Disclaimer: The Dragon Age universe belongs to Bioware
Ok so this is going to be a University AU. A lot of the story revolves around characters from Dragon age awakening and II. Particularly (Mostly DAO:A)Anders, F/M Hawke, and Isabela. But there are many others like Nathaniel, Cullen, Fenris, Merrill and more.
Leigh and Wade have been accepted into the prestigious Kirkwall University to study whatever they wish. They meet some interesting people along the way. Some they like others not so much. Some they despise but are stuck with. They have to survive 4 years in Kirkwall without dying. That's a lot harder than it sounds
Italics and underline indicate thought.
1) No blight
2) Most of DAO companions are lecturers. All DA2 companions are students
3) Pairings- {Leigh/Anders} {Wade/Isabela} {Merrill/Fenris}
4) Secondary Pairings {M!Amell/Leliana} {Alistair/Morrigan} {Varric/Bianca} and more
5) Malcolm survives instead of Leandra
A gust of wind blew the hair of the young human into his eye. He stood at 6ft with messy yet tame black hair and with piercing brown eyes to compliment his tanned skin. He let out a frustrated growl before moving the stray bits of hair from his view. He stared at the vast expanse of water that seemed endless. Wade Hawke had been at sea for over a week and grew annoyed that they still weren't at they're destination.
He was surrounded by others who were literally on the same boat as him. The storm had delayed their arrival by a few days. The storm had turned them around and they had gone east from Amaranthine instead of North. So the 10 day journey was quickly turning into a 21 day trek.
The smell of the sea quickly lost its novelty after day 2. And now he felt like chopping someone down with his Great sword. Not many people dared approach him out of fear of his reaction.
I haven't been in Kirkwall in years. At least this time the circumstances are better he thought sombrely looking out at the ocean.
Someone approached him. He was the same height but he was significantly older than Wade. He carried his staff on his back and his cool grey eyes rested squarely on his son. Malcolm Hawke's age was starting to show since his ponytailed hair had a silver tinge to it.
"Staring at the ocean won't make this journey any shorter child"
"You've said that this entire journey father. It's quickly growing tiresome" the young warrior dismissed
"You need to rest. Enjoy the comfort of your shipmates"
"None of them are my shipmates. They are bodies nothing more. Nothing to enjoy" he asserted
"Come on. You might just like them"
Wade chose not to say anything but instead opted to glare at his father.
"So that's where Carver gets it from" Malcolm said under his breath
But Wade heard it "Not my fault that my little brother is an ass"
"He's 12. He idolises you. Maybe if you lightened up then so would he"
Wade once again glared at his father "I'm done talking now"
Malcolm threw his hands into the air. He really doesn't make it easy to love him. But I really can't blame him for the way he's acting. He's been through a lot and so has the rest of the family.
"Just so you know we're here. I can already see the chains" Malcolm informed as he left his son's side.
"What with your magic" Wade spat
"No with my eyes." Malcolm said. He couldn't help but pity his son as he stomped away. He's so angry and with every reason to be. I just wish there were a magic that could alleviate him of his pain. And that I could alleviate myself of my guilt.
Kirkwall; The city of chains, it was nefarious for its circle of Magi and the zealots that the city hosted. She's endured Qunari invasions, mage uprisings and a revolution against its Viscount. The one thing that stuck out for Wade about Kirkwall it was its Knight-Commander. Meredith Stannard was about as strong a believer as anyone. She believed in the Maker with all of her heart and soul. And she genuinely felt that all of her actions were for the greater good of the city.
Wade never paid her much mind but her devotion earned her some respect. Her hatred was palpable particularly when she was face to face with mages. The Kirkwall circle was notorious for its supposed 'oppression' of mages. I see no oppression but merely Templars doing their Maker given duty in protecting the world from mages. If Templar vigilance is seen as oppression then the mages can be oppressed.
