Hawke made her way back through the alleyways which led into Lowtown from the docks. She was still shaking from her encounter with Isabela. The pirate had stepped up her game and caught Lana completely unawares. A year or so of full-on flirting and teasing had almost reaped the rewards in Isabela's favour. Hawke's solid resistance to her advances so far had been close to crumbling and Isabela knew it. Lana was surprised to find she possessed the will to deny the pirate's adventurous hands as they made their way down along her body, driving her crazy with anticipation. She knew where Isabela had been reaching, and she knew that if she didn't stop her from getting there that the game would be all but over.
Strangely, Hawke felt quite proud of herself. She had never put so much effort into not having sex with someone before. Isabela was different in comparison to the others who had come and went though. She was bad news, and Hawke was already heading down a dark path. The last thing she needed was to let her guard down with someone she didn't fully trust. Well, maybe 'trust' wasn't the right word. After all, she trusted Isabela enough to have her back in a fight. Hawke considered this then. So she trusted Isabela with her life but...not with her sex life? Weird. Especially considering the pirate would definitely perform better with the latter. But Lana knew deep down that this was for the best. After all, how many people had she seen Isabela take to her bed (or which ever location she fancied at the time) and have her way with them before kicking them to the kerb? No. Anything that could ever happen between Hawke and Isabela was a recipe for disaster. And disaster didn't need a recipe. Not when it had already been dished out in the form of Hawke's life.
Lana pushed open the front door to Gamlen's hovel. It was pitch black inside, except for a lone candle burning in the corner on the small table in front of the fireplace. Beside it, curled up on a chair with a blanket, breathing softly, lay Bethany fast asleep. Hawke sighed sadly. She closed the front door as quietly as she could and made her way over to the chair where her little sister lay, seating herself down softly on the edge of it beside her. Lana gazed down at her face. She looked so peaceful, all the worry of the day erased from her young features. There was an innocence about her which Hawke envied greatly, a feeling that no matter what happened, everything was going to work out in the end. Lana couldn't remember the last time she had fallen asleep thinking that. She hoped that what ever Bethany was dreaming about was peaceful. They had enough trouble to deal with during the day without having their sleep disturbed as well.
Hawke reached out and ran her hand through Bethany's long brown hair affectionately, brushing it away from her face. She felt guilty for leaving her here earlier, with nothing but dirty dishes and an almost comatose mother for company. All the girl had wanted was a nice dinner with what remained of her family and they had let her down as usual. Gamlen hadn't even attempted to stay though. As soon as he'd stolen their hard-earned coin he was out the door, untroubled by the fact that there was a bowl of homemade stew set out for him and a young girl's need to be around her family and have some sort of normality in this crazy world. The greasy bastard. Hawke had had just about enough of him.
Then there was their mother. Lana understood that she was still grieving but Leandra seemed to have forgotten that she still had two other children as well as Carver. Two other children who were working their asses off to keep the family from falling apart while the world went to ruin around them. Lana's once close relationship with her mother had changed drastically. Now the woman couldn't even look at her eldest without blame in her eyes. And Lana couldn't stand it. That was why she had to leave. People always considered Hawke to be the strong one of the family. As she stared down at her little sister though, Lana disagreed. Bethany was a much stronger person than she was. No matter what occurred, her sister was always optimistic. She always saw the positive in everything and everyone. Hawke on the other hand could feel herself buckle under the strain of it all.
Carefully, so as not to wake her, Lana slid her arms underneath Bethany and lifted her up into her arms. As much as she didn't want to disturb her, Lana couldn't let her sleep out here on her own. It wasn't safe. Break-ins were frequent in Lowtown. Also Gamlen would no doubt be home soon, drunk as a skunk, and the last thing either of them needed right now was another fight. There had been too much fighting in this house. Bethany stirred a little but didn't wake up. Instead she cuddled into Lana's body and let out a small sigh of contentment. Hawke carried her into their bedroom and lay her down gently on their bunk. She then took off her jacket and shoes and lay herself down beside her, putting a protective arm across her little sister, holding her close. It was just them now. Carver was never coming back. Lana felt as though she needed to take better care of her family. It was slowly disintegrating around her and no matter how many times she escaped to The Hanged Man with Isabela, no how many bottles of whiskey she finished, no matter how many times she joked and laughed with her friends, she couldn't escape that undeniable fact.
"I'll get us out of this mess, Bethany," she vowed quietly to her little sister as she slept, "I promise."
Hawke leaned over and kissed her on the head before snuggling in beside her and falling into an uneasy sleep.
"So the Rivaini finally broke you?" Varric asked, chuckling a little.
