Fenris was anxious that morning, waiting with the others at their usual table at the Hanged Man. Varric was spinning another tale, but he could not focus on it. Hawke's note had been vague at best, asking them to meet her there, no description of the task at hand, only that it was important.

Fenris thought even that word had lost it's meaning in the past few weeks. This city was growing to be a dangerous place, even for the close friends of the Champion. These games they played…it meant life or death for those who lived in the city walls. War was coming, he could feel it burning in his skin. Was this the day? Was this the task that would tip the scale?

Isabela stole a gulp of his wine and he made a face at her. The pirate had been insufferably happy since she had returned, and Hawke not much better. Still, it was good to see his friends blissful. With everything they had been through these past few years, perhaps love had kept them going. It was strange to think of what he felt as love, but it was of a kind. Hawke had been the kindest friend he had ever had, surely the best mage he had ever known. And these people…there was a kinship, a sense of belonging. It was only a few weeks since Danarius had died at his hands, since his sister fled from his wrath. He noted to himself that it was one of the first days that the ache in his chest had begun to settle. He felt like he could breathe again.

He looked around, taking a sip of his wine. Whatever Hawke had to say, he prayed that this stirring of peace would not fade.

He looked up, seeing his friend enter the bar with another by her side. Isabela seemed to recognize the figure, shrieking in glee as she bounded off to sweep the stranger off her feet. An unfamiliar laugh followed, the figure's hood falling as Isabela kissed her joyfully.

Hawke grimaced, "I'm right here, Isabela."

"Oh Hawke," Isabela laughed, "No need to be jealous. She's never been hesitant to share before."

Fenris got a better look at the blushing woman under Isabela's arm. She was an elf, light brown skin, deep brown eyes, and black hair braided down her back. Fenris looked away again, worried he was intruding into this reunion.

Hawke brought the woman over to the table, Varric moving over to accommodate them both.

"Gang," Hawke greeted with open arms, "Continuing the pattern this week of assisting people Isabela has slept with-"

"Hey," Isabela protested.

"I am very pleased to introduce to you a fellow Ferelden. This is Aria Tabris."

Anders bit his lip, "We've actually met before. This is…you're not going to come take me back, are you?"

"I won't tell them I'm here if you don't," Tabris said with a sad smile, "Though I did hear a rumour Nate was in the area. You might want to stay clear incase he has that nasty Straud with him. I could never stand that man."

Anders' face softened and Tabris continued, taking her cloak off as Edwina brought her a pint of ale, "I'm actually here to hire Hawke. She told me she had a team. People like us seem to always have teams. We also seem to have some overlap in that department, which I suppose should not have surprised me. I don't believe in withholding details from my men, so I want to make this offer explicit. I have been tracking down elves sold during the Blight in Ferelden, as well as tracking down those hired as slavers during this period. My…excursions have led me to Kirkwall. I have information regarding a slaver in town. I would go to the guard, but any formal inquiry will only tip the man off. I need him alive…for now. I need Hawke to get me close to the man, but I need a team to keep us safe. Money is not an object. Let's just say I've done well for myself as of late. It's dangerous work and may involve a fair bit of killing slavers. From what Hawke tells me, you seem to be a good lot to get that done. Is that fair?"

"I'm sorry," Merrill interrupted, "You're a Grey Warden, aren't you? What is a Warden doing tracking down criminals? You are supposed to stay out of politics, that's what they said when the Qunari invaded."

"I have…taken a leave of absence you could say," Tabris replied, "I was Warden-Commander of Ferelden. There was some…difference of opinion when I received evidence of the crimes committed seven years ago. It is time to right an old wrong."

She glanced at Fenris, who had felt himself nodding with what she had said. There were crimes that could not be forgotten, not be discarded so easily.

"I'm in," Hawke said, looking around, "Is there anyone who doesn't feel comfortable with this?"

There was little dispute as all signed on to the task. Hawke said, "Varric and I have already discussed a contact he has in Darktown. We'll go after dark and figure out who our target is. We know it's a noble man in this city, but we don't know which one. Tabris and I have it narrowed down, but we need to be sure. If we strike out, we could lose this guy."