As the minutes passed by the City of chains became clearer to the eye. The crude statue of the tortured slave came into view. Its chains in clear sight as were the Gallows. This place never made Wade feel comfortable. It appeared to be more of a prison than anything else. The tranquil here make me sick. Why the Templars insist on parading them in front of visitors is beyond me. But if it keeps the mages in check then I'm all for it. Wade thought
In spite of his view on mages Wade still didn't truly like the Gallows. But it was the place where this boat would dock since the ship did have some dignitaries aboard
The young Hawke left the top deck to go into one of the lower decks to inform his family of the news. He wore a permanent scowl that never seemed to fade. He opened the door and saw exactly what he expected. It was 7am and the twins Bethany and Carver were fast asleep. But his twin was wide awake; face deep in whatever book that seemed to have her so engrossed she didn't notice his presence.
"Leigh" he barked loudly which startled his twin. It caused her to throw her book up into the air before struggling to catch it. In the midst of her little game of hot potato she was also trying to maintain her balance. She accidentally touched it too far from the bed and in finally catching it she fell off of the bed.
"Wow your hopeless" Wade grumbled. His sister Leigh-Anne Hawke was his polar opposite. Whereas he was blunt, outspoken and assertive. She was shy, introvert and submissive. She hardly spoke to anyone at all. And the biggest difference between the two was that she was a mage and he was a warrior.
She gathered her book and got back onto her bed. "We're here. Make sure those two are fully awake and ready before we dock" he ordered before heading back to the room he shared with his father.
Leigh got up and approached Bethany's bed. "Bethany we're here" she gently shook the sleeping mage. "Wake up little one". Bethany's eyes fluttered open and she attempted to wipe the sleep off.
"Thanks for waking me up" She yawned
Leigh then went up to Carver's bed. She also shook him gently but the boy was always such a heavy sleeper. "Let me handle this" Bethany offered
She grabbed his hand and sent a mild pulse of electricity through him. He jumped up excitedly flailing his wrist trying to shake off the pain.
"BETHANY" he growled before jumping at her. But the youngest Hawke hid behind her older sister
Carver tried to run around Leigh but Bethany anticipated his movements. He eyed her sister before deciding it wasn't worth the trouble. "I'll get you when you don't have your shield."
Bethany then stuck her tongue out and Carver prepared to lunge
Loud footsteps could be heard heading their way and a strong hand banged against the door. "What are you still doing here? We're docked and we the sooner get off this blighted prison the better" Wade yelled causing the three of them to cower.
He turned to face his older sister "Didn't I tell you to wake them up and have them ready!"
"Sorry" Leigh apologised but it was barely audible. It's what happens when you don't use your voice for a while. Or rarely use it at all
"What have I told you about apologising?" Wade demanded
"That I do it too much?" there was a hint of uncertainty in her voice in spite of the frequency that they have this conversation.
"Fucking useless" the warrior grumbled before going into the adjacent room to gather his belongings.
Bethany tugged at Leigh's arm "Don't worry Leigh. Wade is just being his grumpy self"
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Free Marshes, Kirkwall, Gallows
Malcolm was returning to his ancestral home. But the place he was returning to was also the part of the city that was responsible for some of the worst memories of his life. This place had it all; ritual humiliation by the Templars, a psychotic knight-commander and a blissfully unaware Chantry. In his time here it became painfully clear that mages Harrowed or not would be made tranquil if you spoke out against the Templars. Eventually they learned and kept their opinions to themselves. Which may have changed since the number of tranquil was unnaturally high.
Bethany and Leigh appeared uneasy at being in the Gallows. Seeing what could possibly be their fate was unnerving and rightfully so. But also seeing the dejected looks of the mages and the atmosphere was one of despair. Leigh felt such pity for these mages. There was no atmosphere to the Gallows, neither mage nor Templar exhibited any sign of content or happiness. The air was thick and misty and it had no sent in spite of being so close to the sea
Is this what being in a Circle is like? It all looks so hopeless and grim. No wonder father and mother tried so hard to prevent Bethany and me ending up in a place like this. I wouldn't survive past a month here.
