Isabela grumbled, rolling back on the bed to snuggle with her lover, but disappointingly, she found nothing but empty space. Isabela's eyes slit open with a pout. "Hawke?" No one answered. Simultaneously missing her partner and annoyed with her absence, Isabela rolled over on the bed, struggling to sit up as something crinkled with her movement.

Isabela blinked to awareness as her eyes found the paper that'd been left on Hawke's pillow. Grumbling, but silently touched that her love would leave her with notice, Isabela picked up the note and scanned the contents.

Her heart dropped further with every word.

XXX

Bethany rounded the corner of her door- only to be smacked back by a half-naked ex-whore who collided into her forcefully, dressed only in lingerie. Bethany rebounded back, falling with a squeak to her butt as Isabela caught herself. "Oww." Bethany barely had time to focus before Isabela was up and off again. "Isabela?" Bethany shook herself, pulling to her feet. She froze when she heard the front door slam. "'Bela!" Bethany raced after her.

She caught Isabela just a little ways down the block drawing way too much attention and grabbed her arm, yanking her back. "'Bela!"

"Let go!" Isabela ripped her arm free and continued on- until Bethany cast a silent force spell on her anyway. Unable to fight the magic, Isabela was forcibly pulled back to the house. Bethany slammed the door in her wake.

"What are you doing?"

Even now, Isabela struggled against the magic that held her. "I have to go!" Isabela squirmed. "They have Hawke!"

"Who has Marian?"

Isabela held up the sheath of paper as best she could in the magical fist-grip. Bethany took it and scanned the lines, eyes widening as she read.

Isabela,

We miss you terribly, Darling. It's been months! We're all very aware of the reason you've kept away- and we have her here now. If you want your lover back, come and get her- through us. Lost time needs to be made up; we just can't take no for an answer.

We will be waiting for you.

Love,
Quintus, Viveka, Porfiria, Jethann, Adrino, Katriela, Serendipity, Cora, Denier, Osric, Cerimon, Leonato, Sabina, Sabina's Brat, Corff, Seneschal Bran, Lady Elegant, Emric…

The list went on and on, coupled with dirty scribbling up the sides of missed positions, body parts, and numerous other tidbits Bethany had never heard of. What's anilingus?

"Meredith, Isabela?" Bethany gaped. "'Bela, you're such a dog!"

"I had to get you out of the Circle somehow! I bloody wasn't going to let Hawke do it!" Bethany gawked. "Besides, I've reformed!" Isabela strained against her invisible bonds. "Bethany, release me!"

"Why? You can't go back there, 'Bela! This is a list of at least 200 employees and patrons alike who'd rape you on sight if you show back at their doors!"

"I know," Isabela winced. "But Hawke…"

Bethany bit the inside of her cheek, no more thrilled with the prospect of her sister being trapped there than Isabela being assaulted on their doorstep. "How trustworthy are these people?"

"I'd trust the whores at the Rose more than the customers on the list, but... Hawke is beautiful. They're a very physical lot."

"No kidding..." Bethany scanned the list twice over, astounded by the number. She'd known Isabela had been active, but blessed Maker, Hawke really must have impressed. Which didn't exactly speak well of her sister, either, on second thought... Bethany shook her head, tucking the note into a pocket of her robes. "We should go to Aveline, call the guards. Maybe they can- "

"No," Isabela shook her head. "No city guard. These are ex-lovers who miss me; they're breaking ground enough by taking Hawke, but if the Guard or any people I know who can be linked to me, are, they'll move her someplace less safe. I don't trust them outside the Rose; even there, it's only a matter of time..." Isabela groaned.

"This is why you don't sleep with half the town!" Bethany ran a hand through her hair in distress, nerves boiling over.

"Bethany..."

She sounded so vulnerable, Bethany felt bad for her too. Isabela was new to a wholesome relationship- quite obviously- she was still adjusting herself. She really didn't need half the town petitioning her to free, open sex again.

