Author's Note:

This may become a full Origins story. I kinda know how I want it to begin. I definitely know how I want it to end. It's just the parts in between that aren't so clear...Since my end was clearest in my mind, I started there.

This is Chapter 1 - the beginning of the end.

Be warned that this contains descriptions M/M sex. If this isn't your thing, click the back button and move on to something else. If it IS your thing, I hope you like it.

Be kind. This is my first ever fanfic. Reviews welcome and encouraged though I may read them something akin to terror.

The empty hall echoed as Liam pulled the door to Riordan's room closed and leaned his head against the doorframe. The news that a Grey Warden must die to ensure the death of the Archdemon still reeled through his mind. Riordan assured him that he would take the final blow, but Liam doubted the man was up to the task. And if he fell before delivering the final blow…

Alistair had argued long and hard that as "Senior Warden of Ferelden" he should be Riordan's second. He believed that it was the right damn thing to do and to hell with the consequences, which would leave that bitch Anora on the throne and Liam the last of Ferelden's Wardens. It had taken every bit of his not inconsiderable charm and acumen to sway the argument. It almost seemed as if the man was looking for a way out of being king.

An hour of arguing and heated words that strained their relationship to the breaking point and Alistair had finally relented. But not before he brought up his relationship with Zevran. The two of you can make a life together when this is over. Zevran needs your help to fight off the Crows. You know they won't stop coming for him. Liam had nearly punched Alistair in the face at those words. He had held on to the reins of his temper by the narrowest of margins. Alistair had apologized then, relenting and agreeing to Liam's plan.

Now, the strategy, such as it was, was set. They would leave in the morning for Denerim and what awaited them there – a horde of darkspawn and the Archdemon.

Liam shook his head at the futility of their undertaking. It was a mad plan. Three Grey Wardens, the ragtag armies that he and Alistair had gathered and his companions against a horde that their best estimates suggested outnumbered them four to one.

No, it was too much. Too much to think about. He had wasted enough of the night on it.

But to make that blow himself….

Liam was lost for a moment. Tears coursed down his face, as he was lost in the memories of the love he'd found and Wynne's now prophetic words.

"Love is ultimately selfish. It demands that one be devoted to a single person, who may fully occupy one's mind and heart, to the exclusion of all else. A Grey Warden cannot afford to be selfish. You may be forced to make a choice between saving your love and saving everyone else, and then what would you do?"

Now he understood. He could allow Alistair to make the final blow and remain by Zev's side or he could choose to make the ultimate sacrifice. It wasn't a matter of saving Zevran. Zev could take care of himself. No matter what Alistair insinuated, his assassin was a wonder to behold in battle and he held no doubts that Zev would be among those standing at the end. The Crows didn't stand a chance against him. No, what he had to choose to sacrifice was his own future. A future with the man he loved.

It simply wasn't fair.

"Life's not fair, pup. Best get used to that now," his father's voice echoed in his head. Truer words were never spoken. Indeed, they'd been proven again and again in his fight to gather an army to defeat the darkspawn and find justice for his family and his nation.

Zevran must be kept from learning the truth until it was too late for him to act.

Liam straightened up from Riordan's door; brushed back his dark hair, wiped his eyes and set off for his room. He had one night left with Zevran. He planned on making it last until dawn.

The halls of Redclife were quiet. Liam passed a guard making his rounds, but no one else. His room was around the corner from Riordan's and he walked wearily down its length as if he was walking to his own execution. Arl Eamon had given Zevran a room several floors down near the servants quarters but Liam had a few things he needed to pick up before making his way there.

As he opened the door to his room, he was surprised to find Morrigan, of all people, sitting in the nearly dark room. Waiting. Only the firelight illuminated the room. Sighing, he closed the door.

"Do not be alarmed. It is only I. "

"Don't you have your own bedroom?" he grumbled as he covered his face with his hands and rubbed his eyes. Better that she not see his tears.

"I did not come here to speak of sentimental things. I came here to speak with you. I have a plan, you see. A way out. A loop in your hole. I know what happens when the Archdemon dies. I know a Grey Warden must be sacrificed and that sacrifice could be you. I have to tell you that this does not need to be."

Liam's eyes flew open, shocked at her words. "And how do you know about this?"

"I know a great many things. How I know is not quite as important as what I am offering you, however. I offer a way out. A way out for all the Grey Wardens. There need be no sacrifice."

