Mythal's Favour: A Dragon Age Origins Fan Fiction

Chapter 27 - Tainted Love

Zevran filled Ayu in as Lothren trotted to the small camp the group had set up for the pair. Spying it, Ayu turned in her seat slightly.

"Why are there no more tents Zev? Where are the others?"

"They are still with Arl Eamon and keeping an eye on Anora at the manse. After your capture, she was beside herself with worry . . or at least that's what she wanted us to think anyway." Zevran did not hide his distaste for the woman. "We concocted this plan away from her and her simpering handmaiden. We could not risk her telling her father how we planned to rescue you. I . . . do not trust her, Ayu."

"I don't either Zev," Ayu said quietly, thoughtful. "I wonder what her plan is?"

"We will find out tomorrow," Zevran answered her, jumping off Lothren's back. He held up his hands to help Ayu down. "We are to go back to the Arl's in the morning. We will camp here tonight. The guards, once they know you are gone, will surely go to the mansion looking for you."

"Will we be safe here?"

"We are quite hidden," Zevran walked a little ways back toward the road and cut a heavy rope with his dagger. A thick and heavy bush had been pulled back and, now free, sprang back into place covering the entrance to their camp. "See? Perfectly safe mio amore. The guards will not find us here." He walked back to where Lothren and Ayu stood.

Zevran pulled Ayu into his chest. "I was so worried," he whispered into her tangle of hair. He held her gently for what seemed like a long time before letting her go. He turned his face away from hers, clearing his throat. "Leliana has left us some food. It's inside the tent. Come."

He took her hand and led her into the single small tent. The door flaps had been tied open and Zevran left them as such. He began taking off his boots and the bulkiest part of his gear before sitting on the bedroll. Ayu watched him as she kicked off her boots. Her pendant fell out of her shirt, swinging on the delicate chain, shining in the late day sun. She smiled to herself as she sat beside him. Zevran grabbed a nearby pack and pulled it between his feet, rifling through it for a moment before producing two crusty rolls wrapped in soft leather, and some dried fruits and meat in a leather pouch. "It might not be much but it's something for now," Zevran said quietly. He still would not meet Ayu's gaze and she could feel the unease that plagued him.

She grabbed a roll and took a bite, chewing it slowly. The elves sat in silence, both lost in thought, as they watched Lothren through the open flaps. The horse was nibbling at the grass and slowly meandering from side to side. Ayu turned her head toward Zevran. "Is the Arl ready to have the Landsmeet?"

"Yes," Zevran cleared his throat and shifted in his seat slightly. "Everything is ready to begin. The Arl has arranged for it to start in two days time. We will meet up with the others at the mansion tomorrow. We just have to stay hidden for now." Zevran dropped his voice to just above a whisper at the end. He glanced sideways at her and held his arm out, silently beckoning her to him.

Ayu scooted closer to her lover and rested her head on his bare shoulder. Zevran put his arm around her, hugging her tight and kissing the top of her head. He held her that way for a moment before laying his cheek on her head.