And Bethany would never verbally admit it, but it made her nervous on behalf of her sister too. What if Isabela missed free sex with everyone-on-legs? What if this dilemma sparked her to give up, figuring the whore life was the easier way? Bethany desperately wanted to believe wholeheartedly in her turn around, but still, those doubts...

"Get dressed." Bethany instructed, gulping. "We're going to the Hanged Man. I think I have an idea."

XXX

"We need a disguise." Bethany explained. "They'll move Marian if any guard or templar shows up who's not on the list, so we can't risk authorities. They may even get suspicious if they see someone new loitering around. We have to blend in."

"But how?" Varric asked rationally. "Everyone at the Rose knows who we are. They've seen us all before. Whether on investigation with Hawke, or there for other circumstance... They know us."

"They don't know me." Merrill volunteered cautiously.

Bethany waved her off. "Or me." She wouldn't be putting Merrill in danger for this. "Marian never takes me when the destination is the Rose."

"They must have heard of you, though." Aveline pointed out. "The only mage who's ever been granted absolution from the circle, and the Champion's sister..."

"Heard of me, yes." Bethany agreed. "But if its the basic core Blooming Rose employees who have her, which I'm betting it is, then they've never had the chance to put a face to my name. I'll adopt another temporarily, slip in, find Marian, and get out. It'll be easier if its just the two of us, and Isabela won't be at risk from all these fanatics who won't leave us alone."

Aveline grumbled, eyes narrowed on Isabela. "If you hadn't been such a whore in the first place..." Isabela was suddenly glad Bethany had not shown everyone the note, one of the first and only regrets she had about her previous lifestyle. She'd never thought it'd put anyone else at risk.

At her lack of comeback, Varric clapped his hands together to ease the tension. "Okay everybody, Bethany. Your plan sounds decent, but... how're you going to remain inconspicuous? You can't exactly waltz right into the Rose and search every room freely if they're staking a holdup."

"I've thought about that," Bethany nodded. "And... " she lost her confidence a little bit here. "They routinely hire new prostitutes, don't they, 'Bela?"

Aveline crossed her arms. "I don't like the sound of this."

"And suddenly I understand why Sebastian isn't here." Varric agreed.

"It's the only way!" Bethany argued, needing support on this. "They'll suspect anyone else! If I go there, I have to blend!"

"Sweetness..." Isabela's hand found her shoulder. "I don't want you to do that. They have tests, demonstrations, practices... it's not for you."

"I'm not a child!" Bethany protested. "I can handle it just fine."

"Marian would- "

"Marian's not here!" Bethany grunted in aggravation, turning to address them all. "Marian's gone and we're almost empty on options. Short of busting the door down and taking our chances that we might find Marian in time before they move her, we've got no other options." Bethany sighed. "I can do this, guys."

XXX

Hawke groaned, head unusually foggier than usual in the early morning hours. Hawke wasn't a morning person, especially not since meeting Isabela, but this was a little ridiculous. She felt heavy as lead; it took an incredible effort just to peek open her eyes. Hawke tried to rub a hand over her face, but she found she couldn't.

Hawke tugged, pulling with all her strength, but her arm wouldn't give. Blinking rapidly now to clear her eyes, Hawke made to check herself. She was somewhat alarmed to find herself strapped to the headboard of an unfamiliar bed, underdressed in just her lingerie. "Isabela?" Hawke glanced up and froze. Two unfamiliar sets of eyes stared at her; two chocolate browns from a small elven girl and another pair of hazel periodots belonging to a handsome, dark-haired man. Both were barely dressed. Hawke cleared her throat, speaking to the air around them. "I appreciate the thought, 'Bela, but I really just prefer you."

The elven girl sighed. "She's so pretty." Her companion gave her a disapproving look. "You're really pretty." The elf told her, admiring her body.

"Thanks." Hawke checked her room. It didn't take long for her to realize she was in The Blooming Rose. "So, uhm..." Hawke's eyes flickered back to the prostitutes at the foot of her bed. "Where's my girlfriend?"