"There's that gala you didn't want to go to tomorrow night," Isabela pointed out, "If we go, maybe we can catch the bastard there. I do love fighting in formal wear."

Hawke and Isabela exchanged a look and Isabela frowned, "Fine, continue to be embarrassed by me. I don't give a shit."

"Bela," Hawke stated and Tabris cut in, "We need to be discreet, that's all. The smaller an incursion we can make, the safer this will be. We'll plan from whatever we learn tonight. I suggest, Hawke, you pick your team and we ready for tonight. I am going to go to my room to rest. It has been a long journey."

Tabris excused herself as Hawke took a scan of the room, "Anders, stay by your clinic tonight in case we need you. We'll meet you there and get back to the estate through the cellar. Varric, you're with us. Merrill, I want you to go home and talk around the Alienage. See what you can hear. Isabela, with us. Fenris…I'd ask you to come, but if its too close to home…"

Fenris shook his head, "I want to help."

"Okay. Aveline, head back to the barracks. You've been under enough scrutiny lately as it is, I don't want you to get in trouble. Is everyone good?"

The group nodded, talking amongst themselves as they drank and readied for the evening. Fenris found himself distracted and excused himself, wandering into the back of the tavern. He heard that same laugh again and found himself at the entrance of one of the rooms, seeing Tabris sit on the edge of the bed. Isabela was flopped down beside her and Anders was sitting on the floor, a rare smile across his face.

"Fenris!" Isabela called out, "Come join us. You'll love this guy, Tabris. He's like that Qunari you used to travel with. Stein? Ken? The serious one. Just as lovely a voice and just as little fun."

"Sten was all sorts of fun," Tabris laughed, "I miss him. Come on in, I could use another wise and stern man in my life."

Fenris felt a slight flush go through his face as he came into the room. He sat down on the floor across from Anders, the mage smirking at his discomfort. Their relationship had grown easier in the years, though as of late, the teasing had begun to irk him slightly. The man seemed in no position to judge Fenris' lack of…social life, but he seemed to do so all the same.

"So," Tabris continued, drinking her wine, "You and Hawke. I love that. She's so gorgeous. I can't believe even you pulled that one off."

"Hey," Isabela protested, "I am still a hot little number, alright? Just ignore my skin deciding it's getting old before the rest of me."

"You're beautiful," Tabris smiled, "I think the laugh lines suit you. And Anders…you haven't…"

"There hasn't been anyone since Karl," Anders admitted, "It's been…well…Justice keeps me busy enough as it is."

Isabela made a jerking off motion, causing Anders to roll his eyes. Isabela rolled onto her back, looking up at Tabris, "Now you, my dear. I have heard all sorts of rumours about your love life. I ran into Zevran recently, you know."

"By ran into you mean, he ran into you?" Tabris smirked.

Isabela gave her a loving shove, "Haha. But yes. That man has only improved over the years, you know? Did I ever tell you he was the second man I ever slept with? Oh, but that's another story. He said that you two had a little fling back in the old days. I thought you were with that blonde Warden. He was all over you. I liked him. He had…strong hands."

Anders widened his eyes, "You weren't sleeping with the King, were you?"

Isabela grinned, "I slept with a King? I have to add that to my list of things to brag about."

Tabris paused slightly, "Alistair and I…were together. For about half a year. He left me before his coronation. I rebounded with Zevran, which was fun, but it just fizzled out. You know how it is."

"Why did he leave you?" Fenris asked, the group turning to acknowledge him.

Tabris' face softened, "He was going to marry another woman. He would have taken me as a mistress, but I did what he considered unforgivable. And I…I deserved better. So it ended. That's all."

Fenris wanted to ask more, but Hawke came into the room, holding a small locket in her hand.

"Isabela," Hawke said, "I've got something for you. Let's go to your room and…have a look at it."

Isabela smirked, rising off the bed, "You can't always bribe me with something shiny you know."

"I'll keep doing it until it stops working," Hawke promised, kissing her lightly.

The two walked off together, Hawke's hand resting on Isabela's hip. Anders coughed slightly and said, "I should get back to my clinic. It was good seeing you again, Comman-Aria. I'll see you later tonight. I'd tell you to keep safe, but I think you can handle yourself."

