XXX
"How did you get so beautiful, Champion?" Ellie sighed, staring up at her face. Hawke was grateful for the blanket being given to cover her body. After hearing one too many admirings from the young elven girl, Hatchka had fetched her a comforter.
"Err..." Ellie's growing obsession with her was becoming an increasing concern. Not to mention this rope; tough as a jackal with barely room to budge. Still, Hawke couldn't just give up. Not with Ellie watching her like that anyway.
Hatchka sighed, seeming just as exasperated with Ellie's increasing affections. "Ellie, lay off of it. The Champion doesn't share Isabela's mindset."
"How do you know?" Ellie challenged. "She may have eyes for Isabela, but 'Bela likes threesomes. What's to say to the Champion doesn't? What's to say she doesn't share her love with 'Bela and Bethany in that big mansion of hers?"
Hawke choked. "What?"
"I think you have your answer, Ellie."
"It could happen!" Ellie protested. "She could be faking it! Not all the rumors are false, you know!"
Hawke gagged, eyes wide in horror. "Rumors?"
"Ellie, please." Hatchka shushed. "Champion, do you fare? Would you like a glass of water?"
"What rumors?"
Hatchka pursed his lips, sparing her a glance. "You are often spoken of, Champion. Don't mind Ellie, she particularly enjoys the more salacious of these tall tales."
"I do not!" Ellie protested. "I heard some of the stories from Varric himself! And he alludes to what could happen in that mansion all the time!" Kill Varric later. Hawke mentally noted. "Besides, I've heard of Hawke's exploits with Lady Elegant, the Witch of the Wilds, even the Divine herself!"
"Whoa!" Hawke objected. "It was the Divine's right hand, okay? And those were all before Isabela!"
"See?" Ellie crossed her arms over her chest proudly, but quickly became preoccupied. "You mean they're true, Champion?"
Hawke coughed. "Well, if you heard them from Varric, there's no telling what's true or tall..."
"But you know," Ellie countered eagerly. "Would you tell us? I'd love to know how you seduced 'Bela to the sad land of single-loving. I never would have imagined her capable of sticking to one person, she's such a wild thing! But somehow, you drew her away from us and into that. How?"
"Err..."
"Ellie." Hatchka's tone was lightly reprimanding again.
"Oh, come on!" Ellie urged. "Aren't you curious, Hatch? 'Bela hasn't visited us in four years! Hawke must have some hold on her. Is it magical? Blackmail?"
Hatchka shook his head.
"We actually just love each other."
"Yeah, but you loved 'Bela while she was active with us too." Ellie pointed out, gathering herself to sit on the other bed ledge. "What changed? She only sees you now, and refuses everyone else. Even when offered her favorite things she likes!" Hawke was both touched and hurt a little at that, that 'Bela was true to her, but with so many others knowing intimate secrets about her love... "Will you tell us?" Ellie begged eagerly. "What happened after the Arishok?" Even Hatchka failed to object this one, interest coloring his features.
Hawke hesitated, but... there really wasn't any harm in sharing the tale now. No doubt Varric had created his own version of what'd happened for the public already, it wouldn't really hurt anything to reveal the truth. And perhaps it'd take their attention away long enough for Hawke to escape her binding.
"You remember all that happened with the Arishok?" Hawke prompted, earning a nod. "That's where she first ran..."
XXX
"Isabela!" Hawke caught up to her girl outside, parting from the rest of the crowd inside. Meredith followed her out with Bethany close behind her. Inside, the Knight-Commander had just publicly granted Bethany absolution from the Circle. Marian's heart was soaring. She'd freed the city from the weight of the Qunari, freed her sister from the confines of the Circle, and witnessed her questionary- girlfriend return to her in an act of love and loyalty far surpassing any duty Isabela might have felt to the city of Kirkwall. She might have very well just confessed her love to her, for how high Marian felt so high.
She rushed to Isabela and took her up in her arms, having no words for the lengths of her happiness. "Isabela," Marian breathed, barely able to contain herself. A hug became kisses that lasted long on her mouth, filling her with Isabela's sweet flavor. Oh, how she'd ravish her right here on the spot! Marian could barely contain herself.
Isabela's lips lingered, but she was the first to pull away, something that was quite unusual for Hawke's favorite girl. Isabela wouldn't meet her eyes. "Hawke..."