The elf giggled. "We're waiting for her."

"Oh." Hawke arched an eyebrow. "Good to know..."

"My name's Hatchka, this is Ellie. We want Isabela back, Champion." Hatchka explained. "Since becoming your lover, Isabela's visited us less and less. It started just as gradual disappearances, preference to sleep with you, but she always came back to entertain us as well. We didn't get her as much as we would have liked, but we still got to see her.

Then our poor girl was driven off, away from Kirkwall. It was a long three years for all of us. I'm sorry to hear how bad it was for you."

The sympathy was unexpected, considering her plight. "Err, thanks."

"When Isabela returned, we naturally assumed everything would go back to the way it was. She even admitted she wasn't worthy enough to be with the Champion, that this was her world. We threw her a rave upon her return and everything." Hatchka lamented. "But it didn't matter. She was heartstricken and consented to sleep with no one, no matter how what we tried."

"Wait, wait, wait, wait," Hawke halted him. "You mean, 'Bela hasn't slept with anyone but me since she's gotten back? Even right when she arrived? !"

Hatchka nodded. "She restricted herself to all. No one could measure up to you, Champion."

Hawke hadn't known that. Before Isabela had confessed her love to her, she'd assumed Isabela had prattled on as she usually did. Even then, she was keeping herself... for me. Hawke warmed.

"But it's different now!" Ellie countered. "Isabela's happy again."

"Aye." Hatchka agreed. "The mood has taken our 'Bela yet again, and yet you are still the only one she seeks, Champion. We miss 'Bela dearly, and would gladly accept her back."

"Well..." Hakwe started wryly. "I hate to break it to you guys, but I think you've kidnapped the wrong person." Hawke tilted her head. "Was it dark?"

Ellie giggled.

"Ahh, that wit. Isabela often spoke of your strange humor."

Hawke was again surprised. "She spoke of me in the Rose?"

"Bragged of you often, yes." Hatchka shook his head. "But our intention was to take you. We have no intention of forcing our will on Isabela. When she returns to us, it will be her choice, we merely wish to give a push in the right direction. When Isabela comes for you, Champion, it will be through us, and if any of us know Isabela well enough, she will miss our company and lifestyle as well, once she has reason to return through. We will celebrate her return with the finest liquor, beer, and orgies."

"Well that's awfully presumptuous, don't you think?" Hawke tested the strength of the ropes tying her. "You claimed yourself that she's happy now, with me. You'd take her from that?"

Hawke sighed, slumping on the bed. Her bindings were strong; it would take awhile to rip through the rope. It wasn't impossible, but would be difficult.

"We mean not to steal her from you." Hatchka corrected. "Many of us look up to you, Champion. You're a hero over all of Kirkwall. We merely wish you to share Isabela again, as she's built for us all."

"We miss her." Ellie added. "We just wanna love her again."

Could she really fault them for that?

Hawke set to work on her bindings. She believed in the best of Isabela and trusted her love, but some of these whores may not be so reluctant to jump Bela, with or without her consent. Hawke would save her!

But as Hatchka turned away and Ellie continued to gaze upon her, Hawke wondered if she might, too, have to save herself.

XXX

I can't do this. Bethany stared at herself in the mirror, fidgeting as a brush of cool air passed over her exposed stomach. Dossied in a small, red wrap that crossed up over her chest and connected in a single line down her back, Bethany's exposed front felt much too bare. The skirt was shorter than any Bethany had ever worn and her thighs felt bare. Worse yet, the bra Bethany wore was a generous push-up that shoved her boobs high for everyone to see and offered little support beyond the show. Bethany was sure she'd have to fix the bra down at least once or twice during this investigation, for fear of her boobs simply spilling out.

Isabela fussed with her hair, making it more bedraggled and disheveled. "How're you feeling, Honey?" Isabela asked, watching Bethany carefully.

"I'm fine." Bethany squeaked, obviously uncomfortable. Isabela gave her a doubtful look. "Really!" Bethany insisted, struggling to lower her high voice.

