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And look who we have here. Come to apologize for leaving me bereft of my lord husband and then vanishing without a trace?
You know it was just business, Isabela. Business that turned out well for you, I see--you inherited the ship, I take it?
Hmph. I suppose I never did like the greasy ***. And the Siren treats me far better than she ever did him.
You two know each other?
Indeed. This is Isabela, queen of the eastern seas and the sharpest blade in Llomerryn.
And Isabela, my dear, you will no doubt be amused to discover that I am traveling with a Grey Warden.
A Grey Warden? Charmed.
So you are the captain of a ship?
Yes. The Siren's Call--my pride and joy. She's seen me from my own Rivain and the isle of Llomerryn to the coast of Par Vollen.
All I need is my ship, and the wind at my back. And once my men have had their fill of the pleasures of dry land, we will be off again.
We are getting as far away from this Blight as possible.
I understand. The Blight is frightening.
The way I see it, I can sail as far away from it as I need to, even to the other side of the far Anderfels. The sea will look after her own.
Did you learn to fight like that on your travels?
I have picked up skills from many different places and turned them into a method distinctly my own.
Speed, not strength, is what is essential.
I call myself a duelist because I honed my skills in duels with warriors I encountered over the years.
Could I duel you?
As I said, it is better to avoid being hit. And it is best not to get into fights at all.
Then will you teach me what you know?
Ha! An unusual request coming from a fearsome slayer of darkspawn. I am flattered that you wish to learn from me, sweet thing.
It will take you years of practice to achieve true mastery of the style, but I can teach you the basics.
I do, however, wish to get to know my potential student better, so we shall call for a drink and you will honor me with a game.
Are there no other ways for us to get to know each other?
Do you have... something else in mind?
We could board your ship. I'd like to see what's below deck.
Ooh, and now you've piqued my interest. It would surely be rude of me to decline such a... delicious offer.
Are you suggesting... with her? I mean... wow. And here I am, awake and everything.
Why not?
Perhaps your friend is feeling left out? There is always room for one more... yes?
Err... boundaries, hello? Are you really sure you want to... you know...
You could join in. It will be interesting, for both of us.
Interesting, she says. Like it was a good book, or maybe a delightful pastry.
Well, I'll say it. I am a weak, weak man. I guess I'll have to play along.
And what about you, Zev? Shall we, for old times' sake?
Ah, no. You have your hands full as it is with these two. Perhaps another time, yes?
I will hold you to that, Zevran.
Come, my ship is down by the docks, and I am sure you will find my cabins quite... comfortable.
My dear, you wouldn't consider... leaving Alistair with me, would you? Perhaps letting me borrow him for a week every summer?
I'm sure we could work out a deal.
Why don't you ask Alistair? I don't own him.
Not that the idea of being borrowed isn't terribly fascinating, but let's not forget the darkspawn. There may not be a week every summer, or any summer.
Darkspawn! Is this the only thing men think about these days? What about the good old obsessions? ***, firm buttocks, wet frocks?
Hmm... wet frocks...
Now, wasn't there something you wanted from me? A lesson, perhaps?
Is there anything else you can tell me about yourself?
Why, what can I tell you that you don't already know?
All right, then teach me what you know.
Come, we will need some space for this.