Across Worlds

Ch 22 - Love songs

Wren threw up her arm to block Carter's punch, but wasn't fast enough to get his follow-up swing to her gut. She doubled over, momentarily losing her breath, as she stumbled backwards and got her hands back up into a guard position in front of herself.

Carter had an easy-going grin on his face and had barely broken a sweat. "Come on, Wren, you can do better than that," he goaded her.

They had started hand-to-hand combat training several days ago. Carter needed the distraction from his brother's death and Wren needed a new challenge, especially with Cassandra off with Evan and Varric.

She gritted her teeth and darted forward with two quick jabs, both of which Carter easily blocked. She dropped down and kicked her leg out trying to sweep his legs out from under him, but he dodged. Dammit! She stood and stutter-stepped backward, keeping out of Carter's reach.

They danced around each other, throwing a few more jabs, until Wren thought she saw an opening. Stepping forward she went for a punch to his gut, but his hand was suddenly there grabbing hers and spinning her into a choke hold. Shit! She struggled for a moment until spots started to dance at the corners of her eyes and she tapped Carter's arm, conceding the match.

Carter led the way for them to get some water, glancing at her from the corner of his eye. "You're distracted today. Why?"

Wren sighed, "Evan's due back today."

"Ah, nervous about tonight's...performance?" Carter said, waggling his eyebrows suggestively on the word performance.

She rolled her eyes and gave his shoulder a playful shove, "Arse biscuit." She really needed to thank Sera for teaching her that one.

He let out a full-bellied laugh and pulled her into a quick hug. "I'm sure you'll do great...in any capacity."

She groaned, "Shouldn't older brother types be...I don't know? Defending my honor from other men? Not making lewd suggestive commentary about me?"

He simply smiled back at her, "Normally, yes. But the way Evan looks at you, why wouldn't I want my sister to be loved and adored that much?"

Wren felt her cheeks warm as she blushed.

"Besides," he continued, "I doubt a herd of stampeding brontos would keep him away from you. Let alone little ol' me."

"He's right about that," Evan's amused voice came from behind them. Wren turned, unable to keep the smile from her face at the sight of him. "Miss me, little bird?" he asked opening his arms for her to step into as he lifted her into a back-breaking hug.

"Of course, I did. Welcome home." He set her back on her feet, smiling down at her and holding her hands in his. "Mission successful?" she asked.

"It was. We closed that route to the Deep Roads, although, there's a chance the Red Templars will find other ways to get the red lyrium to the surface. And there's still everything they already managed to get up here that we'll have to deal with."

"One battle at a time, honey," she said, squeezing his hands gently and trying to ease away the stress that had crept into his voice. His eyes brightened at her use of the term of endearment.

Carter grinned at her and excused himself as Evan started leading her toward the keep, still holding her hand, their fingers comfortably entwined.

"I believe someone said she'd have a surprise for me when I returned," he said, leaning in to whisper conspiratorially as they climbed the stairs.

"Someone did say that," she replied. "And if you want it then you'll be at the tavern at eight tonight."

He raised an eyebrow in curiosity, "The tavern seems a bit public for what I was thinking."