"Fenris!" Danarius shouted from his place at the front door with his daughters waiting impenitently for their slave to rush down from his tower.
"Useless idiot." Hadriana said with displeasure.
"You're a- "Varania began but the words were cut off when Danarius raised his hand to stop their chatter. They looked to their father and saw his face covered in disbelief, they followed his gaze up to the stair way, where they too joined the expression.
Fenris walked down the stairs, looking towards the family standing there observing him in bewilderment. "I'm ready master sorry to have taken my time." He bowed. Better make this look good. He thought. I'm not going down without a fight.
"My little wolf" the words were sharp and filled with resentment as Danarius clinched his jaw tight. "What do you think this." He indicated at the clothes. "You're wearing is? Did I not tell you to wear your formal clothing." He stepped closer to his slave with each word.
"You did but I thought since it is a huge party and not one at our home it would be best if I dressed up a bit more, I'm sure the royals wouldn't want me practically naked walking around their castle." Fenris reasoned as he held his ground with his master walking closer.
"I do not give a damn what they want, you are my slave and I'll have the whole damn kingdom know, you will wear the outfit I have picked for you without another word." His voice rose to almost a shout as he towered over Fenris his gray eyes stormed intensely with rage.
Fenris knew this outfit wouldn't work. "I think that-" a slapping noise echoed in the corridor and Fenris hit the ground hard.
"You will think nothing you brainless low life, you are my slave you will listen to my words!" Danarius yelled, his hand still raised in the air.
Fenris glared back up at him and deliberately ran his hand down his clothed chest. "I shouldn't go unclothed master the queen will be upset." he even added a fact concern to his voice.
"I understand Fenris." He smirked "Dears isn't his outfit very lovely for a slave?" placing his hands behind his back.
"I don't think they look that- oh yes, yes they are." Hadriana smiled evilly. She and her sister stalked over to the male on the floor. They reached at his clothes and ripped the fabric. It turned into a frenzy of tattered cloth flying and hands in a rush to grip more.
"Enough" Danarius spoke coldly.
Varania retreated quickly but Hadriana held onto Fenris, white hair clenched tightly in her hand. "Your fucking scum ridden waste of space." she hissed low to his face pulling back she punched Fenris right where her father had slapped him.
"Move away." Danarius glowered at his daughter. She released the slave retreating back over to the door.
Fenris lay on the floor raised up on his elbow as his other hand came up to rub his sore cheek. He would have a bruise forming on his left cheek soon which it would most likely look nasty and swell up on his face. His clothes were nothing but pieces hanging on by only a few trends.
"Look at you." Danarius seem to coo. "My little wolf, it seems I need to punish you to make you remember your place." He smiled with his yellow teeth.
"Father we will be late I'm ready to go." Varania stomped her foot stubbornly.
Danarius touch his white whiskers. "Clam down." he looked over Fenris. "I can't take a dirty, beaten slave with me. Well Fenris you get to stay here as the beginning of your punishment, I hope your happy with yourself to miss your chance to ever see the castle." He cackled "Now clean the whole house while we are gone, then I will personally see to your full treatment when we return." His eyes narrowed as he licked his lips eagerly looking over his slave one last time.
The family turned and headed out the door to their carriage. As Fenris just stayed there planted to the floor with a slight smile on his face.
"You like the idea of him punishing you later?" Isabela walked over to Fenris from where she was hiding behind a column. "You really have a sick sense of humor."
"Your one to talk." he touched his cheek again hissing at the contact, that damn bitch was wearing a ring when she hit him. "least the plan worked and got me out of going."
"Are you ok? That was quiet a mean thing they did." Merrill quivered.
"Oh kitten." Isabela said and watched Bethany run up towards them with Sebastian.
"My hard work ruined!" he pouted, picking up a piece of the ripped clothes. He got a comforting pat on the back from Merrill.
"Fenris what will you do now?" Bethany flinched when Fenris slammed one of his fists on to the ground.
"Clean the bloody house; remember I don't have a choice I'm a slave." He glared at the door. "As long as I got out of going the party with him in that excuse of a loincloth I'm relieved, his beatings won't last as long as the disgust I would feel from that embarrassment." He stood up dusting the dirt of his tattered clothing when slowly his movements halt.
