**This is the first time I have shared anything I have written and on top of that, I am new to the fan fiction style of writing. Reviews are wanted and desired but please be kind and honest.**

Chapter 1

Garrett Hawke knelt down in the wet grass, soiling his robes, to try and obtain an adequate sample of a Harlot's Blush Flower. The weather on the Wounded Coast was never great, but today it seems to be even worse. A constant freezing drizzle continued to wear on each companion's attitude, except for the mabari's.

"Hurry up Hawke! Andraste's ass it's miserable out here."

"Oh Varric, stop your whining already." Surprisingly, Isabela has not complained about the weather once. Considering she has the least amount of clothes on, and absolutely no pants, is really saying something. Whenever out with Hawke, she takes her pleasure from guarding his back, and she may or may not let her eyes wonder over his body.

"Bianca doesn't do freezing wet all day, do you baby?" retorts a sturdy dwarf, as he pats a crossbow strapped across his back. A mischievous gleam lights up Isabela's eyes as she sucks air to let fly a dirty comeback about Bianca and being wet, but before she does, Hawke interrupts.

"Look guys, can we save it until we are all dry and have drinks in our hands?" says Hawke, straightening up and tucking his new treasure into his pack. "We should get back to Solivitus before everyone closes up shop for the night."

"I'll show you how to take care of your shop of fine goods tonight, Hawke," purrs Isabela with a suggestive wink. Hawke pretends to be rearranging his pack to avoid making eye contact with her but he is not fooling anyone.

"Can we continue back to Kirkwall or are we going to stand here in the rain and flirt all evening?" inquires Fenris.

"It is about time you spoke up. Your broodiness is looking marvelous with this weather," Varric puts in.

Fenris's eyes become slits, "I do not brood."

"Just take the complement," sighs Varric.

Finally exasperated with the tension of the group, Hawke starts walking off, calling his mabari to his side. The rest of the group gladly starts the march back to town. Halfway down the slope, the air seems to change. The mabari, Belle, freezes as she looks into some bushes on the edge of the path. Belle lets out a hair rising growl and everyone freezes in their tracks, readying weapons.

"Grab something sharp and pointy," advises Varric. "We've got company!"

"Be calm," the voice is gentle and calming. As if finally broken from a nightmare, Belle's hair lays flat and she lowers her head in submission.

"Well shit, I've never seen her do that," Hawke realizes. Drawing his staff, Hawke steps closer to the edge of the path, "Come out."

The bushes part and a gray woman steps out. Her skin is bare except for the vines winding up her legs and around her hips to her arms. Long dark hair falls over her shoulders, framing a face with black eyes.

"I am the Lady of the Forest and I mean you no harm," the calming voice comes again.

Hoping he recalls his history correctly, Hawke states, "The Hero of Ferelden released Witherfang and the Lady when she succeeded in breaking the curse of werewolves."

"You are correct," she confirms, "Now I am free to come and go as I wish. I must ask a favor of you and your companions. Remember I am not asking this lightly and if there was any other way I would take it." In the background Varric mumbles under his breath about everyone needing to ask Hawke for a favor.

"What favor would the Lady of the Forest ever need to ask?" asks Hawke with a polite tone.

"There has been treachery within my ranks. Tevinter mages have managed to capture one of my Guardians. Even if she is killed, her body would still contain magical properties and be of great use." There is no sympathy in the Lady's words, only a controlled concern for the overall outcome, not the individual involved. The mention of Tevinter mages brings a scowl to Fenris's face.

"Hawke," he says. All of Fenris's meaning conveyed into the one word. If Tevinter is involved, then they must be stopped. Out of everyone in the group, Fenris knows the most about the consequences of any situation involving Tevinter.

Not missing a beat, Varric adds, "The werewolf curse has been lifted, you said so yourself."

"You simply misunderstood. I am not speaking of werewolves but the Guardians. Enough questions, she is running out of time and I have no more answers I am willing to spare. What is your answer?" The Lady's voice lost its calming quality and gained a stern edge.

All eyes turn to Hawke, "We will help. What is needed to be done?"

Instead of answering, the Lady of the Forest reaches out a twigged finger to touch Hawke's forehead. Instantly there is a bright flash at the contact. Hawke's muscles tighten as he drops to the ground and the Lady disappears.

"Hawke! Are you okay?" Isabela drops to the ground beside him, pushing a concerned mabari away. Groaning, Hawke blinks his eyes and rubs his head.

"So, do you know where to go?" Serious as always, Fenris gets straight to the point, itching to crush some mages, especially Tevinter mages.

"Yes, the edge of the Planasene Forest."