Games » Dragon Age » Destiny's CallAuthor: mizutanitony1. Chapter 12. Chapter 23. Chapter 34. Chapter 45. Chapter 56. Chapter 67. Chapter 78. Chapter 89. Chapter 910. Chapter 10Rated: M - English - General/Romance - Reviews: 34 - Published: 03-14-11 - Updated: 09-09-11id:6822986
So…chapter 2...many people wanted to see this and I'm not against Lady Hawke and Fenris. This was just my first pairing once I figured it out and I liked it. Plus I'm a huge Gideon Emery fan and I find his voice down right sexy though I plan on romancing everyone as each gender. And I had a beta but she disappeared so I beta'd this a bit. Don't expect perfection.
Starting off with a few different characters so we can see what they've been up to. After a couple pages though it gets to Fenris and Carric once more.
You know what…I'm making Fenris have a sweet tooth! Why? Because I think it'd be a nice humor point to break all the drama and to develop his character a bit more. And I got the idea from an anime called "Spice and Wolf," and the wolf Holo always wants a food like what Fenris buys in this chapter...or apples…damn wolves invading my thoughts! Anyway imagine him smiling with some little tiny fangs and wolf ears sticking out of his head.
Also on deviant art search the comic "Most Wicked Grace" the comic is awesome and I want the artist to do a few scenes from this story! Or if anyone knows someone…please! I no has a lot of money. *sad Lolcatz look* I can haz free comic?
Disputed Hawke age is between 30-34...so he'll be 33 around the time of this landsmeet.
I'm just gonna be lazy and leave it as Fereldan….the thing autocorrected it somehow so…BAH!
Chapter 2
"Some champion that bastard turned out to be. Destroys Kirkwall and abandons it shortly after the rebuilding effort starts." The drunken soldier tossed his open wine bottle at the large statue of Carric that had fallen into disrepair since Hawke had left the city. He was prepared to raise his sword and take his frustrations out even further when a loud cough interrupted him. As he stood frozen, a red headed woman appeared at his side, though she was out of her armor, it didn't make his captain even less formidable looking. Especially with the sword and shield attached to her back and a large bucket in one of her hands.
As the sergeant remained frozen, Guard-Captain Aveline's gaze shifted between the monument and her soldier. "I hope that you plan on killing a few pigeons with that blade."
The sergeant lowered his hand and sheathed the weapon, sweat pouring from his face as he turned to his captain. "What else would I be using it for Captain?"
Aveline turned and hid the disgust on her face as the alcohol on his breath washed over her like a wave of ether. Taking a moment to regain her senses, the captain cleared her throat once more. "To me it looks like you were about to attack a statue of the man that helped save this city."
"Not before he killed half the people of this city."
His already low voice dropped even further, but the captain knew what he was going on about. Most of the city blamed Carric and she wasn't going to stand for it by her own men. Aveline planted her most vicious smirk, set down the bucket, relaxed her stance, and crossed her arms. "Care to say that a little louder, Sergeant?" When he didn't answer she let her smile grow even wider. "Smart move remaining silent." She stepped closer her nose almost touching his. "Were you at the Gallows when that fight happened?"
The sergeant shook his head as he gulped, "No, Captain."
"Well I was and I saw what happened first hand, and I can be considered just as responsible for going along with it." She closed the distance between them even further and pulled a dagger from her hip and dangled it in his face. "So, if you are prepared to bear arms against him, you damn sure better be willing to take up arms against me. Am I making my self clear?"
The soldier nodded at her and looked once more at the dagger. She sheathed it, but the scowl remained on her face. "Glad my point got across. But, seeing as you've damaged public property, I suggest you take the rest of the week off and think very hard about how much you want this job."
When he was gone the captain looked back over the statue and sighed. Graffiti covered a large portion of it, but she could see that a few people still held faith in her friend. She bent over and took a brush from the bucket and began scrubbing at the latest insults left for her friend. She'd barely made a dent at the paint when two men appeared from the alley. Unaware of her visitors, Aveline continued her chore when a large armored hand stopped her. Annoyed she tried to jerk her hand in hopes that she could get back to work, but her husband refused to let go.
"I could have sworn the midwife told you to not do anything physically taxing. Unless my hearin' is beginning to fade."
Aveline scoffed, "I'm not training or fighting. I'm cleaning, and I'm fairly certain light cleaning was allowed." Donnic removed the brush from her hand and tossed it to Varric. The dwarf laughed as he set it back into the bucket.
"She has a point, Donnic. Something as light as cleaning a statue is easier work than keeping the city from falling into chaos."
Donnic glared at the dwarf, "That isn't the least bit amusing, Varric."
