I wanted to give Fenris a chance to redeem himself from that awful post-coital abandonment!
I hope he can prove himself worthy this time!
Enjoy!
Fenris stepped into the Hanged Man, his eyes quickly adjusting to the dim light. He maneuvered through the crowded bar, taking the staircase up to Varric's room. The duo had been meeting once a week for several months to play Diamondback. It was one of the few things that the elf could honestly say brought him happiness.
He had joined Alexa Hawke's band of bedraggled adventurers almost four years ago, when she aided him in defeating a large band of Tevinter slavers who had come to return him to his former master, Denarius. It was a unique group, to say the least. Among them was a dwarven 'storyteller', a Rivaini pirate, the Captain of the Guard of Kirkwall, and three apostate mages; Alexa herself was included in the last group.
The idea that he would ever be associated with so many mages never ceased to amaze Fenris, considering his past. He had been slave to a Tevinter Magister, whose greatest accomplishment was burning pure lyrium into Fenris' skin; creating his own personal killing machine. As often happens when abuses are suffered for years, Denarius' killer escaped; fleeing to Kirkwall and vowing to maintain his freedom. Though Denarius had made no further attempts to capture him in the last several years, Fenris knew it would only be a matter of time before his master returned to reclaim what he felt belonged to him. When he did, Fenris was sure his new companions would support him; though the incident with Alexa did leave some room for doubts…..
As he approached Varric's room, he heard feminine laughter coming from inside. Isabela, the Rivaini pirate, had obviously stopped by for drinks before the weekly game. Fenris was about to enter when their conversation reached his ears. Cautiously he crept up to the doorway. Though he was afraid of what would be said, he had to know the truth.
"Roses?" Varric exclaimed, chuckling mischievously. "He brought Hawke roses? And did he serenade her, as well?" Fenris heard the dwarf's mug hit the table as he laughed harder.
Isabela joined him in his mirth; catching her breath before proceeding. "No serenading, I am afraid," she said. "I wish you could have seen the look on Alexa's face, though. It was priceless! I don't think I have ever seen her turn that particular shade of red before."
"Rivaini!" he cried, his voice taking on a serious tone. "Tell me she isn't falling for the Templar wanna-be? I mean, hasn't he taken vows or some such nonsense?"
Sebastian! Fenris though furiously, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. The exiled prince of Starkhaven had been a thorn in his side since the first day they had met. He had joined their group after Alexa heard him arguing with the Revered Mother outside of the Chantry. His family had been assassinated and their throne was stolen. The former Templar fled to Kirkwall in hopes of finding aid for his plight, and Alexa had immediately taken to him; helping him to avenge his parents' deaths and inviting him to travel with them.
Fenris knew the prince wanted more from Alexa than simple friendship. Given his own feelings for her, the news of Sebastian's courtship was considerably inconvenient. Sighing, he returned his attention to the pair who were still bickering in the next room.
"He is no longer interested in Chantry life, Varric!" Isabela argued. "He wishes to reclaim his throne and he wants to take Alexa with him. And why shouldn't she have some fun? It's not as though she doesn't deserve it."
"Have you forgotten our elven companion?" Varric asked. "He and Alexa have always been close, and he would make a far better match for Hawke than Sebastian ever could."
Isabela rose from the table, her temper rising quickly. "Fenris?" she cried, pacing back and forth near the fireplace. "Are you daft, Varric? Don't tell me you have forgotten what he put her through! I know it's been three years, but you of all people should remember how broken she was when that bastard used her and then threw her away."
"Of course I remember, Isabela!" the dwarf spat back. "I was the one she came to when he left. It was my shirt that was covered in her tears, no one else's. And yes, my first reaction was to tear him apart, limb from limb. However, I am positive there is more to this story than either of us knows. It is obvious how much Fenris cares for Hawke, and I refuse to believe that Lord 'Holier Than Thou' Vael will ever make her happy."
Fenris' heart clenched painfully in his chest at the realization that his companions knew of the night he and Alexa had made love. He had hoped that his shame would remain private; however, he now knew he would have to come clean, if he ever hoped to win Alexa's forgiveness. Squaring his shoulders, he walked into the room, prepared to tell the truth to those closest to his lost love…
o~~~~~~~~o
Alexa Hawke sat on the balcony of her Hightown estate, gazing up at the stars. This was her favorite place in the house. She could look out over the city and if only for a while, imagine it to be peaceful and content.
