Disclaimer: Dragon Age 2 and it's characters belongs to Bioware. Chapter title's are song titles from various artists because they fit - and because I was too lazy to make up my own. :p
A/N – This chapter has been updated and is hopefully better and more detailed than the original. Reviews and constructive criticism are welcomed.
You had me from hello
I felt love start to grow
The moment that I looked into your eyes, you won me
It was over from the start
You completely stole my heart
And you won't let go
I never even had a chance, you know
You had me from hello
~*~ You Had Me From Hello - Kenny Chesney
Summary: This story begins just after the end of Act I in the Dragon Age 2 plot. Hawke visits the Chantry after her return from the Deep Roads expedition. During her visit she fortuitously encounters an intriguing resident of Kirkwall that quickly turns into more than just an acquaintance. Rated M for future chapters.
It was quiet in the Gallows as Knight-Captain Cullen walked through the keep. He took his time as he strode through the long well-lit corridors, enjoying the near silence of the morning as he made his way to his post in the courtyard.
"Good morning, Knight-Commander... First Enchanter." He greeted, nodding to each as he passed their offices.
"Ser Cullen, I need you to do something for me", Cullen sighed quietly, "There goes the peaceful morning", he thought to himself grimly. Halting his steps he slowly turned around and walked back to the doorway of Knight-Commander Meredith's office, "What can I do for you Knight-Commander?"
"I need you to deliver this letter to the Grand Cleric for me and it needs to be done right away."
"Of course, Knight-Commander", he replied with a nod.
Cullen took the letter from Meredith and turned to exit her office with haste. He considered himself a proud member of the Templar Order -always willing to serve and with honor-, but Meredith made his skin crawl. The woman's icy demeanor made him nervous and it took great strength of will on his part to hide his uneasiness in her presence. Cullen stepped back out into the hallway and was greeted by the presence of First Enchanter Orsino now standing in the doorway of his office across the hall.
"Knight-Captain, would you allow me to accompany you on your trip to the Chantry? I would appreciate the chance for a walk outside of the Gallows and some fresh air", Orsino stated. He didn't really desire to visit the Chantry himself, but any provided opportunity to get out from under Meredith -even if only briefly- was well worth taking.
"I don't mind, First Enchanter, as long as the Knight-Commander doesn't need you here." Cullen replied. He learned during his time at Kinloch Hold that mages were an incredible danger to themselves as well as everyone around them, but Orsino had earned his respect rather quickly after his arrival in Kirkwall. If for no other reason than the simple fact that Orsino dealt with Meredith nearly all day -every day- and he has yet to go insane.
"I do not. Take him with you.", Meredith called from behind him. Cullen barely managed to contain the chuckle that tried to wrestle forth at her tone, "take him with you so that I don't have to deal with him"was what he imagined she was thinking.
Orsino glanced back into his office and eyed his staff leaning against the wall. He knew he probably wouldn't need it, but he didn't like leaving it behind if he didn't have to. Reaching in and grabbing it quickly he stepped back into the hall and pulled the door closed behind him. He then slipped his staff onto his back and the two proceeded towards the Gallows courtyard and onward to the boat that would take them across to heart of the city.
"Good morning, Your Grace." Hawke announced with a slight bow as she approached Grand Cleric Elthina. She had always avoided the Chantry as a child, but this was only one of the many things that had changed for Hawke since arriving in Kirkwall. Her visits had begun several months ago after a trying day that left her feeling the need to pray for guidance. She had given her word to a Dalish Keeper that she would ensure Merrill -the Keeper's First- made it to Kirkwall safely, but it was not until after making that promise that she discovered Merrill was a blood mage. Malcolm Hawke, her beloved father, had taught her many things during her life, but two of his most earnest lessons had caused her great inner conflict that day. "Honor is the only thing a person has that can not be taken away by another. Never sell your honor, always be honest with yourself and to those around you, and do not make a promise you do not intend to keep." he had said. But he had also told her, "Blood Magic is forbidden for a reason. It is an art used by fools and cowards. Any who choose to sell their soul and honor to a demon -no matter their reason- does not deserve life." Those two lessons had played over and over in her mind. Merrill was a blood mage and therefore deserved death, but she had given her word to the Keeper and she was honor-bound to keep it.
"Good morning child. I have not seen you in awhile. Have you just returned from your expedition into the Deep Roads?", Elthina asked with her usual gentle and matronly tone.
"I returned a few of days ago, Your Grace. I would have visited sooner, but my mother was distraught when I returned. My brother decided to join the Templar Order while I was gone and she is worried for his safety."
"And what of you child? How do you feel about his choice?"