The dwarf held up his hands in defense. "Relax, Ser Nobility. It was only meant as a joke."
The sarcasm did not sit well with the guard. He turned to the dwarf and flexed the muscles under his armor. "Well it's a horrible joke and…"
"Donnic, please calm down." Aveline turned to her husband a stressed look on her face. "I'm fine and so is the baby. I just needed to get out of the house for a moment and feel useful." Her hands fell to her swollen stomach. "And besides, the baby could use the fresh air."
The guard felt a pang of guilt. He'd been overly protective of Aveline since they'd discovered they would be parents. He placed his hands on her stomach and smiled. "I know it's killing you having to work out of the house and I know that you are anything but weak." He kissed her forehead before speaking again. "But we're on the verge of war Aveline. And what kind of husband would I be if I let anything to you and our child."
Aveline smiled and gripped his hands. "I know you are doing what is best, but I can't stand by and watch as the people I worked so hard to prove useful fall." She turned and stared up at the statue, Donnic's arms wrapping around her as Varric joined them. She put a hand in the dwarfs and squeezed. "Have you heard anything?"
The archer shook his head. "Not a thing, Rosy."
"Thank you my friend. I shall see you soon to discuss how to find him."
Without another word, he let her hand go and walked off saying that he had to meet with a contact leaving her and Donnic alone and only four words left her lips once he was out of sight."
"Where are you Hawke?"
Several days travel away, Hawke and Fenris stood before the gates of Starkhaven. It was risky for them to visit the city, but with Kirkwall in almost utter anarchy, Starkhaven was being rewarded with economic prosperity thanks to the Kirkwall's decline in power. There mission was simple reconnaissance to see how those in power would handle the arrival of the Chantry's armies.
Thedas had always stood as an independent land, yet the land had been pulled into chaos with the destruction of the Gallows and many mages had risen against the Templars. Their information had told them of three circles that had made themselves free of Templar control and this knowledge wore greatly on the consciences of both men.
Carric's thoughts lay with him being responsible for the war that was coming and the uprising of the mages. He knew the mages were the primary concern of Fenris, yet if the information they had was accurate the casualties in the uprising were minimal on both sides with only a small number resorting to blood magic.
Though the guilt was great, Carric was relieved to hear that those who had resorted to such measures were dealt with swiftly. Some had fled, but those who had not become abominations were made into tranquils after much deliberation and testing of the person's character. Fenris sensed his partner's hesitation and raised his right hand. The red sash that marked him as the rouges clearly visible.
"We have very little time. The Landsmeet is going to begin in a few days and we need to meet with your contact."
Carric sighed and removed his pack. After a few moments he pulled out two pieces of paper. They were fake passports he had Varric commission before leaving. The dwarf was the only one who knew his plans and had done well to keep the information hidden from the Chantry's seekers.
Save for the small squad a few days prior their journey had concluded without incident.
Hawke handed Fenris his passport. "I left the details to Varric. Hopefully he didn't embellish too much."
"Or too little." The human raised his eyebrow in confusion. "Too elaborate a history and the guards may get suspicious, too little would prove the same." As the elf spoke, the pair entered the small line that had formed.
"That may be true, but if the history is too perfect they may go snooping." They handed their passports over to the guards. Hawke's chest tightened, his body instinctively puffed itself up. The effect worked and the guards handed back the passports. Hawke flashed a cocky grin, "Much appreciated. You gentlemen enjoy this wonderful day." Once inside the village, Hawke let out a loud whistle while Fenris just scoffed. "Not every city is part of the Imperium."
Fenris followed Hawke as they pushed their way through the crowd. "I am well aware of that, Hawke. I'm more disturbed at how much this place resembles that hellhole." A large woman had shoved her way past him. "Disrespectful asha."
The woman turned a large scowl on her face. "Mind your tongue you worthless, knife ear! I've enough on my mind without you worthless refugees soiling this city even further."
Fenris' was thankful for the large cloak that Hawke had lent him. Had he not been properly attired, he was certain their identities would be exposed as his tattoos were beginning to glow. Prepared to yell back at the woman, Fenris was pulled back and heard the cool timber of Hawke's voice cut the noise of the crowd.
"My apologies, Madame." Hawke gave a short bow. "My servant is exhausted from our travels and meant no disrespect." He turned and tilted his head at the woman. He heard Fenris growl in elvish about always being degraded and pulled a few sovereigns from his pocket. "For your inconvenience and our disrespect."