The reality of the situation was quite the opposite, of course. The battle between the mages and the Templars was only getting worse, and she knew it wouldn't be long before it evolved into open warfare. She and her companions would be forced to choose a side. Though her decision was clear, she wasn't positive that her friends would follow her.
She could never allow her fellow mages to be enslaved by Knight-Commander Meredith, no matter the cost to her own life. Anders, Merrill and Varric all saw the situation the same as she did and they would back any decision she made. Isabela and Aveline had so far maintained an unbiased stance in the fight to free the mages. The former due to her refusal to take a position on anything other than what drink she would order next; and the latter due to her appointment as Captain of the Guard. When the fighting finally began, Alexa wasn't sure if they would be at her side.
Then there was Fenris and Sebastian. Just thinking of the two men filled Alexa's heart with confusion and pain. They were so different in every way save one – their distrust of all things magic.
Fenris had good reason to be bitter toward mages, given his treatment at the hands of a Magister of Tevinter. Sebastian's feelings were more a result of training than true experience. As a Chantry Brother, it had been instilled in him that all mages were inherently dangerous and should be kept under constant guard. She had long since given up hope of changing either man's mind and as such, neither could be counted on to aid the cause of the mages when the need finally arose. Any plans Alexa made would have to be designed without hope of help from the two companions who claimed to care for her the most.
Care? Alexa wasn't sure that was even the right word to use with regards to the handsome elf. She had been certain that he had feelings for her within months of their initial meeting. She saw the emotion in his eyes when he looked at her and recognized the way his body reacted when they were close to each other; whether in battle or at rest.
She made her interest in him quite clear and their relationship reached a new level the night she helped him defeat his former master's star pupil, Hadriana, who had come to Kirkwall to recapture him. When she returned home following the battle, he had been waiting outside. He approached her earnestly; declaring his desire to be with her. Alexa had been thrilled and the couple quickly moved to her bedroom.
Fenris was a passionate lover; his need for her obvious in every kiss and caress. Their lovemaking lasted several hours. When Alexa finally succumbed to sleep, wrapped in Fenris' arms, she was certain she had found the one person she would spend the remainder of her life with.
Such dreams proved futile when she awoke to find the elf fully dressed, staring into the fireplace in her room. When she asked if he was alright, he had stumbled over his words; declaring the entire incident a mistake. He claimed that she had awakened memories of his life before slavery and he simply couldn't cope with the pain. Then, despite her best efforts to convince him to stay, he vanished into the night; leaving her broken and betrayed. She didn't even remember fleeing to the Hanged Man; but when she next awoke, she was laying in Varric's bed, her head resting on the dwarf's chest. He had been her salvation that night and she knew she would never be able to repay his kindness.
That was three years ago. In the time that followed, neither she nor Fenris had ever made mention of that fateful night, though Alexa longed to understand his reasons for abandoning her. She knew he thought of it, as well, as she often caught him watching her; a look of pain in his eyes. Whenever his gaze met hers, however, he would quickly look away. Alexa wondered if he would ever find the strength and desire to talk about what had happened.
Though Alexa was content to wait for Fenris to sort through his feelings, others in her circle were not so understanding. Isabela began hounding her about seeking comfort elsewhere; and the Champion was fairly sure that the pirate was the one who encouraged Sebastian to begin his pursuit of her. Now every time the noblewoman turned around, the exiled prince was there; showering her with gifts and seeking to spend time alone with her. This very evening he arrived carrying a gigantic bouquet of roses. Isabela had been over and quickly vanished when Sebastian stepped into the house. Alexa had no doubt that at this very moment, the story was being told to all who would listen at the Hanged Man.
Not wishing to appear rude, she accepted the flowers and invited Sebastian to stay for supper. The meal passed pleasantly enough as he told Alexa all about his homeland. It didn't take a scholar to determine his reasons for that particular topic. Sebastian made no secret of the fact that he wished to return home to claim his throne; and he wanted her to accompany him as his future princess. He wasn't even fazed when she told him there was someone else in her life. He said he was aware of her 'former attachments' and they meant little to him. He was certain that given enough time, her heart would heal from the cruel blow it had been dealt and she would be free to begin her life with him.