Marian's happiness dampened in the face of concern. "What's wrong? 'Bela? Are you hurt?" She scanned her girl for injuries, but could find no obvious assault.
"...why did you fight for me, Hawke?"
Marian's brow creased at the question. "I wasn't gonna let the Arishok take you, of course." her tone lightened. "Or did you think I wanted you gone?"
Isabela winced instead of smiled; it hadn't been what Marian expected, or had hoped for. True concern entered into her voice, humor dropping altogether. "Bela?"
Isabela bit her lip, visibly shaken. "I told you from the start... not to confuse the issue."
Marian's blood ran cold. "What are you saying?"
"I... I'm leaving, Hawke."
Marian quickly became desperate. "Isabela, what- is this because I chose you? Because I fought the Arishok for you?" Marian's fear hiked. This had to be it; Isabela was afraid of intimacy, fighting for her must have crossed a line. "I- It wasn't for you!" Marian lied feebly. "He just had to die! Isabela- please!"
Isabela's voice wavered. "Marian... " she steeled it, closing her eyes. "I can't do this. I can't be tied down again. I- I have to go."
"No you don't!" Marian rebuked, so loud it was a scream. She tried to lower her voice, but the fear and desperation would not leave her tone. "I'm not asking you to marry me." Marian insisted, voice cracking. "You don't even have to stop sleeping around- I don't care about all that. We can go on- exactly as we have. I don't need any more. Bela, please. Bethany's free... you're free. Please don't do this."
"... I'm sorry." Isabela stood on tiptoes, where their lips collided one last time. The shock of her quick press was enough to stun Marian's white-knuckle grip lax. Isabela slipped from her before she could even comprehend the kiss, what that one last caress meant. Isabela took off into the streets.
"No." Marian whispered, horrified. She took off after Isabela, oblivious to the pain of her wounds or her sister chasing after her. She ran with God-speed, legs never having pumped so fast in her life.
It wasn't enough.
Isabela was gone.
XXX
"Oh my God," Ellie gasped, tears in her eyes. "This story is so sad!"
"Shut up, Ellie." Hatchka hushed. "Champion?"
Hawke gave a sad smile. It saddened her still, too, even with how it'd worked out in the end. "It's okay, Hatch. This was a long time ago. And call me Hawke, please. Enough of this 'Champion' nonsense."
"How did you go on, Hawke?" Ellie asked eagerly. "How did you survive such a broken heart?"
"Bethany." Hawke's features twisted, but so soft. "Bethany took care of me. I don't think I would have lived if she hadn't been there."
"Yeah?"
Hatchka touched Ellie's arm gently. "If you don't wish to continue, Hawke..."
"Might as well." Hawke shrugged. "It was Bethany who carried me through..."
XXX
Madam Lusine pursed her lips, eying all of them with equal distaste. Bethany could have sworn the Madam was staring at her.
"Stop twitching!" A hiss spoke into her ear. Bethany stilled, or did her best to, anyway. She couldn't help feeling that all eyes were on her, watching, scanning, rolling over her exposed flesh. And who wouldn't? Bethany's boobs were shoved up enough to rival Isabela's. She felt exposed.
Madam Lusine walked down the line of them, features twisting into all kinds of unpleasantries as she passed. "Whores," she began. "You are not courtesans. I care not for how many low-lives you've entertained for spare coin or what measures have brought you here. You will be hand-picked for your skill of seduction, and only less-unfortunate will be selected for the mediocrity of your looks."
"Bitch." The miniature demon on Bethany's shoulder hissed. "I can see no one's wound-down Madam Lusine of late. You're gorgeous, Beth."
Bethany bit her lip as the Madam drew near.
"Most of you will fail, I can already tell. Know this; while we offer a home and meals to our courtesans, this is not a charitable organization, whores. You will work for the privilege of staying here, no matter whom approaches you or for what. Preferences and specialities aside, no matter whom I send to you, you will satisfy them to their every whim and desire. If I hear complaints, you're out, easy as that. The money you make beyond housing will solely depend upon your tips. If one of you reaches an exceptional status, and I find you rank-able, you may even see several pennies from me. Otherwise, you will service your day to day practices without complaint. Those few of you who we find adequate, in any case."