She snorted at the money and stomped off, and at great risk to her shoes kicked a small bit of horse dung into the noble's face. Shocked at what had just transpired Hawke spat the few flecks of excrement that had entered his mouth onto the cobbled stone. When she was gone, Hawke searched for a moment and found an inn.
Inside, he made his way to the bar and waved his hand. "A towel with water and a couple of ales please?"
The bartender disappeared momentarily and reappeared with a clean towel and two large mugs. Hawke tossed a few coins on the table as a signal for the bartender to leave. He handed one of the mugs to the elf and wiped his face while Fenris laughed. He let the towel fall to the bar.
"I take it that's my comeuppance for calling you my servant?"
Fenris sipped his ale, a thin smile on his lips. "It is rather amusing." He looked at the towel and chuckled. "Save for accidentally stepping in it, my only experience with horse shit has been to use it as fertilizer." He took another sip of his ale, "How's it taste?"
Hawke ordered a mug of water and an empty mug. He gargled for a moment and spat the water into the empty mug.
"Tastes like rotten cheese inside of a rabbit's stomach."
Fenris chuckled and drained the rest of his ale. After he ordered another one asked, "Where are we supposed to meet this contact of yours?"
Hawke took a large sip of his own drink and slammed his mug down. His cheeks puffed as a belch escaped his stomach. "We have to head uptown."
"Why uptown?"
Hawke chuckled, "My contact is a noble and I'm at their mercy for giving us this information."
The elf glared. "What do you mean at their mercy? Are we compromised?"
"Possibly," replied Hawke. He drained his ale and sipped from the clean mug of water. "Also we are being provided shelter in for the duration of our stay. We do have to make a quick stop meeting them." The human tossed a couple of more coins onto the bar and they left without another word.
They wandered the streets for nearly an hour; Hawke's eyes barely left a piece of paper he produced from his pocket. Fenris dared not ask what it was. They'd come too far to risk being exposed and after their confrontation with the woman earlier it was best they not speak and move quickly.
Finally after several turns down back alley's they found what they were looking for. The elf didn't need to be told what kind of building it was; the smell explained everything. It was an apothecary.
The elf's interest piqued as he was certain they were set on healing potions and draughts along with injury kits and he followed Hawke inside. The stench was atrocious. All the different herbs and animal body carrion hung from the ceiling. Fenris had to hold back the vomit that had made its way to the top of his throat.
"Andraste's breath Hawke, What's so important that we need to spend money in this place?"
The human winked at his partner and headed up to the counter. An ancient looking human woman wrapped in robes with long flowing white hair behind it. She paid him no heed as she measured ingredients. Her hands shook with age as she spooned each ingredient onto the scales. Years of practice kept her accurate and a single grain of powder never fell from her spoon. It felt like an eternity for her to finish but when she did, she turned to Hawke and smiled.
"How can I help you two handsome gentlemen today?"
Hawke smiled back and leaned forward on the counter. "You're former Senior Enchantress Madeline KilColgan, correct?"
The woman's yellow smile remained unphased, "I am afraid you have me mistaken for someone else. My name is Adelle Urista."
Hawke reached into his pocket and pulled out yet another slip of paper. "That's unusual because I was left this note that if I needed help I should seek out a woman who lived in this city who is familiar with this potion. If you aren't her than maybe you can help me?"
She took the parchment and read it, her eyes widened in glee the further she read.
As soon as she finished the letter, the old woman reached out and took Hawke's hand. "By Andraste, You're Carric aren't you? I should have recognized you by your hair." She took a few strands between her fingers and rubbed. "So much like your father's. I wish I could see him again and your mother. Such a pretty thing she was and a horrible thing to happen to such a fine woman."
"You heard about Lady Leandra?" This time it was the elf who spoke.
Madeline turned to Fenris and nodded. "I have friends in Kirkwall who know me only by my alias. They kept me informed on everything that went on in the city. Well anything of importance and I am ashamed that I couldn't see her service. I wanted to see her one more time." She forced back a few tears and replaced them with a sad smile. "But I'm guessing you aren't here to discuss your mother's death with me.
The rogue nodded. "I need your help getting into the Landsmeet."
Madeline's eyes narrowed at this bit of news. "This wouldn't have anything to do with that little spat you had in the Gallows with the Templars, would it?"
Hawke shifted uncomfortably as he tried to come up with a reasonable excuse for this potion. When none came, it was Fenris who spoke.
"We have a contact to meet that has vital information we need."
The old woman gave the elf a coy smile and said, "So long as you pay me a midnight visit, I'd be more than happy to help."
Hawke laughed loudly at the woman's response while the elf growled, "I hate mages."
