Little Interludes

(Alright, seems like not many peeps are fond of this, ah well. *grin* I’m writing for my own amusement anyway, thought I’d be nice and share though. I know my sex scenes aren’t all that good. Probably because I’m female and haven’t had much experience outside of porn. But whatev, here’s the next little interlude.

I’m not quite fond of the dialogue you get back in camp after getting the earring and Taliesin and all that mess, so I’m changing it a little, though quite a bit of it will be direct quotes. But that’s what fanfics are all about, yeah?

I was going to add the next scene about the Alienage into the next one, but let’s make this the last one, because I really don’t feel like dealing with the aftermath of the Landsmeet and the battle. I’m NOT fond of a yelling Alistair and I do not want to write about it.)

Thomais stood in the bathhouse at Arl Eamon’s estate and fingered the small earring in his ear. He wasn’t quite sure how to take the gift from the Antivan. Was it simply a gift? A token of affection? A… proposal? He flushed and settled himself in the warm tub, trying to relax.

[i]I care for Zevran. So very much.[/i] He mused to himself. [i]But I’m not sure if he feels the same for me. He was blushing, and flustered when he gave this to me…[/i] he toyed with the earring again, [i]But what does it mean?[/i] He sighed and gave up trying to ponder the mystery of the earring, and instead took his bath, trying to get as clean as possible.

The soap was… unusual to say the least. He inhaled deeply after soaping his hair. [i]I’m going to smell like flowers.[/i] He growled and looked around for some other soap that wouldn’t make him smell like a girl, and slid under the water to get the suds out. [i]I am not a bloody sodding female. I don’t care what those shems think of us, and I refuse to…[/i] His thoughts cut off mid-rant and he surfaced as the door to the bathhouse slammed open and in floated bawdy singing.

“Oghren?” he said incredulously, “What are you doing in here, a bathhouse of all places?”

Oghren blinked blearily at him and then grinned, “Found a pretty girl, but she won’t grease the bronto with me unless I take a bath. So, here I am.” The dwarf flopped himself into the water and Thomais scrambled out, abandoning the soap.

“Well, then I’m going to go back to my room now.” Thomais wrapped the towel around his waist and fled the room, glad he’d managed to at least wash his hair before being interrupted. As he slipped into his room he noticed two things, one, that his door had been slightly ajar, and two, Zevran was crouched on his bed.

“Ah, dear Warden, you return, I see.” Zevran smirked at him and Thomais felt himself blushing, “And directly from the bath too… The Maker has blessed me indeed.”

Thomais rolled his eyes and smiled, “Zev, you’re just the person I wanted to see. You see…” he flushed and toyed with the earring yet again, before letting his hand drop. “I’m a little confused.” He was surprised to see panic light in his lover’s eyes, and he locked the door behind him. “Please Zevran… You seem so different now.” his voice was soft, nearly pleading.

He saw the way Zevran’s eyes darted toward the window, before his body relaxed and he sighed, “Alright… I can’t say I didn’t see this coming. Are you certain you want to talk about this? You may not like the answers and I really do not know what to say.”

Thomais let out his own sigh and moved over to sit next to Zevran on the bed, trailing a hand over the Antivan’s arm. “I need to know Zev, what does this mean? I know exactly how I feel about you. But I’m not sure if…” he took a deep breath and steadied himself, “If I mean as much to you, as you do to me. I want to know what’s changed.”

He studied the Antivan’s face, watching the emotions flicker across Zev’s face, until they settled into a blank, impassive mask.

“I am not sure what I am feeling Thomais.” Zevran began, “As an assassin... one must learn to forget sentiment. It is dangerous. You take your pleasures where you can, when life is good. To expect anything more would be... reckless you see? I thought it was the same between us. Something to enjoy, a pleasant diversion and little more. And when this started off, that’s all there was.”

Thomais let go of the breath he hadn’t been aware that he was holding and nodded, “Yes, that [i]is[/i] how things started out… but now?”

Thomais watched Zevran worry his lip with his teeth before he said, “And now…”

There was a faint small on Thomais’s face, and he took the plunge into the question he’d wanted to ask for days now, “Are you saying you’re in love with me Zevran? Is that what this,” he gestured to the earring, “was all about?”

Zevran was silent for a moment, and Thomais started to feel his emotions crushing under the weight of the silence. Zevran must have seen the tears starting to prick his eyes because the assassin said softly, “I do not know. How would you know such a thing? I grew up amongst those who sold the illusion of love, and then I was trained to make my heart cold in favor of the kill. Everything I have been taught says what I feel is wrong.”

Thomais nodded again, hope restored, “I know what you mean.” He leaned in and touched his forehead to Zevran’s. “Here in Fereldan the Chantry has a distinctly unfavorable view on our relationship. And in the Alienage it's practically illegal, everyone is expected to marry and raise a family.”

