YAY! I'm back!I hit a snag novel wise. Need to hit the half price books. Also anyone know decent artists for fantasy and documentary type books. I'm writing comics for a site and we need an artist so if you guys know anyone..yeah! Anyway enjoy ladies and gents. I'm putting Fenris in medium armor…mostly because heavy would slow him down.
Oh and the first chapter of this fic won a contest on Deviant art set up by the artist Vampy6667 so hopefully we should see that in the next few weeks and I'll post a note saying when it's up. Also I'm making my Hawke a bit of something…mostly because well you don't see things when Hawke and Fenris are alone so you will see your champion in a bit of a new light.
Aslso where are all these new readers coming from? My inbox on Aim has been filling up daily with new readers…awesome. You guys rock.
I would like to thank a certain Dothraki warlord for helping inspire one of the scenes in this chapter.
Chapter 7
Hot stinking breath that reeked of bone and meat was the way he woke up when Hawke decided to leave on some early morning errand. Opening his eyes, he saw the familiar oversized head of the mabari lying on his lover's pillow, staring at him affectionately. Grumbling, the man next to the beast started to sit up, only to be assaulted with a couple of slobbery licks before the dog bounded from the bed and barked happily.
Grabbing a washcloth from the drawer, he dipped it in the washbasin and cleaned up before tossing a bit of jerky to Remus. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Fenris let out a yawn and removed a pair of pants and a cloth shirt. Dressing quickly he looked out the window and saw that it was still dark out. Deciding it best to try and find his lover, Fenris took one of the last vials of his antidote out of the nearby dresser and drank it before replacing it.
Clicking his tongue, he heard the scraping of Remus' claws behind him and grabbed his blade. It glimmered shortly at the contact with the lyrium in his skin. Strapping it to his body, he opened the door and let the dog enter the hallway before him. When it latched, he yawned once more and headed to the main hall where he found Ser talking to a couple of his men.
The qunari took notice of the elf and waved his men away when the warrior reached the bottom of the stairs. Looking over the elf, Ser gave him what passed for a smile among the qunari and greeted him in his native tongue. Giving the appropriate response, Fenris was shocked when the behemoth said, "I am glad to see you have recovered, Fenris. I was worried the poison would keep you in bed for a few days more."
Fenris snorted at the comment and crossed his arms. "I'm surprised you can even walk after I nearly disemboweled you."
Ser gave a low chuckle and rubbed his stomach. "I've survived worse my friend. Though I would be lying if I were to say I did not feel fear for the first time in many years at seeing someone capable of such a thing."
Watching the dog scratch his neck, Fenris muttered, "I would give it to you if that were possible. But such a thing is impossible."
"I do not wish for such power. I have my purpose and that is all I need." He let out an uneasy sigh before growling. When Fenris' eyes locked on him the larger warrior said, "I would like to apologize for my comments during our dual. Along with nearly poisoning you; I almost got myself killed."
The elf shook his head. "Do not worry about such things. You were right in some of your comments about my former master, but wrong with some of your others. Moreover, mistakes happen to the best of us. The maker knows I have made a few of my own, but by your weapons being poisoned, we have found a traitor in our midst and from what King Alistair said you are working on finding them. "
Sers eyes widened slightly at both the revelation and Fenris'willingness to forgive him. "While that may be true, I committed an act of great dishonor against you and your mate. He is a great warrior and worthy of your devotion and I wish to make amends."
Seeing Remus pace in front of the door, Fenris walked over and let the animal out before saying into the warm early morning air. "Duel with me once we've finished our mission." Turning to the qunari he smiled, "That should give you another chance to redeem your honor."
Ser chuckled and patted the handle of his axe. "I will savor my victory."
Leaving the qunari, Fenris stepped out into the courtyard and breathed heavily. He let out a contented sigh. From the corner of his eye, he could see the dog digging at the ground and decided to join the creature. Though he acted rude toward him, the elf was fond of the hound and knew just how much he meant to Hawke. Despite his slobbering and sometimes stupid antics, the beast had proven useful in battle and had saved his life more than once making it difficult for the elf to become angry with him.
Approaching the hound, Fenris saw the beady eyes of a mole through the flurry of dirt rising from the hole. Clicking his tongue, the elf told the dog, "Leave him be."
The hound snorted and growled at the mole as if to declare, "You'll be mine one of these days." The mole just squeaked back and disappeared into the darkness.