Hawke wondered -not for the first time- if somehow the Grand Cleric knew what she was. Why else would she ask such a question so pointedly as if she expected a particular response? Pushing away her worrying for the time being, she smiled at Elthina, "I am proud of him. He needs to build a life of his own and if being a templar is what he wants, then he has my full support."
"Your brother is very lucky to have your love, as well as your acceptance of his chosen path." Elthina said with a gentle smile.
Mentally willing herself not to bristle at the implications she heard in the Grand Cleric's words, Hawke replied, "I may not agree with all of the Chantry's teachings, Your Grace, but I do have faith in the Maker and that He has plans for all of us. We make our own choices in life, but we can not control what fate has in store."
Hawke's attention is suddenly drawn to movement in her peripheral vision and she turns to see Ser Cullen walking towards her. With her already worrying thoughts, the appearance of the Knight-Captain made Hawke incredibly apprehensive as she watched him approach. Taking a step back, Hawke felt her heart speed up and the sound of it pounded in her ears. If he was here to take her, she would not fight, but the thought of being locked in the Gallows was not a pleasant one.
"My apologies Serah Hawke, I did not mean to interrupt." Cullen stated as he drew near.
Not wanting to test her luck, or his previous oversight of her lineage, Hawke chose to excuse herself swiftly, "Not at all Knight-Captain, it's nice to see you again... Your Grace, I will take my leave so that you may speak with the Knight-Captain. I will speak with you again soon."
"May the Maker guide your steps, child."
Hawke quickly turned to leave, but her haste to escape was all but forgotten when her eyes fell on the mage that accompanied the templar. He was a tall and slender elf, with beautiful large green eyes, and his graying hair was slicked back neatly. He wore an elegant black robe with red and gold trimming, and the ornate staff on his back was intricately carved to appear as a three headed snake at one end.
Noticing her pause, Cullen spoke once more, pulling Hawke thoughts away from her shameless ogling. "Hawke, I do not believe you two have met... This is First Enchanter Orsino of the Circle of Magi here in Kirkwall."
Regaining her composure, she smiled at the mage, "You are correct Knight-Captain, I have not yet had the pleasure. It is very nice to meet you First Enchanter."
"A pleasure to meet you as well, Serah", Orsino replied as he reached out for Hawke's hand and laid a kiss to her knuckles. Hawke felt her cheeks warm at the gesture and she bowed her head slightly as she slowly drew back her hand.
"Knight Captain, may I be allowed to walk Serah Hawke out of the Chantry? I will wait just outside for you," Orsino requested. Hawke noticed that his eyes never left hers as he was speaking to the Knight-Captain and the intense stare caused her cheeks to blush further.
Cullen hesitated for a moment, considering the possible ramifications of letting the two speak in private, but he decided to trust the First Enchanter for the time being, "You may, First Enchanter."
Orsino extended his arm and Hawke took it appreciatively. The two then made their retreat from the presence of the Grand Cleric and Knight-Captain and hastily departed the confines of the Chantry's walls.
"It is an honor to finally get the chance to meet you, First Enchanter. I had thought to seek you out before now, but I did not think it wise to draw any extra attention to myself." Hawke stated as the large doors closed behind them.
"I will admit it is a bit of a surprise to see one such as yourself in the Chantry. Even more surprised to find that you are acquainted with the Knight-Captain." Orsino replied as they approached the stone railing over-looking Hightown.
"Yes and unfortunately he knows what I am, but for some reason he has chosen not to mention it. I suppose it could be because my friends and I saved his life when we first met, or perhaps because we located a missing templar and killed the blood mages responsible for the kidnapping. I had expected to be locked in the Gallows when I reported our success, but they have not come for me as of yet."
"It is not safe for you to remain in Kirkwall, my dear. Even if Ser Cullen doesn't turn you in, the Knight-Commander will not hesitate to have you thrown into the Gallows -or worse- if she discovers your presence in the city", Orsino said with a frown.
"I am aware of that, First Enchanter, and I appreciate your concern, but I can not leave Kirkwall. I have my mother here to take care of and my little brother...", Hawke sighed and leaned over, placing her elbows on the railing and looking out on the people bustling about below. "I have been running from templars and the Circle all of my life and I am tired of running. If they come for me, so be it. I will join the Circle and at least know that my family is nearby."
Orsino leaned down on the railing next to her and she found herself once again drawn into his entrancing green eyes as he spoke, "I do not wish to see you brought to the Circle if it can be avoided. I have heard your name mentioned a few times already, and something tells me that you will do more good for the city -and it's mages- if you remain free instead of being locked in the Gallows. I will do what I can to keep your name from being dropped on Meredith's desk."