Morrigan stood by the fireplace and Liam crossed the distance to her side quickly. He almost reached out for her, but stopped himself. Hands fisted by his side, he dared not to hope that the witch could help.

"And what might that be?"

"A ritual. Performed on the eve of battle, in the dark of night."

"Where did you get his ritual?"

"From Flemeth, of course."

Of course, Flemeth. That old witch had to know more than she had been willing to tell. "So you knew about the Grey Wardens?"

"I did. Would you have believed me if I was the one to tell you? I have my doubts."

Dismissing her snide remarks with a wave of his hand, Liam asked, "Just what is this ritual?"

"It is old magic from a time before the Circle of Magi was created. Some would call it blood magic, but I think recent days would have taught you that this is not always to be feared."

Morrigan smiled, smugly. She meant the ritual Jowan had performed to save the Arl's son. Still, the sacrifice then had been great.

"Nothing comes without a price," he muttered darkly, turning away from Morrigan. He grabbed the poker and stirred the logs until sparks flew up the chimney and danced about the hearth. Morrigan stepped back, brushing disdainfully at the sparks.

"Perhaps. But that price need not be so unbearable. Especially if there is much to be gained. All I ask is that you listen to what I have to offer. Nothing more."

Afraid to show Morrigan the hope that threatened to overwhelm him, Liam took a deep breath to calm himself. He remained standing with his back to her. He could listen, at least. Listening was not the same as doing.

"Very well. What is your plan?"

Morrigan smiled and slunk over to the bed. She sat down and gazed over at Liam before speaking. The quiet creak of the bed frame drew his attention and he turned to see her perched on the edge of the bed.

"What I propose is this. Lay with me here tonight and from our joining a child will be conceived. The child will bear the taint and when the Archdemon is slain, its essence will seek the child like a beacon. At this early stage, the child can absorb that essence and not perish. The Archdemon is still destroyed with no Grey Wardens dying in the process."

Liam shuddered at the very idea. Lay with Morrigan? Was she mad or simply desperate? And what of this child she so blithely planned to conceive?

"So the child becomes a darkspawn."

"Not at all. It will become something different. A child born with the soul of an old god." Morrigan's eyes narrowed and her tone grew harsher. "After this is done, you allow me to walk away and you do not follow. Ever. The child will be mine to raise as I wish."

Liam shook his head at the lunacy she planned. "How do you even know this will work?"

"This is what my mother intended when she sent me out with you. She was the one who first gave me this ritual, told me of what I was meant to do. This does not surprise you does it? Did you not wonder why Flemeth saved your life? Why she aided you? This is why. What is important is that I am offering this to you now. It will work. And it will save your life. "

All along, she was waiting for this moment. Waiting for the chance to create something for her own ends. Instead of sacrificing a Grey Warden, she wishes to sacrifice an innocent child. What will this new being she intends to create be like?

"Will the child be evil? What will it become?" Liam's words echoed his thoughts.

"Allow me to say that what I seek is the essence of the old god that once was and not the dark force that corrupted it. Some things are worth preserving in this world. Make of that what you will, " Morrigan shrugged.

"What will you do with the child?"

"I do not wish to tell you."

"I insist. I need to know what you plan, " Liam pressed.

Morrigan seemed reluctant to answer. Finally, she spoke, "The child will represent freedom for an ancient power. A chance to be reborn apart from the taint. Is that not reason enough to do it? I will raise the child apart from the rest of society and teach it to respect that from which it came. Beyond that, you need know nothing else. "

Tired of talking and catering to her madness, Liam snapped, "You don't think I will actually go through with this?"

Morrigan seemed shocked. Her eyes grew wide in surprise and she screeched as she stood up. "Why? Because of Zevran? Do you truly believe that he would condemn you or any other Grey Warden to death when it could be avoided? Consider the possibility that Riordan may not be there to make the final blow as he plans. What then? Do you run away? Do you let Alastair, the future King of Ferelden, take the blow instead? And what if he does not make it to the Archdemon either? Would you truly choose death rather than lay with me for one night? Would you deny yourself the tomorrows and all its rewards?"

Liam turned his back on her. Her words bit deep but he took comfort in the fact that she had no concept of self-sacrifice. "No. I don't agree to this."

Morrigan leapt up and strode over to the fireplace, seething. She stood near enough to Liam that he could feel her frustration rolling of her in waves. She stood silently for several moments. So long that Liam began to wonder when the spells would start to fly. Then she turned away and in an oily voice changed her tactics.