Patting the dogs head, Fenris heard the faint sounds of someone grunting from the training yard. He looked down at Remus, whose stubby tail was wagging excitedly.
Taking that as a signal to move ahead, Fenris walked silently next to the dog and when the rounded the corner they found Hawke twirling what was called, "The Hawke's Key," in his right hand. The electricity in the blade crackled quietly with each thrust and slash, its magical properties increasing his already formidable speed. In the left twirled the well-known Antivan blade known as Finesse. Both blades were a blur in the hands of the human.
Removing his blade, Fenris sent Remus away while keeping his eyes on the blades and slowly crept forward. Keeping the blade from glowing, the elf inched his way to the human until finally he crouched and pushed forward with all his might. His meditative chants fell silently from his lips and as he brought his sword down, Fenris received a fist to the face, having his feet knocked out from under him.
He barely felt the earth on his rear and soon he was up on his feet, the sword now glowing in his hands. The eerie light of the blade lighting up the humans face; a small bead of sweat dripped from Hawke's nose and landed on the ground. He watched, as the elf remained motionless and got into a defensive position.
"Are you sure you want to do this?"
Nodding the elf smiled. "It's been a year since our last sparring match so I'd like to see if you can still keep up with me."
Smiling back, Hawke sheathed his weapons saying, "Will you agree to a hand to hand fight?"
Sticking his blade into the ground, Fenris cracked his knuckles and nodded, "Doesn't matter since you will not win this time."
Chuckling, Hawke put one foot forward an in an instant sent the elf staggering with a punch to the stomach. His lover gasped for breath as rushed forward again and dropped an elbow into the elf's shoulder. Expecting to hear a pop, Hawke instead felt Fenris grab his elbow and flip him over. As he was flying over the elf, he watched as the hand slipped out of his skin.
Shuddering, Hawke twisted in the air, landed on his feet, and got into a defensive position just in time to block Fenris' fists from colliding with his head. Hawke felt his knees give out from the sheer power of the blow; he felt the warrior's knee collide with his chin. His head reeled from the blow and he could not recover in time to block Fenris' knee from hitting him in the kidney.
It took all his will power to keep from vomiting and was lucky enough to stagger backwards just before the wolf was able to deliver another blow. Shaking his head, Hawke regained some sense of balance and blocked a punch from Fenris before kicking him in the chest. Keeping hold of the arm, Hawke brought the elf around for a punch but let his fist fall short after seeing blood begin to drip from the elf's mouth.
"Shit," was all Hawke said as he pulled the elf close. "Are you okay? Did you take your potion?"
Coughing a bit, Fenris nodded, "Yes, I took it before coming down here." Stepping back he wiped the blood and a bit of dirt from his mouth before adding, "It looks as if I shall need to rest a bit more."
"Or learn how to dodge. " Fenris glared at the human and felt the lyrium in his skin burn again at the humans taunting.
"You could use a lesson in dodging yourself. If memory serves me correct I've hit you more than that wench you seem to favor for company when I'm not around."
Plastering on his usual smirk, the rogue started walking them toward his armor. Inside he pulled out three bottles. Handing one of the poultices to the elf, Hawke downed his transformation potion before drinking his own healing potion. Letting them take effect, he shook as the familiar tingle shiver up his spine. His scalp and his face began to itch and after a moment shook agitation before noticing an annoyance in his jaw. Giving the itch in his healing jaw a scratch, the human shivered as a breeze cooled his wet skin. Before he could grab his shirt, he felt the elf's arm wrap around his waist.
Feeling the elf's warmth on his body, Hawke opened his mouth to speak but instead let out a yell of surprise when his legs gave way forcing him face first into the soft earth. He tried to himself off the ground, but Fenris was applying all his weight, and despite his smaller size, the warrior had little effort in holding the human down, his voice growling as he gently scratched his way up the humans back.
"I win."
The human shuddered at the nails scraping his skin. Under the moonlight, Fenris could see the red marks and grinned when he heard the human moan. Leaning in, he could hear Hawke trying to hide his heavy breaths but that ended once the elf took a bit of flesh from his neck between his teeth making the human pant even more.
The saltiness of the sweat filled the warrior's nose and he could not help but lick the beads as they formed on the champion's skin. The taste of the salt and the sound of the human's pants made it hard for Fenris to control himself but he did and turned the human onto his back and locked his lips to Hawkes.