Wade and Leigh had been accepted into a university. Kirkwall University was one of the best in Thedas. It excelled in helping better educate the youth in what exactly it takes to succeed in certain roles. Too many noblemen's children joined the guard simply because it empowered them without fully realising what it takes to be a guard or an assassin, a Templar, brother whatever. It also accepted mages to teach them just how to best use their Maker given gifts. But in reality it was to better train them in case war broke out and put a lid on blood magic. Many Tevinters attended in order to prepare for the inevitable war with the Qunari.
However the two oldest Hawke twins were only accepted because Malcolm had agreed to be a lecturer. He would be teaching Force Magic. You could take up to three electives. The campus spanned from the city of Kirkwall to the base of Sundermount. Due to the unscheduled storm they had already missed the first 6 days
Kirkwall was divided into 6 areas; Hightown, Midtown, Lowtown, Darktown, the Docks and the Gallows. Hightown was the area which was mainly inhabited by the nobility of Kirkwall and other nations whereas Midtown was for the middleclass. With decent jobs earning decent coin. Lowtown was the dangerous part of above ground Kirkwall. It was home to thieves, scum and pirates and was the second most corrupt part of Kirkwall behind Hightown. The only difference was in Lowtown you could be more blatant about it. It gave it an honest quality
And then there was Darktown. The under city, it was grimy, disgusting and there was literally no hope. If you were from Lowtown there was a chance you could get out and make something better for yourself. But in Darktown you were screwed. Murder and rape was common place here and no one did anything to stop it. The guards never cared about this place since it was mainly filled with refugees and poor immigrants.
The main campus was in the middle of the city in Midtown. And that is where the Hawke family were headed. Malcolm wanted to ensure that his children reached their dwelling with little hassle before dropping the twins off. After finding a boat to take them to the docks they walked up the stairs of that led to Lowtown.
Some of the sailors were leering at the lot. It was only an hour before evening and they were already drunk. A few wold whistles were done in their direction some at Leigh some at Wade and Malcolm. It wasn't because they were particularly good looking; they just did it to anyone. Even though that was the case it didn't make Leigh any less uncomfortable; having this attention aimed at her
Malcolm and Wade carried the bulk of their luggage with Bethany and Carver carrying relatively large satchels filled with their most treasured belongings from their homes in Redcliffe and Lothering. Leigh carried a few packs that didn't consist of much other than some notes and books.
Someone bumped past Wade and he felt something touch his waist. On instinct he snatched at the hand that dared make a reach for him. But found that they had slipped out. Although their hands were sinewy enough to escape his grasp his purse was not.
"Explain yourself thief" Wade demanded
In front of him stood a tanned woman who stood a few inches shorter than he. She had a black blouse that stopped only inches below her hips. The front was ripped and poorly sewn together and showed her ample cleavage. A light blue scarf was wrapped around her waist and acted as a belt of sort. Clearly modesty wasn't her forte
"Oh lighten up. It's not as if I actually took anything"
"You would have had I not stopped you"
"You don't know that. For all you know I could have handed it back to you"
"You were about to escape into the crowd. I know how pickpockets work"
"We can argue the semantics at a later time if you wish. But sadly I have an appointment to keep" she started to continue up the busy stairs
"I'm not done with you" he snarled before he made a grab at her hand but she was too quick for him
"You're so clumsy. It's almost adorable" the young 'lady' laughed
This caused Bethany to let out stifled giggles. "What are you laughing at?"
"Nothing brother" she put her hands behind her back. But in changing his focus to Bethany it allowed the thief to escape.
"Blighted Lowtown bitch" he cursed
They made their way through Lowtown and into Midtown. As they were leaving the Lowtown Bazar Leigh tripped on one of the steps, but she could regain her balance. She ended up bumping into an elf. He caught her by putting his arms out. She found his eyes with her own and stared into the natural green abyss. His messy silver hair and strange markings on his skin piqued her interest.
