of curly blonde hair sat at their feet, playing with his little sister, her strawberry pigtails bouncing as she prances her stuffed halla in front of her. Zevran pressed a lazy kiss to Ayu's shoulder, squeezing her tightly. His breath tickled her ear and jaw as he sighed loving, feather-light kisses along her skin.

"Ewww, gross dad." Deygan suppressed a cheeky grin as he and Rillien walked up the path to the little house they shared with Zevran and Ayu. The pair effectively adopted the twin orphans after Ayu's resurrection. The boys swore their lives to the Warden and her cause. Ayu wouldn't hear of it at first, of course, but compromised by offering to adopt the boys. She would make sure the twins had a good home and the boys would be able to stay by her side. It worked well for everyone.

"You'll scar us for life," Rillien chimed in, handing the rabbits the boys caught to his brother.

"No one wants to see that."

Zevran's lips curled in a sexy smirk. "See what? How much your father loves, adores and worships your mother? Surely that cannot be a bad thing, no?"

The twins stuck out their tongues, pulling faces in fake disgust.

"Yes?" Zevran purred. "Hmm, Pity." He turned Ayu's face toward his with gentle fingers, making a point to kiss her noisily. She giggled against Zevran's smiling mouth as he teased the boys.

"Deygan!" The little boy got to his feet and raced to the twins. He wrapped his arms around Deygan's leg, hopping up and down on his toes. The older boy ruffled the little one's hair playfully in greeting.

"Willien!" The girl squealed in surprise, trundling on her little toddler legs to her favourite twin. Rillien picked her up and blew on her tummy until she giggled and squirmed in delight.

He held her on his hip with one arm and waved his hand in front of his nose. "Whew, you are stinky little miss."

She swatted him with a tiny, pudgy palm. "No, woo stwinky." She giggled, wiggling in Rillien's arm.

Just then, a messenger came up the lane in a rush. He nodded to the twins breathlessly before turning his attention to the Warden. "Lady Ayu," he bowed, placing his fist on his chest. "I apologize for the intrusion, however, the King has just arrived at our borders. The scouts are escorting his majesty to the main square."

Ayu cocked her head, rising from Zevran's lap. "Something must have happened. He wasn't due for a visit yet." She outstretched her hand to the assassin, helping him from the grass.

"Then we must not keep him waiting." Zevran threaded Ayu's arm through his. "Boys, watch the children." Zevran steered the Warden down the path away from the house.

"Alistair," Ayu called walking toward him with arms outstretched. "It is good to see you well." She embraced her once-fellow Warden, stepping back to allow the men to shake hands.

"I wish I had better news to offer you." Alistair followed Ayu and Zevran to a series of benches, flicking his furred cape behind him to sit. "I have a report from Kirkwall to the north and things are not good." The King looked Zevran dead in the eye, handing him a letter he drew from his tunic. "Will you help? I have secured safe passage and a handsome payment, of course."

Zevran read the letter, a serious expression on his face. He looked at Ayu, the lines of worry already starting to mar her pretty face. He stroked her jaw tenderly. "Do not look at me so," he said quietly. "I will return to you in one piece."