Author's Note: Wow this one took forever. I am so sorry for the delay! It is longer, so hopefully that makes up for its tardiness a little. :/ The next few chapters will be of the year Hawke spent working off her debt; I found it a little harder at first because I had nothing to work with, but I didn't want to just skip that year. I think I've got a few good ideas for it though, so no worries.
Always, thank you to those who favorite and alert and reviews are always, always welcome!
Disclaimer: I own nothing, BioWare owns all!
The Hawke family was allowed to rest that first day in the city. Aveline remained alert for the better part of the afternoon, but Hawke eventually convinced her to sleep. Hawke, herself, dozed lightly on the couch for a few hours, but felt too restless to get much sleep.
Her mind made up, she grabbed the pack that Carver had filled with items off the dead guards and began to go through its contents. Most of what she found would be of little use beyond seeing how much coin she could sell it for, but she did find a ring. She was able to sense the magic in it and slipped it on Aveline's finger before packing everything back up and slinging the pack over her shoulder.
She carried her staff as a walking stick and left Gamlen's house. She had to learn the streets and there was no better way to do that, than explore. She quickly memorized the area around the house to make sure she'd recognize it when she returned then set off to find the market district.
Gamlen had not led them past the market on the way from the docks, so Hawke turned down the unfamiliar street. She followed her ears and, a few turns and stairs later, quickly found the market. There were people crowding the streets looking at the vendors, selling their wares, selling their bodies; whatever would make them enough coin to buy food.
Hawke made her way through the crowd to the vendors and began haggling. Most of the merchants sneered at her and her Ferelden accent, but she still managed to get decent coin from the goods she had in her pack. She didn't let the sneers and snide remarks bother her; she remained polite but firm and they eventually handed over the coin.
Her pack empty and her coin purse… not really full, but fuller, Hawke slipped back into the crowd. Not wanting to go back to Gamlen's crowded hut, she meandered about Lowtown. She knew better than to just wander aimlessly, unawares, but she did make a full circuit of Lowtown, trying to memorize the area.
She made note of the Hanged Man when she passed it as it appeared to be the only tavern in the district. She wanted to visit before going back to her family, but the rapidly sinking sun made her delay the journey. She didn't want to be on the streets alone at night.
On her way back through the bazaar, she purchased enough food for a small dinner for everyone. Just some bread, cheese, and cold meat, but it had taken a good chunk out of the coin she'd gotten today. Carver was right. They'd have to do something on the side to get enough coin to survive.
Stepping back into the shack, she found everyone was still resting. Everyone but Aveline. Her freckled-faced friend looked rather worried until she turned around and saw Hawke. The relief was clear on her face and she moved towards the door.
Hawke held up the food as a peace offering and smiled apologetically.
"Did it take you four hours to get food?"
"No. I was familiarizing myself with the area." Hawke explained, then to change the subject, "Have they slept this entire time?"
"Yes. The journey was not pleasant; I'm sure they are relieved to have mattresses and room to lay down."
Hawke winced, regretfully. It had not been her choice to sleep in the captain's quarters the entire voyage. She would have gladly given her brother or her mother the chance to trade places.
"Well, maybe some dinner will bring them 'round." Hawke unloaded her bundle of food and began preparing dinner. Aveline pitched in and soon there were five plates of food ready for consumption. "Too bad I couldn't get anything hot. Coin doesn't go very far when the vendors are too busy glaring at you to haggle."
"Why were they glaring?"
"Because she's Ferelden." Gamlen answered. He had come out of his room when he heard the two preparing dinner. "There's no love for refugees here in the Marches."
"Joy." Hawke muttered as she picked up two plates. She slid passed Gamlen and knocked on the door to her family's room with her foot. Leandra opened it soon after and Hawke presented her with the food. "Dinner."
There was a startled snort from within the room and Carver's voice sounded, "Food?"
Leandra and Hawke traded small smiles before Hawke replied, "Yes, Carver, food. Aveline made dinner."