"What?" Hawke asked, confused, "What in all of Thedas are you talking about, Varric?"
The dwarf looked confused. They were sitting at the large table in his private quarters in The Hanged Man with Bethany and Anders, having lunch. The mage looked up in shock at Varric's words, but no more so than Bethany. She threw her sister a questioning look.
"Lana! You slept with Isabela?" she exclaimed. Hawke's mouth fell open.
"No! Of course not!" she replied exasperated. "Who told you this?" she demanded of Varric.
"She told me herself," he replied, "Made me give up my share of the bet as well. Two damn sovereigns! At this rate Hawke I'll be living in poverty."
He stared regretfully around the large run-down suite which had basically become his permanent headquarters, feigning sadness at the thought of having to leave. Hawke sighed and shook her head. She couldn't believe the dwarf of all people had fallen for another Isabela scheme.
"Varric," she began, "Do you really think I would give it up to Isabela that easily?"
He chuckled. "Hmm, I guess not. I figured since I didn't see you last night that she was telling the truth."
"When does she ever tell the truth?" Anders chimed in. Hawke rolled her eyes. Anders was in one of his moods again. No doubt the plight of the mages was getting him down once more. Hawke wouldn't be surprised if Justice made a guest appearance soon. Or maybe he was here already. She shivered, still not able to get used to the fact that the mage had a Fade Spirit living inside him.
"Well, good luck getting your coin back, Varric," Hawke continued, "I'm sure some whore in The Blooming Rose is putting it to good use as we speak."
The dwarf chuckled along with Hawke and Bethany. Anders continued to sulk.
"I swear, if that pirate comes to me one more time complaining about itchiness down below I'll throttle her," he grumbled.
"Eww," Bethany exclaimed. Hawke and Varric laughed.
"Yes well, you know pirates," Hawke replied, "They tend to dock in unsavoury places."
"I heard that!"
The four of them looked up. Isabela was standing in the doorway, leaning against the frame with her arms folded. There was a smirk on her face which only meant one thing. She had indeed gotten 'lucky' last night. Well, those on offer at The Blooming Rose could hardly be classed as a good catch, but when one has the urge, fussiness sometimes goes out the window and you settle for a bit of average. And Isabela tended to settle a lot.
"Well, well, well," Hawke joked, leaning back on her chair for a better view, "Look what the cat dragged in. Have fun last night?"
The pirate sniggered. "Oh, a little. But then it chickened out and ran home."
Hawke chuckled, catching her meaning. Isabela stared at her intensely, her smirk becoming wider. The others looked confused. The pirate pushed off the door frame and entered, seating herself at the table.
"So...talking about me were you?" she asked, helping herself to a mug of whiskey.
"As a matter of fact Rivaini, we were," Varric replied, leaning forward and crossing his hands together on the table. "A little birdy tells me that you've been telling fibs." The dwarf tutted a few times, mocking disappointment. Isabela chuckled.
"You'll have to be more specific, Varric. I tell a lot of fibs."
Everyone at the table laughed except Anders. Maker, he was becoming about as fun to be around as Aveline.
"I'll put it simply," Varric continued, "Two sovereigns."
Isabela sniggered. "Oh! That little fib. Ah, come on Varric. How about I do something else to pay you back?" She began to run her hands up the dwarf's arm, reaching for his chest hair and twirling between her fingers. The dwarf laughed.
"I don't think Bianca would approve," he said. Isabela giggled seductively.
"Maybe she could join us," she joked, "Oooh, how I have longed to run my fingers along her trigger."
Bethany choked on her porridge then. Isabela retracted her hand and she, Hawke and Varric began to laugh. Lana patted her on the back.
"I take it you understood that one then, Sister?" she asked amused.
Bethany nodded, trying to catch her breath. Now that Lana had pointed out the numerous sexual innuendos Isabela used that she had been missing, she had been listening out for them recently. That one was easy enough.
"Ah, good for you Sweet Thing," Isabela said proudly. "Maybe you can help Merril out. Poor Kitten is still struggling."
Bethany and the others laughed.
"Merril still has trouble finding her way home, Maker bless her," Lana said shaking her head, "It will be a while before she understands the ins and outs of sex."
Isabela and Varric laughed even harder. Bethany looked at her older sister for confirmation.
"Another one?" she asked innocently. Lana nodded and patted her sister's cheek, throwing her a smile.
"Two for two, Little Sis."
