Foreword: Hey guys, if you're reading my story, thank you so much. Writing means a lot to me and I am progressively trying to get better. Submit your reviews for my story! I take any constructive criticism I can get, and if it helps me become a better writer or helps my story become better, then I am all ears. Not to mention I just want to hear what you all think! Chapter 1 was just an introduction of sorts to my story. Chapter 2 expands upon that introduction and dives into the story itself, so enjoy! And to those who celebrate it, Happy Easter!

Chapter 2

Slightly cracking open his eyes to prevent a flood of light from from blinding him, Hawke slowly awoke, not exactly knowing where he was presently. He took his time, and after each passing second Hawke started to feel a slight headache as he began to examine his surroundings. Hawke's eyes finally opened wide, and finally he could make out the features of his bedroom ceiling and the light emanating from the open door leading to the room. Lifting his head, Hawke realized he was lying backwards and stark naked on his own bed, his feet facing toward his heavily disturbed pillows.

Hawke lifted his hands to his eyes to wipe some of the grogginess out, and subsequently he discovered a blue bandana wrapped around his wrists, enough to restrain him but not tied too tightly, allowing Hawke to free himself with enough effort. He loosened and removed the bandana; looking at it, Hawke let a chuckle escape his lungs and brought the bandana to his face, breathing in Isabela's sweet aroma of perfume slightly laced with the smell of various alcoholic drinks. Again, Hawke chuckled, quickly being replaced by a groan caused by another small but painful surge in his head.

I really hope this headache doesn't last the day, Hawke thought to himself.

Hawke kept a hold of Isabela's bandana and rolled to his right. Unfortunately for Hawke, he had not realized he was lying on the edge of the bed, and thus he fell off the bed, letting out a surprised yell. Hawke's landing, however, was met by a soft-textured body whose touch and smell had been all too familiar to him; Isabela lay on Hawke's floor next to his bed, just as naked as he was. Hawke happened to land face-first into Isabela's breasts, and while surprised he did not seem to mind in the slightest. This action promptly woke Isabela, and she didn't need to open her eyes and look to see that Hawke had already buried his face in her breasts.

"Wanting to go back at it again, are you?" Isabela asked, laughing as she said it.

Hawke smiled and laughed as well, "Only if you really want to. Though we did just wake up, and I believe a scorching headache is coming on."

"Ooh," Isabela replied coyly, "I suppose if it doesn't get better soon, we may have to remedy it later." Isabela let the tantalizing thought run through her mind like raging rapids. Hawke, enjoying Isabela's physical features, decided to lift himself up and sat back on the bed. He ran his hands through his face and hair, still trying to get himself fully awake. The throbbing in his head, however, remained; Hawke's hand glowed a soft blue as he touched his head, using healing powers to temporarily relieve the pain. In his other hand, Hawke still held Isabela's bandana.

"You may want this back," Hawke said with a laugh to Isabela and handed her the bandana. Isabela smiled and she began to replace it on her head.

Hawke had gotten up and walked to his dresser and decided to put on his signature robes, marked and designed as the Mantle of the Champion, a testament to Hawke's title gained by defeating the Arishok and lately his takedown of Meredith and Orsino. The robes still fit like a glove, despite being put through many battles. Isabela's clothes were scattered on the floor, and she finally got up and started to put them back on. After slipping into her corset, Isabela went over to the bedside table, a bottle half-filled with wine and a shot glass resting there. She poured herself a shot and downed it rather quickly.

"Is there ever a time where you don't drink?" Hawke asked, being slightly serious even with a smirk forming.

"Mmm, you know me. I always have a glass or shot in the morning. Gets the blood flowing." Isabela replied, placing a cork on the bottle and storing the beverage in a nearby drawer. "Now, we need to pay Varric a visit today, don't we?" Isabela asked.

Hawke closed his eyes, remembering the how serious his recent dilemma was. "Yes we do," he said in reply, "Oh, I am so not looking forward to this."

Hawke and Isabela walked downstairs and were greeted by Hawke's loyal mabari. After they had both pet him, Hawke went over to the storeroom and brought out food and water for the dog to have while he was away. Hawke was reminded of Bodahn and Sandal, their absence leaving a significant void in his mansion.

His thoughts wandered most of the morning, and Hawke shook this latest one from his mind. Ready to depart, he left the mansion with Isabela to meet with Varric at his suite in the Hanged Man.

When they had finally arrived at the Hanged Man, the tavern was mostly empty of patrons and breakfast was being served. As Hawke walked toward the stairs going up to Varric's suite, Isabela began to wander off to the bar. Realizing she had left his side, Hawke turned around.

"Isabela, please, I want you by my side for this, whatever the news." Hawke told her.

Isabela was still drawn to the smell of fresh alcohol at the bar, but this wasn't the only thought on her mind. Even though she wanted to be with Hawke, there was still a part of her that wanted to stay away from anything bad that might happen to him. She was still afraid to lose the first man she could love, and Isabela was afraid to hear news that would place Hawke's life in jeopardy. When Hawke called out to her though, she knew that being with him was the right thing she could do at least. Isabela let out a long sigh.

"Sorry Hawke. You're right. Come on, let's go." Isabela said, allowing a smile to form, trying to stay positive.

As they entered the suite together, Varric dismissed one of his many contacts. Varric was seated in his chair, a large goblet filled with whiskey sitting on the table next to him.

"Please, come in you two. Take a seat!" Varric said to them, taking a long sip from his goblet as Hawke and Isabela sat down next to each other.

"Talked to the others lately? Fenris? Aveline? Merrill?" Hawke asked Varric, trying to start up the conversation on a positive note.

"I have actually," Varric responded, "I went and spoke to them while you and Isabela were…out, and they seem to be doing fine. Busy, like you of course."

"That sounds…" Hawke began, before Varric interrupted.

"Hawke, that's the extent of the good news." Varric said, and his smile that was once there had already turned into a frown. He wasn't mad at Hawke or Isabela or their other companions though. The look on Varric's face now caught Isabela's attention.

"Well, what is it Varric?" Isabela asked, more curious now than she was before they got to the Hanged Man.

"Shit, Bela. Didn't think you to sound more curious about this than Hawke." Varric replied, trying to lighten the mood a little.

"I just want to get to the bar already." Isabela joked, prompting a look of discontent from Hawke even though he knew she was joking as well.

Varric laughed for a second, but then returned to the task at hand.

"Well, let's just say, not only will all of us have to separate for a while, but you are going to have a lot of work on your hands, Hawke. And none of it will be easy for you." Varric said.

Hawke hung his head down, closing his eyes yet again, and again trying to escape from reality. Instead, his headache returned, throbbing with pain. Hawke's eyes opened, and were now glowing a flaming red.