Charade entered the little house buried in the woods, shaking and more glad than ever to be home. Upon entering, she dropped her bags of groceries at the door and shrieked in surprise as she spotted her cousin Lana lying across the long armchair in front of the fire. Her pirate lover was draped over her, resting her head on Hawke's chest as both of them slept soundly, looking as happy and contented as she had ever seen them as the fire crackled in its grate beside them. It was as though they had never been gone. Bethany chuckled at her cousin's reaction and got to her feet from the chair opposite them, tiptoeing over to where she stood.
"You're back," she said quietly, bending down to help Charade pick up the food bags. "I didn't expect it to be dark by the time you got back. I was getting worried... What kept you?"
Charade crouched down beside her. "I...Nothing," she said unconvincingly, putting the bread loaf back into the bag. Bethany gave her a sceptic look. She straightened up with the rest of the food in her arms and both of them walked into the scullery. Hovering around the counter they began to unpack. As Charade reached out to grab one of the bags, Bethany noticed a glowing, red mark on her wrist.
"What happened!?" she exclaimed concerned, grabbing her arm and examining the damage in the candle light. Charade tried to wrestle free, looking sheepish.
"Nothing, Beth. It's fine, honestly," she said, avoiding her eye and massaging her wrist with her other hand. She continued taking food out and placing it on the table, feeling the eyes of her cousin questioning her.
"That is not 'nothing'!" Bethany cried, staring at her. "Do you-?" She looked down then and noticed the side of her cousin's dress was torn up the side. "Charade..."
Charade followed her gaze and froze, cursing under her breath. She frowned up at her then, almost pleadingly. "Just... leave it, Beth. Please. You know what Lana will do if she finds out."
"Finds out what?"
Both women jumped and spun around. Hawke was leaning against the door frame, arms folded wearing an impish grin. Her brown eyes flicked to either woman expectantly.
"Nothing!" Bethany and Charade said simultaneously, the latter covering her dress with her long coat up and busying herself unpacking the groceries. Hawke wasn't fooled however. That was a weird response...Who's going to crack first I wonder. She pushed off the door frame and stretched, entering the scullery and beginning to help them unpack.
"So, you mean to tell me," she began, glancing up suspiciously at what remained of her family, "that I travelled miles upon miles to get here...and I don't even get a hug, Charade?"
Charade stopped. She looked at Hawke as though she wanted nothing more in the world to throw her arms around her but restrained herself for fear of revealing her secret and the state that her clothes were in, causing questions. "I..."
Hawke chuckled. "I'm kidding, Cousin," she said, leaning in over the counter and placing a kiss on either of her cheeks. "I know I make quite an entrance. You're still just in awe of my beauty and wit I expect."
Charade chuckled, feeling at ease once more. She had forgotten how much of a joker Lana was (lucky her).
"Not to mention your humility," Bethany teased, the mood lightening then. Lana winked at her and observed her little sister properly for the first time in years.
"There's something different about you, Bethany," she said, staring her up and down. "You seem a lot more...self-assured or something."
Bethany giggled coyly. "Maybe I just learned to take care of myself instead of always relying on my big sister, only for her to take off to become a pirate and not even realise."
Hawke laughed and moved in closer. "No...That's not it," she said, hovering around Bethany as though trying to figure her out. Suddenly she gasped. "I know what it is!" she exclaimed. Bethany smiled uncertainly at her, seeing her sister's wicked grin. "Someone greyed your warden, didn't they!?"
Her sister looked appalled. "What? Now you're just being silly!" she said, blushing and turning back to the groceries.
"Did you see your first 'spear of righteousness'? Enchant his wooden staff? Get your paragon pampered?" Lana teased cheekily, enjoying herself now. "I know! He petted your Pounce-A-Lot didn't he?"
"Or she?" Charade added, egging her on. She and Hawke laughed loudly then, seeing the embarrassment on Bethany's face. She still hadn't lost her cuteness with age.
"How do you know that I didn't already do that years ago in the Circle?" Bethany asked, acting unfazed by their good-natured ribbing.
"Ew, well that's a bit personal isn't it?" Lana joked, backtracking as though she's heard too much information, making Charade laugh even more. She pretended to turn up her nose and observed her sister closely. "Some Templar there didn't... smite your circle, did they? Cup your joining and give you a holy fisting?"
"Maker's Breath! Where do you get all these bloody sayings from?" Bethany said exasperated, rolling her eyes and shaking her head as she began to laugh herself. "I blame Isabela."
Lana snorted. "So do I," she admitted, continuing with unpacking again now that her sister had been tortured enough.
"Are my ears burning?"
Isabela appeared from the living area after being woken up by all the laughter.
"That would make a change from your ass burning, sweet thing," Lana joked, "There's no Anders to heal you and your wicked ways now, remember."
The entire kitchen burst out laughing as Isabela eyed her lover from the doorway, an impish grin on her face. She shook her head warningly.