"Thank you, First Enchanter. I appreciate any help you may be able to provide.
"Please, just call me Orsino when we are speaking privately."
"Very well, Orsino", Hawke said with a smile, "and please just call me Haw..."
"Hawke!"
Hawke stood and turned toward the source of her name being called to find Anders walking towards her, "Anders? What are you doing here?"
Anders glanced at Orsino and frowned at the elder mage before looking back at Hawke, "I went by your uncle's house looking for you and your mother told me I would find you here. If you have time, I could use your help down in my...", Anders cut himself off and glared at Orsino once more before continuing, "Could you come give me a hand?"
"Of course I will Anders, and this is First Enchanter Orsino of the Circle here in Kirkwall, by the way. Orsino, this is my friend Anders." Hawke introduced the two, though she was fairly certain Anders would not approve.
"Nice to meet you, Anders", Orsino said and offered a hand for Anders to shake.
Instead of shaking the elder mages hand, however, Anders crossed his arms in front of his chest and grimaced at elf, "Hawke, we should go. It's not safe for us to be here."
"Anders, speaking to the First Enchanter is not..." Hawke began, but was cut off by Anders once more, "Hawke, we should go." he said stubbornly.
Before Hawke had a chance to argue with Anders Orsino placed his hand gently on her forearm, "He is right, my dear. I am not a threat to you, but the templars are another matter. You two should go before the Knight-Captain returns."
"Of course, First Enchanter", Hawke conceded with a sigh, "it was very nice to meet you, perhaps we shall have an opportunity to speak again soon."
As they descended the steps in front of the Chantry Hawke hit Anders in the arm with the back of her hand and frowned at him. "You didn't have to be so arrogant, Anders. The First Enchanter was civil and did not deserve your rudeness."
Anders frowned back at her, "Hawke, I don't want to argue with you... The First Enchanter is just as dangerous as the templars and you should be more careful."
Hawke rolled her eyes at Anders' paranoid ramblings, but said nothing further. As they approached the stairs to Lowtown she glanced up at the railing where she had previously been standing and smiled as she saw Orsino looking at her. He waved down to her and she waved back just before stepping out of sight.
Hawke set her bowl on the table and took a seat across from her mother, "Good evening Mama. How was you day?", she asked as she took a bite of her soup.
"I had a wonderful day dear. I was finally able to meet with the Viscount and he has agreed to sell us back the Amell estate. How was your day dear? Did that mage friend of yours find you this morning?"
Hawke eyed the bread on the table for a moment before deciding to tear off a small chunk. "His name is Anders, Mama, and yes he did. He needed my help in his clinic today, that's why I didn't come back this morning like I had planned." She dipped a tiny piece of the bread in her soup and ate it before continuing, "I also met the First Enchanter of the Kirkwall Circle today. He seemed very nice."
"Are you sure that is wise dear? First Enchanters are usually loyal to the Circle. You are not concerned that he may turn you in?"
Hawke rolled her eyes "What is it with people that support mages, but ridicule the First Enchanter simply because of his position?" she wondered to herself. "No Mama, I do not believe him to be a threat. He even said he'd do what he could to keep the Knight-Commander off my back. We've already had this discussion, though. I am not hiding anymore, if the templars come to take me to the Circle then so be it, at least you and Carver will still be close."
Leandra sighed at her daughter's words ,"Darling, don't say that. With Bethany gone, and Carver joining the templars, you are all I have left and I don't want to lose you too."
"Mama... It's not something I want to do, but I want to build a life for myself and I can't do that if I am always running and looking over my shoulder. I will not allow the templars to force me to live a life of fear simply because I am..."
"Leandra! Would you please keep your daughter's dog out of my room... Oh, you're here." Gamlen yelled as he exited his room and glared at Hawke when he spotted her at the table.
"Maker's Breath, why do people keep interrupting me today...", Hawke muttered under her breath. "Zedicus, come here boy, and stay out of Uncle's room." She flashed a dark look at her miserable uncle before turning back to her food. Once she finished her meal she stood and walked over to give her mother a kiss on the cheek. "I'm going to take Zedicus and go over to the Hanged Man for awhile. I'll try not to be too late, but don't wait up for me. We'll go see about purchasing the estate first thing in the morning."
"Be careful dear. You know it worries me when you wander the streets at night by yourself."
"I will, Mama." she replied as she grabbed her long cloak and wrapped it around her shoulders. "Come on, Zedicus." she called to her mabari. Hawke grabbed her staff and the two made their way out the front door.