She opened her mouth to speak but all the came out were incoherent noises. The elf's skin had a faint glow to it for a second. He eyed Leigh with disgust before pushing past her and rushing off towards the campus. He spouted some Tevinter curse
"What an ass" Carver commented
"You're one to talk" Bethany jabbed
"Enough you two. Leigh are you alright?" the father of the group asked and the mage merely nodded before getting back onto her feet.
"Learn to watch where you're going girl" the eldest son warned his older sister. Leigh raised her hand in apology
Another young woman ran up to them and judging from her robes and staff it was clear she was a mage. She stood before Malcolm "Sir have you seen my friend Fenris"
"Could you give me a description? Miss?"
"My name is Hadriana. And Fenris is a lanky elf with distinctive markings on his skin"
"Oh he just went past us. He's should be entering mid-town about now"
"Thank you serah" and with that she was gone making chase for the elf
Their way to the main Campus building went unhitched. No one stopped them or asked questions and the way. The two statues of Andraste stood at either side of the gate. And the brick work showed that the place was well fortified; almost dwarven.
The main building was grand. It was almost as big as the Viscount's keep and similar in structure. Seeing as they were already late because of the ship they reported to the receptionist in order to get their schedules.
They approached the receptionists. One was elven woman and the other was a human female. Malcolm led them to the one that he had known for years.
"Lirene it's been too long" he hugged the middle aged woman
"Malcolm. Alistair said that you had finally accepted the offer" she cheered
"Yes. The twins have finally come of age" he ushered his two oldest children in front to the receptionist.
She gave them a smile "Father who is this" Wade held his stare
"This is Lirene Kane. She helped Fereldens find their feet in Kirkwall before taking her position here. How long ago was that?"
"It's been 6 years" she chuckled, embarrassed at her age
"Now that you're done reminiscing can we hurry this up?" Wade interjected
His father gave him a disapproving look before smacking him on the back of his head. Wade turned sharply his eyes wide with anger. Malcolm's look said you've gone too far
Wade merely huffed not wishing to incite a confrontation with his father. But he didn't apologise.
"I need your details to ensure you are who you claim to be. Stupid I know but I have to do it"
"Wade Hawke. My name day is 17th day of Drakonis, Dragon Age 9:23. I'm taking Templar training and Battle Strategy"
"Pass phrase"
Wade approached her and whispered his unique pass phrase into Lirene's ear. The latter viewed him with eyes of sympathy
"Malcolm Hawke. 11 Solace, Blessed Age 8:97. Pass phrase- Legacy"
Leigh stood in front of Lirene with her eyes to the ground "Leigh-Anne Hawke"
"Maker's breath girl! Speak up and look her in the eye" Wade berated clearly frustrated at her sheepishness
Leigh looked at Lirene's face but never her eye. "Leigh-Anne Hawke. 17 Drakonis, Dragon Age 9:23."
She too whispered her pass phrase to the receptionist and backed away behind Malcolm and Wade.
"Okay good. Now here are your room keys, the prospectus and your student guide" she handed each item to Leigh seeing as Malcolm and Wade had their hands full
"Normally I would assign a guide to lead you to your dorms but Malcolm knows this place well enough to take you there."
"Thanks for the help Lirene"
"Pleasure's mine Hawke"
As the rest of her family left the building Leigh stayed behind and tapped Lirene on the shoulder. "I'm sorry about Wade. He's not always like that"
"Don't worry child. I wasn't offended" Lirene reassured "Now hurry off before your family leaves you behind" she advised.