She stopped at the end of the line where Bethany stood. Her eyes narrowed. "Fereldan." The word was spat with a shake of her head. "Serendipity," Madam Lusine waved the prostitute forward. "Take over from here and bring me the victors. They're free to enter the Rose for testing, but do not let the others back in once they've failed."
"Yes, Madam." The woman spoke with a deep male voice, startling Bethany. Madam Luisine exited back into the Rose.
"Serendipity's handling initiantes? That's good, Beth! She's very nice; you'll have an equal shot with her- but she can smell a virgin from three miles away. Stop fidgeting!"
Bethany gulped.
"Fellow whores, brothers and sisters," Serendipity greeted. "Welcome to the Rose, my fine home and place of work. Don't be too put off by Madam; she's an acquired taste." Several initiates chuckled. Serendipity smiled. "In any case, I will be handling you through the hiring process." She gave a select few of them special notice, all men. "Some of you, personally. Here at the Rose, we're to be intimately acquainted. As such, I must know each and every speciality that you posses in the skill of sex. I'll start over here."
Serendipity started at the far end of the line. "Madam? What of you?"
The woman touched a whip tied at her side. "I enjoy a bit of pain with my pleasure." Bethany's eyes widened.
"Ohhoo," Serendipity seemed pleased. "Inflicting or receiving?"
"What do you think?"
"Kinky. I like you, Sweetie. Does that firebred flavor come with a name?"
"Vehemnity."
Serendipity chuckled. "Darling, you're a girl after my own heart." She passed on to the next, an older gentleman dressed in tatters. "And you, sir?"
"I give it rough." He pounded his fist into an open palm to emphasize. "Show me the bitches."
Serendipity pursed her lips. She was tempted to hold on to the man, if simply to put him to bed with another man before dismissing him. "You are dismissed, sir. We've no room for lechers amidst this company."
"What?"
"That's right, Bethany." Isabela recalled, voice hissing through the demon like that of a snake. "We need a stage name for you."
Bethany paled. "What should it be?" She whispered back, quietly as possible.
"Hmm," Isabela considered. Bethany watched guards remove the man. "How about... Jasmine, Gem of Plenty?"
Bethany reddened. "That just makes me sound like a whore."
"You are a whore." Isabela pointed out, but moved on thankfully. "How's Victoria, The Seneschal's Delight?"
"Isabela..." Bethany watched Serendipity kick another out. Her stomach prickled.
"Or Bethany, the Expected Virgin."
Bethany cringed.
"And you, Pretty Thing?" Serendipity asked a man two persons down.
"Tiffany, Fereldan's Fertility Chest."
Bethany bit her lip. Umm... Time seemed to speed, bringing Serendipity to her with barely a moment to breathe. None of Isabela's suggestions were better or worse than the last, but Bethany had to pick one of them. In another moment, Serendipity was upon her, smiling down at her warmly. "And what of you, Sexy Pie? Those legs look like they could use some wrapping, tight with a squeeze. Mmm!"
"I- " Bethany blushed, fumbling with her set speech in lui of the deep elf's comments. "I r-role play exceptionally well. I'm- "
"Say you're Leliana, the Diddling Lay Sister!"
"'Bela!" Bethany squeaked loudly, then realized her error.
"Bela?" Serendipity seemed amused. "That name will bring you much attention here, you dish. I love the Blushing Virgin act; many of our patrons prefer to think they're taking advantage of fresh, new meat, and we have no one who specializes that role very well. You will be favored, I think, if you pass into our ranks."
Through the demon, she could hear Isabela snort and start chuckling, followed by a thwack!Bethany could hardly be redder for the observations. "Oh, look at you." Serendipity giggled. "So in-character. I like that dedication. Do you have a stage name, Sweetie Pie?"
"Lay Sister, Lay Sister, Lay Sister!" Isabela chanted.
"I- I don't have one." Bethany stuttered, cursing her hesitation.
Serendipity just seemed amused. "Didn't think of one? Don't worry, Little Lamb. Serendipity will help you choose." She pondered for a moment, thin fingers running over her chin. "Considering your speciality... I think Chastity fits quite nicely." Bethany wasn't sure how much more heat could gather in her face, but her temperature seemed to raise several degrees at the suggestion. "Yes, Chastity of the Divine Talents, you will be. Does that suit you, Sweet Girl?"
