Elizabeth opened her eyes slowly, unsure of herself for a moment. She was in her bed, alone, but there were two scents that were overwhelming her senses. She could smell Fenris around her, as well as the light scent of sweat. Ah yes, the elf had spent the night with her last night. And yet, here she was alone. She sighed as she sat up, going to the basin of water beside her bed and washing her face before dressing. She stepped out of her room, yawning, and went down the stairs into the foyer. She felt someone behind her and whirled around, eyes wide. She gasped as she saw Fenris there. Her jaw dropped slightly before she could hide her shock that he'd stayed. "Morning."
Fenris smirked. "Your touch hasn't changed a bit even over all these years."
Elizabeth smiled, blushing slightly. Orana walked in from the kitchen. "Will you both be having breakfast?"
Fenris tensed a bit but Elizabeth smiled at Orana. "Actually, Orana, you can take the morning off. We can take care of ourselves."
Orana's eyes widened and she looked ready to cry but nodded and walked away, joined by Bodahn. Elizabeth winked at Fenris and tilted her head, going to the kitchen herself. Fenris followed, unsure what was going on. "You are difficult to read, Hawke."
Elizabeth laughed and looked around the kitchen for a bit before getting started. "You can help if you want."
Fenris raised an eyebrow. "You...want me to cook?"
Elizabeth looked over her shoulder at him. "Only if you want to." She thought a moment, punching herself inwardly at the insinuation he might have gotten because of his former slavery. "I like to cook but Orana's not much fun."
"Slaves aren't asked to be entertaining, most of the time." Fenris realized his voice sounded harsh and sighed, running his fingers through his hair. "What would you have me do?"
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. "You can't cook? How do you eat then?" She shook her head. "If you really want to help, just watch and learn." She stoked the fire a bit and reached toward the counter.
Fenris stepped over and touched her arm. "What do you need?"
"Some bread...oh wait we don't have any. Dammit!"
Fenris laughed and gently pushed her aside. "Allow me." He looked around and grabbed some basic ingredients, quickly making some bread dough. Elizabeth smiled and went over to start preparing some meat. After a few minutes of busy silence, she reached for the salt rub at the same time Fenris reached for the jar of honey. Their fingers touched and they looked at each other, smiling softly before continuing their tasks. Fenris turned around a bit and Elizabeth laughed softly, reaching over and pulling a clay slab with a smooth handle off a hook on the wall and handing it over to him. Fenris nodded and took it, putting the glazed dough on it, putting it on the coals in the fire.
Elizabeth slapped the ham a bit and turned around, looking at the fire. She grabbed a smooth iron slab and put the pieces of meat on it, putting it in the fire beside the bread dough. She looked at Fenris and smiled. "So you can cook."
Fenris raised an eyebrow. "I have to eat, as you said."
Elizabeth half shrugged. "True."
After awhile, the bread had browned and the ham was sizzling. Fenris took them both from the fire. Elizabeth took the meat and put it on a platter, hitting her arm on the iron. She cried out, grabbing her arm just above the burn. Fenris whirled around, taking her arm gently. "You should be more careful, Hawke."
Elizabeth laughed shakily. "Yeah I get that alot." She looked at the red mark. "I've had worse though."
Fenris narrowed his eyes but said nothing, going back to the bread. He took a knife and sliced it quickly and carefully, laying it out on a platter. He took the jar of honey and drizzled it lightly over the bread as Elizabeth took a pinch of an herb blend and sprinkled it over the ham. Fenris nodded and took both platters into the study, setting them on a table.
Elizabeth went into the foyer and motioned the others over. "Breakfast is on us, yes?"
Orana's eyes widened. "You cooked for us, my lady?"
Elizabeth laughed. "You act as though I can't cook." She went back into the study, sitting next to Fenris and getting a piece of bread as the two dwarves and Orana walked in. She took a bite and her eyes widened. She chewed slowly, savoring the taste as Fenris watched from the corner of his eye. She swallowed. "Wow that's amazing!"
Fenris smiled as he cut a piece of ham off and started eating. He nodded his approval. "Same to you, Hawke." He looked at the other three expectedly before they followed suit and helped themselves, with similar reactions.
Orana closed her eyes and sniffed. Elizabeth stood and put a hand on her shoulder. "You're still the best cook I've seen, Orana. Trust me I don't intend on sacking you."
Fenris looked up at Orana. "You should learn from an employer who's willing to teach."
Elizabeth smiled. "I don't need to teach her anything she doesn't wish to learn. It's actually pretty easy."
Orana smiled softly and nodded, taking another piece of bread. Fenris laughed. "That, however, you don't get to learn."
After they'd all finished eating, Elizabeth and Fenris went to her room. She undressed and started donning her robes. Fenris grabbed her staff and examined it with a mixture of emotions. He noticed Elizabeth's nervous stare. "You are probably the only mage I would ever willingly empower," he handed the staff over, "but you have shown your true colors."
Elizabeth smiled softly as she took her staff. "I never thought I'd hear you say that." She pulled her hair out of her robes and looked around for her brush. "Today I'm supposed to be meeting with Meredith. Should be interesting...since I am in fact a mage."
"A mage who knows the dangers associated with that title." Fenris took the brush from the bedside table and handed it to her.
"True, I suppose." She dragged the brush through her hair. "I just don't want to get locked in the Gallows."
"Is that not where mages belong? To be trained?"
Elizabeth sighed. "Yes, it is. I just..." She closed her eyes. "I'm scared."
Fenris took a deep breath. "Some deserve freedom, granted."
Elizabeth sighed in relief and nodded slightly. She looked at Fenris and smiled softly. "Good to know I can count on you to have my back."
Fenris stepped to her and put a hand on her shoulder. "Ask, and it is done."
