OPEN ARMS
Chapter 1
Just as Alanni Hawke had thought she found something good in her life. Nothing that involve her being the champion. Something that made her feel human, forgetting the deaths of so many that she had lost. Something that made her realize she wasn't alone.
Sure she had her friends, Varric and Aveline had always been then for her since the very beginning. Even her late companions Isabela, Merril and Fenris she had all found something of friendship in them. Even Sebastian had helped her through some difficult times. They were all people she could count on.
But they were all busy at the moment. Aveline, captain of the guard, Varric with what ever it was he did. So here she was the only place she could think of going to.
Sebastian had warned her about him. All her friends had. But his warning had made her feel like...she couldn't even explain it. he made her feel like she deserved happiness, even if he didn't approve of her choice.
And now that happiness was slipping away.
*Sebastian*
She sat in the back of the chantry her long red hair blowing each time the door opened to let in a new person. He watched her as she waited for him, studying the lines of worry on her face.
It was a rare sight to see Alanni Hawke display her feelings so openly. He rarely saw her smiling now-a-days and he sure never so her looking so…
He didn't dwell. He quickly made his way down the chantry stairs and approached her bench in the back of the chantry.
"Now there Hawke. The Maker would not want you to spoil your beauty with such lines of worry. Tell me, what's on your mind?" he took a seat next to and watched her face as she struggled to put her thoughts into words.
"I don't know…." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "It's Anders."
Sebastian tried not to cringe at the abominations name. Instead he nodded and waited for her to proceed on.
"He's been acting… weirder. His obsession has taken over every minute of his life. Justice doesn't help either." She bent her head down and Sebastian could swear he heard her tears fall on the floor below her. Sadness washed over his heart. No one deserved to go through this especially not Alanni. Not after all she's done for everyone.
He placed a hand on her back and gently caressed it.
"He's the last thing I have and I fear I've already lost him." She broke into full sobs now and Sebastian couldn't help him self. He took her arms and pulled her to him taking her into fully into his lap. He didn't care if someone saw, Hawke needed him.
She laid her head on to his chest and continued crying. Sebastian just help her, whispering soft affirmations into her until her sobs became nothing more then slow breathes.
When she was done she looked up and smiled. It was a sweet sincere smile that almost made Sebastian's heart melt. He wanted nothing more then to keep her in his arms away from that wretched man she claimed to love. But he couldn't.
Slowly she moved off his lap and it seemed as if she too was reluctant to end their time together.
"Thank you, Sebastian" she held her hand out and he gratefully took it. "It was my pleasure," he brought her hand to his lips and gently kissed her soft smooth skin. "Alanni." Using her first name brought a smile to her lips. "If you are ever in need of my services again, just call."
"I will." With that she turned and headed out the chantry door. He watched her leave with nothing but what if's running to his head.
*Alanni*
All the way home Alanni had thought of nothing else but Sebastian's words and company. It had reminded her of how Anders was those years ago when they had first met.
Sigh
She had finally made it to her door hoping that things would be better when she enetered.