Leigh nodded and did a little jog to catch up. She's such a polite child, polar opposite to her twin. And so fragile, almost as if she was about to break by simply touching her
She quickly found her family and followed her father. He continued to lead the group through the streets
"Right first we'll drop Wade off at his dorm and then Leigh at hers. Before I leave you two at Gamlen's"
"I don't know why we can't stay with you?" Carver demanded
"We'll be busy this entire year and we can't watch you. And besides with Gamlen you'll be in the family estate in Hightown"
Midtown was a big place. Wade and Leigh's dorms were far away from one another but both were in Midtown. This was where the bulk of everyday goods were produced. But most of the material here normally goes through Lowtown first. You could find almost anything you could think of that was legal here. There were tailors, dancers, builders, movers, smiths, healers etc. although Healers had to be discreet since they were apostates. The more seedy elements such as mercenaries and smugglers could be easily found in Lowtown, the docks and Darktown.
"Well son this is it" Malcolm declared. They stood in front of a massive building. It appeared to be a flat since a corridor could be seen which led to a great deal of rooms.
Wade handed his father some of Carver, Bethany and Leigh's luggage and picked up his own. He turned to face his family one last time. "I'll miss you brother" Bethany confessed
Wade merely grunted in acknowledgement "Can I come and visit?" She wondered
"No" her eldest brother answered immediately making his baby sister frown. She looked truly sad that she and her brother were about to part ways
"Will you visit me?"
"Probably not, I'll be busy most of the year" his tone was dismissive and he wanted to end this conversation quickly
Bethany moved close to him and hugged his body. He bent down and patted her on the back. She planted a kiss on his cheek before backing away with a smile
"Goodbye brother"
Wade faced his younger brother. Carver knew that his brother wasn't one for emotional goodbyes like Bethany's earlier so he merely put his hand out.
He actually smiled and shook his little brother's hand. He then knelt down and whispered something into his brother's ear. Carver nodded and walked away from the dormitory.
"I'll be seeing you around Leigh" he waved off as he made his way into the dorm. Leigh was slightly disappointed to be the only sibling that Wade said his goodbyes to. But she then remembered that they'll be in the same district.
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Wade Hawke carried his bags up the first flight of stairs. It was no easy task. He was very strong however the bags he carried were heavy and it made it awkward to walk up the stairs. Plenty of students merely passed him by without as much as a word. Free Marsh bastards
His new accommodation was near the end of the corridor on the second floor and he struggled to make it. He finally dropped his bags on the floor and he realised that he'd forgotten to take the key from his sister. She's really starting to piss me off
A human male wearing a black shirt with the Templar order symbol on it and denim trousers approached him. However the jeans appeared worn and faded "Is there any way I can assist you serah?" his accent was Ferelden
"You'd be the first" Hawke complained
"I'm sorry that not all of us have been as hospitable as we should"
"You don't say. Is everyone this damn stupid" Wade took a deep breath. Dwelling on this gains me nothing "I must find my sister and retrieve my key"
"Why not simply ask one of your roommates?" the young Templar questioned
Roommate? Roommate? What's he talking about "I don't have a roommate?"
"Really? Curious considering that there are already people living in there."
"What!"
"You're clearly confused. But before we proceed I need to know your name"
"Why?"
"Because I have been entrusted to help the new students on this floor. And I know each of their names."
Wade eyed him up before conceding "Wade Hawke"
"Aah the Ferelden. A pleasure to meet you Wade. My name is Cullen"
"You already know of me?"
"You're taking the Templar course. Your dossier was given to each of instructors and students"
Templar, I like him already
Cullen knocked on the door loudly three times but to no answer "I don't wish to break the door down. But I doubt that leaving your belongings here is wise. You can leave your things in my room whilst you search for your sister"
"Tha-"
Before he could finish the sentence the door opened to reveal a familiar face. The same tall elf that had bumped into Leigh stood at the door. Looking at us expectantly.
"Cullen what is it?" the elf asked. His voice was deep and sultry. He also had a Tevinter accent
"Your roommate's arrived. Meet…"
"I heard you say his name as I searched for the key. My apologies that it took so long"
He scanned Hawke quickly before asking "Have we met before?"
