They arrived in Minrathous mid-morning. It was a lovely, sunny day in the Imperium, and much warmer than Ferelden or Orlais. Dorian loved it, and Fenris begrudgingly realized he'd also missed the familiar heat of the North.

Dorian opted to walk from the docks to his father's estate, rather than taking a carriage. He and Fenris both felt like stretching their legs after being cooped up on a ship for so long. It felt good to walk in the warm sunshine. No one seemed to pay them any mind, other than the occasional curious look at Fenris' tattoos. Otherwise they just seemed like another Magister with his elven servant.

They arrived at the Pavus' estate just in time for lunch. Dorian's father greeted them, and Dorian allowed for his father to embrace him.

"Father, this is my friend and lover, Fenris," Dorian said as introduction, a slight challenge in his voice.

The elder Pavus sighed at his son's tone, knowing it would still take work to mend his relationship with his son. "A pleasure to meet you, Fenris," he said, trying to sound as warm and welcoming as possible. "I do hope your journey was uneventful."

"It was tedious, but we arrived unscathed," Fenris stated matter-of-factly, with a slight bow of acknowledgement.

Halward Pavus reciprocated the bow and then ushered the two inside. "Let me get you both settled so you can freshen up. Will you both be joining us for lunch?"

"I am famished, and in dire need of a proper meal," Dorian said.

"Good. Now then, here you are Dorian. You're old room. It is pretty much as you left it," Halward gestured at the ornate doorway.

Dorian ushered Fenris inside the lavish room. It was even larger than the one the Inquisitor occupied in Skyhold, and lavishly appointed, in just the way Fenris imagined it would be. The windows were draped with silk and satin curtains in rich hues, the coverlet on the bed was of the finest Orlesian velvet. The bed itself was a grand affair, large enough to easily sleep several people.

Fenris crooked up an eyebrow and asked Dorian "you slept alone in that enormous bed?"

"Why yes, since I was a small child. When I was very little I would prop up the blankets with pillows and make a fort. Ah, the simple pleasures of youth," Dorian said, wistfully.

Dorian insisted on a change of clothing for them both, so they would be "presentable" for lunch with his parents. Fenris hated going anywhere without his armor but he acquiesced, Dorian insisting they were safe within the confines of the Pavus estate.

Dorian then led them to the dining room, where his parents were already waiting.

"Mother!" Dorian exclaimed upon seeing her, striding purposefully to greet her with a warm hug. She coolly embraced her son for a quick moment before pulling back.

"Mother, what's wrong?" Dorian asked.

"I have come to accept your proclivities my son. It is not as unusual in the Imperium as you might believe. However, I cannot say I approve of your current choice of partner," she said, with disdain narrowing her eyes at the elf.

"Mother! Let me make this very clear. He isn't just my 'current' choice, he is my only choice. I love him, madly and deeply, and I plan to spend the rest of my life with him … " Dorian quickly realized his slip and, blushing turned to look at Fenris. "… if he'll let me."

Fenris wasn't sure he heard that right … did Dorian just … propose? A blush darkened his features and turned his ears pink, but he quickly recovered.

"I can't bear the thought of living without you. Nothing could keep me from you," Fenris said, passionately, stepping up and taking Dorian's hand. He wasn't quite sure what exactly was happening, but it just felt … right. For a change he didn't want to flee, but instead stood firm in his resolve next to Dorian, looking at him lovingly.

Hearing those words from Fenris, Dorian sighed in relief, afraid he'd screwed everything up, again. He then threw all caution to the wind, and got down on one knee in front of Fenris and in full view of his parents and took Fenris' hands into his own.

"I was hoping to do this differently, a bit more romantic flair, a bit less parental defiance. However, I suppose there may never be a perfect moment, and this moment will have to do." Dorian reached into a pocket and pulled out what looked like a ring. It was designed in a masculine style, with an emerald set in the center, which mirrored the emerald in Fenris' eyes. Dorian offered the ring to Fenris and asked simply, "will you promise to be mine until we're old and gray, and too weak to fight the monsters in the dark?"

Fenris was so overcome, he sank to his knees, offering his hand and letting Dorian slip it on the intended finger. A perfect fit.

"Yes, Dorian. I will promise to be yours, as long as you promise to always be mine and mine alone," Fenris said.

"You have stolen my heart, Amatus, and would prefer you keep it with you, always." Dorian said tenderly.

Fenris looked at the sparkling ring on his finger. "However, I have nothing to give you in return, except my heart, and this," said Fenris, softly, quickly leaning in for a passionate kiss.