He jumped down and took the plate from Hawke's hand, "Thanks Aveline." He went back into the bedroom and ate in his bunk.
Leandra shook her head and accepted the offered plate. "Thank you for making dinner." She went back to her bunk to eat as well.
Hawke rejoined Aveline in the living room, taking her own plate before sitting on the couch next to her friend. "Why did you tell Carver that I made dinner?"
"So that he would thank someone for it. If I'd told him I made it, he would have just grumbled and muttered under his breath." Hawke replied.
"Forgive me for saying this, but it seems you and your brother don't get along very well."
Hawke laughed quietly. "No, I suppose we don't. He can be insufferable, but I love him anyway."
"He's family."
"Exactly."
The two quietly enjoyed the rest of their dinner, not noticing when Gamlen shook his head and slipped back into his room.
The next day Hawke awoke to the sound of someone pounding on the door. Instantly awake, she rolled off the couch to a crouched position on her hands and knees next to Aveline. The red-head was awake as well, sword clutched tightly in her hand as she rolled to her feet.
Before either woman could move to the door, however, the bedroom door slammed open and Carver, wearing only loose breeches, stalked angrily to the other door and yanked it open. "Blood of Andraste, what?"
"Message from the Red Iron, Serah." Rapidly retreating footsteps signaled the end of that conversation and Carver closed the door. He muttered obscenities as he went back to his room, tossing the letter at Hawke as he passed.
She broke the seal and read the letter:
Hawke,
Welcome to the Red Iron. Your year begins today and there is work to be done. Bring your brother and meet me at the Hanged Man in an hour.
Meeran
"Well, so much for resting." Hawke stood and made herself presentable before going back to Carver's room. She opened the door and poked her head in. Leandra was still asleep, so she quietly made her way over to the bed and shook her brother awake. "Our presence is requested, be ready to go in half an hour." She whispered.
He grumbled and shoved her hand away. Hawke went back into the living room, knowing that he would be ready when he needed to be. Aveline was dressed and armored when she returned.
"You don't have to come with us."
"I hold no debt with Meeran, but I do with you and your family. I will not abandon that."
"I certainly won't turn aside your help." Hawke smiled. "It'll be nice having someone who isn't swinging a sword as big as I am about willy-nilly."
"I do not swing it 'willy-nilly'." Carver growled as he joined them in the living room.
"Well it certainly isn't with any kind of precision that I've noticed." Hawke grinned.
"Says the person who doesn't have to aim. You wouldn't know precision if it knocked you about the head." Carver retorted.
"Oh really? I'll remember you said that next time I toss a fireball to save your ass." Hawke caught her staff when he threw it to her and smirked as she walked towards the door.
Aveline didn't think Hawke saw Carver's small smile, but it was good to know that it was there. They may bicker, but the two did genuinely care for each other.
As the three stepped out of Gamlen's shack, Carver asked, "Why are we leaving now? You said I had half an hour."
"We were all ready to go, might as well get there early; grab some breakfast." Hawke explained.
"Fine, lead the way."
The Hanged Man was not far and the tavern was not terribly crowded this early in the morning. Hawke ordered breakfast for the three of them and grimaced as she handed over the coin to pay for it. Breakfast passed in relative silence, the only noise coming from the few patrons here this early.
Before the hour was up, Meeran and a few Red Irons walked in and made their way to Hawke and her companions. "You're early; that's good."
Hawke took the time to do what she had not yesterday and looked Meeran in the eye. He's loyal, even if only to his men; a hard man, not prone to acts of mercy or leniency; greedy, too, but what mercenary isn't? He's a bit of a sadists, lovely.
"We try." She muttered, mostly sarcastic, and brought her eyes back to her plate. She did not like this man.
He chuckled and then turned his attention to Aveline, his expression hardening. "Your friend is not on the payroll. It comes out of your own pocket if she's helping."
"I am aware. What's the job?" Hawke interrupted Aveline before she could say anything.