Hawke could do nothing but allow the elf to suck the breath from him. Fenris was usually the sneakier of the two when it came to initiating their lovemaking, but when he did the human fell to his touch like clay on a potter's wheel. The gentlest flick of the elf's tongue on his skin sent jolts of electricity through. The gentle pulse of the lyrium had him tracing the tattoos like an artists brush on a canvas, the dull heat from them and the heated breaths from the elf increasing the human's pleasure as the elf growled, "Lift."
Reflex took over and Hawke sighed with great relief as his daggers moved away from his lower back. This was short lived as the elf left his pants twisted around his feet. It was an easy enough task for Hawke to escape, but he would not. He enjoyed this and knew that Fenris did as well since he had first allowed the elf the pleasure of taking him shortly after their reconciliation.
In addition, even now Hawke was still just as easy to manipulate. All the elf had to do was barely raise one of the human's hips and he was on his chest, buttocks raised in the air. He breathed deeply as he felt the elf steady himself over him the human could feel the elf's wetness pressing against him he pushed back in eagerness.
The elf's hands gripped him firmly and shortly after he let out a small scream as the elf entered him. He felt the elf's lips gently kiss the back of his neck and gentle words whisper in his ear before the elf lowered his hips and thrust back in.
Hawkes hands dug into the earth, his cheeks scraping against the grass as the elf's heavy breaths filled his ears. He could feel the strong chest grind against his back his moans synchronizing with the elf's breaths. His hips pushed his buttocks back, colliding with the elfs hips creating a rhythmic pounding.
Gaining a bit of strength, Hawke slowly pushed himself up and Fenris along with him. He felt the elf's nails dig deeper into his skin. Biting his lip to keep the elf from hearing his pleasure, Hawke turned to see small bits of blood sliding down his buttocks beneath the pale blue glow of elf's tattoos. Their blackness only held his attention for as he felt Fenris squeeze him. Hawke panted as the rough hands began to stroke him. His eyes fluttered a bit from the pleasure of the lyrium-tattooed member filling him while his own erection throbbed under the experienced hand of his lover.
Losing all control in his ecstasy Hawkes face soon met with the ground once more as Fenris changed his angle and the tip of his lover pressed against the spot inside his body. His moans slowly grew louder as the elf thrust into him.
He soon felt himself releasing into the elf's hand, the liquid dripping onto the ground as the elf placed his hands on either side of the humans head and growled heavily as Hawke began to grip him. It did not take long but with a final grunt from the elf, the human felt familiar warmth inside him.
Soft lips pressed against sweaty flesh as hands traveled gently toward dried blood as a voice whispered, "I'm sorry."
Laughing, the rogue ran his fingers through damp silver hair and whispered back, "You shouldn't be." Turning his head, his eyes met the elfs and he gave him gentle kiss on the nose. "I didn't tell you to stop so you don't need to be." Guiding the elfs hand to the small wounds he said, "Besides, you now know the best place to grab." The elf laughed loudly at this making Hawke smile. Turning over to sit, he pulled the elf close to him and whispered, "If I ever make you regret anything, I'm not much of a man."
Snorting into Hawke's arms, Fenris gave him a kiss before saying, "And you'll be a dead one if we don't get cleaned up soon. I fear we do not have much time left before Ser and the others arrive. And also," his stomach gave a loud growl making the elf blush a bit and the rogue roll his eyes.
"Every single time." The elf gave the human a small punch before getting dressed.
A bit over an hour later, the now fed elf and human were in the armory preparing their armor. Hawke had chosen a set of leather armor that hid his features well and were made of inscribed leather that helped define him as an officer serving under Ser.
While Hawke was helping Zevran adjust his breastplate, Fenris was working a long strap of leather around his sword. While he had a more powerful sword in Kirkwall, Fenris brought this due to it being a gift from Hawke. He always found it interesting that Hawke would give him such a weapon, but he held it in his mind that it meant the human trusted the elf wit his life and would spare him a painful death.
Vowing to himself that he would do such a thing for Hawke, Fenris finished wrapping his blade and stuck it into the spare sheath he would found in the armory. As he was strapping it to its sling, Marcus approached him and asked if he needed any help.
Giving the human a curious look, Fenris nodded and said, "I'm just about done and if I have a problem I'll ask Hawke to help me."
The lieutenant shuffled uncomfortably in his heavy silverite armor. His eyes looked over the elfs red steel scale armor and he shook his head. "You'll be a bit of a risk going into that vipers den. Especially with that sword you seem so fond of."
