It had been an entire day since Fenris had seen Hawke. He wasn't entirely sure if he was looking forward to the visit he was told to expect, or if he was dreading it. He paced the study for most of the day, until he decided he should clean a little, in case she did come. But that thought left him at a loss. Cleaning had never been one of his duties; unless it was cleaning blood from his gauntleted fists.
Before he could come to any decision, there was a knock at the front entrance and a voice calling his name. It was her voice, sober this time with less of the bravado she had shown the previous night she had been there. She cracked the door open to hear if he would answer.
"Hawke," he called to her gruffly and she smiled.
"I was worried you wouldn't be here."
"It seems if I am not with you or at the Hanged Man, I am here. Waiting." was his curt reply. She shrugged closing and locking the door behind her. He noticed she had a small basket with her as well as the satchel from the other night.
"Speaking of all this time you spend away from this manor, I figured you could use some food to go with the extensive wine cellar," She held up the basket in her hands. Fenris didn't move to take it from her, just stared at her confused. "It isn't full of snakes, Fenris. It's just food. You know that stuff you put in your belly that doesn't addle people's brains?" he glared at her.
"I know what food is. I don't know why you would bring me some. As per our deal, you have free reign over your bathing days." It was Cameron's turn to glare.
"I didn't bring it pay for my baths. I brought it for you. Since it is obviously impossible for you to understand, I care for my friends and my family. And I do what I can to make it easier for them. And if our deal makes you this uncomfortable, I'll leave," she dropped the basket to the floor and turned to unlock the door to leave.
A soft growl rose from Fenris's throat and he grabbed her arm, stopping her. He turned her back to face him, a sullen look on his face.
"Forgive me. I am not used to being treated as anything other than an animal; especially not by mages. I made a deal with you, and I will honor that deal. But you needn't bring me 'gifts' for the use." Cameron smiled up at him, her eyes twinkling in the low light.
"I know I don't have to Fenris. I want to. Even more so when you were so kind to me last time. It was nice not sharing a room with Carver for a night. Boy snores like a bear." Cameron bent to pick up the fallen basket, and the words spilled from Fenris before he could stop and think them through.
"Then the nights you bathe here, you shall remain. It will, ease my mind, that you will not be walking alone at night into Lowtown." He couldn't believe he had just said that, and from the look on Cameron's face, it was a shock to her as well.
"Fenris, that's sweet of you, but it's hardly –" he raised a hand to cut her off.
"It is done. And if you are to lead us, it is best that you are rested as much as possible. A tired mage is a dangerous one." Cameron clenched her jaw tight, a flash of anger in her eyes, but she held her tongue. She had to remember he had known nothing but pain and misery from mages, and she was determined to show him that not all were like that. Taking a slow, cleansing breath she nodded.
"Very well Fenris. Where shall I sleep during these visits?"
"The same room as before." He responded quickly, as if prepared for her question. Her eyes widened again.
"But isn't that your room?" he nodded, pulling a hunk of bread from the basket still in her hands.
"It is the most convenient from the bathing room. And as you put it, it is my room to do as I wish." A blush began to creep up into her cheeks as her mind played on his words, and despite her best efforts her reply was somewhat breathless.
"And will I be alone in your room?" it was Fenris's turn to blush, and he turned from her to hide the pinking of his ears. He nodded in response as he began to climb the stairs to the study.
"Of course," was all he said before closing the door, leaving Cameron alone in the mansion's darkened foyer.