"Watch it, Sweetness, or I won't be putting out tonight," she teased. Hawke snorted.
"Good, maybe I can finally get a full night's sleep without being groped under the covers then," she joked. "Though I suppose we do always end up getting interrupted anyway, so I can't really complain."
The pirate chuckled with the others. "True, our sex life seems to be confined to five minutes if we're lucky."
"Thank The Maker!" Hawke joked.
Isabela spotted a box of eggs in front of her and picked one out, throwing it at Hawke across the counter. Lana dived to the side, hearing it smash behind her just as another one came flying her way. She caught it in her hands and made a cheeky face at Isabela.
"Should I be surprised that you're good at handling round-shaped things?" the Rivaini teased, her eyes twinkling. "You do get plenty of practice I suppose."
"Melon-shaped things, Bela, I'm good with melon-shaped things, not egg-shaped. I believe you have more experience in that area than any of us," Hawke replied cheekily.
"Ugh! Too much information!" Bethany exclaimed, cringing as the other three chuckled. "Honestly, we're about to eat supper!"
Isabela placed an arm around her shoulder comfortingly.
"Sorry, Bethany. At least there's still one Hawke who has got class," she said kindly, winking at Lana. "This one here will be spanked later for her rudeness, I promise you."
Bethany chuckled embarrassedly, hearing the others do the same. Maker, it was like being back in Kirkwall all over again feeling like she was a young innocent girl again despite the fact that she was twenty-nine. She felt Isabela pat her shoulder and saw the enticing look she was giving her older sister. If only those ear plugs at the market the other day hadn't been so expensive. Somehow she had a feeling she would be needing them tonight.
That night supper was a grand affair. The four of them sat around the dining table outside with a small fire burning beside them, keeping them warm. Bethany and Charade went all out with their cooking, giving Lana and Isabela the first proper meal they had eaten in a very long time.
"You know, if we go back to Antiva City you should take me out to a restaurant sometime," Hawke said, taking a sip of her wine and looking across the table at Isabela after having had her fill.
"I did!" the pirate exclaimed, remembering their last foray through the luxurious city, so unlike anything that Ferelden had to offer.
"I mean a proper sit down meal, Bela! Not simply running through them and stealing a glass of wine as we hide from some raiders like last time," Hawke replied chuckling, making the others laugh.
"Ah, sweetness, you know I'm not the courting type," Isabela replied with a smirk, reaching over the table and patting the woman's cheek affectionately. "I'd much rather take you up a back alley then...well, take you up the back alley."
Charade choked on a mouthful of wine and Bethany dropped her spoon noisily. Hearing her sister and Isabela laugh she bent down and made a big deal of picking it up again. Her eyes caught a glimpse of the two women's legs, one of which (Isabela's) was travelling the length of the inside of Hawke's in a seductive manner. As she saw the bare foot slide in between her sister's legs, Bethany raised her head without thinking and banged it on the underside of table.
"Ow, Maker's Breath!" she gasped, pulling it out carefully and straightening up. Thankfully when she did the conversation had changed.
"...alright, sister?" Lana was asking. Bethany groaned.
"Fine," she said, massaging the sore spot. She got to her feet. "I think I'm going to clean this up."
"I'll help," Hawke said, eager to get some alone time with her sister and trying desperately not to get turned on by Isabela's adventurous foot. Bethany smiled at her in thanks and they both balanced the plates and empty wine bottles in their arms, carrying them into the house.
Isabela brought her other foot up on the Hawke's now vacated chair and crossed them, leaning back against her own with her hands resting behind her head. She smiled, glancing around and the forest and recalled seeing it once before in the Fade, when she had went to rescue Hawke from a demon back in her Estate in Kirkwall. Ah, fun times! Charade sat sipping her wine quietly, not knowing where to look. This had been the first time ever that she and Isabela had been alone together. Their relationship hadn't particularly got off to a good start back in Kirkwall, considering the first time she had seen her Isabela had smacked Hawke around the face. Suddenly Isabela noticed it too and a certain awkwardness overcame them.
"So..."the pirate began, after finishing the remains of her own wine. Charade looked at her shyly, wondering what was going to come out of her mouth. Isabela grinned. "...are you into bondage sex?"
Charade's wine glass almost slipped from her grasp. She spat the red liquid everywhere in surprise, showering the entire table. "W-what?" she choked in disbelief. Isabela chuckled. Ah, well...my conversational skills aren't the best are they? She glanced down at the woman's reddened wrists, having noticed them before at dinner.
"Oh, nothing. Just making conversation. I saw the marks on your wrists and that was just the first image that jumped into my head."
Charade glanced down, seeing the angry red marks that Bethany had caught earlier were on show again. She sighed and pulled down the sleeves of the clean dress she had changed into before dinner, avoiding Isabela's eye. The pirate chuckled.
