Three horses and six travelers journeyed toward Crestwood. Of the six travelers, four were riding horses. Fenris and Varric preferred to walk, while Cole rode with Lavellan.
"So Fenris," Dorian began, jolting his reins a bit to steer his stallion closer to the elf. "I understand prior to joining us, you were hunting Ventatori.."
"And?" Fenris said blankly, propelling Varric to snicker softly to himself. After all, Varric had warned his new friends about the social grace Fenris lacked.
Dorian however was not phased. "I am also seeking out my cultist countrymen to maime and murder! We have so much in common.."
Fenris peered up at the mage with a slight frown, then turned his hazel eyes onto Lavellen. "You keep strange company Inquisitor." He informed her.
"This from the elf with lyrium infused in his skin.." Dorian retorted.
"Not something you inflicted upon your slaves then?" Fenris spat.
"Didnt we go over this already? Not every man in Tevintar is like Darinus, such as not every mage in the Free Marshes is like Anders.." Dorian said, his voice rigid.
"So speaking of company kept," Lavellen said, swiftly cutting in. "Last time we played Diamondback, Varric coyly told me I had less tact than a certain Mabari he was acquainted with.."
Stroking the horse's mane, Hawke smiled sadly as she spoke. "Tanner.."
"Yes where is this infamous warhound of the Champion?" Dorian piped, knowing that Lavellen would rather he cool things down between him and Fenris.
"I left him in the care of Anders..rather I left Anders in the care of Tanner..." Hawke corrected herself, oblivious to the steely gaze of Fenris.
"You what?" Fenris asked brazenly. "When did this happen?"
Hawke did not quite look at Fenris as she replied. "We crossed paths briefly after you and I separated. By then I'd heard of Sebastian's return to Kirkwall.." Hawke heaved a sigh, at the mention of her old ally. "Anders refused my help, so I insisted he take Tanner. Someone has to look after him.."
"You gave your warhound to the fade-crazed vagabond that blew up the Kirkwall chantry? Sounds like a perfect pairing." Dorian remarked.
A moment of silence is broken by Cole, channeling Fenris. "Old anger blisters anew. 'She still cares for that monster? That abomination blinded her with charm, then tarnished her goodwill - I should've slain him long ago'..."
Fury visibly exploded upon Fenris's face, as he stepped into the path of Lavellen's horse. "You didn't tell me we were traveling with a blood mage." He snarled loudly over the horse's protesting snort, as it reared to a stop.
"Cole is no mage." Lavellen said flatly.
"Then what is he?" Fenris demanded.
Varric had sworn he wouldnt get involved, but he knew far too well the angry sneer Fenris wore was not going to vanish by itself. "A clairvoyant boy, Broody. That's all. Remember the tale of the seer and the Griffon king? Cole is like that seer."
Dorian could've contained himself, but he didn't. His voice rose, when he spoke, alight with laughter. "You read children's stories? How adorable of you.." he gushed.
"Fenris," Hawke said, dismounting quickly though casually. "My legs are getting numb, why don't you ride for awhile?"
Glaring at Dorian, Fenris muttered angrily in Quarni, but complied to Hawke's suggestion. Fenris was barely atop the horse when he gave the instruction to gallop ahead of the others.
"Mm feisty isn't he?" Dorian jeered, with a smirk.
Hawke laughed despite herself. "I knew bringing Fenris along would be trouble, you're not the sort of trouble I was expecting.."
"I get that quite a lot.." Dorian said smugly.
Hawke glanced at Varric standing beside her. "I know, he's a real gem.." Varric murmured. Hawke laughed again, more genuine than the first outburst.
"She misses the scent of his hair, the warmth of his embrace, the glorious half-truths that tumble from his lips in her name." Cole observed. When the others all looked at him, he lowered his head, as if to hide his face in Lavallen's back. "Sorry.." he whispered to Varric.
"Must be challenging," Hawke mused, as the group began to follow after Fenris. "Having a companion such as him.."
Lavellen's smile was well practiced. "Only when faced with those who would have me abandon or harm him.." she responded.
"Ooohh..did anyone else get a chill?" Dorian lamented. Though no one responded, the corners of Lavellen's lips curled into a smile. "Our Lady Inquisitior does play her favorites." Dorian continues. "She has an infinity for blondes, with the exception of myself of course.."
"Oh?" Hawke remarked. Cole knew there were plenty of feelings lurking behind that 'oh' but he kept quiet.
"Oh yes," Dorian said. "Blackwall regularly heckles me about how Ellana here, tends to my every scrape like a lover would.."
Ellana Lavellen gaped at her friend in shock. "You never told me that.." she said slowly.
"After Mother Gisele's finger-wagging are you really surprised? Besides true or not, it makes no difference." Dorian replied, with an offbeat shrug.
Cole had been watching Hawke throughout Dorian's interaction. "Relief.." Cole noted aloud, still staring at Hawke.
"What?" Hawke blurted.
Varric cleared the anxiety out of his throat. "Alright kid, need a piss break? So do I, c'mon.." he encouraged.
While Cole dismounted, Dorian and Lavellen shared a knowing look. After the two blondes had walked a ways off the path, Dorian spoke. "Practically adoptive parents you and him, Ellana.." Dorian gauged Hawke vigorously, and when an emotional cloud swept Hawke's features, Dorian chortled in triumph. "Ah-ha! You are sweet on our ser dwarf. I suspected as much, but wasn't positive until this very moment."
Lavellen didn't have to glance at Hawke to know the Champion was blushing. Instead, she merely shook her head and tsked. "Dorian.."
"Forgive me m'lady, I didn't mean to embarrass you...but might I add, you do look dashing in red." Dorian said.
"You're incorrigible." Hawke replied, earning an instant smirk from Dorian.
"Were I truly such, I would pry as to why Ser Tethras is so enticing. Is it the immaculate chesthair, the glistening golden eyes or that rough yet tender voice he possesses?" Dorian responded.
"I don't want to hear anything more Cole.." Varric was saying.
"Yes you do." Cole argued.
"Oh do I?" Varric guffawed in disbelief.
Cole reconsidered. "..You need to..Jealousy rumbled within her stomach, concern lined her lungs. She fears Lavellen has replaced her.."
"That's crazy." Varric stated.
"No, it's uncertainty - it's what she feels. She doesn't know. She knows only you're a storyteller, and Lavellen's story expands further than hers. But Lavellen is not Hawke, she could never be. You should tell her." Cole rambled.
"...You don't know what you're asking kid." Varric replies softly, turning his head toward the others.
"I do. You're afraid..." Cole says, gaining Varric's undivided attention. "You shouldn't be."
Varric itched the nape of his neck, and glanced at Hawke. The incredulous look on her face startled him. "Maker's breath - Sparkles!" He called. "what are you saying to her?"
Cole answered in his usual forthcoming way, stunning Varric. "Dorian is teasing her about your best feature.."
"Just pillow talk Tethras." Dorian called back. "You're more than welcome to join us."
Varric's eyes fluttered to the back of his head. "Maker...he's like Isabella with a stick. Well two sticks, but who's counting. C'mon Kid, we better get back before Bianca decides she'd like to unload on him." Varric sighed, hoisting his crossbow into the strap on his back.