Dorian's mother took a quick intake of breath at the sight of the two men on their knees, kissing in her dining room, which broke the pair from their passionate embrace, both blushing. They got back to their feet and Dorian wasn't sure what emotions he was seeing in his mother's visage just at that moment. It looked like a mix of regret and perhaps a little bit of revulsion. She quickly composed herself and looked at Dorian.

"Well, I see you still have a flair for the dramatic. Fine, if he is your choice, then I will accept him into our home and our family, but … it doesn't mean I have to be completely happy about it," she stated firmly. Her gaze then softened slightly and she walked over and embraced each of them in turn.

Halward was also slightly shocked by the turn of events, having remained silent, but he finally stirred, walking over to embrace each of them in turn, and stating "I hope you are both very happy together." Then turning to Fenris he said in warning "If you ever break my boy's heart, I will personally hunt you down and tear yours from your chest."

Fenris almost replied with "I'd like to see you try," but thought better of it. Instead inclining his head silently in acknowledgement.

"Now enough with the … pleasantries," Dorian's mother interrupted, "our meal is growing cold. Please everyone have a seat."

After Lunch, Halward invited the pair into his library for a drink, under the pretense of getting to know Fenris better. He asked about the markings on his skin and scowled at the mention of Danarius.

"I am truly sorry you were put through that. Danarius was notorious for his experiments and his … appetites," he stated. "I am shocked that the lyrium branding didn't just kill you outright."

"It very nearly did," responded Fenris, with bitterness in his voice.

"Well, as you probably well know, those markings cannot be removed or easily covered up, and it makes you very unique, and easily identifiable," said Halward. "Despite Danarius' demise, there are quite a few other Magisters who would desire to enslave you again."

Fenris looked uneasy and Dorian looked like he was about to say something when Fenris spoke up, "Do you? Want to enslave me?" Fenris asked with a slight growl.

"Heavens no, dear boy. Dorian would never forgive me, of that I am quite sure," said Halward. He then rose and walked over to his desk, producing a stack of papers. "These are all the known contracts and bounties for you that I know of. I bought out every single one." Halward then turned and approached a brazier and threw the stack into the flames, destroying them.

Dorian finally found his tongue and spoke first "Father, you didn't have to do that … we're big boys and can take care of ourselves."

"I know, but I wanted to make some kind of gesture, to show you my sincerity of my acceptance of Fenris in your life, and in your heart," Halward said sincerely. "I could tell from how you spoke of him in your letters, how deeply you cared for him."

Dorian rose and embraced his father, whispering "Thank you."

"You can consider it a wedding present," Halward said, with a mischievous wink, which showed where Dorian got his wit from. He was relieved that he had finally begun to mend the rift between them.

Dorian then led Fenris back to his room, and Fenris was finally able to ravish Dorian's mouth, the way he had wanted to earlier, if they hadn't been in polite company.

Dorian came up for air and stared into Fenris' eyes. "I'm sorry to spring that on you like that Amatus, but my mother pushed my last nerve on this issue. I just felt that I had to claim you for myself, once and for all. Forgive me?"

"There is nothing to forgive. You laid claim to my heart months ago. I've just been too foolish to really see it until now. I love you, Dorian, and I never plan to leave your side." Fenris said huskily.

Dorian lifted Fenris' hand adorned with the ring, studying it intently. "It suits you, my love. When I saw it, it reminded me of your beautiful eyes."

"When did you slip away to get this? How long have you had it?" Fenris asked with curiosity.

"Do you remember that day in Kirkwall, when you thought I'd gone whoring at the Rose?" Dorian asked with a chuckle.

"No … wait, you don't mean to tell me the day I thought you betrayed my love and trust, was the day you purchased … this?" A grieved look came over Fenris face in that moment, his insecurities pushing to rise up and claim him again. He backed away from Dorian, walking across to the other side of the room

"Fasta vass! I am always such a fool, aren't I? How is it after all that you still want me?"

"It's simple really. It's because I love you, you silly elf. I won't just stop loving you for being occasionally foolish. Everyone is foolish sometimes," Dorian said, "Now are you going to continue brooding, or shall we celebrate our engagement?"

Fenris quirked a smile and stalked towards Dorian, "I. Do. Not. Brood," he said with a husky growl, before once again claiming Dorian's mouth. Dorian melted into that kiss, as they hungrily undressed each other and made their way to Dorian's very large bed. "Oh, to finally have a proper bed to make love to you in," Dorian said with a wide smile, before being pulled down and ravished by his hungry wolf.

The shadowy figure from the ship now perched silently on the rooftop across from the Pavus estate. He had already located the local cell of his organization and set a trap in motion. All he had to do now was wait for the right moment to strike.

Soon. Very soon, the Crows would hunt a Wolf.