"I had no idea you were so kinky," she continued, grinning, "Then again, you are related to Hawke. I guess I shouldn't be surprised."
She laughed to herself and began to fill her glass with more red wine. As she stoppered the bottle again and raised the drink to her lips, Charade finally spoke.
"I wasn't having sex, Isabela," she said. The Rivaini looked at her sceptically.
"Oh don't lie, sweet thing. I know friction burns when I see them," she replied, winking at her as she placed her mug back down on the table. Charade's face fell.
"I..."
Isabela's eyes narrowed, hearing her stutter. She leaned over the table then and took the woman's hand in hers, rolling back her sleeve. Charade tried to pull away but couldn't escape the pirate's vice-like grip. You don't become a great sailor if you can't hold something tight in your grasp...Or a great lover for that matter. She bent in closer and examined the wounds. Suddenly she realised she had been mistaken with her first guess.
Isabela looked up at Charade, serious now.
"Who did this to you?" she asked, direct as ever.
Charade squirmed under her gaze. She looked away. "No one."
"Charade," Isabela pressed, not letting her go. She could feel the woman shaking a little. Her face contorted in pain as she remembered. Finally she looked back at her.
"Do you...Do you promise you won't tell Lana?" she asked worriedly. Her hot-headed cousin wouldn't like this story one bit.
Isabela nodded. "Just tell me, sweetness."
Charade sighed and looked down at the sores on her wrist. "There's a group of men in the village," she began. "They always hang around outside the tavern, shouting things to me as I pass. O-O-One of them cornered me earlier when I was at the market..."
The pirate felt angry then. "Did he do this to you?" she asked, looking into the woman's scared eyes. Charade nodded.
"He grabbed me by the wrists and had me up against a wall," she said. "He got...touchy... ripped my dress. I got away though. I'm not completely useless in a fight like most women."
Isabela gave her a proud smile. "Good on you. Well like I said, you are a relative of Hawke...But you can't just let him get away with this."
The pirate released her and pounded her glass of wine then got to her feet. Charade jumped up, spilling her own in the process. "Isabela don't!" she exclaimed worriedly, glancing towards the house where Bethany and Lana were chatting inside. "You promised you wouldn't tell her! She'll kill them. Besides, I already kicked him in the balls. He won't try it again."
Isabela snorted. "Oh that won't do, sweetness. Men like that probably get kicked in the balls ten times a night. It's like foreplay for them. You probably just enticed him even more."
Charade gulped audibly. She looked terrified then. "What-What are you going to do?"
Isabela grinned wickedly at her. "Let's just round up the others and take a trip to this tavern, shall we? I haven't worked out all the kinks yet."
Charade clung to Bethany's arm, huddling in close for warmth as they followed Hawke and Isabela, who were doing the same, through the mountain path towards the village Lothering. The pirate stole a quick kiss off Lana as they walked, wishing sorely that she could let her in on the plan she was developing in her head. Maker, it would have been a lot more fun with her involved, but I know how she feels about men. I'm not about to make that bloody mistake again. Hawke smiled at her and the pirate felt the woman's hand slip from her lower back, down along her ass.
"You know, I would much rather have stayed at home tonight and got that spanking you had threatened me with earlier," Lana muttered in her ear flirtingly so as the others couldn't hear. Isabela let out a low moan of longing and grinned Hawke's favourite crooked smile.
"Oh, there'll still be plenty time for that, sweetness," she replied, giving her a smouldering stare. "I'll make sure of it. I just have some business to attend to first."
Hawke gave her a look. "What business?" she asked, "No one knows we're in Ferelden."
Isabela kissed her on the lips to silence her. "Just trust me, Hawke. Have a few drinks with your sister and cousin and enjoy yourself while I...negotiate."
Lana frowned. She sighed disappointedly. "I thought I'd have you all to myself tonight, Bela. You promised."
Isabela felt a pang at her words. She knew that their relationship had been a little strained having to spend all that time on the ship, with prying, perving eyes on them everywhere they went. Bloody pirates! Scurvy buggers the whole lot of them. Even last night a whore had interrupted what would have been their first night alone together in almost a year (though neither of them was complaining at the time). The pirate caressed the woman's cheek, giving her a regretful look.
"I'm sorry," she said, really meaning it. "I'll be done as soon as I can, sweetness. Then we can have our night together."
Hawke still didn't look pleased. She gave her a small smile in return then turned her gaze forwards, feeling as though she had been sharing the woman she loved with the rest of the world for as long as they had known each other. Something always seemed to be in the way. It was becoming rather frustrating.
The four of them arrived at the tavern ten minutes later and were led inside by Isabela. Hawke looked around with distaste, remembering the old tavern of her youth and preferring it immensely. Something about this place is just...too clean. Her sister grabbed them all mugs of ale at the counter, receiving a few looks of desire from certain men, and brought them over to a little round table in the corner. She settled herself down, getting a shiver which had nothing to do with the chill of the night.
