I'm starting this story at the beginning of Act 2 because I feel like nothing (relationship wise) interesting happens until then. I am aiming to make my representation of Hawke a little less brick wall of strength and a little more emotion. If you enjoy this story please review and follow. Thanks for reading.
Ch. 1
Elizabeth Hawke has managed herself and her friends through a lot. First she got herself, her brother, mother, and friend Aveline into Kirkwall. Second, she worked with a smuggler for a year. Then she built a team of incredibly different people, befriending them all, and becoming very close to each of them… some more than others. She and her friends braved the Deep Roads, making it out with a fortune. Even after losing her brother to the Templars she still managed to buy back her family home. Now three years later it seems Kirkwall's dependency on her has not changed, nor has her dependency on her friends.
"So remind me again why we are going to the Qunari compound," Anders told Hawke as he caught step beside her. "I thought you didn't want to go around them since that…dwarf problem."
Hawke looked at the Mage and smiled.
"You're right, I don't," she said light heartedly, "but the Viscount said that the Arishock requested me personally, so I must hesitantly comply."
"Well isn't that all kittens and sunshine."
"Kittens and sunshine: what an accurate description of the Arishock."
Anders snickered.
The two Mages stopped their pace as they arrived at the looming compound. Fenris stood beside the stairs that led to the gate, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.
"Hawke," the Elf called in his deep voice.
Hawke smiled. Last time Fenris had saved the day with his Qun speak, and knowing that he would be here with her was comforting. She knew that if there was another Dwarf that got her into trouble with Kirkwall's giant horned guests Fenris would be there to talk them out of it once again.
The Mage was still grinning like an idiot when Anders snorted.
"Where's Varric," he asked. "He was supposed to be here already."
"Why do you ask me?" Fenris asked straightening. "I am responsible for no one but myself…" he shrugged and nodded in their direction, "and Hawke."
She blushed. Anders sighed.
"Well should we wait, or go in without him?" she asked.
"I would suggest going in. The Arishock is not the most patient of people," Fenris suggested.
"Probably right."
"So why are we here again?" Anders asked.
"Anders," Hawke laughed. "We already went over this."
"I know. I was just hoping you'd offer some reward for my time."
"You want a free drink don't you?"
"You know me too well, my dear."
"Alright, Anders, after this is all done I'll buy everyone a drink… except for Varric. I'll buy everyone on time a drink. Come on."
Hawke led her two companions inside.
The inside of the compound was no more inviting than it had been 3 years ago. Big ivory men splashed in red paint lining the walls and glaring at guests was the embodiment of uncomfortable. Hawke cringed under their stares, but her composure was stone. Anders and Fenris mimicked her expression as they strode beside her up to the Arishock's throne.
"Serah Hawke," the lead Qunari rumbled with a raise of his hand.
"Messere," the redheaded Mage said flatly.
The Arishock then went on to say that the stupid Dwarf from last time had stolen their fake blackpowder explosives and that lives were in danger. What a shock. Hawke agreed of course.
"Panaheden, Hawke. It will be interesting to see if you die."
The three turned away and started for the gate.
"Perhaps Varric will know where to search for the Dwarf," Fenris suggested glancing at his leader.
"Oh well then it would have been nice if he would have actually shown up," she said shaking her head. "And what did he mean: interesting to see if I die? Of course I'm not going to die…especially not to a Dwarf like Javaris. Doesn't he know who I am?"
Anders laughed.
"Apparently not," said the Mage.
They stepped out of the gates.
"Hawke!" Varric said sighing. "I've been standing here for a few minutes. The horn-heads wouldn't let me in."
"There you are, Varric," said Hawke. "You wouldn't happen to know where that Dwarf Javaris is would you?"
He tapped his chin.
"I haven't kept up with him. Ask the Coterie."
"To Darktown then?" Anders asked.
The four left the Docks.
"Fenris?" Hawke asked sliding in next to him. They sat on a dirty bench in the center of the Hanged Man. "Here I brought you something special since I know you don't like the alcohol here." She handed him a bottle of wine.
"Oh, thank you, Hawke," the Elf answered popping the cork and taking a drink.
"Try to refrain from smashing it against the wall."
Fenris allowed a small chuckle.
"I'll try to hold myself back." He took a drink straight from the bottle.
"So… crazy Elves…" Varric said climbing onto the other bench.
"Why so surprised, Varric? It's not like it's a rare thing to see such an Elf," Anders said sitting beside the Dwarf. "Oh look, there's one in front of me." He smiled at Fenris.
"Oh an Apostate and a comedian," the Warrior said taking another drink.
"Oh don't start," Hawke warned.