The rogue stepped up to the counter while the elf continued to mumble in elvish about how nosy the old woman was. He rested his hands on the shelf and asked, "I don't like rushing, but we are in a hurry and I just want to know if you'll be able to help us get into the Landsmeet?"
Madeline smirked and pulled a large series of flasks and bottles out from under her counter. When she looked up, she saw that Hawke's eyes had doubled in size and she couldn't help but laugh. "Well what did you expect? You're going to want this to be long term. And if I know you, that Landsmeet is going to last as long as they're saying, you're going to need the most powerful potion of this kind that I can create. And as for you," she pointed a gnarled finger at Fenris. "Lock the door and remove your cloak, I need to look you over."
The elf remained stationary, whether it was fear or nerves neither human could tell.
Hawke sighed and walked to the door and locked it. As he made his way through the shelves, the rogue kicked the elf in the rear. "Move it, she's about as dangerous as Bethany."
"That's what I'm afraid of," muttered the elf as he was pushed to the counter. When he arrived, he removed the robe and noticed the womans face drop in sadness at the sight. This caught the warrior's attention. "You've seen this before."
Madeline nodded as she poured the first few ingredients into a large flask. She muttered a short chant and a small puff of smoke rose from the metal container. "I'm afraid I'm well acquainted with the man who did that to you." She poured a foul smelling into the flask and sealed it, the item shook gently on the table as she prepared the next set of ingredients.
"You knew Danarius?" Fenris' tattoos pulsed faintly as Hawke stood back.
"I was once his teacher when he was a boy. His parent's hid me, gave me shelter and pay after I escaped from my circle and I basically raised that boy." She mixed a liquid into a beaker holding powder and a couple of dead lizards that dissolved immediately, this time a scent of flowers filled the room. "And I failed miserably." She opened the flask and poured her new mixture in and a small bang erupted from the flask. The two men jumped back out of reflex as the old woman continued to speak.
"His father died just after he turned seventeen and he poured over the old mans research. Hours were spent locked away studying blood magic and other dark arts that I taught him to stay away from as a boy." Preparing the next batch she sighed and did her best remain steady. When the vial in her hand nearly fell from her grip, Fenris rushed forward and gently gripped her hand. She smiled and gently patted the warrior's hand. "You must have been a sweet child before he did this to you."
Fenris felt her fingers run along his tattoos. "You were an excellent teacher and far better than he deserved."
Tears poured from her amber eyes. "I wish I could help you child, but he burned nearly all materials pertaining to the research before I escaped here. But," she wiped the tears from her cheeks, "I know a way to help with the pain. I can at least do that much for you."
The elf had an answer prepared but was stopped when the flask let out another loud bang. They were shook from their moment of silence and they both shared a laugh before Madeline returned to her work.
"You boys go and get something to eat. I'll have this ready in a couple hours and a special surprise for you my dear…"
"Leto, Lady Madeline. You have the privilege of calling me Leto."
Madeline looked like tears would once more overtake her. "Very well, Leto. I shall have a special potion to help you, dear."
Fenris fastened his cloak and with Hawke right on his heels exited the store, thankful for fresh air once again.
"You're letting her call you by the name your mother gave you?" Hawke stretched his arm around the elf's shoulders as they walked down the street to find something to eat.
Fenris adjusted his cowl and flipped Hawke's up as he replied, "That woman is pure in heart. It was not her fault what happened to me and she deserves that honor."
Hawke kissed his head through the thick leather, "Nice to see you finally trust a mage without contempt in your heart."
Fenris did his best to shrug the human off but his grip was too strong. He grumbled, "After I got to know your sister I trusted her as much as I trust you."
"And what the hell is that supposed to mean?"
Fenris rolled his eyes at the human's fake whine. "It means I trust her with my life," he wrapped his arm around Hawke's waist, "just as I trust you." The elf squeezed his human tighter. "And you can use my birth name if you wish."
They entered the restaurant district. Smells of fresh baked goods wafted into their noses along with other delicious scents. Their conversation was forgotten as a certain smell hit their noses and Fenris released Hawke and approached a bakery as a fresh batch of sweet rolls drenched in honey butter and frosting. Hawke kept his laughter hidden as he watched the elf's eyes widen as the baker continued to bring out the desserts.
Hawke learned from the elf that Danarius, along with Hadriana, would use food as a torture device and keep him from eating for days at a time for their own amusement and discipline. Once Fenris was free of the magistrates he took to indulging himself on foods he had been denied since he was a child. Sweet rolls had become his favorite indulgence.
The human was so lost in thought that he didn't Fenris leaving until the sound of bells rang in his ears. Through the racks of baked goods he watched the elf buy a small pile of the fresh made rolls.
