Chapter 2 Little Game
As the two of them got to Hightown. Fenris gave a sigh as he turned to the pint-sized woman at his heels. She paused and looked up to him. Her eyes bright with curiosity. He looked over to the mansion. "He might know we're here. I wouldn't put it past him." He said slowly. Hawke tilted her head. "Who is he? A bad guy?" She asked. Fenris wasn't sure why he was explaining this to a girl. He answered either way. "He is a magister of the Tevinter Imperium." He heard Hawke scoff. "There, he is a wealthy mage with great influence. Here, he is but a man who sweats like any other when death comes for him." He said. Hawke gave a giggle as she walked past him. "What's the worst that can happen?" She said with a smile on her face. "I do not fear death. That does not mean we should be reckless..." He said. Starting to regret involving this child.
As they entered the mansion. Fenris couldn't help but yell aloud, "I am not afraid of you Danarius!" He soon heard the girl give a disapproving whine. "Nuu! You take 'em by surprise!" She whispered heatedly before skipping forward to stop at the door. Fenris rolled his eyes and was about to push past her. "Trap!" She squeaked as she knelt down to spring it. The floor was set up with a pressure plate. It lead to a barrel rigged to let out a noxious gas. "Go now~" She chirped. She skipped forward and reached for the next door. A shade sprung up from in front of her making her squeak and fall backwards. Fenris pulled his great sword and lunged forward slashing at it. He gave Hawke a sharp glare. She got up part way before she dashed between his legs and jumped up doing a flip. Nailing another demon in the face before whirling around and cutting across its face with a dagger. Fenris paused as he took note of how quickly she moved. She dodged to the left and darted forward before jumping at the demon. Slamming the dagger where the creature's neck would be killing it as she torn the dagger out sideways. It bursted into a cloud of dust and disappeared. Hawke fell through it as it faded and landed on her face. Fenris heard the noise as he downed one and turned around to look at her. He paused as he saw right up her skirt. What he assumed was a pair of shorts. Were really just there for show. His face turned red as he saw her panties. He quickly turned and shook his head. Now why in the void would a little girl wear something like that? He took a breath and let it out slowly. He should not have seen that. It was wrong and inappropriate. He heard as she got up and dusted herself off. "That was the second time." She whined as she rubbed her face. "He sends spirits to do his fighting for him..." Fenris said pushing what he saw out of his mind. He walked forward and opened the door to the next room. It was empty. He could see Hawke looking around before bounding up to a door. Opening it she moved into the next room. Fenris followed her and looked around. As Hawke made it to the center of the room. Another horde of shades appeared. This time Hawke jumped back before tackling the creature. Slamming daggers into its head before jumping back. Fenris cringed slightly as he saw how harshly she done it. He couldn't focus on her for long as a shade charged at him. Pulling his blade free to slice it in two. It didn't take long to turn the creatures into nothing more than dust. He took a breath and was about to put his sword up when he heard Hawke scream along with a roar. He turned around and saw a flaming rage demon. Hawke was holding her face as she scooted back from it. Fenris bolted forward and slammed the flat edge of his sword into the creature knocking it back. He took note of Hawke getting up and throwing her dagger at it as well. The dagger struck the demon in the head. The creature melted away into the floor before disappearing.
Fenris turned to the girl. She was rubbing the side of her face. Possibly where the creature hit her. She walked over to the dagger and picked it up. Going towards the stairs. He followed her and regarded her silently. So far. He noted that she was fast on her feet. She had excellent aim as well. He sighed as he was now puzzled by her. She broke his train of thought as she called out. "We need a key. Can't be picked." She said before running to the railing and jumping over it. Landing gracefully on the floor. Taking off towards the other door before promptly going through it. Fenris had to dart after her.