The final shock occurred as he prepared to leave. Alexa walked him to the front door and without warning, Sebastian grabbed her about the waist, pulling her into a passionate kiss. Her first reaction was to pull away, but her body seemed to have other ideas. She slid her arms around his neck, leaning into his embrace. The prince groaned as their bodies met, and she could feel his erection through his breeches.
Slowly Sebastian pulled away and gazed lovingly into her eyes. "I… should go now," he whispered, though he still held her in his arms. "Thank you for a most wonderful evening, Milady."
Sighing deeply, Alexa nodded and disentangled herself from his embrace. "Of course," she replied, though she found herself wishing he would abandon his gentlemanly ways; if only for one night. "I am so pleased that you stopped by. Will I see you tomorrow?"
"Without a doubt," he said, leaning forward and placing a final, light kiss on her lips. "Goodnight, Alexa." Bowing slightly, Sebastian turned and walked away. It was then that she decided to seek the refuge of her balcony, where she now resided; lost in her thoughts.
o~~~~~~~~o
"Serah, there is a visitor at the front door," Bodahn said quietly as he stepped onto the balcony, breaking Alexa's from her reverie. She turned toward him, her eyebrow raised.
"Who is it, Bodahn?" she asked, her expression one of concern. "It's awfully late for company, isn't it?"
"I thought so, as well," the dwarf replied, "but the young elven woman is quite adamant. She says it is a matter of life and death."
Jumping from her chair, Alexa followed Bodahn down the stairs. In the foyer was a red-haired elf with bright blue eyes. She was pacing back and forth nervously. As the Champion approached, the young woman rushed forward, grasping her hands.
"Serah Hawke, I am so very sorry to disturb you this late, but I had nowhere else to turn," she exclaimed. "My name is Varania. My brother needs your help. He is walking into great danger, and I am afraid I cannot help him. He told me not to come to you, but I know he won't be able to handle this alone."
"Calm down!" Alexa said. "Who is your brother and what danger is he in?"
"His name is Leto," she said. "I don't think you know him as that, however. He is a slave who escaped the Tevinter Magister Denarius."
Bodahn looked at his mistress with concern as the blood drained from her face. "Fenris?" she said, her voice cracking. "Where is he? What has happened?"
"Leto sent me money so I could travel here to be with him," the elf explained quickly. "I used the highest precautions, but Denarius learned of our plan. He followed me here and caught me as I entered the city. He sent me to tell Leto to meet him in a warehouse in the Lowtown docks. I begged him not to go, but he insisted that it was time to end the chase. Please, Serah, help him!"
"Wait here!" Alexa said, racing upstairs to grab her staff. Bodahn met her at the bottom of the stairs and she grasped him arm, speaking quietly to him. "I need you to go to the Hanged Man and let Varric know what is happening. Tell him I am headed to the docks to help Fenris. I pray I will not need his aid, but I don't want to take any chances."
"Of course, Serah," he said, following her out the front door into the dark Kirkwall night.
o~~~~~~~~o
Varania and Alexa approached the darkened warehouse carefully, the Champion in the lead. They stepped inside and Alexa motioned for the elven girl to remain in the doorway as she ventured further in, listening for signs of a battle. She moved carefully through the arched entryway, jumping as a magical barrier rose around her. She raised her staff, preparing a counter attack when a voice called from the shadows. "I wouldn't do that if I were you, Champion," the stranger warned. "That barrier is impenetrable and you will only harm yourself should you choose to cast a spell inside of it."
Her captor stepped into the light, a sly smile on his face. He was a tall man, dressed in lavish Tevinter robes; his gray beard full on his chin. He approached the barrier, his cold eyes travelling up her body lasciviously. When his gaze met hers, she visibly shivered.
"Are you pleased, Master?" Varania said as she stepped up to the man, her own eyes filled with hope. "I brought the woman, just as you requested."
Without looking back, he struck out with his hand; catching the elf on the side of her head. "Silence, fool!" he yelled, and the young woman stepped back, whimpering softly. "You will leave me be as I tend to our guest." As he spoke, his eyes travelled once more over Alexa's body and she felt bile rise in her throat as she imagined what he was thinking.
"Allow me to introduce myself, my dear," he purred, crossing his arms over his chest. "My name is Denarius. I am sure my slave has mentioned my name at some point."
"You bastard!" Alexa exclaimed furiously. "Let me out of this cage immediately. Are you afraid to face me?"