When he exited, Fenris returned to their original spot with a roll already in his mouth and a wide smile on his face and another in his hand aimed at Hawke's face.
Hawke smiled back and accepted the roll before they returned to the streets. They walked in silence for a few moments, the warm rolls occupying their attention. It wasn't until his second that Hawke spoke through a small bite of bread, "I've decided that I'm not going to call you Leto."
Fenris swallowed a bite of his second roll before speaking. "Why? You seemed jealous that I gave her the privilege and I thought you knew that you were someone I would allow to me by that name."
Hawke chewed on a bit of roll for a moment, the sweetness of the frosting sinking into his tongue. When he swallowed he turned his gaze to his lover's and said, "You aren't Leto to me. You are Fenris. Leto is someone I never met." He finished his roll and wiped his hand on the leggings of his pants before saying, "Though I wouldn't mind hearing some stories of him when you're ready."
Once again, Fenris forced himself to hide beneath the hood of his cloak.
They returned to the shop after stopping by a couple of other shops. Hawke was keen to finish the rolls, but one glare from the elf stayed the human's hand. The scent wasn't any more pleasant than it was when they first arrived, but the lack of deafening bangs from the old woman's flask gave them the courage to move.
As they neared the counter, they found the bottles gone and the two flasks sitting alone on the largest was obviously for Hawke's potion, but they were curious to see what was in the smaller. Hawke reached out, being the brasher of the two, and just as his fingers almost opened the lid Madeline's voice stopped him.
"Touch that and I'll end up having to burn your body and send the ashes to your cousin."
The old woman appeared from behind a large shelf. In her hands lay a small ginger kitten; its purrs filled the store as she walked to her seat. Once the kitten was in her lap she picked up both flasks and separated them. Hawke's mouth opened but she simply said, "Magic," silencing the rogue.
Fenris stepped forward and picked up the smaller flask and opened it. Immediately he moved his head back as a small burst of mist exited the container. When it dissipated, he stuck his nose over it and sniffed. It smelled vaguely of cinnamon and he asked, "What exactly is this for?"
Madeline's hand stroked the kitten in her lap as she answered. "It is a potion that was designed to decrease the affects lyrium has on the brain." Both men shifted uncomfortably as a possible answer flashed through their brains. The old witched laughed. "I'm guessing you put together that we designed this to help Templars, and you are right. However once I saw what Danarius was planning to do with lyrium I made an alteration to the formula. Quite easy really and I always keep a small stock on hand in case a few ex-Templars appear on my doorstep." She gave Fenris a sad smile when she saw his eyes shine. "It won't remove the lyrium from your system, but it will help with the pain and keep some of the more noticeable side effects hidden."
The elf reached into his money bag pulled out a small gemstone he'd taken off an enemy several months ago. He'd originally thought it to be a useless bauble like they normally found, but after having it appraised he learned its value to be much higher. He set it on the counter and said, "Please take this. As compensation for your kindness."
The old woman took the stone and gave it a once over and stuck it into her pocket without a second glance. "Thank you, young man. I shall treasure it dearly. As for you, Messer Hawke, Your potion is ready as well." She handed the human the larger flask, pulled out a cup, and said, "Just make sure you drink a cup every two days. It's not as potent as the one I gave your parents since you're nearby. But I'll have another batch waiting for you just in case."
Hawke picked up his flask and the cup. He filled the cup and took a deep breath and raised it to his lips just as Fenris stuttered, "Hawke, you…you really shouldn't," the human didn't listen and downed the liquid and sputtered as the liquid burned it's way down his throat.
Fenris tried to comfort him but the human held up his hand and continued to cough as his skin began to itch. He fought the urge to peel the skin from his face and decided to punch the counter. The kitten jumped up onto its owners shoulder and hissed loudly while Madeline filled out an order form.
Fenris placed a hand on Hawke's shoulder and had to stop himself from jumping back as he watched the human's hair turn red and his tattoos disappear into his flesh.
When the younger man finally stopped sputtering, the witch poured some water into another cup and handed it to him. As the rogue shakily drank from the cup, her eyes never left her paper as she asked, "Everything still in its proper place?"
Hawke put the cup back and with the help of his elven companion got to his feet and looked into the window. At first he was shocked, but after a moment his surprise left and he liked what he saw. The hair that was once blonde and shaggy was now a bit shorter and bright red. His tattoos had completely disappeared and his eyes were now ocean blue instead of their usual green.
"Everything looking good, dear? Or are you going to die staring at your reflection."
The man laughed as he ran a hand through his hair and said, "Everything looks good Madeline. Just as my father once said, you are definitely a woman who knows her potions." When he finished he turned to Fenris. "You gonna take a sip?"