Bethany grinned. Finally she didn't feel so naive compared to everyone else. At times she felt as though she should be sitting at the kids table. Not that Isabela, Hawke and Varric acted like adults however. Some of the antics they got up to in The Hanged Man were immature and childish but Bethany knew it was mainly to do with how much they had drunk (Mainly). Some of the other things they got up to were wild and downright dangerous though. Bethany was surprised at the amount of bar brawls she had seen so far. The three of them were a pack of jesters when they got together and sometimes the good-natured ribbing and tricks played on patrons ended up with the victims being offended and calling them out for a duel to regain their honour. That was the way it usually ended.
"Maybe you should be spending your time helping those less fortunate than yourself instead of trying to understand dirty jokes, Bethany," Anders scolded grumpily. The atmosphere at the table turned serious at once. Bethany's face turned red and she looked ashamed of herself. Lana however stood up and leaned across the table towards Anders. She'd had enough of his jibes.
"For the last time, Anders, my sister will NOT be taking anything to do with your manifesto!" she said firmly. Anders got to his feet as well then. Lana could see the blue glow beginning to return in his eyes. Justice was coming to the surface.
"She is a mage!" he exclaimed, "A mage living free of the Chantry's grasp."
"Exactly," Hawke replied, "And we want to keep it that way! Scheming with you against the Templars is a sure-fire way for her to end up in a damn cell in the Gallows."
"She should be helping them," Anders growled, "Bethany should be using her freedom to aid the mages in their plight. I shouldn't be the only one to put my neck on the line for this cause."
"This is your cause, Anders!" Hawke said, trying to keep her voice down. "Stop dragging my little sister into it. Andraste's Ass she's only nineteen!"
"There are mages in the Circle who are only six and seven!" Anders spat, "And you're worried about Bethany? She's not a child, Hawke. It's time you saw that!"
"I want to help, Sister," Bethany said in a small voice.
"No!" Lana exclaimed, turning to her. There was a look of fear in her eyes which Bethany could not ignore. She knew Lana was trying to protect her but she felt guilty for living a free life while other mages were suffering at Templar hands. She felt it was her duty to do something. As did Anders.
"But Lana...The children..." Bethany said sadly. Lana turned back to Anders, furious.
"I'm warning you," she growled, "Stay away from my sister. You may be my friend Anders but believe me when I say this. I will kill you if you put her in danger!"
Anders stared at her. Silence fell as the effect of Hawke's words rang in the air. There wasn't a doubt in anyone's mind that she meant what she had said. Anders stared at her for a few seconds. It was obvious he was angry but even he realised he had pushed Lana too far this day. She seemed more on edge than usual, although no one had commented on it. The mage gave her one last glare before snatching his staff from beside his chair and storming out of Varric's private quarters, slamming the door behind him.
Hawke exhaled. They listened in silence to Anders descend the stairs to the bar below. Bethany reached over then and placed an arm on her sisters. Lana looked at her.
"Sister..."
Hawke shook her head. "No, Bethany, please don't look at me like that."
"But he's right!"
"He's not right!" Hawke countered. "Anders is caught up in something crazy and I don't want you getting involved, do you hear me?"
"But-"
"No 'buts'' Bethany!" Lana interrupted, "I'm serious. It's too dangerous. Do you want to spend the rest of your life locked up in the Gallows?"
Bethany shook her head. As she stared into her older sister's eyes she could see the sheer desperation there to keep her out of trouble. She knew Lana was only looking out for her but still, Anders was right, she was not a child.
"Fine," Bethany replied grimly. She knew she couldn't win. "I'm going home. Mother needs me to help with the cleaning."
"Thank you," Hawke said. She accepted Bethany's kiss on either cheek and watched her walk towards the door, feeling uneasy. Damn Anders and his stupid manifesto!
When the door shut Hawke re-seated herself. She reached for her mug of whiskey and tipped it back into her mouth before realising it was empty. Isabela held out the bottle to her.
"The bottom of a bottle never has any answers, Hawke... But it sure does make you forget the questions," she joked. Lana couldn't help the smile from appearing on her face despite her dampened mood. She chuckled slightly along with Varric. Isabela may not be good with personal problems, but she always knew how to make people laugh. It was one of the things that Hawke valued most about her.
The three of them talked and drank for a while, getting the latest word on the street from Varric. The dwarf's many contacts were great at providing trusted information and news of any pending danger in the works.
"How's your fund for the expedition coming along? Should I make arrangements?" Varric asked.
Hawke sighed. "I was almost there...then Gamlen happened."
"Yes I saw him at The Blooming Rose," Isabela chimed in, "You do NOT want to know what he was doing!"
Hawke cringed, "Eugh, spare me, please" she said, shaking her head. Varric chuckled.
"Well, I'm sure something will come up," he continued, "I'll tell Bartrand to make preparations. Let me know when you will be ready."
"Will do," she replied. "The sooner this get's underway the better."