The clatter of feet stomping on the floor echoed into the entrance hall where the small group stood, all looking towards the door where the noise was erupting from behind them.
The door creaked open to present a short man with a wide smile. Though he was of small stature he had buff width to his body. His warm honey blonde hair was pulled back into a short ponytail; three golden earrings glisten against the strands in the light. He wore a red tunic with gold embroidery, it's opening hung low to show off his large amount of chest hair that grew on his wide frame and a golden necklace that looked like it would be heavy draped his thick neck; a green sash wrapped over the tunic on his waist like a belt. Black pants bagged and tucked into his leather black leather boots.
"You're right Bianca; he does look like complete shit." The man spoke in a deep thick voice.
"Who the fuck are you?" Fenris glared, joined by Isabela's.
"Who me? Oh I'm your fairy godfather, Varric is the name." the man gave a toothy grin, crossing his bulky arms.
"Fairy…..god…father..?" ok someone was obliviously drunk off their ass Fenris thought.
"More like a dwarf father." Isabella laughed.
The man huffed out a throaty chuckle "you have some spirit for a mouse."
"Excuse me but what the hell are you doing here, if you could leave now before I have to throw you I would appreciate that." Fenris explained crossing his arms.
"Hey now no need to be so snappy. I'm here to help you out, but if you don't want freedom then be my guest." He said walking back through the door.
Fenris rolled his eyes, it's not like he had anything else to do so why now follow some crazy guy and listen to his explanation, so he tailed after the short male.
"Hello?" he walked into the garden. When Fenris had followed after the man he didn't think the guys short legs would have carried his heavy set so fast but he wasn't in the two rooms you had to pass through to get to the gardens and there were no other exist so he had to have come out here.
"Glad you decided to join." He man spoke from his position he sat in on the bench holding something big and bulky in his arms.
"Well when you say freedom to a slave their more than willing to here you out." Fenris walked closer to the other cautiously.
"I figured as much. Now tell me why a broody guy such as you isn't ready to go to the ball? All those nobles prancing about, good food, nice sights to see, I thought people jumped for this kind of things." Varric raised a brow and placed the item in his hands onto his back.
"I'm more interested in the freedom you speak of." Fenris glared.
Varric lifted up his leathered gloved hands in defense "Right. Straight to the point with you huh. Well you see, as I said before I'm your fairy godfather." Fenris shrugged with doubt on his face. "I'm here to help your dreams come true but only for tonight, the rest is up to you."
"And how do you plan to do that?"
"With magic of course." He smiled. "I'll provide you with all you need for the ball then you go and have a good time, that simple."
"So no true freedom, just a party. What good does that do me? Could you not help me out of my slavery?" Fenris asked flatly.
"That I cannot, for each story has things that must happen to have a happy ending." Varric explained.
"Some do not have such endings"
"hmm true but I'm sure this one will. Now do you want to go to the ball or do you want to stay here and mop for the rest of your days?"
"I.." his green eyes flickered around searching for an answer. Should he go and have a night of freedom to enjoy when he has to come back to this miserable life as a slave or…
"He is going!" Isabela and the other mice ran up to stand beside Fenris's foot.
"You have to go. This is your chance to be a little happy." Bethany said.
"It would be good for your dear after all you have deserved it." Merrill explained happily.
"Fine, I'll…go. I see no sense in turning down a night of something other than cleaning." Fenris crossed his arms looking back to varric.
The short man had a huge smile on his face and he stood up stepping closer to the small group. "Alright then, How about we get down to business." He cracked his knuckles.
He looked Fenris up and down a bit rubbing his stubble chin. "First we need a carriage."
"A carriage." Fenris gave him a raised brow.
"Well how to plan to get there, walk? Good luck." He pulled the bulky item off his back. "Meet Bianca" he smiled.
"What is it?"
"My magic crossbow." Varric said like it was the most obvious thing. Fenris rolled his eyes and said nothing else.
Varric pointed his crossbow at a pile of wood that use so be some sort of structure but had long ago fallen in a heap. He pulled the trigger but instead of firing normal arrows, out flew yellow glowing dust shaped like an arrow. It shifted and turned in the air sprinkling a mist of the dust all over the wood and it began to move around with a horrible cracking noise. Just as soon as the creaking stopped the particles spread and disappeared leaving behind a beautiful carriage. It wasn't huge but big enough for Fenris get in and be comfortable. The wood was brightly polished showing off the lovely detail work of engravings like vines climbing all over.
