A/N: This is a one-shot entry for the Anders Prompt Group 'Manifestos Welcome' on the BioWare Social Network. All of my one-shots take place in the same universe as my story Redemption. This specific one includes Anders, Hawke, Isabela, and Varric, and takes place between Acts 2 and 3 in Dragon Age 2. As always reviews are very welcome!

This week's prompt is "song fic."

The Mage's Ballad

Kirkwall's healer was in rare form tonight. No one was entirely sure how it had come to pass, but Justice had conceded, presumably after a fair bit of the usual resistance, to allow Anders a few drinks. The Fade Spirit, for all his years living in this world, was still woefully naive about some things. These things clearly included the finer points of the human body's varying levels of substance tolerance (or lack thereof in this case). Anders on the other hand? Oh, he knew. Though he would vehemently deny it the next day, among other things, his intent was hardly innocent. What Justice hadn't taken into consideration was that a few drinks at the Hanged Man were more than what Anders needed these days to reach a very jovial, boisterous, drunken state—the very state he was in now—shameless, completely inebriated, and singing at the top of his lungs.

Anders had a decent baritone singing voice when he tried, but what he was doing right now could barely be called singing. Hawke's mabari apparently agreed and was baying along with the mage, adding to the pure comedy of the scene. Hawke, Isabela, and Varric weren't making matters any better—they egged Anders on from around the table with rowdy hoots, cheers, and loud clapping. Anders had, after several failed attempts, managed to climb atop one of the tavern's wooden tables and was howling a ballad from his perch with the grace and poise of a sloshed sailor. With each raucous line sung through the lopsided grin plastered on his flushed face, Anders made sweeping gestures with his arms. He swayed to and fro, wobbling out of balance with every exaggerated flourish. Hawke occasionally grabbed his ankles just in time to steady him, despite Isabela's shameless attempts to push him over.

Anders cleared his throat into his fist. "I dedicate this one to my best friend. The best friend a mage could ever have," Anders' words slurred together and he bowed theatrically at the waist, nearly toppling over again.

Starry eves under swelled autumn moon,
Countless times we spent.
Together in the darkness,
Like twin shadows we went.

Noble, loyal, and fiercely brave,
You never judged or questioned me.
You always listened, accepted, and stayed;
Loving you was so easy.

Varric nudged Hawke and winked at her. Hawke beamed and gazed up at Anders with rapt attention, her heart swelling with pride. She'd never had anyone sing a song about her before. She was thoroughly enjoying the experience, and drinking in every word.

I still remember the day we first met,
And what an inseparable pair we fast became.
You were my best friend, then. My only friend.
Though you rarely answered to your name.

Hawke and Varric exchanged puzzled glances and Isabela tittered beside them. Hawke shrugged, though she was more than a little confused. When had she not answered to her name?

Two lone souls in the world were we,
Fleeing capture and poverty,
Forging a better future for all,
Bound by our mutual need and call.
Two lone souls in the world were we,
And now at least one of us is free.

With you I shared my meager meals,
Though you always stole the best cuts of meat.
We warmed each other on chilled, lonely nights;
At your side, I could conquer any plight.

Hawke arched a brow and crossed her arms, her lips pressed together in a thin line. She was starting to think Anders' song wasn't about her after all. But if not her, who? Some past lover? Jealousy pricked at her chest.

No matter how dire the odds or frightening our foes,
Such a fearless and formidable ally you were.
I miss the way you'd curl up against me,
And how I could always make you purr.

Isabela's amber eyes grew wide with piqued interest, a grin spread across her lips. "Ooooo, purring. Now we're getting somewhere!" Hawke wanted to elbow her in the ribs. Hard.

I often wonder if I'll ever see you again,
Though it's such an unlikely dream.
I wonder how you are, my dear friend,
And if you still have an insatiable taste for cream.

You were always there, through thick and thin,
And unquestioningly gave me my space.
You always loved when I tickled your fuzzy chin,
And your favorite sleeping place was my face.

Two lone souls in the world were we,
Fleeing capture and poverty,
Forging a better future for all,
Bound by our mutual need and call.
Two lone souls in the world were we,
I sure do miss you, kitty!

The dawning realization of exactly who the song was about hit Varric, Hawke, and Isabela all at once. They simultaneously erupted in hysterical laughter. Anders bowed again with a goofy grin on his face, and lost his balance. The mage toppled head over heels off the table, right on top of the others. Lost to fits of drunken giggling, the four friends sat on the floor in a tangle of arms and legs, happy for a chance to forget their troubles.

Varric laughed and clapped the mage on the shoulder. "We really need to get you another cat, Blondie."