Anders stood to leave and Fenris followed suite. Tabris called out to him, "You can stay, you know. I don't bite."

Fenris turned, looking back at the woman sitting down on the bed, "I…I need some air."

Fenris closed the door behind him and found himself leaning against it haphazardly. He felt like a foolish boy. Sex had never been something he was comfortable discussing, even with Hawke over many bottles of wine. If there had been someone before his enslavement, he had no memory. And after…there were so few women he trusted, and all of them now were committed to another. Yet seeing this woman, this woman who was so free with herself, yet…there was something else there, a glint in her eyes that resonated with him, that grasped out at him.

For the first time in many years, he found himself attracted to someone. He wanted to dismiss it, as a sign that he was slowly healing. But there was something…something there he could not name. He shook off the feeling the best he could and went back to Varric's room to rest.

It was near midnight when they finally left the Tavern, the five of them acting casually as Hawke led them through the underground passages leading to Darktown. Tabris waited near the rear of their group, her eyes darting around as she investigated her surroundings closer.

"My contact should be just through that tunnel to the left," Varric said, "Broody, take Isabela and keep an eye out on the place. Warden, stay close to us. Just in case."

Fenris and Isabela did as instructed, hanging back as they mingled among the refugees. Fenris kept his eyes upon the group, watching Hawke address the mercenary with a slightly off joke. After hearing the familiar groan that followed Hawke's humour, Fenris relaxed, seeing that the meeting was going well.

Fenris looked up, seeing Isabela talk with a pair of mothers just off to the side. He heard the whistle and ran to Hawke's side, blade drawn into his hands. He sliced down the first man who came close to her, the power in his veins beating fiercely as he stood beside her. The comforting aura surrounded him, helping him focus on the task at hand.

He struck another down, looking up to see the Warden cut through a dwarf's throat. She seemed unbothered by the scene, patiently going through the garments of the corpse. She looked up as a spell came towards her, rolling out of the way, stashing a document into her pocket.

"Well, that could have gone better," Tabris announced, standing with her back facing Hawke, protecting her left side.

Varric cursed, "Hey, it's not my fault news of your arrival spread. You kill a few slavers, apparently that makes folks unhappy."

Hawke struck down the last man with a bolt of lightening, the electricity rippling through the air around them.

"Come on," Hawke said, nodding towards Tabris, "You're not staying at the Hanged Man. My home is more secure, you'll stay there tonight."

The Warden's face softened, "I don't mean to put you in danger."

Hawke laughed, "Trust me. You're not going to make a big dent in that department. Come on, we'll go through the Clinic."

As they strode towards the passage, Fenris blurted out, "I should stay with you, Hawke. It is better to sleep in shifts. In case."

Isabela smirked, "Aw, my poor sweet thing doesn't want to sleep all alone? You know where you could always find me."

Fenris felt a flush go through his cheeks, causing him great embarrassment, "It is simply better to be prepared than not. News will spread, Hawke."

"Thank you," Hawke replied, "I'll get Bodhahn to set up the spare room for you."

Tabris laughed, "Wait, Bodhahn Feddic? Oh what a delight. Is Sandal with him? I haven't seen him in years."

"He's actually working for me right now," Hawke smiled, "Both him and Sandal. You'll have to catch up with them at the Estate."

"I look forward to it," Tabris smiled softly, "I've always been fond of those two."

Hawke, now dressed in her housecoat, came down into the study, flopping into an armchair beside Fenris. She looked up, watching Tabris speaking with Sandal, both grinning as Tabris told a joke. Hawke's mabari came up to them, snuggling against Tabris' arm until she patted him.

"Come now, Warden," Hawke called out, pulling out a bottle of wine, "Share what you found on the bastard earlier."

"I should guard the entrance," Fenris said, standing, "If you are both here. Or perhaps you would want me to rest now."

Hawke smirked, "Come on now, my dear broody elf. You do not have to be so formal. I am not worried about any man breaking down that door. Have a drink, relax. You may be able to provide some insight."

Tabris came into the study, closing the door behind her after waving to the others in the grand hall. She had unbraided her hair, her dark locks curling around her face and trailing down her back. Unarmed and unarmoured, she did not seem any less fearsome, but there was a softness to her face now he had not seen before.