"Would you feel better or worse if I let you borrow my boots?"

"Better." Bethany admitted, wanting more coverage. "But won't they recognize them if I do?"

"Not these, they won't." Isabela fetched a pair from her closet, long zip-ups that'd cover up to her thighs. "Bought them last week; I haven't had the opportunity to wear them yet." Isabela handed the leather boots over to a grateful Bethany, who delicately fitted them to her feet.

"Interviews are- " Aveline paused in the doorway, eyes widening on the sight of Bethany. "Isabela," Aveline's tone was lightly reprimanding. "Look what you've done to her, whore."

Bethany bit her lip in the Guard-Captain's presence, immodest as she was.

"I think she looks hot." Isabela countered.

"You would." Aveline shook her head. "Interviews for the position start in two hours, Bethany. Are you sure you can handle this?"

Bethany quaked, actually, but she had to stay cool. Marian would have done the same for her, if necessary. "I'm sure."

"I'm going to give you some daggers." Isabela told her.

Bethany glanced down her front. "Where do I pu- " Bethany stiffened as Isabela's warm fingers brushed her exposed side, followed by the rough scrape of leather digging down her skirt. "'Bela!" Bethany jumped, reeling away at the dagger lodged, pressed to her skin. "I'm not Marian! Warn me before you touch me like that!"

Isabela dropped her head into her hands. "This isn't going to work."

"Stop saying that!" Bethany insisted, adjust the dagger Isabela had slid against her butt. "I can be sexy!"

Isabela and Aveline exchanged looks.

"What?" Bethany cried. "I can!"

"I'm not saying you're not sexy, Darling." Isabela amended cautiously. "In fact, you've a great advantage to this boar next to me."

"Whore."

"But there's a difference being being sexy and acting it, where I think, Man-Hands herself even has a step up on you there."

"It doesn't always simply take big tits and spread legs, she means." Aveline offered.

"I can act sexy too!" Bethany insisted. "I can be sultry on demand."

Isabela considered her. "Okay, Bethany. Seduce me."

Bethany scrambled, stuttering. "I- I can't seduce you! You're like my sister! You diddle my sister! And would it kill you to shut the door- or turn off the lights, or something to block the view that you've burned into my brain?"

Isabela smiled faintly. Aveline rolled her eyes. "Darling," Isabela started. "You're going to have to be ready to seduce anyone. Even if they're revolting. I'm easy- "

"You could say that again."

"-in fact," Isabela turned the statement around. "We should make this more difficult and realistic. Seduce Aveline instead."

Aveline grunted.

"I- I can't seduce Aveline!" Bethany sputtered. "She's practically my sister too!"

"What is it with you and sisters?" Isabela shook her head. "Just do it, Bethany! We need to see! Pretend like she's a patron at the Blooming Rose. Do not break character. If you fail this, you're not going. Just imagine that Marian's life depends on this performance. Aveline, push to breaking point."

"But I- "

"Go."

Bethany flustered, turning to Aveline, who was glaring darkly at the whore. She took one un-confident step towards her. "Serah Hendyr..." Bethany reached out awkwardly to touch Aveline's shoulder. "May I service you?"

"You're a whore, not a waitress! Seduce." Isabela urged.

Bethany lowered her hand on Aveline's shoulder, nearly frighting back away at the eyebrow Aveline gave her. "Something... risque, perhaps?"

Isabela flinched, but watched on.

"And what makes you any better a whore than the rest of this lot?" Aveline challenged her role. Bethany tried not to flinch at the callous title. "Got some special talents, hmm?" Aveline touched her side and Bethany fought not to squirm, letting out a little squeak as she felt her sister-figures fingers on her bare flesh.

"I- " Bethany stuttered, feeling her fingers rub small circles on the side of her abdomen. "I'll t-take you through other realms, Messre."

Isabela dropped her head into her hands. "Hawke's doomed."