"Agreed," Varric said, "Have you thought about who is coming with us? What about Bethany?"
"Hmm, maybe," Hawke considered, "Her magic will be useful and I'd rather her than Anders. What about you Bela?"
A reluctant look appeared on the pirate's face. "I...Well, its just...enclosed spaces aren't really for me."
"Really?" Hawke asked, a smirk playing on her lips, "I rather got the impression you enjoy exploring people's enclosed spaces."
The three of them laughed. "It depends," Isabela replied, smirking back, "I may have a go at most but I do have a preference you know."
"Which is?" Hawke asked, raising her eyebrows. The pirate leaned back on her chair then and folded her arms, her grin widening.
"You first," she replied. Hawke chuckled and ran a hand though her hair. She had deflected the question numerous times last night. It was bound to come back and bite her in the ass again. Varric was looking between the two women, confused at the sudden change of topic.
"I get the feeling we aren't talking about the Deep Roads anymore?" he asked curiously, knowing full well that they weren't.
"Depends on what you mean by Deep Roads, Varric," Hawke joked. They all laughed. Sooner or later, any conversation between Isabela and Lana always landed on sex. It was inevitable. Varric was one of the few people who could keep up though. They rest of them enjoyed but didn't understand or understood perfectly well but were uncomfortable.
"Well, if I meant the ones you two were talking about we wouldn't even need a map. I assume you're both experienced enough to find your way?" The dwarf joked. More laughter filled the room.
"Oh I dunno, Varric," Hawke teased considering Isabela, "I get the feeling the pirate captain gets a little lost sometimes. You can check the map all you want but sometimes...you just can't find the right spot."
Isabela and Varric laughed again. The pirate suddenly stretched out her leg under the table. Hawke hadn't realised she had removed her boots until the Rivaini's bare foot ran up her leg and slid in between her thighs enticing her. Hawke gasped.
"You mean this spot?" Isabela asked seductively, a cheeky grin on her face. Hawke lost her words momentarily. Varric chuckled and shook his head.
"She got you that time, Hawke," he said, getting to his feet. "I think on that note I'll go and meet Bartrand. I'll see you later."
"Bye Varric!" Isabela sang after him. Hawke was still momentarily mute. As the door shut behind the dwarf the two women turned back to each other. They both gazed at each other for several seconds.
"Do you mind removing your foot from my groin?" Hawke finally asked, grinning. Isabela gave her a teasing smile.
"If you don't like it why don't you say so?" she replied jokingly. Hawke hesitated. There was no denying she liked it. But Isabela didn't need confirmation. Her breath caught once more as the pirate pushed her foot further in between her legs. She dropped her eyes from the Rivaini's then, struggling against her will.
"You were saying...?" Isabela continued. Hawke heard the tease in her voice, knowing full well that she was turning her on. Lana let out a shaky laughed and looked back up at the Rivaini determinedly. She knew she had to get the upper hand back. Isabela was in control. She had to rectify that.
"I was saying..."Lana began, reaching down and touching the pirate's leg, "That if you don't remove your foot from in between my legs...I'll do it for you."
She pulled Isabela's leg with her hand and retracted it from between hers, pushing her chair back a little bit to get out of the woman's adventurous reach. Isabela chuckled as Lana stared into her eyes defiantly. Slowly, reluctantly, she dragged her leg back to her side of the table. The pirate stood up then shaking her head in disbelief. Lana got to her feet as well.
"I have to hand it to you, Hawke," she said, walking to the door with her, "You really do have a great sense of self-control."
Hawke chuckled. She reached out and opened the door. Suddenly the Rivaini shoved her up against if roughly. She pressed her body up against Lana's, their faces inches apart now. Hawke was taken by surprise and froze to the spot. She could feel the warmth radiate of the pirate's body as she trapped her there, staring deep into her eyes dangerously. The Rivaini raised her hand and slowly ran it through Lana's hair, then traced along her cheek with a finger.
"But you can't hold out forever," she whispered seductively. "And I'm not going to stop until I get what I want."
She leaned in before Lana could reject and placed a tender kiss on her lips before releasing her and walking away. Hawke leaned against the door in shock and watched her go. Isabela turned back and threw her a smirk of satisfaction before continuing down the stairs. Lana raised a hand to her mouth, still feeling the softness of the Rivaini's lips on hers. Once again the woman had taken her by surprise. She needed to do a better job of anticipating her moves. Isabela was so unpredictable though. The lines of this game were becoming blurred and Hawke was clinging on by a thread. Maybe some distance between them was needed for her to regain her footing. Because one thing was for sure. The Rivaini's footing was fixed firmly indeed.