Love and Marble
Summary: Isabela invites Aveline out for an afternoon of fun on an important anniversary.
Rating: G
Notes: Based on a pairing and situation (Aveline/Isabela, No Escape) from the Tumblr blog Dragon Age Drabbles: .com/
As Guard Captain, Aveline didn't have days off, per se. She had days where Hawke dragged her, kicking and screaming, from the barracks. Days where Varric or Isabela begged her to have some fun. Days where Leandra hinted that maybe a home-cooked meal was in order. For Aveline, her job wasn't just a job, or even a career, it was a lifestyle. Her style of life was about protection, trust, loyalty. It wasn't about serving the people of Kirkwall so much as serving, protecting, and even caring for the guards. And that was the way it should be.
On those extra-ordinary days, the days when Hawke or Varric or Isabela or Leandra or whoever else showed up, Aveline simply strengthened her resolve. A woman of love and marble, Aveline could easily say yes to adventure and no to distraction.
Today was an extra-ordinary day. It was a day to remember, an anniversary, and Aveline worked hard to forget by throwing herself into schedules and assignments and training. That was the unusual kind of extraordinary. But then some of the ordinary kind of extra-ordinary arrived: Isabela. Not here to beg off charges or anything like that. Just a day where Isabela arrived to talk.
"C'mon, big girl, when's the last time you had any fun?"
"I have plenty of fun maintaining order and discipline." As Isabela rolled her eyes, Aveline continued, "Besides, I don't think I really have the stomach for your kind of fun."
"Regardless, I think you should come with me this afternoon."
"And if I don't?
"I'll remain at your side the entire afternoon."
Aveline crossed her arms. "You'll be at my side if I come with you."
Isabela smiled. "But I won't be helping you."
Aveline realized there was no escape. She could stand only so much of the pirate's antics. Isabela knew she Aveline trapped. She shook her head and finally responded, "Let me finish up this paper work and we can go."
Isabela led Aveline to the Lowtown Market, where they enjoyed some fruit pies. Next to the trinket monger's, where Isabela insisted on buy Aveline a green ribbon. "Bring out those eyes!" Aveline rolled them, but threaded the ribbon into her short ponytail anyway. Finally, a last stop to visit some kittens. Not that Aveline was much of a cat person, but even she couldn't resist the roly poly balls of fur and purrs.
As they headed back to the barracks, Aveline finally asked, "So, where's the trick, Isabela? We haven't propositioned anyone, or played cards, or dueled. . . ."
"Indeed," Isabela replied.
"It's not my birthday."
"No."
Aveline furrowed her brow. "Is it your birthday?"
Isabela laughed. "Like I'd celebrate that! No, my dear. You are not the only one with connections in this town. I learned what today is, and thought a little bit of law-abiding fun was in order."
Aveline remained quiet, not quite sure how to react. She reached to her neckerchief, pulling at a small chain and ring hidden there. Wesley's ring. Wedding ring.
"You never cease to surprise me."
"Amaze you, you mean." Isabela cocked her head. "Just don't tell anyone. Would hate to ruin my reputation."
Aveline smiled. "Indeed."