"Oh, let's not stay here long," she complained, glancing around at her numerous admirers, "I feel like an eagles prey in here."
Hawke chuckled. "Don't worry, sister. If any of these bastards touch you I'll string them up by their balls."
As Bethany chuckled, Charade began to shake. She cast Isabela a look, which the pirate acknowledged with a nod. When the two sisters began joking and laughing, Isabela leaned in towards her.
"Tell me if you see him," she whispered, making sure Hawke was well out of ear shot. She saw Charade's eyes glance around worriedly at the faces of the patrons around them.
"I...I don't think he's-Wait!" she gasped, "T-there!"
Isabela followed her discreetly pointed finger and spotted a fat man with a brown beard sitting at the end of the bar, spilling ale down his front as he laughed loudly with a group of others. A satisfied smile appeared on the pirate's face then.
"Perfect," she said, getting to her feet. "Stay here won't you? I won't be long."
"Where are you going?" Hawke asked, frowning up at her in surprise, "We've only just got here!"
She knew Isabela was never on time for her rendezvous', having attended many of them herself. There was something the woman wasn't telling her. Isabela cursed inwardly. She's too damn good to be fooled so easily!
"I'll be back soon, sweetness. Don't wait up," she said, giving her a swift kiss on the lips then sliding out from behind her chair and disappearing into the crowd in the tavern. Hawke watched after her until she was swallowed up by the cloud of pipe smoke and numerous patrons. She sighed sadly. Sometimes I think she's trying to avoid me.
"Lana, are you all right?" Bethany asked, seeing the concern on her sister's face. Hawke tore her gaze away from their surroundings and pulled herself together. Ridiculous, I'm just imaging things.
"I'm fine, little sis," she replied convincingly, "Let's play a game of diamondback, shall we?"
On the other side of the tavern, hidden from the others, Isabela eyed her target. She ordered a shot of whiskey from the barmaid and tossed it down her throat, slamming the small thimble down on the counter and walking straight into the lion's den.
"Hmm... I always did like strong men," she said confidently, stepping in to the crowd of men that her target was a part of and grabbing their attention instantly. Big breasts always get the attention they deserve. The laughter broke up at once. As Isabela threw seductive stares at each of them she could see that same flicker of desire in their eyes. Typical men! So easy to manipulate. "And strong hands..." she continued, eyeing her target up and down. "Could I entice you to leave your friends and sign up as one of my crewmen? I could use those strong hands at my... helm."
Wolf-whistles filled the tavern and some cheered appreciatively.
"Crewmen?" her target repeated gruffly, "What are you lady, some kind of pirate hag?"
There were oooo's and aaaaa's and some of their audience tittered with laughter. Isabela was unfazed however. The nasty ones were always the ones who were interested most. I love when someone plays hard to get. She walked towards where he stood leaning against the bar, and ran her hand along his arm, smirking dangerously at him and exhaling with longing.
"Does that...scare you?" she asked flirtingly, her face inches away from his. There were more cheers from the man's friends as his face went red, becoming hot under the collar.
"I don't know nothing about sailing, whore," he replied, though without as much vigour as before. I've got him now!
"The ship is the best teacher," Isabela said, running her finger along his bottom lip then curling them in the straggles of his ale drenched beard. "She will guide you with her sighs... her shudders, her gentle swaying as she rides the crests of the waves."
She heard the man gulp, his eyes travelling down her neck line to her cleavage. Suddenly he grabbed her roughly and slammed her up against the side of the bar. Isabela grunted in pain, feeling the wood press into her spine. She giggled, feeling his huge beefy hands on her wrists, enjoying herself a little too much. He hovered over her, his rattled breaths showering her with saliva.
"I don't play nice," he growled dangerously. Isabela yawned pointedly.
"Good, I was getting a bit bored," she replied, seemingly unfazed, unlike many women would be in her situation. Ha! This is child's play compared to what I'm used to. Charade's a lot more sensitive than me though. Any wonder she was scared. The man laughed evilly and pulled her back from the bar then slung her over his shoulder.
"I'll see you later, men!" he growled, smacking Isabela on the arse. "I'm going to teach this dirty whore a lesson she'll never forget."
As the man exited the tavern with her, Isabela heard his companions cheering him on. Bastards! She thought angrily. He'll be the one taught a lesson. The cold air blew up her white shirt, making her shiver as the large brute of a man carried her around the corner to the nearest alleyway. As she was hanging over his shoulder she noticed a small blade in his belt buckle. Carefully and with the speed and preciseness of a talented pickpocket she slid the blade out of the scabbard and tucked in down her vast cleavage for safekeeping.
"Put me down, will you? I can't bloody walk on my own," she said, feeling the blood rush to her head and make her dizzy. The man laughed and placed her down onto her feet. As soon as he did Isabela head butted him hard in the face.