"Yes briefly when you bumped into my sister"
The elf quickly searched his mind and remembered "Aah yes the mage" the way he said the word conveyed pure disgust. Maybe this might not be so bad
"How do you know she's a mage?"
"Let's just say I have unique abilities"
Cullen backed out of the room after they'd carried all of Hawke's belongings into the room. "I trust that you can handle everything yourself"
"Yes I don't need you holding my hand any longer" Hawke said seriously but Cullen mistook it as humour and chuckled as he left the room
Wade scanned the room. The place was fairly big. 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 2 toilets and a living room/dining room/kitchen. Not bad at all. Before I arrived I thought that the amount they charged for rent was ludicrous. At least I'm getting my money's worth. I guess being a student does have its advantages. Father's money won't last long and there is no way I'm borrowing from Gamlen. I'm going to have to find a job.
"Do you require services mas-. I mean Wade" the elf corrected himself.
What the hell was that? Wade thought but he honestly didn't care.
"Yes show me where my room is"
The tattooed elf led him the two available rooms. Wade chose the room furthest from his elven roommate and began unpacking.
"My name is Fenris"
"Don't you have a last name?"
"No. My first name is all that matters"
Wade nodded and decided never to press him on that issue. He would tell me if he ever felt like it. And if he never does then it's not my problem.
The next few hours Wade and Fenris spent them silently unpacking. However the silence wasn't uncomfortable. It was actually welcome. The two felt at ease in each other's presence. When they had finished Wade thanked the elf and they returned to their separate rooms.
Wade spent the next two hours putting the finishing touches to his room. That was when he finally realised that he had nothing to eat. It was fast approaching the dark of night and he hadn't eaten. Normally he would use the ice block and salt to preserve food. But without Bethany or Leigh that wasn't an option and I doubt that Fenris has one.
He got out of his room and barged into the elf's. "What were your plans for supper?"
"I had none"
"Good! You've got some now. Meet me at the building entrance in a few minutes"
He put on a jumper and boots and met Fenris at the building entrance "Do you know where Vincento's Emporium?"
"I am not familiar with the area"
"Then follow me."
Hawke manoeuvred his way through the Kirkwall streets. Fenris kept up but struggled to because people didn't think much of bumping into an elf. But Fenris didn't seem to mind or at least never once retaliated with a look or disapproving gesture. He merely accepted it.
They finally arrived at the vibrant shop/restaurant. It was owned by a rich Antivan merchant and it mainly employed elves and humans. This was essentially the student's café apart from the fact that it was off campus. Upon entering they sat down on one of the many tables and picked up the menu.
"So what are you ordering" Fenris asked
"Probably something like Ferelden Stew and Rice. What of you?"
"I don't know"
"Don't worry I'll pay for you" Wade offered "To repay you for helping me unpack"
"I can't allow you to do that?"
"Just take my offer elf"
Fenris glared at his roommate before grunting as a sign that he was giving in. Smart Wade now he's probably going to bankrupt you
An elven waitress approached them; she had faded tattoos on her face which indicated that she was Dalish. She sneered slightly at Wade but quickly reined it in so as to not offend the customer.
"Hello my name is Velanna" she had a thick Dalish accent (welsh). "What can I do for you today?"
"You can get me some Ferelden Stew and rice" Wade handed her the menu without even looking at her. Instead he looked to Fenris intently to see if the elf would take advantage of his situation.