The elf looked at his flask and unscrewed the cap. He stared into the hole, a dark liquid shimmered in what little light that could make it into the silver item. His hands shook as he raised it to his lips and when the edge reached his lips, he was ready to drop it, but Hawke's elbow tilted the flask up and a large amount of the liquid made its way down the warrior's throat. He was prepared for a similar experience to his lover's but instead he felt a rush of cold spread through his extremities and his body shook violently from the chill.
As the cold pulsed throughout his body, Fenris lifted his hands and watched his tattoos pulse for a few moments before fading back into his skin. While visible up close, the lyrium brands had faded enough that anyone more than three feet away wouldn't notice them. On top of that the constant pain Fenris felt in his skin was now almost non-existent. He looked in the mirror and saw that he had subconsciously started to cry. Though his eyes and hair had remained unchanged, the elf felt tears pour down his cheeks and no matter how hard he tried he couldn't stop.
Hawke reached out and placed his hand on the elf's shoulder, but it was shrugged off and the elf growled, "I'm fine."
The human just smiled to himself and turned to Madeline. "How much do we owe?" he asked as he reached into his large coin purse.
The old woman raised her hands. "His gemstone is more than enough compensation for what you owe. And," she smirked, "I owed your father so I'm helping you since I never got to thank him for helping me escape to Tevinter before leaving for Fereldan." The two men were set to leave when she stopped them. "Wait, Messere Hawke. I have something else for you."
The witch set the kitten on the counter and began rummaging through a few drawers. The rogue looked to his companion as if to ask, "What do you think it is?" The elf just shrugged.
After a few short minutes, the woman let out a scream of elation and popped up so fast both men thought she was going to hurt herself. Seeing their shocked looks the woman sat down and snorted, "I'm old, not fragile. Now you stick your hand out." She pointed a claw like finger at the human and dropped a heavy gold plated item in his hand.
"This is…"
Madeline nodded, "This should get you out of a little bit of trouble with the group my friends have told me you're meeting."
"How do you know about the people I'm meeting?"
Madeline just smiled her yellow smile and said, "You will find out soon enough. Now leave me. I had to close shop to make you those potions and I can't afford to lose any more business for the day." The two men left without a single word.
Once outside, Hawke removed his cowl and let out loud sigh of relief at not having to hide his face. Shaking his red hair he asked, "How do I look?" Fenris lowered his own hood and rolled his eyes at the human's reaction.
"I see no real difference. It's not like you had to hide a whole bodies worth of tattoos." The elf watched the humans face drop and heard him whisper an apology. Fenris snorted, "You were trying to be funny," he turned and gave Hawke a smile. "Though I do agree that you look rather dashing with red hair."
Hawke wiggled his eyebrows, "I look dashing no matter what. You on the other hand," his hands gently wiping away the stains the tears had left, "no more crying. You no longer have any reason to."
The elf broke away from the human's tender embrace. "I'm not a child, Hawke."
The rogue just laughed at the elf. "I know that." He bent over and gave the elf a deep kiss just as a couple of young girls walked by. When he heard them giggling Hawke felt the elf begin to pull away, but the human just wrapped the elf in his arms and let out a cheer of victory in his mind when he felt his wolf relax and wrap his arms around the human's neck.
They remained frozen in that position for a time until a loud cough entered their ears. Breaking apart, the two panting men saw a middle aged dwarven woman and her three children standing next to the window. The two men smiled and stepped away from the door and apologized for their rudeness.
The woman walked in with a huff as her teenage son remained behind with a perverted grin on his face. When they were gone, the teen pointed down the street, "Big building with a couple of women standing outside. One's in a blue dress and is elven. The other is in a deep green dress; she's a human and is the owner. Just tell her Marco sent you and she'll give you a good deal on an extended stay."
Fenris let out a small sigh and waved at the door. "Just help your mother, boy."
Marco smiled and gave Hawke a wink and entered the store. Hawke shuddered at what the wink meant. He opened his mouth to ask but was stopped by Fenris' hand. "The less we know the better."
Nodding, Hawke shrugged his head down the street and said, "Let's go."
The walk was relatively uneventful save for a few glances their way by some curious on lookers. Maybe it was Hawke's new look or the exotic appearance of Fenris as opposed to the local elves, but the attention seemed more disturbing than the looks the girls gave them earlier.
Among the crowds they barely stood out. They'd left their old armor in the care of Varric, save for their weapons and the dwarf had lent them some high quality dwarven mail that they had hidden under their clothes. Among the other fighters around them wearing full armor in broad daylight, they looked like normal citizens save for Fenris' sword.