They went through the other rooms. There was no key nor any more demons. Till they reached the farthest room in the back. A rage demon sprung forth along with a few shades. Hawke left the rage demon to Fenris while she dealt with the shades. These demons were weak. Just like the others they faced. Surely the magister didn't care to go full force with the spirits. Hawke picked up a key that was dropped by the rage demon. She darted from the room and Fenris groaned. Why was she running ahead? In that moment Fenris felt that she could get hurt. Part of which was due to him not believing that she killed over sixty people in the alienage. He raced after her to be there just in time to see her open the main room. The moment the door flew open was the moment an arcane horror appeared behind her. It lunged for her and she simply disappeared before reappearing behind it. Slamming her daggers into it's back and tearing them outward. The creature collapsed to the floor as shades sprung forth. Those creatures didn't fare any better.
Fenris didn't bother to stay on the first floor as he rushed to the room and looked around. He sighed heavily as he looked to the ground. "Gone..." He said. Hawke entered the room and inched towards him. Her eyes wide and curious. "I had hoped... no, it doesn't matter any longer." He said as he turned to look at her. She helped him like she said she would. But for what? The magister wasn't there like he had hoped. Though he still owned this young woman. "I assume Danarius left valuables behind. Take them if you wish. I... need some air." He said walking past her.
Hawke watched as the elf left her alone. She shivered and looked around. She didn't like the idea of being left alone. She looked around and found some chests. She wandered over and pilfered what was inside. The stuff inside the chest were nothing of any real value but she could still sell the stuff for a few coppers. She shivered again as she looked through a gaping hole in the roof. It was pitch dark. Close to midnight. She couldn't walk home even if she wanted to. The very idea of walking at night alone scared her. She whined slighty as she hurried her way to find him again. He might have been a stranger. But he seemed nice. That was good enough for Hawke to wish for his company. He was also very pretty looking and shiny. Though pretty was an understatement.
As she walked outside. She saw him leaning against the wall. He was looking up at the sky. He seemed to take notice that she was there. His voice coming through the silent night. She still felt like it was unreal. "It never ends... I escaped a land of dark magic only to have it hunt me at every turn. It is a plague burned into my flesh and my soul." He said without even looking at her. Hawke put her hands behind her back and looked to the ground. She didn't know what to say. It sounded like he was hurting. It made her sad to hear it. She looked up as he walked towards her. His piercing jade eyes locking with hers. "I did not find Danarius, but I still own you a debt. Here is all the coin I have. As promised." He said handing her a small coin purse. She looked at it before looking up at him. He seemed conflicted. "Should you find yourself in need of assistance. I would gladly render it." He said. She nodded before looking up at him. Her head tilting to the side.
"Why is he trying hurt you? He must want something than just a runaway slave." She asked. He seemed to regard her in that moment.
"He doesn't want me at all, just the markings on my skin. They are lyrium, burned into my flesh to provide the power that Danarius required of his pet. And now he wishes his precious investment returned, even if he must rip it from my corpse." He said with a bit of anger.
Hawke flinched at his words before looking down. She shifted back and forth before looking up at him. "That seems like a waste of a perfectly handsome elf!" She exclaimed.
The look on his face was priceless. He looked shocked before he started to laugh. It ended in him coughing awkwardly however as he shook his head.
"The truth is I know nothing of the ritual that placed these markings on me. It was Danarius's choice, one he now regrets." He said as if trying to change the topic back to normal. Hawke whined slightly before nodding.
"What of skills? I seen how you fight. You're really strong. Is it because of them?"
"Some. All I know is that, even in the Imperium, warriors such as myself are rare. Perhaps they believe I should feel honored?"
Hawke seemed to nod. "Okay... Um. I am planning an Expedition into the Deep Roads. I could use your help. If you want to. I... I need help..." She said as she began to twirl back and forth.
Fenris regarded her again. How was this girl going to go about heading into the Deep Roads? "Fair enough. Should you ever have need of me, I will be here. If Danarius wishes his mansion back, he is free to return and claim it. Beyond that. I am at your disposal." He said giving a slight bow.