"That's amazing." Merrill was the first to speak in the silence.
"Right you are kitten. She is a lovely vessel." Isbela smiled while hugging Merrill tight into her arms.
"Now we need some horses to pull It." varric grinned looking down at the mice.
"Wait why are you looking- no I say no!" Sebastian glared up at the man.
"I want to be a horse, actually not a horse particularly but a different animal. I thought would be nice just to see what it was like." Merrill babbled.
"Well now you get to." He pointed his crossbow
"I like hard things pointed at me-" varric shot before isabela could finish her dirty joke and the yellow dust once again swooped around and over the mice lifting them in to the air. When the dust left four large horses stood there, each with a different look and color resembling their fur coats.
"Isabela, Merrill, Bethany, Sebastian?" Fenris called out slowly as the horses turned their heads to their name being called.
"I made it so you guys couldn't talk for now." Varric nodded to them. "Can't freak the guest out with talking animals now can we."
"So me nex-" a barking interrupted Fenris as Aveline came running around the corner of the house chasing after a hissing Gamlen.
"Good just what I needed." Varric aimed and fired the arrow. Gamlen kept running as Aveline stopped and growled at the dust, biting at the flowing sparkly stuff in front of her face. It captured the animal in it's cloud of particles and hid the transformation until a new voice entered the garden letting out a few colorful words.
Fenris gapped his mouth a little as he saw a red haired women standing where the dog once was. Her hair was all back and braided; showing off her freckled cheeks perfectly. Her red collar now wrapped around her head and she wore a nice simple gray fitting tunic, brown pants and brown coat.
"You turned out cute for a mabari." Varric laughed.
Aveline stood there looking over her new body in shock. "I have hands." She whispered.
"and a lot of other things but don't get use to it. You will be driving the carriage." Varric spoke.
"I don't know how to drive im a- was a dog."
"It's fine the horse will do the work you just look like you're in charge of them." He patted a horse that must have been Isabela as it glared hard at Aveline. "Calm down girl I couldn't make you human, maker forbid you have a great body and go off to sleep around. A man would wake up with a mouse in his bed." The horse rolled its eyes and did its best to smirk.
"Now that's all done." Varric turned to the slave "Seems to me you might need some work done before you can even go near a pub much less a castle."
"gee thanks." Fenris huffed.
"No problem. Let's see." Varric aimed his bow again. "let's hope for the best." He fired.
The arrow flew and hit Fenris in the chest making the dust burst wildly; it weaved and expand over the male as it enveloped him.
The dust settle and there Fenris stood wearing a olive green doublet whose collar stood high on his neck hiding his marks amazingly and it buckled together tightly but it wasn't uncomfortable with soft white fur coated the inside rubbing gently against his slender neck. The vest was buttoned together with shiny silver buttons; as intricate teal stitching streamed along the soft fabric. Below that he had forest green tights that hugged his legs and black thigh high boots which had buckles all the way down. To complete the outfit was a navy blue longed sleeves coat that hung warmly on Fenris lanky form and tailed all the way past his knees stopping just above his ankles; Silver twinkling designs decorated along all of the hems as it rested openly on the body. He looked at his hands which were covered by black leather gloves.
The horses all nigh while stomping a hoof to the ground.
"I think it looks good too." Varric said with a smirk. "Makes you almost like a middle class or maybe even a newly ranked merchant if I say so myself."
"As long as its higher than slave." He continued to touch and patted his clothing. "I could never even imagine wearing something like this, it's very nice."
"Well you can live in them for a night, though you need one more thing."
Fenris looked at him confused. "More?"
"Just a mask; I've hidden all the other tattoos on your skin but we still go to cover those on your chin."
"Very convenient it's a masquerade ball then." Fenris looked at him suspiciously.
"Wouldn't have it any other way." He chuckled as he shot an arrow straight up in the air. The dust sprinkled down and in his hand appeared a mask. It was a full face mask that was mostly black with teal painted around the eye holes and dark green swirls all around, what stood out the most was red paint shaped like a pair of smiling lips around a small mouth hole. "Since you will be wearing it the whole time I thought I give you a way to eat at least, with a smile." Varric chucked handing the mask over. Fenris tighten the ribbons around his head to keep the mask on securely.
