It was time.
After all these years on the run, Fenris was going to meet his sister. A living, breathing remnant of the past he could not remember. A time before Danarius and these horrid markings. And Hawke would be there. Hawke, who had managed to give him peace where there had been none, who had made the former slave feel truly cared for, even if she did constantly get on his nerves.
As they walked into The Hanged Man together, Fenris couldn't help but feel apprehensive. Was it just meeting his lost sister? Or was something else in the air?
When he walked in by his lover's side, his breath caught in his throat. There she was. Fiery red hair and green eyes he was sure matched his own. Memories flooded over him like a tidal wave.
"It really is you." Said the red-headed elf. Fenris swallowed but managed to speak. Why wasn't she looking at him?
"Varania? I-I remember you. We played in our master's courtyard while Mother worked. You called me…"
"Leto," she nearly whispered. "That's your name." Still she wouldn't look at him.
"What's wrong?" Fenris asked, a bad feeling settling into his gut. "Why are you so…"
"I'll give you three guesses," Hawke called, an almost mocking tone to her voice. A chill ran up Fenris's back as he heard the voice that had haunted his dreams since he had gotten his markings.
"Ah, my little Fenris." Said Danarius, the very picture of calm and superiority. "Predictable as always."
Fenris' eyes widened in shock, realizing the betrayal has come from the family he had known only briefly. He was here. After chasing him for years, Danarius had come for him. And while had had been screaming for his chance to take his revenge, Maker forgive him he was terrified.
"I'm sorry it had to come to this, Leto," said Varania. And Fenris believed her. But there would be no forgiveness for a crime of this caliber.
"You led him here!" Fenris spat at her. He had prepared himself for this possibility, but the pain of his only sister turning him in made his numbed heart ache anew.
"Now, now, Fenris," called Danarius curtly. "Don't blame your sister. She did what any good imperial citizen should."
"I never wanted these filthy markings, Danarius, but I won't let you kill me to get them." Fenris said, a sneer of defiance on his face. It would end here, this much he knew. Though he and Hawke had their differences, they were together on this.
Danarius chuckled, and the shivers ran up Fenris' spine again. "Oh, how little you know, my pet." Fenris wanted to vomit from the term of endearment his former master used. What was he talking about? What did he not know?
"And this is your new Mistress, then?" Danarius continued. "The champion of Kirkwall? Impressive."
Fenris took a fighting stance. This was it. All his years of running, and he was finally going to be truly free, and Danarius was going to-
"If you want him, he's yours." said Hawke.
Fenris was literally knocked a step back from the shock. His mind reeled. He knew he and Hawke had their differences, but they couldn't run this deep. Not after what they had had…
"What?" was all Fenris could think to say.
As Hawke's companion's murmured in the background, Danarius addressed Hawke.
"Interesting. I'll make it worth your while, of course. The power of the imperium will be at your disposal."
Fenris turned to face Hawke, his voice filled with desperation. "Don't do this, Hawke. I need you." An unspoken please hung in the air.
Hawke had the nerve to smirk, to smirk, as she said "You're on your own, Fenris."
Fenris lowered his gaze. He would not give Hawke the satisfaction of seeing how much her betrayal hurt him. "I suppose I should not be surprised." And truly, why should he? Hadriana, Danarius, his sister, and now Hawke, everyone important in his life had brought him pain and betrayal. Hawke just happened to be the latest in the pattern.
"What will it be, Fenris?" called Danarius. "Will you throw your life away?"
Fenris tensed at the sound of his former master's voice, but relaxed as he thought the question over, his eyes drifting to the ground He was tired, of betrayal, and of running. When the love of his life thought of him as a tool for financial gain, what was left for him? He had no home that belonged to him, no friends, and apparently no one who loved him. And so, Fenris gave up. He turned around slowly, eyes downcast, head bowed, the perfect picture of submission. "No. I will go with you."
Danarius and Hawke continued to speak. Coin exchanged hands. Fenris heard none of it, lost in his own thoughts. But when Danarius…no, when Master called… Fenris turned and followed without looking back.