"Ooof!"
His head swung back with the force and he staggered, leaving himself open for two punches to the gut and a gifted uppercut. Isabela watched his feet completely leave the ground and heard him grunt in pain as he landed flat on his back in the middle of the dusty street. His head lolled to the side and he went still, unconscious.
"Pussy," the Rivaini muttered. "Now, this is where the fun really starts!"
Back at the tavern Hawke found herself drifting in and out of the conversation Bethany and Charade were having. She had pounded six whiskeys while waiting for Isabela to return from her meeting and was smoking what must have been her third pipe. Maker, where is she?
"Isabela's been gone a long time, hasn't she?" Bethany asked, reading her sister's expression and seeing she was tense. "Where is she anyway?"
Hawke sighed, "She went for a business meeting," she said, sounding not at all happy about it. Charade stayed silent, knowing she should tell her the truth. She hadn't expected Isabela to lie for her.
"What about?" Bethany asked, sipping her ale.
"She didn't say," Hawke replied dully, blowing out a plume of smoke. Bethany waved it away, choking a little.
"Why didn't you go with her?" she asked curiously. Normally Isabela never excluded her when there was some fun to be had.
"I'm wondering that myself," Lana replied, her face falling. Why hadn't she invited me along? Her persistent doubts echoed in her drunken mind then. Maybe she didn't want me there. We have been practically joined at the hip for a long time...Or maybe she's gone off for a quickie with a man.
Suddenly Hawke jumped to her feet as the idea popped into her head. Balls! What if she has? She hasn't slept with one in the two years she's been with me and she's already drunk enough.
"I have to find her!" she said, making the others jump at her tone of voice. Charade jumped up too then.
"Hawke, wait!" she said, trying to grab her arm. Lana was too quick for her though. "Shit!"
Charade grabbed her things and hurried out after her.
"Where are you all going?" Bethany called, thoroughly confused. She got to her feet and gave chase, feeling as though she was missing something.
Hawke rushed out of the tavern, her mind filling her with insecurities and doubts. Where did she go? Charade bounded out after her, closely followed by Bethany.
"Hawke stop! Let me explain!"
Hawke didn't hear her though. She raced off into the night before Charade could stop her. The others gave chase. As soon as they rounded a corner, Lana stopped dead. Her heart dropped. What the...?
"Bela!" she yelled, feeling her eyes sting with tears instantly. The pirate was hovering over a naked man in the middle of the village, straddling him, her face inches away from his. She looked up in surprise, her eyes finding Hawke's.
"Hawke?...Oh, balls!"
"How could you do this to me?" Lana demanded angrily, walking towards her. Isabela looked confused.
"Hawke, it's not what it looks like," she said, holding up her hands.
Charade and Bethany caught up then. They stopped dead at the sight. Bethany shielded her eyes, seeing the man's white bits staring up at her. His massive beer-belly was wobbling grotesquely.
"Maker's Breath!" she exclaimed embarrassed. "You really have no standards do you, Bela?"
The pirate frowned in confusion. "What? I didn't...you think I...?"
To the Hawke's surprises she started laughing.
"What could possibly be funny?" Lana asked angrily.
Isabela sighed. "Take a closer look," she replied, getting up off the man and placing what looked to be a small blade into the tight strings of her corset for safe keeping. Lana walked towards her and looked down. She realised then that the man was unconscious, blood pouring from his head.
"Well? What do you think?" the Rivaini asked proudly, staring at Charade. Charade moved closer and saw in the flicker of a lantern nearby that there was some kind of writing on the man's forehead. The three of them bent down beside him to get a better look. There, etched in blood was the word: Penis.
To Hawke's surprise, Charade started to laugh. "You didn't?" she exclaimed. Isabela grinned at her.
"I did," she said, winking, "Dick-head...Don't say I never do anything for anyone. Here!" she chucked the woman his bundle of clothes, "I clocked him pretty hard. He should be out for a few hours. Just in time for the guards to pick him up tomorrow."
Charade laughed her head off, much to the confusion of the other two. "Maker, I know we haven't always seen eye to eye, Isabela, but you know what? You're alright in my book."
The pirate chuckled and turned to two very puzzled sisters. "Do you want to explain or should I?"
Charade giggled, "Oh, let me," she said, "Let's go home though. I'll fill you in on the way."
"...So, he was the one who hurt you?" Bethany asked in disbelief.
They had just made it back to their cosy little house when Charade had finally gotten to the end of her story and revealed what Isabela had done for her. The only person who hadn't laughed the entire time was Hawke.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
The other three turned around to find her standing in the door way, a hurt expression on her face. Isabela noticed the question was aimed more at her than Charade. She sighed. Balls, I knew I should have.
"Give us a minute, will you?" the pirate said to the others. Bethany and Charade exchanged nervous glances with each other.