But it dawned on Fenris that that was the problem. His trained eyes noticed that many of these men wore the symbols of noble houses while they looked like a couple of ne'er do wells. Reaching out he tapped Hawke's hand. "I'm thinking we're standing out more than we wanted."
Hawke ground his teeth. "I should have realized more armor would have proven to be more useful due to the Landsmeet." He barely turned his head and noticed three soldiers leaving the table of a restaurant. "Shit," Was all he said as he began to reach into his cloak.
Fenris skin pulsed a little as his mate growled. He was prepared to deal with them when he noticed two familiar items in the human's hand. He nodded and took a deep breath as he heard a clicking sound emanate from the human. When the anticipated hissing noise started, the elf dashed ahead of the human and didn't look back.
Five seconds later, Fenris heard a loud bang and screams and coughs come from the crowd. He wanted to turn back, but knew better and seconds later he was pulled forward by Hawke and let him lead the way.
Their path through the city was a blur to the elf. His bare feet were aching from keeping up with Hawke's speed. While his was impressive from using such large weapons, the human's natural speed was always a shock to the elf.
After several minutes of twists and turns they stopped in front of a large house. They took a moment to catch their breath and drink from their water skins. The water was still somewhat cold and it felt good on their throats. When he was finished, the warrior asked, "Why the devil did we stop here?"
Straightening himself, Hawke raised a hand and knocked on the door and said, "This is where we'll be staying." He looked to the door which had not been opened. "That is if someone answers the damned door."
He reached to knock again when a large Qunari mercenary appeared in the door way. Both men straightened up immediately as the warrior looked them over. After taking in them in he asked, "Are you the ones my mistress told me to expect?"
"We are," replied Hawke. "We are the envoys sent by Kirkwall's Guard-Captain as bodyguards for Viscount. I believe he sent word ahead of our arrival?"
The Qunari nodded and growled. "He did. But, I need proof of your station before I can allow you entrance."
"Of course, I was given this by our lord as proof." Hawke rummaged through his coin sack and pulled out the gold proof that Madeline had given him before leaving the shop. When the Qunari's eyes widened, Hawke knowingly asked, "I take it that is sufficient enough for you?"
The warrior nodded and stepped inside the house. Once they were inside, the large man pointed to a small table in the corner and shut the door. "Sit there and I will get my mistress. A servant will be in with refreshments shortly."
When he was gone, Hawke and Fenris moved to the table and checked it for traps. When they were satisfied that it was safe, the sat and looked around the house. Its outside did well to hide who was truly living there. The lavish furniture and paintings were clearly signs of either nobility or those who worked in the shadows. Either way, both men were prepared for anything that might happen.
As they waited for their host to arrive the servant, a young human woman in her early twenties, appeared and placed a pot of tea and small sandwiches on the table for them and left without word. She looked familiar but Hawke couldn't quite place where he'd seen her before.
He decided it would be something to ponder later and poured himself some tea. Using his experience in poison he found no trace of anything dangerous in its scent or in its taste and poured Fenris a cup.
They drank in uncomfortable silence, both men worried about the length of time it was taking for their hostess to appear. She was the one who'd contacted Hawke through his series of connections and told her to expect servants in his place. This is what had made their visit to Madeline a necessity. People knew of Fenris in closed conversation, but the elf kept out of Hawke's political life so of the few that knew of the elf, even fewer knew what he looked like.
Finally after finishing their first cups of tea, they were greeted by the sound of clanging armor and the shouts of the Qunari ordering his men to detain their visitors. Rolling their eyes, the two men removed their weapons and prepared themselves for the fight. As the enemies piled in, Hawke counted seven archers, six warriors, half wielding swords and shields and others with swords like Fenris'. It was when the mages appeared that the two grew worried. Normally one was a problem but their host felt it necessary to bring out five. Hawke knew that these were no ordinary guards, but Fenris was prepared to charge in full force. Swallowing his pride, he sheathed his daggers and raised his hands.
"What the hell are you doing?" The elf whispered in surprise, "We can kill them rather easily."
Hawke glared at the elf. "And if we do, we'll be dead before the Landsmeet is over."
Fenris spat and glared at the human. "We've been betrayed and you think surrendering will keep us alive?" The sword was shaking in his hands due to his anger. "I'm not going to die here."
Hawke shook his head and whispered, "We won't die, Little Wolf." He turned his gaze to a dark figure in the archway and yelled, "Isn't that right your majesty?"
