The Hanged Man Games

Talia and Sebastian arrived at the Hanged Man Tavern and she was spot on. Almost all of her companions were drunk. She sighed and brought him over to their sofas. Isabella gave him her trademark sexy wink and Talia chose to ignore it. She clapped her hands together to get the groups attention.

"Right. This is Prince Sebastian Vael of Starkhaven. Please be respectful". Merrill stood up and bowed to him. "Sir, I'm Merrill, pleased to meet you". Sebastian shook her hand. "You don't need to call me Sir". A collective sigh from Talia's friend's signaled their happiness at not having to say 'Sir' all the time. Merrill sat back down. Fenris, Anders. Avaline and Varric shook his hand too. Luckily Isabella had gone to get some more drinks. Talia walked to the bar to help her with carrying the drinks. "So, the prince huh? I'm impressed Hawkie, took you a while to get back here didn't it?" She laughed and raised an eyebrow. Talia fidgeted. "Actually no. I have never done anything, never even kissed anyone actually". Isabella gasped. "Why did you gasp? That sounded like you were surprised that I am a virgin". "Well you a pretty woman, so I am surprised that men haven't tried to sweep you off your feet. I could teach you about kissing". She winked and Talia just picked up the ale jugs and walked off. "Sebastian is in the Chantry, so he abstains. Sorry Izzy". Isabella huffed, like that would stop her.

Sebastian had sat on the arm of the couch. Talia passed the drinks around and sat on the seat next to him. She immediately regretted her choice of seat. Her cheeks burned a little and Varric noticed that and coughed. It snapped her back to the now. "Bad throat Varric? Maybe all that gossiping damaged it". Fenris smirked. "So, what is it like being a Prince?" Avaline inquired. "Not as brilliant as people think it is. Starkhaven is in turmoil, so I am here in Kirkwall to try and get some help with that". "I am sorry to hear about the turmoil, we will help as best we can". He smiled at Talia's reply.

A fly hovered around Talia's jug and she wafted it away. It came back again and again. "Why you incessant, troublesome little fly. Pray tell why you want this ale?" The others laughed at her hand, whizzing back and forth to rid her personal space of the fly. "Not heard that said about a fly before. Usually it's go away you little beggar". Sebastian looked down at Talia and she quickly downed some more ale to avoid his gaze. "What can I say, Hawke is rather thorough". Isabella winked at her. Talia put the jug down and looked up at the prince. "Oh wouldn't you like to know". She looked at Isabella and raised both eyebrows. She picked up the jug. Sebastian said nothing more that night. He seemed rather distracted after that little fly conversation.

The evening soon drew in, and almost everyone stumbled back to Talia's house. Apart from her and Sebastian who still was silent. Talia waved her hand in front of his face and he snapped back into reality. "So, that's my merry, scratch that, very merry crew". She laughed a little, he did too. "Aye, they certainly are merry. I take it you are off home then?" Talia nodded. "Can I accompany you on your walk home?" She nodded and gulped. Being in a fairly crowded and loud tavern with him was one thing, being in dark alleyways and streets with him alone was another. Him being in the Chantry stung her inside, even though she had only known him for almost a day.

They left the tavern and walked down the long streets of Kirkwall. "So, may I ask about you, your family and such?" Sebastian's question she knew he would ask at some point. And it didn't bother her to tell him. "Well, there is my Mother, Leandra, my younger brother Carver, my younger sister Bethany and my Uncle Gamlen. I live in a manor, and the other's all have their own rooms. Bodhan is my housekeeper, and his son Sandal lives there too. Orana helps with cleaning and cooking, and that is that. As for me, there isn't much to tell. I am a fighter, I use weapons that are meant for only men to use, so I am seen as less of a woman. Maybe I should be in floaty dresses that barely cover your modesty, and I should have men fawning all over me. But that just isn't me, I don't do prim and pretty, I do practical, just with swords instead of material things".

As Sebastian had given up everything material to be in the Chantry, he liked that she didn't bother with the material things, she wasn't fragile and vain. She was tough, and he admitted beautiful the way she was. She had the kind of beauty that doesn't need make-up or dresses or perfectly groomed hair. Hawke was a no fuss/no frills kind of woman and he was fascinated by her.

He mulled over her other companions:

Fenris - Broody and dark.

Anders - Seems smart, helps others.

Isabella - Not even going there.

Merrill - Quiet as a mouse.

Avaline - Tough, not getting on her bad side.

Varric - I hope he doesn't find out about the time I blatantly led a woman into my bedchamber whilst Father scowled at me. Although, now, I do feel bad about that.

They had reached Hawke manor. "Thanks for the company, didn't think chivalry still existed". Sebastian shook his head. "That's because it doesn't. And no problem. Now, get inside lass or you'll catch cold". Talia laughed. "Oh, so men don't get colds?" "Why? Is that an offer for you to nurse me better if you do?" Talia feigned shock. "Surely your fellow Chantry brothers would look after you if you were ill. After all, I don't do doting on anyone unless they mean a lot to me. And men moan too much when they get ill anyway". Talia playfully punched him in his arm. "Well, that is true for some of us. It was lovely to meet you Talia. Take care and goodnight. Maker watch over you". He bowed his head and left. "Goodnight Sebastian, Maker watch over you too". She entered her manor and her chest felt warm.

He called me Talia...