"Will you now?" Aveline questioned. "You look a little scared, girlie." Bethany was petrified. "You look like you might break into trembles any minute now if I even touched you. Are you sure you work here? Maybe you're a- " Bethany panicked. Passing this meant saving Marian. Marian.Rushing closer, she took Aveline's face in her hands and kissed her. Aveline startled.

Isabela perked up, mirth taking her.

Aveline pushed her away forcibly. "Bethany!" Bethany tripped and fell back to her butt. She winced as the leather dagger holster dug into her flesh. "What- " Aveline spat, wiping her mouth. "What the hell, Beth! What happened to 'Oh, I can't flirt! I think of her like a sister.'"

"You suspected me!" Bethany flustered. "I- I had to save Marian! Isabela said- "

"I wonder how far you'd go." Isabela chuckled merrily, bending to Bethany's side to help her up. "You okay, Big Girl? I'll say, the fright in your face when Bethany came after you like that..."

"Practically mauled me." Isabela wiped her tongue on her hand. Bethany's cheeks flushed. "Where did you even learn to kiss like that? Have you been snogging Sebastian behind his vows?"

Bethany squeaked. Isabela patted her back, laughing. "There, there. Leave the girl alone, Aveline. She gets enough cockblocking from Hawke. Poor virgin." Bethany's blush turned fire-apple red.

Aveline spit again, glowering. "Dispicable. It's definitely a Hawke-family trait."

Before any more could be said, someone noisily cleared their throat at the door. All eyes turned to find Merrill shuffling her feet. "Umm," Merrill kicked at the ground.

"Did you see anything?" Bethany asked, too quick.

"No." Merrill mumbled. "." she hurried on. "I have the demon ready, though!"

Bethany's stomach churned uneasily. "I don't know about this demon idea..."

"Nonsense," Isabela waved off, crossing the room to Merrill. "We have to communicate with you somehow. Who knows who else you'll unwittingly try to kiss?"

"Umm," Merrill coughed. "Bethany, I... I can see your dagger."

"What?" Bethany peeked back and saw a portion of her skirt had flipped up in the fall. Gah! She scuttled to straighten it. Great. Another thing I'm gonna have to worry about.

Isabela took the miniature demons from Merrill and carried them over to Bethany. Bethany squirmed as Isabela released one to perch on her shoulder. She turned to her own to whisper to it quietly. "Did Aveline taste good, Sexy Thing?"

The words echoed through the demon directly into Bethany's ear. She reddened.

"Judging by the way Aveline's not glaring at me yet, I suppose no one heard that, but Beth?" Merrill shook her head. Isabela grinned. "Perfect! Great job, Merrill!" Isabela let the little demon hop to her own shoulder. "We're almost ready. Bethany, what did we learn from our experience with Aveline?"

Bethany pointedly avoided Aveline's eye. "Umm..."

"Usse your body," Isabela encouraged. "Try not to stutter... and have no shame, except don't sleep with anyone. Hawke would kill me if I let you get deflowered at The Blooming Rose. That's what the dagger's for, right honey?"

"Okay." Bethany struggled to breathe evenly.

"And remember," Isabela added. "Kissing is a last option. Aveline's not a guy, but if you throw yourself at one of them from the Rose, you're going to get more than just the taste of man-breath on your mouth." Isabela patted her rear hip over the dagger. "One of these is more than enough for you." Bethany's breath hiked when she slapped her on the ass. "Now let's get 'em, Sweetness."

XXX

A/N: Hello there fellow Dragon Age fanatics! Thank you for visiting my story page! This fic is totally fun crack to me, so I hope you're enjoying it like so! I'd like to thank my previous reviewers in this fandom once more, I really appreciate you guys! And special thanks to 'your new fan' my anon reviewer, since I can't contact you directly, I have to shorten the message to simple thanks in severe appreciation for your encouraging message to me the other night!

Anyway, if you guys have questions, comments, suggestions, or anything really, I'd love to hear and chat with you! Otherwise, the most I can say is this fic is for chuckles and self-amusement, not to offend. Thanks for taking a look!