Disclaimer- All characters, settings, etc. belong to Bioware and the Dragon Age franchise.

Duty's Burden

Chapter 1

"Well Zevran, our companionless status will be changing in a few hours." She tightened her grip on the reins and brought her horse to a stop.

Several days had passed since Alistair cast Elissa and Zevran out of the castle. As they rode their horses towards Amaranthine, their time was spent chatting and joking, sparring and skirmishing, teasing and lovemaking. On the fifth day, Elissa realized they were only hours from the Vigil's Keep.

"Getting close are we? What a pity. I have so enjoyed travelling alone with you, my love. Maybe a brief rest is necessary, yes?" Zevran pulled the reins to slow his horse.

"Hmm. I agree. After all, we don't know what kind of accommodations to expect at the Keep. We may never be alone again."

"Perish the thought. But just in case, I think some ravishing is in order," he said with a devilish grin.

"There appears to be a clearing up ahead. Maybe some water to bathe in before the ravishing? We both could use a good cleansing."

"One of my favorite activities…you wash my back and I wash your…"

"My what, you dog?"

"I'll not give away any surprises I have in store for you, my dear. You will just have to trust in my exceptional skills as a lover."

"Oh? Something new added to your repertoire? You stay awake at night and think these things up, don't you?"

"I am sorry, but I am not allowed to give away trade secrets. Your patience will be rewarded, I assure you."

As they rode up to the clearing, they saw a long abandoned encampment. There were signs of past travelers: wagons, broken crates, burned out campfires, remnants of animal bones, and a few human remains.

"Dreadfully romantic, no?"

"Ugh. How about off to the left there." She pointed to the edge of the clearing. As they approached, she heard a trickle of running water. "There must be more where that came from."

The horses followed along the stream as it expanded. After about twenty minutes, they came to a small, fresh water pond. "Thank the Maker. Interested in camping here tonight? The Keep can wait for us until morning … although, I do sense darkspawn have been through here. I think they are long gone. But…maybe we shouldn't be too quick to stay…"

"Oh, no you don't, my dear. Get that leather off and join me in the water after I take care of the horses. "

"Well, I guess it's okay. We do deserve a break anyway. But, I am not waiting for you, rogue! You'll have to catch me first!" Elissa leapt of the horse and ran for the pond.

"You cheat, woman!" Zevran sprinted to a tree and tied up the horses with lightning speed. He turned on his heels, but could not see her. As he darted to the pond, he stripped off his armor and called for her. "Come out, my dear. You cannot hide from a master rogue and assassin such as me!" He stepped closer to the pond, admiring the calm water, and stared at his own reflection lost in thought. You have come a long, LONG way, Zev.

A forceful shove from behind sent him flying into the cold water. "A-ha! Master, indeed! You are in need of practice, Zevran! You let your guard down. Lucky for you I am the only one who can see that priceless look on your face!"

"Mark my words, you will regret this, Elissa!" Zevran marched out of the chilly water naked, shaking his head and smoothing his hair. He was a bronzed, prince of a rogue if ever there was one.

And he is all mine, she thought. Elissa's hearty laughter finally ended. "Zevran, you are a stunning specimen."

"Yes, I am marvelous. Come. Claim what is yours." She threw her arms around his drenched body and kissed him frantically. "Oh, you are most intoxicating right now, amor."

Elissa sighed into his kiss. "Take me, Zevran. Love me…" He swept her off her feet and headed away from the pond, all the while kissing her face and neck with abandon. Unexpectedly, he stopped and fixed his eyes on her with a devious grin. "Oh, yes. You mentioned wanting a bath before our self-indulgence began." He turned and ran straight into the pond, tossing her forward with all his strength.

"You…you…achhh... Maker, this water is cold! This makes us even, right?"

"Not even close, my dear. But do not fret. When I exact my revenge, you will enjoy it. In the meantime, let us have some fun. I do not think we have ever made love in a pond, correct?" He sauntered into the water and dove in. His lips rose up to meet her chest and he continued to plant kisses all the way up to her mouth.

"Right as always, Zevran." She wrapped her legs around his hips and pressed her lips to his, writhing in his arms. As they kissed feverishly, she moved her hand down along his stomach and then further down to feel his lust. He responded with a low growl as he slid into her. He pulled her hips to his and then pushed them away, faster and faster each time, while the water splashed around them. "Zevran...I...Love...You..." They climaxed at the same instant, and their pleasure lingered for a bit. "Sorry, Zevran, but it's just too bloody cold to stay in here any longer. Let's get clean and get out."

After they washed off the grime from their journey, they swam briefly to rinse off the suds and left the water feeling refreshed. They dried off and put on some casual "camp" clothes, as she liked to call them. "I am ravenous with hunger. Aren't you, Zevran?"

"My hunger is for the more sensuous of delights, not for camp rations. But alas, you must keep your energy up. I do not want to retire early tonight."

"I think you should prepare the meal. You are the better cook between us. I will set up the tent and polish our armor. Maybe hone the weapons a bit. I want to look presentable and qualified when we arrive at the Keep."

"A fine plan, my dear. While I do love you, your cooking makes me rethink my oath at times. I did manage to pilfer some spices from the castle kitchen before our departure. I think something hot and spicy is in order, yes?"

"Mmmm, that sounds wonderful. Well, I am off to make us look respectable."

"Surely you do not think The Hero of Ferelden will be held to such scrutiny?"

"I have no idea what to expect, so I am preparing for anything, as should you. And do not call me that. I did not succeed alone in the defeat of the Blight."

"Yes, that is true. However, I am certain of my skills, but even more so of yours, my Grey Warden. We need to work on your self-confidence levels. How many vile creatures have died by your blades and still you worry about green recruits and soldiers who have never seen battle?"

"Yes, well, you know me. I require a lot of positive reinforcement. Thanks for the pep talk, Zevran. Now get to cooking before I fall unconscious from hunger!"

He noticed a hint of melancholy in her eyes as he knelt beside the fire he was preparing. "Elissa?"

"Yes?" She tipped her head and widened her eyes.

"Any regrets? Any doubts…about anything?"

A broad smile crept to her lips and she reached out to caress his cheek. "Not one, my love. Not even one."

"I'm glad," he whispered, leaning into her palm. Even Zevran needed comforting words of encouragement now and again.