Fenris looked away as Tabris brought forth her documents, "I never understand why people keep such important things on their bodies. This suggests a Lord in town starting with "L" is expecting payment for a shipment. The exchange was meant to be tomorrow, which will be unfortunate when it does not occur. When Varric's…associate does not turn up, he will suspect that I am here. I must move quickly and dispatch him. I need evidence. I am in the right of Kirkwall law, but I need to be sure."

Hawke frowned, "There is man named Lord Lerius. He's from an old house, stuffy old thing. He has two sons as well, both in their thirties or so. It could be any of them. It could be someone else entirely. But for your convenience, he is the man hosting the gala tomorrow night. That must be where the exchange is happening, it's so public, no one would suspect it."

"Then you must go, Hawke," Tabris said, "I noticed you have another elven servant. Have her and I go as handmaidens, it's very common in Orlais. I will try to find evidence and you will provide a distraction."

"I guess Isabela is getting what she wants," Hawke grumbled, "Fine, I'll go to the fancy party. But there better be a battle or something fun. Fenris, you want to come? It might be nice having someone hiding in the shadows with a sword, always makes me feel safer if I have to wear fancy clothing."

Fenris nodded, "I will discuss the plans with the Warden. Go rest, Hawke. You will have a busy enough day tomorrow."

Hawke cursed as she left the room, grumbling about the latest fashion trend. Tabris and Fenris exchanged a glance, Tabris biting her lip to stop from smiling.

"Would you…like some company?" Fenris asked, surprising himself.

"I would love that," Tabris said, grabbing Hawke's abandoned bottle of wine, "Do you want to share?"

After a few hours of drinking and exchanging stories, both of them had ended up sitting in front of the fire, sharing the bottle between them. Tabris rested her head on his shoulder and Fenris flinched at first and then relaxed to her touch.

"It is getting late," she said sleepily, "We should both get some rest."

"Tell me something, Warden," Fenris said gently, gazing out into the fire, "You weren't honest before when you said why he left you."

"Of all the ridiculous things I have told you tonight," Tabris laughed, "That's the thing you don't believe?"

Fenris smirked, "Trust me, I have seen some ridiculous things in my life, as you know well know. It was the only thing you have said that did not ring true."

Tabris nodded, raising her head from him, "I guess that's fair. You have been honest with me…even about things you did not want to speak of. You trusted in me. I want…I want to be honest with you."

"I didn't kill a man," Tabris sighed, looking into the fire, "I stayed my blade. I gave a murderer, my enemy, a chance at life again when he would not have done the same. Alistair wanted revenge."

"And you did not?"

"I wanted a chance at peace," she replied, "And when I did so…I realized something I never would have otherwise. My enemy was a man. He was skin and bones like me. He had hopes and dreams. He had witnessed terrible things and he had done terrible things to do what he thought was right. I realized we were the same."

Fenris frowned and she replied, "Whatever monster you are carrying in your heart is long dead. Let it die, Fenris. Don't let him enslave you any longer."

"It's not the same," Fenris protested.

"You're right, it's not," she agreed, "I know one man that if I had the power to, I would have killed him a thousand times over again. But he does not own my soul any more. He doesn't get that power over me."

"I thought once he was dead, I would be free of him," Fenris admitted.

"It doesn't work like that," Tabris said softly.

"How does it work?" Fenris asked, his voice softening.

"One day you realize that your anger is killing you," Tabris admitted, bringing her knees to her chest, "You realize you can't breathe, that it is slowly choking the life out of you. It isn't a profound feeling of forgiveness that overcomes you, it's the feeling that you want to live."

Fenris turned to face her, her dark brown eyes full of pity. He wanted to hate her in that moment, to cast her from his sight and curse her words. Perhaps it was the alcohol, but he felt those words sink into his skin.

She rose, "I'm sorry. I did not want to step over my bounds. I've drunk too much clearly. I don't know what you've been through, I have no right to say anything."

As she turned to go to the door, Fenris called out, "What happened to him? The man you thought was worth saving?"

Tabris paused, a sad smiling coming across her face as she rested her hand on the doorframe.