From the archway the cloaked figure made its way down the main stairway. Hiding behind the shielded warriors, the figure pulled the hood down to reveal a smug smirk of Anora, Queen of Fereldan. The woman smirked at Hawke and gave a small bow, "So long as you prove useful to me, I shall keep you alive Messere Hawke." She turned to Fenris and chuckled, "Little Wolf? I never heard of you at any of the parties."
The elf let out a roar and was prepared to charge when Hawke clotheslined him and threw him to the floor.
The elf struggled and shouted, "That rotten bitch is not allowed to say that! I WILL KILL HER!" The lady's guards shifted in unison, their feet making a thunderous roar as the man screamed his threat.
The woman raised her hands her guard relaxed slightly. She looked to the struggling men on the floor. The murder in the elf's eyes wasn't fading even as the rogue spoke gently in elvish; the only words she could make out were those of the pet name she had teased him with.
Stepping out from her guard, Anora bent down on one knee to the amazement of her guard and said, "I have offended you and apologize, Master Elf. I merely meant it as a kind joke and meant know ill will towards you."
From his spot on the ground the elf stopped his struggle and stared in amazement at the site of a queen bowing to him. Seeing the elf calm, Hawke let him go and let out a small gasp of surprise at the sight and remained on the ground as Fenris.
Extending his hand, Fenris chewed his lip and said, "I apologize for any offense my comment may have caused you. That name," he took a deep breath, "that name is a sensitive issue."
Taking the offered hand, Anora stood up and smiled at him. "Very well, Fenris. I shall not use it ever again." She looked past the elf and nodded to Hawke, "You are lucky, Ser. My husband is gone so much that I sometimes forget what it's like having someone to be so concerned with my well-being that isn't a servant."
Climbing to his feet, Hawke straightened up his armor and snorted, "Had you watched your tongue that little fiasco wouldn't have happened."
Anora scoffed, "I may not be in Fereldan at the moment but I'm allowed to act openly thanks to my status." She shot a smirk at him, "Unlike a certain viscount that is responsible for me coming to this god forsaken country." She let out a fake sigh of boredom and looked to the Qunari. "Is everything in the meeting room prepared?"
The warrior nodded, "Of course Lady Anora. Your advisors are prepared and are merely awaiting your arrival."
She nodded and dismissed her guards leaving the Qunari her only companion. "Very well, follow me gentlemen."
They followed the queen up the stairs and down a long hallway. Fenris' anger had subsided but Hawke still shot him an occasional worried glance and squeezed his hand when he saw a flash of anger in the elf eyes.
Feeling the hand on his, the elf squeezed back to let him know he was fine. Letting their hands drop back to their sides the two men entered a large meeting room covered in maps and charts. The site of the room came as no shock to the men and they took seats at the circular table in the center of the room. Taking a seat of her own, Anora leaned back as her guard pushed the chair in for her.
When she was settled, Anora said, "Welcome gentlemen. As you know we are here for the Landsmeet to decide how both Fereldan and Thedas should deal with the Chantry's reaction to our Circles falling to pieces." She gave Hawke a knowing smirk when he scoffed. "Well you aren't the only man on the planet to help destroy centuries of tradition. But, like you here in Thedas our mages have proven quite civil, though a little more rambunctious."
Fenris snorted, "What does a bunch of apostates have to do with us keeping an international conflict from destroying the world?"
"I think we can answer that."
Hawke and Fenris turned at the sound of the voice while Anora laughed.
"My dear Alistair, glad you could finally join us. I take it you found what you were looking for?"
The king of Fereldan smiled and walked towards his wife and gave her a kiss on the cheek before straightening up. "I wouldn't have returned otherwise. Although I'm certain Masters Hawke and Fenris do not need me to introduce our newest arrival."
Inside the doorway a figure in green armor appeared and gave Hawke wink and gave Fenris a seductive smile and bowed to the queen and said with a thick accent, "My beautiful Anora, it has been to long."
The queen giggled while Alistair growled. "It's a pleasure to see you as well Zevran. Now where is our other guest?"
"I am here your majesty." The second guest entered and let out a laugh at the site of Hawke's face. Taking a seat next to the rogue the guest wrapped an arm around his neck and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "It's wonderful to see you as well brother and I have a surprise for you, courtesy of a certain dwarf."
Before the man could say anything Bethany snapped her fingers and out of the hallway a large knocked Hawke to the floor causing the group to laugh. When he regained his senses he recognized the hot panting breath and drool covered mouth of his faithful hound, Remus.
Letting out a groan, Hawke was silenced by the dog licking his face, causing the group to laugh even more at his expense. When the dog finally stopped, Hawke spat the canine saliva from his mouth and growled, "Bad dog."
The dog just grinned.
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