"I'll have fried rice and chicken" the Tevinter elf
Hawke had let out a sigh he was unconsciously holding in. His father had given him 10 sovereigns and rent was 2 sovereigns a month. The books would cost at least a sovereign and a few bits. Food would cost quite a bit as well. Shit I'm going to need a job
"That's all. And hurry I'm hungry" Wade dismissed the elven waitress
She stalked away cursing under her breath trying not to lose her cool. Wonderful another self-entitled human. Shit-brained, fuck heads with no respect for others
"I'm surprised elf. I would have thought that you would have ordered half the menu"
"I've told you my name. I want you to use it human"
"Careful with your tone elf"
"And you need to watch your tongue. Unless you want me to rip it out"
The elf stood his ground and held his glare. Wade sat back in his chair and had a ghost of a smile on his face. I'm impressed, he held his ground and didn't back down. He's strong and won't be dependent on me like my sister
"Ok Fenris. I'll use your name"
"And I yours Hawke"
Their food soon arrived only this time Velanna was accompanied by another waitress. She was dwarven and also had tattoos on her head
"Hi I'm Sigrun" she greeted as she retrieved the meal from the trolley.
Velanna helped her and placed the Ferelden stew in front of him. From the way she held it it appeared to be cold. Wade didn't care about that so long as it was edible. As he was about to try it some of the soup flew out of the bowl and onto his arm. It was surprisingly hot considering Velanna held it with ease. He winced at the pain and let out a a string of profanity which caused some of the surrounding tables to glare at him disapprovingly
Wade gave her a glare that could give anyone pause but she appeared unphased What sort of tomfoolery is this. She held that bowl with such ease and it emitted no steam. How am I scalded? Unless…. Of course. Great, more magic. Hawke sneered at the Dalish elf
Still adorning that cocky smirk Velanna winked at Hawke "I am so sorry for my friend here. She's so clumsy" Sigrun apologised as she wiped the soup away
Elven bitch did that on purpose. Relax; calm down, nothing can be gained from making a scene here. But I will remember this Velanna
Wade tensed up and waved his hands away whilst he forced his eyes shut. "Forget it". He could feel his skin blistering and the stinging sensation wasn't one he enjoyed.
Sigrun wacked Velanna on the arm and they had an almost telepathic conversation with each other. No words were said. All they did was trade looks and make subtle gestures and they could understand one another
S- What the hell was that?
V- It was a mistake
S- Don't feed me that crap Velanna.
V- He was being a human. What did you expect me to do?
S- He may be an ass but that doesn't mean you can carry on pulling this shit. Eventually Arianni will fire you
Velanna herself offered no apology, nor did she even appear apologetic. The two waitresses left the table leaving the roommates to eat "You have a way with people Hawke. I've never seen anything like that before"
"Just eat my food and shut up" Wade sulked
This caused Fenris to chuckle at his roommates' childishness. They ate in silence for a few minutes but with Wade's scolded arm he was more tentative and twitchy because of the burn. It left a large section of his arm hurting. And the burn marks started to appear on his dark, tanned skin
"I'm surprised you didn't order half the menu Fenris"
"Just how much do you think I eat?"
This time it was Hawke's turn to laugh "I paid for your food and you were surprisingly conservative in what you ordered. Especially since I pissed you off before you ordered"
"That seemed pointless. If I'm going to live with you, then I would rather that we not be at odds with each other"
"Hmm, I guess my instincts about you were right"
"And what did your instincts tell you"
"That you were an honourable person. And that you were also practical"
"Thank you. And mine say that you're a good man. In spite of our first few hours of knowing each other"
"Let's just start again Fenris"
"I'd like that very much Hawke"
They got to know each other for the rest of the meal. Only the basics like Fenris' homeland and his family. He lived in Minrathos with his family and he was a skilled warrior. He had a sister Varania who was a tailor. Wade told him about Carver, Bethany, Malcolm and Leigh and that they came from Lothering in Ferelden. Turns out that Wade and Leigh had missed the first week and were expected to return to class the following Monday.
They were laughing at just how drunk some of the students were getting particularly those coming from Lowtown. Back in the building some of the tenants were singing pub songs but Fenris and Wade were too tired to join in. They retired to their separate rooms and slept.