"Now. That's all I can do for you."
"well…thank you." Fenris gave a small smile. "This.." varric held a hand up to him.
"No mushy stuff. You have until midnight." His look was stern with a matching tone in his voice. "Midnight then the spell is broken and all shall return to what it once was."
Fenris nodded. Looking over to the carriage he saw all his friends were in place waiting for him. He looked back towards varric but the man was gone. Best not waste time. He thought and jumped into his ride. They set off at the clash of reins being whipped.
"So dear anyone caught your eyes yet?" leandra leaned over to her son from where they stood at in front of the thrones.
"Mother." Garrett glanced at her with a frown.
"I'm just making small talk dear." she smiled sweetly. "I plan to head to bed soon so I won't be here to bother you much longer."
"You're not a bother." He sighed. "It's just hard to even look at some of the people here they're so….flamboyantly outrageous. It's hurting my eyes to see all the crazy things people wear as an outfit. "Like that, see look right there." he points towards a fellow walking to the punch table. "He is wearing pink attire with orange feathers popping out of him everywhere."
She laughed. "It's just the nobles trying to impress, they think the brighter they are the more important they are."
"I'll never understand them."
"Neither did your father." She stated with sadness.
"He would be complaining every minute of it too." Garrett shared a smile with her.
Anders walked towards them two glasses of wine. "The party seems to be rambunctious."
"Indeed it is." Hawke took the glass and drank the dark liquid like it was his first drop of water in the dessert.
Leandra simple shook her head at the offered drink. "I will pass thank you. I should be heading off now I'm getting old and can't seem to stay up so late like I use too."
Hawke turned and hugged his mother as she leaned up kissing his cheek. "Goodnight mother."
"Goodnight son. Go and mingle, you look too crabby being stood her like a statue." she said as she leaned on to Anders presented arm.
"Anders hear an old women out." She looked sad in the eyes as they stood in front of her bed chambers. "Keep an eye on my son, maybe try to get him out and about among the people, but don't make it look too forced." He nodded to her. "and….tell me should my son take any interest in someone."
"Of course madam." He smiled and bowed. "I shall make a complete and detail note to come to you with should your son sweep someone off their feet."
"or if they sweep him off of his." She chuckled as Anders gave her a strange look before she disappeared into her chamber. The duke shook his head and headed back to the ball.
"Anders" Hawke smiled when he saw the grand duke had returned. "Did my mother bug you about taking care of me?" he asked while sipping his wine.
"She did..um instruct me to make you have some fun with your guest, she truly wishes for you to find a girl to marry." Anders nervously glanced around at the people who gathered in the grand hall.
"I know, but….she will have to be sad that I cannot find love…or at least the gender of love she would like me to." Hawke said dejectedly looking down.
"Yes… Hawke do you not think it would be better to tell your mother. She is very reasonable and knows someone can't be forced to love…maybe she would accept you."
"But I know she wants grandchildren it's all she talks about when she can. The maids giggle when they listen to mother brag about little kids running around the castle." He rubbed his brow weakly. "I can't give her what she wants by doing what I want."
"Garrett as a friend I think you should worry about your happiness, I love leanadra like my own mother and she has been nothing but kind and supportive of your choices up till now, you should see if once again she can bless you with another because I feel she only wants your happiness, it will not break her to know you are gay."
"Anders…I could not wish for a better friend than you." Hawke smiled. "I will tell her and if she shoots me down then at least she will know why I've done the way I have." He placed a hand on Anders shoulder that made the grand duke warm and blush his cheeks that were luckily hidden under his mask. "I'm sorry but I need some fresh air"
"Do you want company?" Anders asked but his heart pained when the prince shook his head.
"I need some time alone." He turned and walked away leaving Anders to stand there, had Hawke turned around at that moment he would have seen the duke's disappointed look in his eyes.
The veranda was quiet in the moonlight glow as the sweet scent of flowers from the garden below rode the gust of wind up into the peaceful night. The stars lit like diamonds in the blue veil making the sky like an endless river. From this place you could see a great view of the town below, it was dark besides a few candles lit in the street or windows; it was eerie but calming compared to the chatter and bustle of people inside the grand hall. No one had come out this way yet, probably due to the fact it was mostly out of the way for any guest to come across and it was blocked off by some curtains so the visitors wouldn't have even looked for the stair way up to the small exterior of the castle.
well all expect one.