"Why not? I love a good battle between two sexy men," Isabela said pulling up a chair and sitting at the table. "Ooh Hawke's buying…what's the occasion."
"Sorry, Isabela, free drinks are only for those who went with her to talk with the Qunari," Anders joked.
The pirate visibly cringed.
"No need to worry, I'll still buy you a drink," Hawke said shaking her head.
The Rogue's emotion was pushed away instantly.
"How generous," she said, signaling for a drink.
"You know me, I'm a giver."
Isabela chuckled and shook her head.
"Need any help?" Hawke asked peering over Anders shoulder down at the paper that he furiously scribbled on.
He didn't jump, only laughed.
"Sweetheart, it'll take a little more than that to scare me," he said turning to her slightly. Hawke giggled.
"Sorry. I just came to see if you needed any help with the healer thing."
Anders smiled. He closed his brown notebook and tied it, leaving it on his old worn out desk.
"Actually it's been an uncommonly slow day, but thank you. However, I am glad you're here. I wanted to talk to you."
Hawke hopped up on one of the sick beds. He walked towards her, and paced for a second.
"Are you alright, Anders?" the Mage asked gently, reaching out and grabbing the renegade's hand. She smiled.
"It's just the Knight-Commander is out of control." He blurted shaking his head. "Curfews, raids on Mage's families. Her own people whisper that she's mad."
"I've noticed."
"I think every minute that the Templar's will be knocking on my door. The clinic is not exactly a secret."
"If the Templar's want you they'll have to go through me."
Hawke smiled encouragingly.
"It's you I worry about most though. What if your standing in Kirkwall isn't enough? I would do anything to keep you safe."
Hawke couldn't help but smile at that.
"Anders," she took his hand once more, "we do not stand alone, and you know that. Isabela, Varric, Aveline, and Fenris stand with us and Merrill. They will not let the Templars take us."
Anders scoffed. "Yes because Fenris is going to fight a Templar to protect his ever hated Mages."
Hawke frowned.
"Why not? He's protected us against greater dangers."
"I just don't believe Fenris is going to stand up in arms to stop Meredith from branding my forehead."
"Wouldn't you stand against slavers to protect him?"
"Only for you, Hawke. I do not see why, but you seem fond of him. I do not agree with it, but I care for you enough to put my differences aside for you. The question is Hawke, is he willing to do the same?"
Hawke jumped off the bed.
"Perhaps you are right." She sighed. "I'll be back tomorrow. Call me if you need an extra healer."
"I-I'm sorry, sweetheart. If you need me, as always, just call."
Hawke turned from the blonde Mage, and exited the clinic.
"Could you ask the other's to stop trying to get me to move?" Fenris said as soon as Hawke stepped in through the door.
"Oh?" she said smiling. "Are they still bothering you about that?"
"Of course they are. Why would they give up? If they did then they wouldn't have something to pester me about."
"Of course they would. Let's see there's your broody attitude, you're pointy armor, your lack of Elven culture, and of course Anders would still have your hate for Mages."
Hawke saw a smile begin to form on the Elf's face, but he forced it back down.
"And where would I move to? The alienage? How is that any better than this mansion?"
Hawke shrugged, smiling.
"I see your point. I'm sure Isabela wouldn't mind sharing her room at the Hanged Man with you…at least…for one night anyway."
The smile almost appeared again on Fenris' face. He let out a small chuckle.
"I could see that."
He looked off with a thoughtful expression on his face. He stood and moved towards his fireplace.
"Three years," he said. "Three years, and Danarius still hasn't shown his face."
"Do you think he's given up on you?" Hawke asked, staring up at him.
"I doubt it," Fenris said not looking at the redhead, "but anything is possible. Tell me, Hawke," he sat back down across from her, "what do you do once you stop running?"
Hawke was taken aback.
"Do you really not know?" she asked.
"My first memory is receiving these markings," he said running the tip of his metal gauntlet down his glowing white tattoo. Hawke bit her lip as she observed his caramel skin adorned with his lyrium decorations. "Beyond that I am unsure." He looked down, and the pain was almost visible in his mossy green eyes. "But these problems are not yours; I shouldn't burden you with them."
"You're problems are not a burden. I share my problems with you." She smiled.
Fenris looked at the table, he smiled.
"I suppose you are correct. You do not mind?"
"Who else are you going to complain to?" He smile brightened.
"Thank you, Hawke."
She stood to leave, but paused.
"Fenris?"
"Yes?"
"If…the Templars came for us…not just me, but for Anders or Merrill…would you stand with me…in our defense?"
Fenris stood.
"I've stood with you against worse. I do not like your apostate friends, but out of respect for you…yes, I would."
Hawke smiled.
"Thank you, Fenris."
He nodded. She turned and left the mansion.