"That," she said finally, "I need to be much drunker to discuss. Good night, Fenris."

Fenris stood, their eyes meeting each other in an uneasy truce.

"Good night," he said, bowing his head.

Fenris woke the next morning on the floor of the library, the mabari curled up underneath his arm. He patted the dog as he rose, a hand to his temple. It seemed far too early for such commotion already in the Estate. He walked out into the hall, seeing Aveline standing, arms crossed, speaking with Hawke. Neither noticed them as the conversation continued.

"On the double, Hawke," Aveline commanded, the other woman frowning as she made her way back up the stairs.

"What's going on?" Fenris asked, sleepily rubbing his forehead.

"Our delightfully responsible friend here managed to get herself summoned to the Viscount's Keep. Not only has she been successful at pissing off leaders in power she knows, she has now pissed off a complete stranger. You better get dressed too, Fenris. She'll probably want you to go with her."

Fenris groaned, making his way into the dining room. He paused, seeing Tabris sitting with Sandal, talking over their breakfasts. She looked up, an uneasy smile crossing her face.

"Any idea what all this is about?" Fenris asked, gesturing to the hall.

"Sadly, yes," Tabris said, "Want to come meet the King of Ferelden?"

Fenris followed behind the other three as they made their way into the fortress. He kept his head low, a practice that he should have abandoned long ago. He was just as much a man as any other who crossed this threshold.

Aveline and Hawke amicably bickered just ahead of them, the Guard Captain leading them into a closed off room near the back of Viscount's Keep. Tabris stayed near him, almost silent as they reached the offended party.

Fenris did not recognize either man, but clearly Tabris did. The younger man, dressed in fine heavy armour, approached her angrily.

"Good you're not dead. Now I can kill you myself," he grumbled, "You said you would let this one go. You have no proof. You're going to screw up everything I came here to accomplish. You promised you would stay out of the way."

"I said I would let you do your job," Tabris retorted.

"Hello?" Hawke asked, "Who are these people?"

"I'm Alistair. King Alistair of Ferelden. This is my uncle, Arl Teagan. I originally just wanted to speak to you, Serah, but it seems you managed to claim my associate here as a charge. Perfect, now I can reprimand both of you."

Teagan said quietly, "Alistair, do not make a scene. It is not wise for you and she to be so publically brawling."

Tabris stated, "It appears to be necessary. I've kept out of your way, Alistair. I have evidence and I will be discreet. Will you please stop interfering in my life?"

"You represent our kingdom, Warden," Alistair reminded, "Your duty is to us. Not to be causing havoc over Thedas. We could be at war soon. We need to be on the same team. This goes for you too, Hawke. I've heard of you, even in our country. We need unity here. I hear you're causing raucous as well. Perhaps I shouldn't be surprised you two matched up. Keep your noses clean and stay out of Chantry business. What you do here has implications everywhere. You cannot possibly be this self-indulgent."

Hawke stood, stunned, as he continued, "I came here to make an alliance with Knight-Commander Meredith. Having Ferelden apostates running around is not smoothing this process over. I can appreciate what both you ladies are trying to do, but it is in no one's best interest. Do you understand?"

Hawke and Tabris exchanged a look, Hawke raising her eyebrow.

Hawke responded simply, "Go screw yourself. My girlfriend tells me you're good at it."

Aveline grumbled, "Hawke…"

"Fine," Alistair said, throwing his hands up in the air, "I tried. Warden, I expect you back at the ship tomorrow morning. Your duty is to Ferelden. You would do best to remember that."

"Or what, you'll ship me to Orlais too?" She asked, a sneer forming at the corner of her mouth.

"You could only be so lucky," he replied coldly, "Guard-Captain, please escort these fine citizens of yours out of the Keep. I would like a word with the Warden."

Tabris shook her head, "We're done here. Hawke, let's go."

As soon as they were outside of earshot, Hawke commented, "Maker, he does really hate you. Was he always such a prick?"

Tabris said softly, "No. He still is a good man. Just a very bitter one."

Fenris glanced at her, watching her bite her lips. He wished he could say something, but let the conversation fall back between Aveline and Hawke, the two friends arguing affectionately.