His laughter filled the Champion with dread. "Afraid?" he mused, resting his chin in his right hand. "Not at all. 'Fascinated, enchanted' – these are words I would use to describe my feelings toward you. Now that I have seen you, I understand his obsession with remaining by your side."
"Where is Fenris?" she asked, wishing to change the course of the conversation. "If you have harmed him, nothing will save you from me. I swear it."
"Ahh, my dear, you mistake my intentions," Denarius began. "I did not come here for my lost slave. I came here for you."
Alexa stared at Denarius in confusion. "Me?" she asked. "What could you possibly want with me? If you expect me to aid you in capturing Fenris, you may as well kill me now. I will never help you."
"You will bring him to me; of that I have no doubt," he replied, strolling past the barrier. "However, that is not why I want you. I have heard many tales of your remarkable magical abilities. Is it not true that you fought the Arishok in single combat and defeated him?"
When Alexa refused to answer, he chuckled, stopping before her. "So, you are modest, as well?" he asked. "No matter. I know the truth of the story. I have learned much about you over the last several years and I have decided that while my elven slave has his uses, you have far greater potential. Imagine a mage of your abilities having the gifts that I gave Fenris?" He smiled cruelly at the look of shock that crossed her face. "With my help, you will be extraordinary! There will be no one who can stand against us. We will rule the other Tevinter Magisters!"
"You are mad!" Alexa yelled, moving as far from Denarius as the barrier would allow. "If you think I will ever submit to the torture you forced Fenris to endure…." Her voice faltered as a thin mist began drifting around her. Within seconds, her limbs grew heavy and darkness pulled at the edge of her vision.
"Oh, you will submit, Alexa Hawke, to whatever I choose to do with you," Denarius said as he watched the trapped mage fight against her prison. She fell to the ground, her shirt rising to reveal her toned stomach. "And the plans I have for you…" he said, dispelling the barrier which held her.
"Take her," he said, turning toward the slave hunters that surrounded him. "And if she is harmed in any way, you will all pay with your lives. Do I make myself clear?" The leader of the hunters stepped forward, gently picking Alexa off the ground; carrying her out the exit toward Denarius' waiting ship.
"We are returning home now, Master?" Varania asked, slinking out of a darkened corner of the room. "I did as you asked. Will you now make me a Magister as you promised?"
Denarius approached the shaking elf, taking her chin in his hand. "You have done well, Varania," he began, "and I am quite pleased. However, your job is not yet done." The Magister motioned toward a nearby guard who slowly walked forward, a warhammer resting on his shoulder. Without another word, he turned and walked from the warehouse; the first screams of the elven mage filling his ears….
o~~~~~~~~o
Fenris spent the better part of two hours explaining to Varric and Isabela everything that had happened between he and Alexa so many years ago. He admitted to leaving her side after making love to her, and he told them how deeply he regretted that decision. There wasn't a day that went by that he didn't long to be with her again. His greatest worry was that it was too late to ask for the forgiveness that he so desperately craved.
"You blind fool!" Isabela yelled, gesturing wildly at the elf. "Do you have any idea what you put her through? Any at all?"
"Yes, Isabela," he explained, "I do know the pain I caused Alexa. I see it in her eyes every time she looks at me. If I could go back, I would never leave her side. Unfortunately, that isn't possible; so I have to concentrate on what I can fix now."
"Well, good luck with that," Isabela spat, glaring angrily at him. "I assume you overheard the part of our conversation regarding Sebastian. Well, he has been vehemently pursuing Alexa for several weeks now and I don't see him stepping aside just because you decide to be a man."
Growling in frustration, Fenris rose from the table, turning toward the pirate. "Listen to me, Isa…" he began, but stopped when Bodahn and Dane, Alexa's mabari, rushed into the room, heading straight for Varric.
"Master Varric," the dwarf said quickly, his distress obvious to all. "Serah Hawke sent me to collect you. It appears as though Master Fenris has gotten himself into quite a bit of danger and she is heading to the docks to help him. She needs you to come quickly."
"What are you talking about, Bodahn?" Fenris asked and the dwarf spun in his direction, his mouth falling open as he gazed upon the elf. "Where is Alexa?"
"Master Fenris!" the dwarf cried. "It is good to see you are unharmed, though I am quite confused. If you are here, what was your sister referring to?"
Fenris' blood ran cold and his heart clenched painfully in his chest. "My sister?" he cried, crossing the room and looking desperately at the dwarf. "Tell me everything that happened now! We have no time to lose!"