He began to walk past her when he felt a tug at his belt. He stiffened and turned to her. She seemed worried. Looking out into the dark streets. She huddled closer to him. "It... too dark for me to go home..." She whined. She then looked up at him. "C-can I stay with you mister?" She asked. He then remembered that she was in fact a child to begin with. Though he didn't wish to be responsible for her. Though he can't help but question how old she was. "I think you should go home. In fact... Aren't you a little young to be out on your own, to begin with? I actually feel bad having to had asked a child to help me..." He said. She huffed and gave a pout. "I'm not a child! I'm fourteen, I'm a big girl!" She said. He looked at her in surprise. She was rather short for a teenager. Though it didn't stop him from seeing her as a child. As far as he was concerned, she was a child. Which ment that her spending the night with him, a near complete stranger no less, was inappropriate. He shook his head. "I think it would be best if I brought you home." He said. She looked a bit sad but nodded. "It is in Lowtown. But Avey is closer. She is a friend of mine in the guard." She said looking into the darkness. Fenris sighed as he walked with her through the dark streets. "Thank you, Mister." She chirped happily. "Fenris." He corrected. She looked up to him as she continued to hold onto his belt. "Fenris? Sounds like my name. My name is Fenrial." She said. He simply nodded as he walked. Not even sure where this person was. "Avey might be still at the Viscount's Keep." She mused. "Are you sure your friend will still be working?" He asked. She seemed to pout then. "I... Don't know..." Hawke said before starting to whine. Fenris was unsure what to do. He stilled as he heard a voice behind them. "Hawke... What are you doing out this late and who is that?" A stern voice said. "Avey!" Hawke let go of his belt and bounded over to the guardswoman. The red-haired guard looked sternly at him. "Who are you?" She asked glaring at him. "Avey! This is Fenris. He gonna help us with the expedition!" Hawke explained. The woman looked at the smaller one before looking at him. "All right. Sorry if I sounded hostile. Hawke isn't allowed to be anywhere at night unless one of the group is with her. My name is Aveline." She said giving a nod. Fenris took a breath and spoke, "It's all right. My name is Fenris, as she said." Aveline gave a quick nod before turning to Hawke. "It is late. your mother and uncle are asleep no doubt. Where's you're sister? Is she at home as well?" Hawke simply nodded. "Alright. I just got off of my late night shift. You are going to come home with me." She said before looking at Fenris. "Thank you for looking out after her. I am sure I will see you again." She said grabbing Hawke's hand and walks away. Fenris took a breath and left back to the mansion that was cleared out.
Hawke looked up to Aveline before looking back at Fenris. "I wish you would have told me that you were going to be with someone I didn't know." Aveline said looking at Hawke.
"But I was just doing a job. Then he showed up and asked for help." She said.
"Still. Not everyone is nice. He could have hurt you."
"He was a slave though..."
"What?"
"His master is hunting him though. They trying to hurt him. So I helped. He is really nice."
"..."
"Avey?"
"Fine... Though... not everyone you met is going to be friendly..."
Hawke nodded and leaned against Aveline. Giving the guard a hug. Letting off a yawn.
A few days pass after meeting Hawke and her friends. Fenris took right offense when introduced to Anders. Being slightly offended to know that Hawke's sister was a mage. He said a few choice words to the girl before Hawke snapped at him. Defending her sister viciously. Fenris talked a bit to Aveline who was a bit more tolerable than the rest. Aveline told him where Hawke came from. How she lost her brother while fleeing from the Blight. And how Hawke has been carrying the family ever since the loss of her father four years ago. He went back to the mansion after speaking with Aveline.