Sliding the strap over his shoulder, Fenris looked down at his armor before saying, "I've taken most of the necessary precautions, and save for the very tips of my tattoos a simple drink of my potion will dull them to where no one can see them. And as for my sword," he unsheathed it with ease and rested its tip on the ground. "I can fight easily enough with other swords. I'll only draw it should I have no other options."
Marcus growled in agreement and walked past Hawke, muttering good morning to him before checking on his men who were practicing their forms.
The champions eyes met Fenris' and after giving Zevran a pat on the shoulder saying that his swords were steady limped over to the elf. The assassin chuckled, figuring out the truth behind the limp at the first sign of Hawke walking into the dining hall that morning. He paid it no attention and rested a hand on the elfs armored shoulder. He was not used to seeing his lover in such garb, and with such a lithe frame, it looked like it would slip off the elf at a moments notice.
"Need some help?"
Shaking his head, Fenris picked up the helmet he had chosen and glared at it. "I hate wearing armor like this." Putting on the helmet, his face was completely covered save for his eyes. The piercing eyes were now glaring at Hawke like a starved wolf protecting its kill from a rival. "Why are you allowed to walk around without a stove pot on your head?"
Laughing the human removed the helmet and juggled it in his hands. "Because I don't stand out as much as you. To the others I am just a boring old human. You however," he set the helmet in the elfs hands, "you were given something against your will that makes you stand out amongst your own kind. And we both know that Danarius enjoyed showing you off to his friends."
His skin burned at the memories of Danarius showing him off like an animal at auction. The metal of the helmet held against the force of his hands pressing on it as he remembered those nights of humiliation at his now dead masters hands. It wasn't until Hawke said his name that he was shaken from his memories.
Blinking his eyes he asked, "My apologies, Hawke. I seem to have drifted off for a moment."
Hawke nodded, he mentioned a taboo subject and was glad his head was not in the elfs hands. "It shouldn't have been brought up, but I need you to control yourself today. There's a good chance you'll see a mage that you have a grudge toward but I need you to act like a soldier."
"I'm well aware of what is expected of me without your patronizing."
The words stung the rogue like snakes venom. Nevertheless, he nodded and said, "You're right I'm sorry." He took a deep breath before giving the elf one final pat on the shoulder Hawke limped away without a word to make sure he had everything he needed. From the corner of his eye, he watched Fenris take one of the last few bottles of his antidote as he put on his helmet.
When it was resting on his head, Marcus shouted the order for everyone to fall into line. Getting into line with the others, Hawke removed himself from the line along with Fenris and Zevran. He remained at attention, a left over reflex from his short time in the military.
Looking next to him, he saw Zevran fiddling with a dagger while Fenris remained lax and annoyed as the king came forward.
Alistair surveyed his guard, his white steel armor shining like a sun in the torch light. He looked as if he had not much sleep but that did not affect him.
"You all know what you are here for. I and Prince Sebastian called this Landsmeet to see if we can avoid another war." He watched as some of the younger members of his guards shook with anticipation and shook his head. "I know that many of you wish to go to war, to earn a name for yourself and to gain great prestige among the people but as a man who has fought in wars I say this not as your king but as a fellow soldier."
The men straightened up at this and some did not look shocked when the king declared, "War is not a game, nor is it glorious. It is violent, destructive, and something that should be avoided at all costs." He looked at the younger men who looked a little disappointed before continuing. "I have fought in a few since I took over for my brother. I have lost many friends and seen acts of cruelty that has made me wonder why the Maker even bothered creating the world. Though I will say this," He straightened up and for the first time since meeting, he Hawke truly saw a king stand before him.
"If it comes to war, we shall fight and we shall win. And you men will help bring Thedas into a new age of enlightenment." The men all cheered at their king's words and as they fell into formation, he shook his head as he turned to Hawke. "I wish I had their enthusiasm."
The energy looked like it had been sucked from his body and he looked ill. Zevran laughed and wrapped an arm around his friend's neck saying, "You are here to inspire and lead. If you look weak then they will have no hope."
Elbowing his friend, the king gave a grim smile. "It still doesn't make it any easier, Zevran." The elf tussled the king's hair before stepping away and allowed the king to get a measure of Hawke before asking. "You're sure these people will come to our aid? Because if they don't I fear that should war erupt we will stand very little chance of winning."
Hawke gave the three men around him a grim look before focusing on the men at the door and shook his head. "If it comes to that, then may the Maker have mercy on us all."
