100 Prompts – Friends


Yet another evening spent at the Hanged Man, all of us gathered round a table in Varric's private quarters. Drinks are served and cards passed around as people place their sovereigns before them. We all knew it was a game at heart and any money lost or won is quickly returned in friendly favors. Merrill shrieked and giggled as Varric grabbed her gold.

"Sorry Daisy!"

Isabela placed a hand on Merrill's shoulder and leaned in. "Sweet thing! You are never going to win if you don't start cheating!"

Merrill was blushing in embarrassment by the end of it and attempted, badly, to cheat during the next round.

As the evening wound down Anders found a seat beside me and settled in with cheap rum and a rare smile.

"Hey Blondie," Varric, always on the search for story fodder wasn't going to pass up a chance at a tipsy Anders.

"Yes, Varric?" Anders cheeks were flushed but his honey colored eyes were bright and focused. I sipped my hard drink and I realized that he wasn't actually as influenced by the alcohol as he seemed. I believe he simply wanted an excuse to be carefree again, even if he was fooling himself as well.

"Tell me about your degenerate youth, in great detail."

"Well my hairy dwarven friend, I think you and your whims could devise a better youth than my dull old story."

Carver snorted, the strapping dark haired boy sitting on the bench near Isabela and casting her lingering glances. I could tell by the way she crossed her legs and turned towards him that she welcomed the attention.

"Oh sure, encourage him to make up more rubbish, why don't you."

"You're just mad because I used the word sniveling to describe you once or twice, Junior."

I wrapped my arm around Anders neck and grinned at him. "Come on Anders! We'd all like to hear!"

"Speak for yourself!" Carver whined.

"Oh alright, how could I refuse this lovely face?" Anders grabbed my chin and winked. "It all began on a stormy night just like this one when a poor innocent boy accidentally set the town mayors barn on fire…"


We all dissolved into giggles as Anders ended his tale, his eyes on fire with passion as he stood on the table, a candlestick in hand.

"You! That cat makes you weak! Relinquish your hold, mage swine!" He thrust with the candlestick. "No please ser, Warden! My kitty-cat is all I have!" He clutched the candlestick to his chest like it was a newborn babe.

"Blondie…" Varric wiped tears of mirth from his eyes. "That was gold."

Anders stumbled down from the table and tossed the candlestick into Merrill's unsuspecting lap.

"You next Merrill!" He declared. "Tell us a story!"

"Oh, I don't think so…" Her ears were rosy pink and her doe eyes blinked nervously.

"Come on!"

"Well, there was this one time back in Fereldan…"


"And Keeper Marethari ran up waving her arms and yelling, 'Those mushrooms cause hallucinations Tamlen! Don't eat them, for Creators sake!' And Tamlen just stared at her like, huh? And said 'What?', and then, Creators help me, he turned to his friend and whispered, 'Careful, I think the badger is getting frisky!'"

Isabela shrieked and we all laughed as Merrill fell back in her chair, her face flushed from smiling. It continued on like that for long into the night, each member taking their turn and sharing a story. Aveline told the adventurous tale of how she met Wesley. Isabela told a story concerning a handsome Antivan Crow running naked along the rooftops when their little escapade was discovered. Varric, with much flourish and pomp, told of the night he convinced Bartrand to try Topsider Ale. Carver even joined in by the end, describing an encounter behind Borlin's shed with a girl he, with much embarrassment, named as Peaches.

Many a drink had been passed around and people now lay sleeping in their seats. Anders met my eyes with his bright honey gaze and kissed me lightly on the cheek before leaving for his Clinic. How he remained so unaffected by alcohol I will never know. Perhaps it has something to do with Justice. Carver had toppled over into Isabela's lap, quite accidentally, I imagine, and Varric snored peacefully way in his overstuffed chair. I glanced into the corner when movement caught my eye and saw Fenris, quiet as a cat, swirl his glass of wine.

"Fenris!" I quietly hissed. "You naughty elf, you didn't share a story with us." I was embarrassed to hear my words slur together as they left my mouth. He drew nearer and sat by me, an arm lazily slung over the back of the chair.

"I have no stories to share, Hawke."

"Liar." I shook a finger at his pretty nose. "You are just a pooper of parties. That's all." I took a sip from my drink. "Well, did you have a good laugh at our expenses then?"

He smiled, brown lips curling over perfect white teeth. "Yes, in fact I did." He gazed into my eyes for a moment longer than usual, probably wondering how I could even see with how unfocused they were. I gazed back, barely noticing that my mouth had run off without me.

"You know. I agree with Isabela, your eyes are pretty enough to wear as a necklace. If they didn't shrivel up, that is. Eyes shrivel you see… And that would be a waste."

He blinked at me, confusion apparent on his face.

"Of your eyes. It would be a waste of your eyes. Oh Maker, I should swear to never drink again."

"I think it's time to take you home." He was struggling not to smile. "Allow me to escort you." He gently took the glass from my hand and stood, placing it on the table.

"You're right. Sorry that I just said I would wear your eyes on a necklace. I wouldn't really. I'll just… Yeah I'll stop talking. Thanks for being here Fenris, I appreciate it. Truly."

He wrapped a strong arm around my waste and smiled gently.

"Hawke, what else are friends for?"