"I see. There is, of course, another option. I speak of course of Alastair. He is Grey Warden, just as you are and would also serve for the ritual. The trick, of course, would be to get him to comply. To me, he would not listen, but perhaps to you. I think he just might."

Liam whipped around, glaring, "I said no and I meant it." He grabbed Morrigan by the arm and shook her. "Never."

"Do not let your foolish pride condemn you. No Grey Warden asked for the sacrifice that is now demanded of them and I offer all of you a way out. Will you not reconsider?"

"I will not. The answer is no," he spat out, thrusting her away from him. As he turned his back on her he could almost hear Zevran's voice, never turn your back on an enemy, my Warden.

"Then you are a fool. I will not stand by and watch you waste this opportunity. Die! If you feel it is worthwhile. Or be overshadowed. I care not."

"You need to leave, Morrigan. Now." Liam pointed at the door.

Infuriated, Morrigan left Liam's side and wrenched open the door. She paused on the threshold and spoke over her shoulder. "Fare you well, my friend. I do what I must now. And so shall you."

"So shall we all," Liam said, pointing again towards the door.

At that, Morrigan left, turning into a grey wolf in a flash of light. Liam reached for the chair in front of him, grasping its back like a drowning man. He stood there, head bowed, and eyes closed, struggling to breathe.

"Was that a wolf?"

Liam tensed at the sound of Zevran's voice. How much had he heard? Damn him and his sneaky ways. Liam could hear Zev's soft steps approaching, but only because the assassin chose. Closing his eyes, he concentrated on calming his breathing.

"I thought perhaps we could finish the last of that fine Antivan brandy you found. I have been saving it for a special occasion," Zev purred, reaching around Liam to place the bottle on the table next to Liam.

"What is wrong, mi amor?" he asked as he placed his hands on Liam's shoulders.

"Just nerves, Zev. After all these months, the end is finally here."

Zevran massaged Liam's shoulders with a firm touch, kneading the tense muscles and seeking to relax his lover. As Liam's muscles began to loosen, Zevran slid his hands up Liam's shoulders and into his thick black hair, massaging the scalp and scraping his nails lightly along his nape. Liam rolled his head under Zevran's deft hands and groaned.

From their first kiss, Zevran's touch set Liam aflame. He had wondered if it would always be like this, this need and desire blooming from a simple touch. Now he knew.

Zevran drew his hands down Liam's shoulders and across his arms before sliding them across his chest and down to gently clasp around Liam's waist. He kissed the back of Liam's ear and breathed gently, making Liam shiver.

"Better?"

Liam turned in Zevran's arms and took his face in his hands. He rubbed his thumbs across Zevran's brow and traced the tattoo on his cheek with a fingertip.

"You are beautiful, my assassin, " he whispered before he kissed him gently on the lips.

Zevran opened his mouth under his and what began as a something gentle soon grew deeper as their tongues dueled. Zevran's hands moved up his back and met behind his head, pulling Liam closer still.

Panting, Liam broke the kiss and rested his forehead on Zevran's. They stood that way for a moment, breathing hard.

"Te quiero, mi amor. Come, let us make use of the Arl's fine bed."

Liam chuckled softly and rubbed Zevran's earring absentmindedly. "In due time, but first I have something for you."

Liam kissed Zevran's forehead and pulled away. Stepping from the arms of his lover, he crossed the room to his backpack, resting against the hearth. Squatting down, he opened the pack and pulled out a small cloth wrapped parcel resting on top. Item in hand, he stood up and returned to Zevran's side.

He took Zev's hand, turned it palm up then placed the parcel on it. Zevran smiled and looked up at the Warden through his eyelashes.

"Oh, what do we have here?"

"Open it."

Zevran unwrapped the cloth to reveal a plain gold band. "A ring? For me?"

"Read the inscription."

Zevran picked up the ring and held it to the firelight, twisting it in his fingers until he could see the words engraved in Antivan.

"El corazón quiere lo que el corazón quiere. Tú eres mi corazón," Zev whispered through a throat suddenly tight with emotion.

Liam plucked the ring from Zevran's fingers, turned over his left hand and slid the ring onto his ring finger. As the ring found its home, Zevran clutched Liam's hand and squeezed tightly, bringing it up to his lips.

"You are mine, as well, mi corazón. Until the end of time."