The next day Fenris awoke from his sleep well into the afternoon. It was a bit comfortable considering he slept in a bed. Though how he obtained the place was still strange to him. A young lady had helped him gain the mansion. This lady was Hawke. The one he heard so much about. Though he still couldn't believe someone that small would be capable of such things. She had quite an impressive skill her own but he didn't see anything worth while for a city-state to fuss over. Maybe the girl was just lucky with dealing with the hunters. Even after having talked to Aveline about her. He still didn't believe it. He arose from the bed and made his way to the kitchen area. Searching through the pantries to find nothing. He sighed as he went to the where the wine cellar was. At least he could get drunk if he wanted to. He grab a bottle and made his way back to the upstairs master bed room. He walked in and stretched a bit before prying the bottle open. He paused as he heard the front door to the mansion open. He set the bottle down and went for his sword out of instinct. He readied himself behind the open door. He heard the person walk into the room. He was about to jump them when he heard the voice. "Where is he? Think he left, Fuzzy?" He relaxed and set his sword down and walked up behind her. "What are you doing here?" He asked. She jumped slightly and spun around. Hawke's eyes were wide as she looked up at him. "No scare me! Not nice..." She whined before twirling in place. Her skirt swishing back and forth. "Again. Why are you here?" He pressured. Why was she here. He figured she just forget about him. Then again he did say he was willing to help her. Even if he still had doubts. "You said you would help me." She said reaching into her pack to pull out a wolf pup. "Can I put him down?" She asked. "Fine..." He said as he watched her set the pup down. It shook itself before running a circle around her feet.
"What sort of help do you need?"
"I um..." She seemed to pout.
"Hmm... Is there a reason for you being here?"
"Oh. I wanted to talk!" She exclaimed as she smiled brightly. She turned around and hoped over to a bench and sat down. Her legs swinging over the edge. Fenris rolled his eyes. Walking over to the table to pick the bottle of wine back up. "Ohh~ What's that?"
"Agreggio Pavali. There are six bottles in the cellar." He said as he paused looking at her. "Danarius used to have me pour it for his guests. My appearance intimidated them, he said, which he enjoyed."
"But your pretty and shiny. Why would they be afraid of you? You not scary to me!" She said.
Fenris looked her over and sighed. "You say what's on your mind, I'll give you that." He turned his attention to the bottle and took a swig of it. He cringed slightly at the taste. It was strong but tasted good. It just wasn't his fancy. He gave the bottle a once over before hurling it at the wall. Hawke slightly jumped and her puppy scampered behind her legs. Fenris gave a light laugh before turning back to her. "It's good I can still take pleasure in the small things."
"You could have offered me a taste!" Hawke whined.
"You're too young for that. But you can take one home for your mother."
"Perish the thought! How would you redecorate the walls then?"
This got him to laugh a bit before he looked away. For some strange reason Fenris felt like he could tell this girl anything. Was it because of her trusting eyes? He sighed as he looked down.
"I've wanted to leave my past behind me. But it won't stay there." He said without really thinking. He walked over to the other bench by the fire and sat down. He looked back at her.
"Tell me, have you never wanted to return to Ferelden?"
Hawke looked down as if thinking. "I... Grew up there... It will always be home..."
"The Blight is over. You could rebuild what you lost. Do you truly not want to?"
"But my family is here now... Mother came from here. Our heritage is here."
"Having a place where you can put down roots. I understand... Still, to have the option... must be gratifying."
"Are... Are you going to stay here?"
"I haven't decided. For now it's as good as any other place. I would return to Seheron if I could, but... there is no life for me there."
"Seheron? Is that where you're from?"
"So I've been told."
"Oh... Mmm.. Sounds like you want to stay here?"
"I could see myself staying... for the right reasons. I should thank you again for helping me with the hunters. Even if I can't understand how you dealt with them. You deserve thanks none the less."
"Poison. Lots of poison. And you welcome."
"Had I known Anso would find me a young lady so capable. I might have asked him to look sooner." He was impressed by this girl. For some reason he already started to feel a kinship with her. Almost like a little sister in a sense. He noticed Hawke smile brighter.
"You're really sweet, FenFen!"
"FenFen?"
"S-sorry. Is it not okay for me to call you that?"
"I don't mind. Though it is starting to get late. I should bring you home. Before your mother gets worried." He said standing up.
Hawke pouted and went, "Boo..."
He shook his head as motioned for her to get her pet and go home. Watching her get up and along with her pet. She skipped her way to the door. Him following after her to make sure she gets home safely.
A/N The first few chapters are going to be short.
They should get longer. Please leave reviews.
I like to know how I am doing.
I really want to write this story. But if no one reads it. The I will not finish it.