Zevran stared up at him, and Thomais was seized with a desire to just hold the Antivan close to him and never let the other go. “Then you understand my confusion.” The statement was soft, almost nothing but air, “Yet I cannot help the way I feel. Since you agreed to allow me into your tent and your life, I have been nothing but confused. You even gave up a beautiful woman for me…”

Thomais chuckled and gave into his urge to wrap the other in a tight embrace, “You enchanted me Zevran. At first I’ll admit I was just curious. I’d never seen an Elf in a position of power over shems. I wanted to know more about you…” he nuzzled Zevran’s neck, “And now I just want to be with you, and no one else. You’re my life Zevran.” Then he paused and pulled back a little, “If that kind of… you know… would make you happy, that is…”

Zevran was quiet, lip caught between teeth again, and then he smiled, “If love is never again wanting another partner, and wanting to do everything you can to make another person happy…” Thomais was suddenly bowled over with the Antivan straddling his waist, an evil gleam in his eye, “Then consider me under its influence.”

Thomais broke out in a relieved grin, and he sagged with relief. [i]Thank you Maker. I don’t know what I would have done without him.[/i] Then all thought fled him as Zevran captured his lips in a kiss that spoke of romance, rather that the hot fervid passion of before. Those kisses were quick, hot, and stolen from him as though there was no time. This one though… this kiss was slow, promising, and was as giving as it was taking. This one promised more than just a quick night together. This one promised… life.

He lay there as he had that first night, letting the Antivan worship his body, seduce him, and drown him in heady kisses and tender touches. He reveled in the hot pinpoints where Zevran kissed his torso, tender and slow. Wetness and heat on a nipple had him arching his back, as he had that first night, when he was new to these touches. He buried his hands in Zevran’s loose blonde hair and groaned with his whole body. His vocal chords were stuck, he couldn’t make a sound.

Zevran seemed to notice his inability to speak and pulled himself back up over Thomais’s body staring at the Warden with what must have been love. Thomais was already feeling that coiling in his belly, and the look Zevran was giving him almost threw him over the edge. He opened his mouth, managed to find his voice and said, “Zev, please. Slow, steady, love me.”

Zevran’s face lit up and he reached for the oil that Thomais had blushingly bought earlier in the day. Thomais watched the other man coat his fingers and his arousal, before the hand disappeared and he closed his eyes and clenched at the covers. When the first finger entered him Thomais pushed his hips down, pleading. When the second finger entered him and Zevran began to scissor them he let out a wail and grabbed the covers even tighter.

“Thomais, look at me.” Zevran’s voice was rough, heady, aroused, and the combination had Thomais obeying quickly. He stared into Zevran’s amber eyes as the other slowly removed the fingers and press his slick erection deep into the Warden’s body.

They stayed together, trembling, until Thomais couldn’t stand it anymore, “Zev, move…” He breathed and then groaned when he felt the Antivan pull out gently, and then press back in, just as gently.

This was what Thomais had been waiting for. This wasn’t just sex, this was making love, and despite how cliché it sounded in his mind, he knew that’s what this was. He reached up and pulled the other elf down on top of him, enjoying the feeling of pressing himself against the other. Soon, too soon, he felt his orgasm building and it thundered through him with a force that was as gentle as it was devastating. He felt his body clench down on Zevran and the Antivan came with a sudden cry, shuddering and filling him.

When Zevran moved to roll off of him, Thomais put a hand on the Antivan’s shoulder and shook his head. Zevran smiled and kissed him, before settling himself back.

Thomais’s last thought before he drifted off to sleep was, [i]I’m going to need another bath…[i/]

--

A few hours later a knock at the door awoke them both. Zevran stretched and pulled his clothes on, motioning for Thomais to stay in bed. “You deserve the rest my dear.” He said and opened the door a crack, “Yes?”

Imagine the Antivan’s surprise when he came face to face with Alistair who looked quite troubled. “I need to speak with you.” He said quietly.

Zevran sighed and slipped out of the door after motioning Thomais to stay where he was. Leaning up against the closed door he arched an eyebrow, “Well? We are here. Now speak.”

Alistair’s discomfort seemed to grow, “Well… I uh, just wanted to say um…” He was stammering and Zevran grinned at the discomfort of the former Templar. “I wanted to tell you… I was wrong about you.”

“Oh? Just me?” Zevran said with a mocking laugh, [i]I am not going to let him off so easily.[/i]

Alistair threw his hands in the air, “Can you be serious for a moment here? I’m trying to apologise to you.” He sighed, “Look, I was wrong, and I freely admit it. You… seem to care a great deal about…” he sighed again and glued his eyes to the floor, “That man in there is my brother in all ways but blood. After what happened at Ostagar I promised myself I would protect him with my life. When he spared your life I thought it was a huge mistake. But you’ve proven yourself worthy of being called my friend many times over, and I never got over myself long enough to thank you, and tell you how good you’ve been for him.” He ran a hand through his hair, “Zev, thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us, and for him.”

Zev listened to Alistair’s speech, and while the words were clumsy the sincerity behind them had the Antivan relax and offered his own unguarded expression for a change, “Alistair.” He said with some amusement, “Stop mumbling at the floor.”