Zevran sensed Liam's anxiety behind his declaration of love. The specifics of what was troubling him was unknown, but Zev saw more than just love and passion in Liam's eyes. Reflected in the firelight was also desperation, more than he had ever seen before. No nightmare of the Archdemon had left Liam so frightened. No memory of his lost family evoked this look of pure sadness. He has no hope left, Zevran realized. There is more going on here than just simple pre-battle jitters.

All this ran through Zevran's mind in the time it took him to pull his lover by the hand to the waiting bed. He pushed Liam down and began to undress him, pulling his tunic over his head. Zevran kept his eyes locked with Liam's, only breaking his gaze when forced and then returning. Reaching down, he pulled off Liam's right boot and then his left.

Stepping back, Zevran toed off his boots and then pulled off his tunic, tossing it aside. His eyes never left Liam's as he slowly pushed his leather leggings down his hips, taking his smallclothes with them. His erection, freed from the confines of his pants, bobbed slightly. Liam eyes darted down and back up, making Zevran smirk.

Ah, that was more like it.

Kicking his pants aside, Zevran moved, cat-like and seductive, towards Liam. Eyes still locked, he reached for the waist of Liam's pants and began to undo the buttons. After pushing Liam's shoulder until he collapsed back onto the bed, Zevran grasped the pants and pulled, turning them inside out and off Liam's legs in one swift motion.

Zevran stood between Liam's knees and gazed at the body beneath him. Liam's tall, muscular form was something that he could never look at enough. The scars from many battles, some new and others older even than their time together, only made him even more drawn to Liam. Reaching out Zevran caressed one such scar at Liam's hip. A few more inches lower and their first meeting would have been their last.

"I am glad that I missed anything…vital, my dear, but I cannot regret leaving my mark," Zevran said. His fingertips trailed down the scar and past until they reached Liam's penis, standing at attention in the nest of dark curls. Liam's sharp intake of breath as Zevran's warm hand wrapped around the shaft brought a lecherous grin his face.

Eyes locked on Liam's, Zevran knelt and swiped his tongue across the swollen head. Liam's hands reached for his head and fisted in his blond hair as his eyes drifted close. Zevran began stroking slowly, down the length of Liam's arousal and the back up. Liam rolled his hips to match the movement, a soft groan escaping his clenched teeth.

Liam's hands left Zev's hair and clutched his shoulders, pulling. "Come here, " his murmured huskily.

Zevran smirked, the corner of his mouth twitching upwards as he slid upwards. His hand retained his grip on Liam's cock, twisting around the shaft as he moved.

Liam opened his eyes and watched as his lover joined him on the bed, one hand seeking Zevran's equally firm member. As he grasped it and tugged gently, Zev's eyes closed and his head fell back, mouth opening on a sudden gasp.

Liam drew Zevran into his embrace, reaching up with his free hand to grasp the back of his head and bring it close. Their lips met and both men drew in sharp breath.

As always, Zevran's kiss was enough to nearly drive Liam over the edge. The kiss deepened and Liam poured all of his desire and need into pleasing his lover.

For his part, Zevran responded with equal ardor. From the beginning, from the first tentative kiss, Zevran had felt a deep connection and a deep need. The Warden's kisses became as essential to his daily continuation as breath itself.

Breaking free from Liam's mouth, his rising passion nearly overwhelming him, Zevran growled. "Te quiero. I need you. Inside me, Liam. Now."

Zevran pushed Liam onto his back and straddled his hips. Leaning forward and reaching back, he guided Liam into his entrance, pushing back until he felt the tip slip inside. Satisifed that he had Liam just where he wanted, Zevran sat up, slowly taking more of the firm heated flesh into himself. The burn as his body stretched to accomodate Liam made him hiss but it quickly faded.

"Maker, Zev. That feels so good," Liam whispered as he grasped tightly at Zev's hips, pushing slightly, easing him downward.

Zevran smiled and looked down at Liam. "Si, mi amor. And to think, " he said, tracing the scar at Liam's hip as he arched his back and sat up fully. "I planned to let A Grey Warden's sword end my life that day. Instead, I met you."

Liam skimmed his hands upwards, tracing the swirling tatoo as it sprialed up Zevran's hip and across his chest. Eyes half closed, he gazed at his lover through his dark lashes and smiled.

"I'm glad we both failed that day in our efforts to kill one another. It would have been a waste of a perfectly handsome Elf. Now shut up and come here," he said, pulling Zevran down as he thrust upward with his hips.

"Of course, My Warden. I am your man."

7/2/11 Made a minor correction to locale.