Bodahn quickly explained the night's events and the party fled the Hanged Man, rushing toward the docks. No one said a word, but each companion was praying that they would find their leader before it was too late.
o~~~~~~~~o
Fenris was the first into the warehouse Dane's keen nose had chosen; his eyes adjusting quickly to the dark. Varric was next; holding the elf back as he searched for traps. When he knew the entrance was clear, he let go of Fenris and followed him into the main storage area. The party came to an abrupt halt; staring at the covered bundle in the middle of the room.
"Ancestors, no!" Varric cried as they raced toward the parcel. Fenris was the first to it; with trembling hands, he reached out and pulled the tarp back.
"Varania!" he cried, dropping on his knees before the battered elf. Her hands and feet had been crushed and her clothing was in tatters. He pulled her gently into his lap, a look of pure terror on his face. "We must get her to Anders!" he cried, glancing at his companions.
"Of course," Isabela said, "but what of Alexa? If she is not here, where is she?"
"He left me…." Varania mumbled as she lifted her head to gaze at Fenris. "I gave him everything he wanted and he left me…."
Fenris stared down at his sister, confusion on his face. "What are you talking about, Varania?" he asked gently. "Who left you?"
"I b-brought her…. I did …. he w-w-wanted her….. he s-said he would m-make me a M-m-magister; that y-you and I w-would be safe…" she stuttered, staring into Fenris' eyes.
As her words began to register, Fenris felt anger unlike any he had ever experienced before. "You brought Alexa to Denarius?" he asked, flinging his sister from his lap and pulling the dagger from his back. Before he could strike, Isabela reached out; grasping his arm.
"No, Fenris!" she said sternly, holding him tightly. "We can't kill her – not yet, anyway. We need her to tell us where Denarius took Alexa."
"Tell me where she is!" Fenris cried, grabbing Varania's hand; smiling at her scream of pain. "You will tell me now, or so help me, I will make you pray for death!" His body was beginning to glow and Isabela worried that he wouldn't be able to hold himself in check long enough to interrogate the prisoner.
"Varric, take Fenris outside," the pirate ordered, glancing pointedly at the dwarf. "I will find out what we need to know and meet you there in a few minutes."
Despite the murderous glare that Fenris gave her, he allowed Varric to lead him away. Isabela turned back to Varania, kneeling on the ground next to her. "You need to tell me everything," she said, taking out a healing potion and tipping it into the elf's mouth. "Your brother will make good on his threats if you do not, I can assure you."
Nodding slowly, the elf fought to regain her breath before speaking. "I w-was told to lead the Ch-Champion here for Denarius," she began slowly, her body shaking violently in pain and fear. "H-he promised to make me a M-magister if I helped him to c-capture her. I did as he asked, and he l-left me here." Tears were flowing freely down her face, and Isabela may have felt sorry for the girl; had she not just betrayed the pirate's only true friend.
"I have no interest in your professional disappointments," Isabela said. "I need you to tell me where he has taken the Champion, and quickly. If he escapes with her, the pain you feel now will seem pale in comparison to that which you will be forced to endure."
"F-Fereldan," Varania whispered. "He said he would perform the ritual there. T-that's all he said, I swear. I w-would have done a-anything for him, and yet he chose to give his magic to that Fereldan w-whore."
"You bitch!" Fenris raged, rushing over and pulling Varania from the floor; holding her in the air by her neck. "You betrayed me!"
"I d-did this for y-you; for u-us," she gasped. "He said he w-would let you g-go once he h-had her. That s-she would m-make a far more p-p-p-powerful ally."
"I would rip your heart from your chest, but that would be far too quick a death for you," Fenris spat, dropping her onto the ground. "No, I think this will be better." Kneeling next to his sister's body, he made the thinnest of cuts along her neck; barely slicing her jugular vein. The blood began to drip out slowly as he rose to his feet. "I estimate it will take you several hours to die, sister," he said coldly. "That should give you plenty of time to reflect on what you have done today. You were my family. I would have given you everything; protected you from everyone. Now you will die alone, as you deserve. Goodbye, Varania."
Rising to his feet, Fenris turned and walked away; his thoughts haunted by visions of the fate that awaited Alexa at his former master's hands. I will find you and take her from you, Denarius, he inwardly swore. And when I do, you will learn the true meaning of pain.