"I think I'll go to bed anyway," Bethany said, knowing by the look on her sister's face that she and Isabela had something to discuss.
"Me too. Good night."
The two of them scurried away quickly, closing their bedroom doors, leaving Isabela and Hawke in the living area alone. Isabela got to her feet and walked towards her, knowing she had some explaining to do.
"Look, sweetness. I'm sorry. I know what that must have looked like, but your cousin asked me not to tell you," she said, rubbing the woman's arm. Hawke sighed.
"I appreciate what you did, Bela, but I..."
Isabela frowned as her voice trailed off, embarrassed. "What?" she asked gently, brushing Lana's brown hair out of her face.
"I...I thought you were cheating on me," Lana admitted, feeling foolish. Isabela was taken aback.
"Oh, Hawke," she said, caressing her cheek. "I would never do that to you...especially not with someone that looked like him. I know that no one believes me when I say this, but do have standards you know."
Hawke groaned and pulled away from her touch. "That's not helping, Bela!" she said, feeling too insecure for her jokes about such things. She walked over to the long chair they had fallen asleep on earlier and plunked herself down with a sigh. Confused, Isabela walked over beside her and sat down. She placed a hand on the woman's thigh. Lana said nothing for a few moments.
"Hawke...Talk to me. I hate it when you go all silent like this."
Sighing, Lana turned to look at her. "I just...We've barely spent any time together over the past year or so, Bela."
Isabela's eyes widened. "What do you mean?" she asked, confused, "Hawke we've been with each other non-stop, sailing and raiding and killing and-"
"You know what I mean, Isabela," Hawke interrupted. She exhaled. "I just feel like I never have you to myself anymore. We're always surrounded by other people and when we finally get a moment alone together..."
The pirate sighed then. I know exactly what she means.
"Tonight was supposed to be about us," Lana continued, "And while I probably would have done the same in your shoes if Charade had told me what that bastard did, I just feel like something just keeps getting in the way of us, and both of us are jumping at the chance to put off spending time alone with each other."
"Hawke..." Isabela said, seeing how much this had been weighing on her mind recently. Truth be told it was crossed hers as well from time to time. They always seemed to be interrupted by pirates, whores, drunken scoundrels...even caravan drivers like yesterday. She puffed loudly. "Maker...It feels like forever since we've just sat in the one place and talked...I missed this."
Lana smiled at her. "Me too," she admitted. "I'm sorry I was such a jealous tit earlier. I just keep thinking at some stage that you're going to up and leave me for some man."
Isabela chuckled. "Never," she said, squeezing her lover's thigh. "I just didn't mention it to you after all the shit we went through with Zevran back in Kirkwall."
Hawke snorted, "I suppose I can understand that," she said. "But you forget how much fun we had pretending to seduce your old pal Lucky, and I wouldn't have minded getting a few punches in on this scummy bugger either."
Isabela chuckled. "Well in that case, I apologise profusely."
Suddenly she let out a gasp.
"What?" Hawke asked worriedly, flinching in surprise, bringing a hand to her chest.
"I just realised something," Isabela said, grinning cheekily. She leaned in at once and placed a tender kiss on Lana's lips. "We're alone..."
Hawke grinned, "I... suppose we are..."
Seeing the mischievous look in Isabela's amber eyes as she leaned in to kiss her again, Hawke's heart fluttered and she began to tingle with excitement. She lay back on the chair, feeling the demanding kiss of the pirate as she pressed her weight down on top of her, their legs intertwining. Oh Maker, I've missed this...Isabela's warm hands massaged her breasts through her thin shirt, sending her body into a spiral of overwhelming sensations.
"Mmm..." she moaned, mid-kiss.
The pirate groaned in response, feeling as though they hadn't had time to do this properly in years. I can't wait any longer. Her hands crept under Lana's shirt and her fingers began to undo the button at the top of her breeches. She tugged blindly for several seconds.
"Balls!" Isabela cursed, interrupting their passionate kiss, "I can't get it open. Maker, is this thing welded shut?"
Hawke laughed and felt the pirate's weight leave her as she straightened up and bent down, her head hovering at her navel to get a better look. "Nervous, Isabela?"
The Rivain snorted, "As if!" she scoffed, "I've undressed you plenty of times, Hawke. You just know how to keep me bloody frustrated."
Lana chuckled again and began to squiggle as the woman's fingers brushing against her abdomen tickled unintentionally. "Andraste's Ass, this is romantic," she teased, feeling the woman pull desperately at the button which would just not budge. Isabela began to snigger herself then.
"Stop squirming, will you?" she laughed, looking up at her. "This is bloody difficult!...Oh, I know!"
To Lana's surprise she whipped out a bloody knife that had been resting in her corset all this time. "Where are you planning on shoving that?" she asked, wide-eyed, staring at the bloodied blade. Suddenly the pirate, giggling cheekily, slid the knife under the stubborn button and popped it right off. Hawke groaned in response, hearing it hit the floor a short distance away.