Alistair looked up with some surprise and then broke out in a smile of his own. [i]One of relief,[/i] the Antivan noted.

“Friends then?” Alistair offered.

Zevran laughed, “Friends. But don’t think this means I will stop teasing you my virgin friend.”

Even as Alistair blushed, he laughed, “That’s something I would never expect you to do.”

--

Thomais wrinkled his nose. After being out of the Alienage for so long, the smell was quickly nauseating him. He heard Oghren make a smart comment behind him, but didn’t pay any attention as he ran to the center of town, towards the commotion. He could hear Shianni shouting. [i]If I know my cousin she’s already drunk and starting fights.[/i]

As he got closer he could hear people shouting, and Shianni’s voice arguing with them all.

“I've got children at home! I can't afford to wait another day!” a woman shouted

“So go home! The best thing you can do for your children is not trust the charlatans.” Shianni sounded outraged.

A third voice, male, “Everyone remain calm, we will help as many as we can today, so long as we can do this in an orderly fashion.”

He could practically hear the scorn dripping from his cousin’s words, “Oh, you're "helping" us are you, shem? Like Valendrian and my uncle Cyrion, you helped them didn't you? Helped them never to be seen again!”

Thomais rounded the corner and saw a human in the uniform of the Tevinter mages sigh and rub his forehead, “We've explained this to you before girl, more whining will not persuade us to let you into the quarantine to carry plague back out to the Alienage.”

One of the older Elven men he knew shouted, “Stop trying to get us all killed Shianni! Some of us have still got things to live for.”

Thomais’s eyes widened at that remark and only Zevran’s hand on his shoulder stopped him from going after the man.

Shianni snorted and turned on him, “If this spell of theirs works, why are half the people they quarantine are perfectly healthy?”

Thomais grinned despite the situation, “Shianni!” he called out, “Cousin, it’s so good to see you!”

“I don't believe it!” Shianni turned to him and gave him a desperate embrace. “Maker's breath! They said all the grey wardens died with the king, everyone thought... Valendrian even held a funeral for you.” She pulled back and the smile slipped from her face. “Cousin you have no idea... the things that happened after your wedding... I'm babbling aren't I? I'm so happy to see you again.”

He buried his face in his hands as Zev’s voice came from behind him. “A wedding? So there is a secretive side to you after all my dear.” He could hear the smirk in the Antivan’s voice.

“Zev... the wedding never actually took place. I didn't even want it anyway.”

“Still, you never told us you were betrothed. What happened?” He turned around and saw Alistair smirking at him too, this was a surprise.

“There were rapists. And we got the wrong cake. It was a disaster. Oh, and I killed the Arl's son.” He deadpanned, hoping to shock them back into decency. “And when did you two start getting along?”

Zev grinned and sidestepped the question, “Well, at least we can be sure you looked stunning for the occasion. Trot out something fancy later and I’ll show you how one properly takes them off on a night like that.”

Alistair grinned right along with Zevran, throwing in his own two coppers, “Oh yes, I'm sure the effects were stunning.” Then he sobered a little, “I knew that knave. He deserved what he got. You can show us later how you gutted that pig. Just leave me [i]out[/i] of the plans Zev made for you.”

Thomais stared at the two of them, not really comprehending what was going on, “This really isn't the time or the place to be discussing this, I need to make sure the people here are okay.”

Zevran smirked, “I'll be right behind you my dear.”

“And so will I... but slightly to the left. I really don't want to get between you and Zev, he might decide I make a good substitute.” Alistair pitched in.

“Alistair that will only happen if something unfortunate were to happen to our fearless leader. And then it would simply be duty, he would want me to watch over you after all.”

Thomais grinned as the tables were turned on Alistair and the other Warden blushed, “No, that's quite alright. I'm sure I could look after myself. You won't let him, will you Thomais?”

Thomais grinned, “Sorry Alistair, but he's right. You would need looking after.”

“Crap.”

Shianni stared at the three of them before tilting her head to the side in question, “So... you're not returning to marry Nesiara once this is all over?”

Thomais turned back to his cousin with a grimace, “By Andraste's flaming knickers, no. I've found…” he blushed and finished the sentence in his mind, [i]a man that I love more than anything, [b]and[/b] is fantastic in bed.[/i]

Shianni smiled knowingly, “I see cousin. I hope you're happy with him.”

Zevran reached forward to grab Thomais’s hand, “We are my dear, we are.”

Shianni’s smile softened and she said, “It’s so good to have you home again…”

Thomais nodded, and didn’t let go of Zev’s hand, “Now, where is Soris?”

“He’s at your house. After what happened… they didn’t treat him well. Especially after the new Arl led a purge.” Shianni shook her head.

Thomais bristled at the unfairness of it all and took a deep breath, “Alright. Now what’s this about a plague?”

(((And you all know where it goes from there.

If you’re actually interested in how I finished the game drop a review and I’ll give ya’ll the rundown.)))