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"Well Leigh we're here" Malcolm announced
Bethany groaned since she was carrying one of Leigh's book bags. "Stop complaining you aren't even carrying the heavy stuff" Carver complained
"Enough you two"
Bethany draped the 'heavy' bag over Leigh's shoulder and Carver placed the bag he was holding in her hand. And walked away
"I'll miss you sister"
"Bethany can you do me a favour"
"Anything"
"Can you watch out for Carver and make sure he doesn't get into too much trouble"
"Leigh that isn't possible. I may be a mage but I can't work miracles"
"I know he's going to be difficult. But he cares about you deeply, that's why he tries so hard; I just don't want him to get arrested by the Guard before the years finished"
"I will but only if you do the same with Wade"
"He can take care of himself and I really doubt he'd be happy if I tried"
Bethany sighed "Fine I'll do it for you"
Leigh didn't even get to say goodbye to her baby brother. Then again Carver had never been one to get emotional or sentimental. He'd always been closer to Wade than Leigh but that didn't mean that he didn't care about her either
"Well this is it young one"
"But father aren't you staying"
"Yes I am. But this is your first day and I want you to realise we won't be there as much as you'd like. So please try and make some friends"
Leigh merely nodded and hugged her father
After being dropped off by her father and two younger siblings Leigh proceeded to make her way through the building. She had fewer things to carry than Wade but she struggled. Being a mage made it that having a well-built body was surplus to requirements if all combat required you to keep your distance.
Her room was on the 3rd floor and she awkwardly made her way up the stairs. After successfully stumbling up the first two stories of the building she looked at her final conquest. On the third step she tripped and fell on her ass. It resulted in her bags flying all over the place and her book bag falling in the crack between banisters. It fell to the base of the staircase.
She winced at the pain but slowly shook it off. She ran as quickly as she could to get her book bag and ran back. She found that some of her belongings had been trodden on by the inhabitants of the building and her personal pack was now covered by a muddy footprint.
She dusted it off and carefully reached the top of the flight of stairs. She found her room and used her key. Whilst searching for her key she discovered that she also had Wade's room key.
Dammit girl. Can't you do anything right. Brother isn't going to be happy about this
She used her room key to open the door. She expected to see her roommate but surprisingly she wasn't there. The room was very big and it was adorned with Ferelden art as well as books and notes on combat and building strength. Hawke searched the apartment tentatively; worried that she might upset her roommate since she walked in unannounced. When she discovered that she wasn't there she picked one of the empty rooms and unpacked her things.
It took her quite a few hours to do it on her own so it was already nightfall by the time she was finished. She got into her duvet with one of her story books and read it. Her finger acted as a lantern as she read.
She could hear voices outside the door. But she had no urge to greet people or have any sort of social contact. She was contented with her book and the meagre warmth of the covers. However she felt herself slightly drawn to those voices. They're cheers of celebration and their merry song almost called to her. No matter what she wished she knew that no matter how close they were; to her they were simply too far out of her reach.
A knock came at the door loud and sporadic. It caused Leigh to yelp "Come on don't be such a sour puss and join the fun." The knocking continued and it only grew louder.
A painful memory of Templars finding her home entered her mind. The loud, unforgiving knock before breaking the door down was fresh in her memory. Using the chantry as a shield in order to express their malice towards mages. Spewing their self-righteous tripe and making threats at her father and mother. Her and Bethany sprawling underneath the covers or Wade forcing them into the closet and locking it up, sometimes for hours on end.
She reverted to that child in Lothering and jumped underneath her covers. Not caring for how cowardly she may have appeared she continued to hide. Why can't I be as brave or confident as Wade in situations like this?
She tried to find her voice but couldn't "Please leave" she tried to call. But the words escaped her at the last second and all that came out were incoherent mutters. Nothing could be heard but the knocking which was irritatingly persistent. She continued to hide beneath the duvet hoping to the Maker that it would all go away
Wade was right, I don't belong here and it was a mistake to think that I ever did
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A/N: If you made it this far please review it. I don't really mind whether it's good or bad. I'd rather get negative feedback and improve rather than get none and keep making the same mistakes