"Don't refuse." Isabela advised, though her chuckles still echoed through the demon. "Serendipity's fond of her chosen names."
"Y-Yes," Bethany forced. "Thank you."
"Sweet Chastity," Serendipity chuckled. "And one more thing!" Bethany stiffened as Serendipity stepped closer to her. Isabela went silent through the communication demon as the transvestite's body pressed to hers. Bethany's eyes bulged, but she dare not twist in discomfort at this delicate moment. Serendipity reached around her and Bethany started to panic as those long, elven fingers brushed her skirtline. Frozen in fear, her breath hitched as Serendipity's hand dipped into the back of her skirt. Leather scraped the side of her rump.
Serendipity pulled back, delicate hands fingering one of the sheathed daggers Isabela had hidden on her person. Serendipity gave her a look. "I like the way your mind works, Chaste, but Madam Lusine doesn't allow the whores to wear weapons that can kill in the bedroom." She held out her hand expectantly.
"Smile guiltily and give up the daggers." Isabela advised quickly, while Serendipity was still speaking. "She already knows you're hiding more. All of them, Beth. She'll suspect you otherwise."
Bethany worked quickly to follow orders. The guilty smile wasn't too difficult, as the guilt shone in her face and she merely needed to force the smile, but giving up the daggers was...most difficult, especially in front of all these whores. All had turned her way and watched as Bethany sheepishly, if panicking inside, pulled the second dagger from her other hip. She tugged a third and forth out from each boot and hesitated at the last.
"Every dagger, Beth. She'll know if you don't. Act casual."
How can I? Bethany tried not to visibly wince as she reached up her skirt and loosed her last dagger, strapped high to her innermost thigh in a plaza full of whores and onlookers who watched with interest.
As nonchalant as she could manage in a district of lechers, Bethany passed over her last dagger, struggling to retain composure.
Serendipity smiled as the fifth and last dagger dropped into her arms. "You remind me of someone, Chaste." Turning back to address the lot of them, Serendipity nodded to the door. "In we go, where you will be tested in your art to become courtesans."
Bethany tried her best to ignore the lingering snickers and sexual glances she was receiving. Isabela breathed through the demon. "Phew. That was a close one, Beth."
"ButnowIhavenodaggers," Bethany whispered urgently. "And they're looking at me like..."
"Like you're a prize." Isabela confirmed. "Congratulations, Beth. You're in."
Bethany gulped.
XXX
Off from the passageway leading past the Red Lantern District, Sebastian paused as he noticed an usual halt in activity. Everyone in the district was still and staring. Concerned that someone had been attacked or assaulted, Sebastian strayed off the the district a few paces to find the point of interest.
His heart quivered.
Bethany pulled a long dagger from somewhere under her skirt in her nether regions in the middle of a public square. Not even trembling about it, she calmly, though blushing, gave the weapon to Serendipity, a well-known whore of the Rose smiled pleasantly at her. Words were exchanged between them. Sebastian stepped closer to hear what was said as Serendipity addressed the lot of them. "-where you will be tested in your art to become courtesans."
Sebastian went numb in disbelief.
XXX
"Your next test," Serendipity spread out her arm, having disposed of Bethany's daggers into a bin in the Rose. "Is to seduce one of these fine lads or ladies into picking you over another. As you may notice, there are seven of you and only four to choose from. Those who fail to gather attention have lost.
Bethany eyed up the prospects, waiting on Isabela's input on who to advance to.
"Go."
"Maker, no!" A familiar voice rang out through the hall. Bethany froze, turning to see Sebastian race in and spot her easily. He crossed to her desperately. "Be- "
Bethany covered his mouth in panic as Sebastian pulled up to a stop. "It's Chastity now," she corrected, hoping the 'th' of her name had been obscured enough.
"Five to choose from." Serendipity corrected herself. She stepped up behind Bethany, putting a hand on her shoulder. "You almost missed it, Serah. This here's Chastity, of the Divine Talents." Bethany winced, sure that was sacrilegious to her poor fellow. Sebastian gaped. Serendipity rubbed her arm. "Good luckkk." She departed.
Everyone scrambled for a mate.