Fenris sat there on a bench running his ungloved fingers through his silver locks; he saw no on around so it was safe to be uncovered until he go back inside. The cool breeze ran over his warm skin making him feel refreshed from the heat inside the palace. Yes it was a lovely party and he would admit to have some enjoyment out of it but it was hard to put up with so many people who proceeded to be loud and chatter about useless things of wealth. There were still many hours in the night before he should return home so no harm in a break.
He heard a rustling noise of cloth beside him and quickly slipped his glove back on before sinking deeper into the shadows a tree casted onto the bench he sat on.
He saw a tall male walk across the stone floor, he wore what looked to be furs and a mask across his eyes that looked simple but that was only a glance as the man stopped and leaned forward onto the railing.
Fenris didn't know when this stranger was going to leave and he didn't want to get caught being up here when it was obvious he shouldn't be so he decided he would sneak away. He shuffled slowly across the bench and as soon as he got to the edge he stood up placing one foot in front of the other, then again, then-clink. Damn it he forgot he set his glass down earlier as it rolled along the ground.
"Whose there?" the man turned fast to look at Fenris who in turn looked right back at the man from his sneaking position.
"I'm sorry. I was going to head back down and didn't want to disturbed you." Fenris lied as he straighten up.
"I see." The man walked closer. "and what are you doing up here?" he lifted a brow.
"I'm not very social so I was looking for a place of rest without others but it seems I wasn't safe here either." Fenris sent a frown. He stepped back as the man came forward.
He stopped, looking Fenris up and down. "Yet you come to a social gathering. Seems like you're at odds with yourself."
"Why miss a chance to come to a ball even if I don't like people." He crossed his arms with a glare. "Also I don't see how that is any of your business so I'll be going back now."
"Stay." The word was almost pleading. "I mean would you mind? For just a few minutes, just for a small chat?" his voice was deep but soothing and each word made his bread shift.
Fenris bunched his brows then remembered the man wouldn't be able to see it. No harm in a chat, he really didn't feel like go back in anyway, not yet. "I guess it couldn't hurt." He rumbled out of his throat.
"Splendid." The man beamed a smile. "I'm…Garrett." he offered his hand.
"Leto" Fenris shook the hand quickly but when he went to pull the man held him in place. "let-"
"You're different." Garrett mumbled as he stared intensely at Fenris. Which in turn made the slaves whole body go tense. Had he been found out, could he just punch the guy and run? Yes if needed he would. "Not in a bad way I'm sorry" finally letting go of the hand. "I just mean that you're not all overly done like the others, your simple."
"Well sorry for not wanting to walk around in bright feathers with huge clothes on but I prefer not to look like a buffoon." Fenris said with annoyance.
Hawke laughed lightly. "No not at all, don't be sorry I agree with you. It is disorienting seeing the blur of colors dancing in there." He smirked making his bread rise. "Would you like to have a walk, I would enjoy such tasteful company." The word falling of his lips in a purr.
Fenris felt his face heat up, he could deny the man was very attractive now that he had gotten closer and could study the man's look. Sure with the mask being simple enough that it was black with blood red paint smeared over the nose leaving the rest of his face exposed though much of it was cover in his bread. Clothes were a low cut black shirt that looked thick and buttoned together with white buttons, Black pants that bagged just a bit and went down to meet dark brown leather boots. A red sash was bright in the darkness as it clung around the male's waist. Then there was the big gray furred coat wrapped around him and stopped at the man's knees. Even with the layers you could make out the hard muscles underneath and it looked good. "I guess." Slipped from his lips and green eyes watched a huge white grin spread lovingly on the other males face.
"Come." Garrett offered an arm but it was rejected with a head shake. Damn but then again that means he had to try a little harder, oh how he loved a good challenge, he hid his smirk.
The two walked down the opposite staircase to the gardens as Anders stood there on the other staircase leading to the party with his hand clenching his shirt right over his heart, it was had found a man he actually wanted to pursue and Anders could only hope was that the male wasn't gay too or maybe taken already but oh who was he kidding….a tear fell from the dukes eye as he turned and left.