"Argh, those were new pants!"
Isabela chuckled seductively as she pressed her body down against Lana's again. The knife clattered to the wooden floor as their lips met once more. Oh, who cares? Hawke's breath caught, tasting the sweetness of the woman's mouth on hers, the gentle cajoling of an experienced tongue as it teased her own, driving her wild with arousal. The pirate's hand began to slide south again, sandwiched in between both of their now sweating bodies. Lana took a sharp intake of breath as soon as Isabela's fingers made contact with her womanhood.
"About...time," she teased, in between kisses. The Rivaini giggled seductively in response, biting down hard on her bottom lip and receiving a groan of approval from the woman pinned below her, writhing at her mercy.
"Harder," Hawke breathed, feeling Isabela's four fingers inside of her. The pirate obliged, getting a loud cry of pleasure in response. She covered Hawke's mouth with her own, tonguing her deeply as Lana felt ready to explode.
"Hawke, there's a spider in-OH!"
Isabela's lips unglued from Hawke's noisily and both of them looked up in horror. Charade was standing blushing in the doorway, having just walked in on them having their most passionate sex to date.
"Balls!" the pirate cursed under her breath. "Always something else..."
Hawke sighed, feeling the pirate's reluctant hand slip out from the hem of her breeches. She tried to catch her breath.
"Sorry," Charade groaned, cringing. "Is it safe to look yet?"
Isabela straightened up into a sitting position as Lana readjusted her clothes, doing the same. Both of their faces were stony.
"It's safe," she said dully. "What's the problem?"
Charade turned to look at her. "Um, well, there's a spider in my bed and...well, I'm sort of afraid of spiders, but If I'd of known you two were...Sorry."
"Don't worry," Lana said, getting to her feet and buttoning up her shirt. "I'll kill it for you."
She felt Isabela smack her playfully on the ass as she passed and grinned back at her, seeing her lying sprawled out on the chair once more. Maker, this is so bloody cruel.
"Thank you, Cousin. My room's just in here."
It took them fifteen minutes to find the massive spider that bred only in the Korkari Wilds. Lana swiftly killed it with one of Charade's shoes (which she had now sworn never to wear again). After receiving more thanks from her cousin and another apology she bid her good night and exited the bedroom, hoping to find Isabela ready and waiting to pick up where they had left off. To her dismay, the woman had fallen into a drunken slumber.
"Bela!" she whispered, poking her, "Bela, are you awake?"
The pirate snored loudly as she turned her over. Damn it! Feeling more sexually frustrated than she had been in years, Lana lowered herself down onto the chair beside her and wrapped her arm around her lover, closing her eyes and resting her head against the pirate's massive breasts. Better than any pillow. She laughed to herself listening to Isabela talking drunkenly in her sleep for a while before falling into a deep, alcohol induced coma of her own.
The remainder of their stay in Lothering passed uneventfully, with Hawke and Isabela still unable to find a moment's peace together. On the last night they drank themselves into another stupor and almost missed their caravan north the next morning, to meet King Alistair in Denerim. Bethany and Charade were sorry to see them go, not know when or if they would set eyes on them again. It broke Lana's heart to leave her sister for what seemed like the millionth time before she embarked on what was sure to be another death defying adventure with the woman she loved. They reached Denerim in a day and made their way towards The Gnawed Noble Tavern to meet up with 'The Blushing Grey Warden'.
"Well, what a lovely Royal welcome!"
Isabela opened her eyes, realising she was just on the verge of dozing off with Hawke tucked under her wing, sleeping soundly. They had both ordered two pints of ale and were completely knackered from the trip and all the continuous drinking they had been doing. The pirate glanced up confused, and found the King of Ferelden staring down at her with a smirk, his tone joking.
"Alistair?" she said, remembering the last time they had met years ago at The Pearl, "Or should I say...King Alistair?"
Alistair laughed and waved his hand. He was an odd sort of King who still saw himself as the son of a commoner and a Grey Warden to boot. They had met on only one occasion before but it had been very memorable and Isabela found that she liked him instantly. His air of wittiness and sarcasm made him the perfect companion that she and Hawke could travel with. If the coin is right that is.
"Oh, no need for titles," Alistair said, as though the very thought of it still made him uncomfortable, even after a decade of sitting on the throne. "I must say though, Isabela, I find it amazing how we always seem to meet each other post-sex." He gestured to the sleeping woman in her arms that was Lana, ".Well, post-your sex...I always appear to be lacking in that department."
Isabela chuckled. "Aw, has Queen Anora dried up downstairs...so to speak?" she teased.