Sebastian sweated, he was so panicked. "Chastity?" He asked, disbelief and horror frantic in his eyes. "Bethany, don't do this!"
"Sebastian, it's not-"
"Is this because of my vows?" Sebastian asked, tremor in his voice frantic. "Have you become so desperate that you'd degrade yourself to this place to be loved? Is that it?"
"Sebastian- "
He kissed her before she could utter another word. Bethany was so taken off guard, she merely stood there in mute shock. Sebastian had kissed her before, of course, but very seldomly. He considered any physical contact over a hand-hold to be sacrilegious to his vows for swearing off flesh. Bethany had snuck in a few kisses, but such were few and far between; the last three years she'd cared for her sister, then the year after that, Bethany had both Marian and Sebastian determined to cut her off.
Sebastian was only fueled further by her total lack of response. He pulled away with passion in his eyes. "I renounce my vows!" Sebastian announced, freezing Bethany to the spot.
"What?" Bethany dare not speak over a whisper, for fear this was but a dream, a fanciful hallucination. She barely even breathe in that still moment. Could he really...
"Right here and now," Sebastian announced. "With every barmaid, proprietor, and whore as my witness, I renounce my vows of chastity for this woman!" He turned to Bethany, speaking to only her as a round of applause went up in the room, started by Serendipity. "If this is the only way," Sebastian breathed. "If you'll stay here if I don't, I give it up. I give it all up for you."
"Wow..." The demon echoed her stun. "You play offa this, girl! Pretend like you're the whore!"
"Bethany!" Aveline's voice interrupted Isabela's. "That is wrong! Would you take advantage of his misunderstanding?"
Bethany could barely breathe, for every fiber of her being screamed in joy. "Yes." Bethany took Sebastian's face in her hands and kissed him. Sebastian wrapped his arms around her in turn, returning her passion. Maker, yes!
"Bethany!" Aveline's reprimand floated noiselessly through her. "Bethany, focus!"
"Oh, come on, Big Girl. The poor girl's never had any. Lay off her a little bit." Bethany moaned, every scrape and cherished warmth coursing fire through her veins. She could barely believe her fortune, not missing a second of it for fear this may still turn out to be a dream. She grabbed Sebastian possessively and held him, her touch anxious and a bit untrained. "Just make it a quickie," Isabela advised. "Hawke's still in there you know."
From several paces away, Serendipity shook her head fondly as the girl literally launched herself at the customer. "My, but Chastity does know how to act!" Serendipity hoped she'd pass.
XXX
Aveline scowled as Serendpity ushered the 'winners' into the next room, a wide room with a broad table and five chairs positioned in the middle in a circle. Sebastian fell back into it with neither even appearing to notice they had moved. Bethany gasped and positioned herself on his lap just so. Isabela grinned. "He is so hard."
"Good for her." Varric nodded, turned away from the screen in respect for Bethany. And because Aveline was ready to bash heads, but that was the secondary reason. Varric wouldn't ever lech over the sweetheart, and was glad Anders was not here to do so.
"Glad you all find this entertaining!" Aveline growled. "While Bethany forces the man to mate on a mishap understanding of our position." She glared. "This is your fault, whore!"
Isabela gestured to the screen, where Bethany's tongue explored Sebastian's throat. "Look how relieved she is! Can you imagine how much the poor girl must touch herself? She's practically weeping in happiness right now! I'll take credit for that."
"She does look rather... blissful." Merrill admitted, sneaking peeks on alternating seconds. I wonder how it feels... Merrill would have to talk to her later.
"I ought to tell Hawke about this." Aveline snarled. "The things you push Bethany into."
Isabela rolled her eyes. "Can you send out a demon for Donnic, Merrill? Man-Hands is acting out again."
Varric grinned, thankfully turned away.
"Sweet Thing," Isabela spoke through the demon again. "Want me to craft a story from this, for you to later enjoy?"
"Mmnn," Bethany whimpered, pawing at the hem of his shirt.
"I'll take that as a yes." Isabela fetched a pen.
"If trouble comes of this, whore, I'm pointing Hawke to you.
Isabela waved her off. "You worry too much, Big Girl."
XXX
A/N: Thank you readers! Especially those who reviewed last chapter! I enjoy your comments very much!
Enjoy!