Alistair threw back his head and laughed loudly, ignoring the many gasps of nosy nobles nearby at Isabela's crudeness in the presence of royalty. She grinned up at him, as cheeky and uncaring as ever. Alistair settled himself down on the chair on the other side of the table, enjoying the pirate's teasing ways in comparison to the many boring meetings he'd had recently. It reminded him of travelling with the Hero of Ferelden during the Blight. He sat facing the pirate and her sleeping beauty.
"Oh, you could say that," he replied, enjoying the informal nature of this meeting. "Maker, she hates me...Always did, I suppose. I tell too many jokes apparently."
Isabela chuckled, "I know someone like that," she said, gesturing to the woman sleeping soundly on her shoulder pointedly. Alistair grinned, taking a peek at her face. Lana snored on, oblivious to her royal snub.
"She looks vaguely familiar," Alistair said, trying to place her. Isabela snorted.
"So she should," she replied, "This is The Champion of Kirkwall, Lana Hawke."
"Oh, that's it!" the King replied, clapping his hands together as he remembered. "I think I caught a glimpse of her in Kirkwall once, you know."
"Lucky you," the pirate teased, smirking, "I've caught more than a glimpse."
Alistair laughed again and settled himself back on the chair, crossing one of his legs over the other. He was thoroughly enjoying himself.
"I'm sorry about your friend by the way," Isabela added. "She was a real hero, an amazing woman...In the sack and out."
Alistair laughed a little at her joke and his face fell. "Yes," he said sadly, "Yes, she was...Have you...I mean, did you ever see Leliana on your travels?"
Isabela sighed. "A few years back in Kirkwall," she replied grimly, remembering. When she almost stole the woman I loved away from me. Like it or not, there was still a part of her that envied Leliana, even after Hawke telling her she loved her more.
"How's she doing?" Alistair asked, glad she had some news. He had only head from Leliana in a letter about a year ago, telling him that a woman named Bethany needed her land back that she lost in the Blight.
"It was just after the Warden died I'm afraid...She wasn't doing too well, poor thing," Isabela informed him sadly.
Alistair sighed. "That's a shame," he said, shaking his head. "She really loved her...So did I, I suppose. We went through a lot together. She was my best friend."
Isabela nudged Hawke's untouched ale with her foot and slid the mug across the table towards the King. He smiled up at her.
"Won't Hawke be wanting that when she wakes up?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. He was sure the time he had seen her in Kirkwall that she was drunk, with an equally as drunk noblewoman swinging off her arm. Isabela snorted.
"She had enough last night, believe me," she said, grinning, gesturing to the passed-out woman as proof. "And you look like you need it more."
Alistair nodded in thanks and raised the ale to his lips, taking a huge sip and exhaling satisfied.
You haven't changed a bit, Isabela," he said, smiling at her knowingly. Isabela chuckled.
"Oh, I have, believe me. All thanks to this one no less," she said, gesturing to Lana. Alistair's eyes widened in surprise, eyebrows raised.
"Oh!" he exclaimed, "So you and she are...? Maker, forgive me. I had no idea."
The pirate laughed, "Aw, are you blushing?" she asked, noticing the faint pin appear on the King's cheeks. "You're still 'The Blushing Grey Warden' then?" They both chuckled. "But yes," she continued on, "We have been, for two years or so...give or take."
"I'd say more give than take," Lana joked groggily, her eyes finally having opened. She felt Isabela chuckle in response and looked up, kissing her in hello. King Alistair cleared his throat shyly, breaking them apart. Lana straightened up into a more socially acceptable way then and smiled at him.
"Nice to finally meet you, King Alistair," she said, bowing her head. He smiled and bowed back.
"Please, just Alistair is fine." he replied. "And the pleasure is all mine, Lady Hawke."
"I'll bet," Isabela added, referring to their brief display of affection in front of him. Alistair choked on his ale, slopping it down his front. Hawke chuckled. She loved seeing Isabela's ability to make men feel uncomfortable. "Anyway," the Rivaini continued, "What's all this about, Alistair? You requested my help and went to great lengths to track me down. I can only assume it was for something important."
Alistair placed the mug back down on the table and wiped his mouth. "I need a favour, Isabela. I seek an escort, a safe ship to travel the seas," he said, "I have some personal business to attend to and I seem to remember you being a more than capable Captain during the Blight."
"In more ways than one," Isabela said, winking at him. She got a mental image of Alistair's face back at The Pearl when she had taken off with Leliana, Zevran and the Hero of Ferelden for a crazy sex session on her old ship The Siren's Call. Alistair's face reddened again as he remembered it too. He laughed loudly.
"So I'm told," he teased, "A dwarf I met on my travels mention your name. He had some crazy stories. Hilarious!"
"A dwarf?" Isabela asked, her eyebrows narrowing.
"Indeed," he Kind said, "A merchant by the name of...Maker, what was it?... Tethras."
"Varric!" Lana exclaimed, glad to hear his name. She saw Isabela's face as well, who looked just as eager for news. If Varric was involved, then this quest might just be worth all the effort after all.