"Starting you off with something simple. Escort duty. Red Iron's been hired to babysit a foppish young noble visiting the city, and his well paying father doesn't want the lad coming to any harm." Meeran explained.
"Sounds easy. Is he expecting trouble?" Hawke asked warily.
"Pick pockets aplenty in Hightown, but beyond that, probably not."
"So we're just supposed to follow some noble about as he does his shopping?" Carver asked.
"You will," Meeran chuckled again, "you're sister however…"
Hawke sighed. "I'm to be arm candy then is it?"
Meeran nodded. "Pretty young thing like you don't fit the part of bodyguard, not like your brother, but you'll fit well enough on his arm."
"Wonderful. When and where?"
"Meet him at the docks one hour before midday; his ship is called The Wind Dancer. You will need to meet with Elegant before then, to look the part. She will meet you outside your uncle's once we're through here."
"How long will we be babysitting?" Carver asked.
"One day. Like I said, starting you off easy." Meeran replied. "You'll keep him alive and unharmed from the moment he steps of his ship to when you put him back on it in the morning."
"Very well. Anything else?"
"That's it. Simple." He stood in lieu of a verbal dismissal and left with his guards.
"He said I have to look the part."
"He did." Aveline agreed.
"That means I have to wear a dress, doesn't it."
"In all likelihood, yes."
Hawke groaned and let her head fall to the table.
"Problem Hawke?"
"I don't wear dresses. Dresses make it hard to move, especially fancy ones. All corset-y and such. I don't even wear mage robes!"
"That's because we didn't need you walking around with a sign around your neck saying 'I'm a mage! Arrest me!'" Carver retorted.
Hawke groaned again as a response.
"Come on, Sister. It's going to take this Elegant hours to get you presentable, no doubt. Best get started."
Hawke stuck her tongue out at her brother.
"Kind of proving my point, Tempy."
The three walked the short distance to Gamlen's and found a pretty blonde waiting calmly at the stairs. "You are Hawke?" She asked.
"That's me. Are you Elegant?"
"I am, and hopefully I can teach you to be as well." She nodded her head in acknowledgement.
"No offense, but you don't exactly look the mercenary type." Hawke pointed out.
She laughed quietly. "I do not work for Meeran. I am an independent contractor; I mostly supply potions and poultices, but Meeran asked me to apply my other expertise for this job."
"I see." Hawke found her easy manner easy to get along with. She followed Elegant as she led the way to her own abode. Which was nicer than Gamlen's.
Aveline and Carver had gone back to Gamlen's at Hawke's request, so it was just Hawke and Elegant. The blond gestured to a tub of water for Hawke to bathe in. "You're new to the city, yes? I'll wager you haven't had a proper soak in some time. Place your clothes aside and get in the tub."
Hawke was unused to bathing in front of people, but she didn't think Elegant was going to take advantage of her or anything. She did as she was instructed and slipped into the warm water, submerging completely and then sitting back up. She groaned audibly in pleasure. It had been a while since she'd had a proper soak.
Hawke squeaked when she suddenly felt Elegant's hands in her hair. "Peace, Hawke. I am washing your hair for you, just relax."
"Sorry, you just startled me." Hawke let the tension leave her shoulders as she relaxed again.
"I apologize."
The way Elegant's hands moved through her hair and massaged her scalp felt really nice, so all Hawke managed was a few mumbles in way of response. She sat there and let Elegant do her job for a few minutes before she found her voice again. "What are you putting in my hair?" She had heard the clink of a few glass bottles and felt oils on Elegant's hands.
"It's a recipe of my own making. It cleans the dirt and unseemly grime from the hair and leaves behind a pleasant aroma." She wafted her hand in front of Hawke's nose so that she could smell.
"Mmm… it's like vanilla and… what is that?"
"It is cherry. Have you ever had them? I hear they do not grow in Fereldan."
"I've never even heard of it. It smells nice though."
"You should try them when you can. They are not uncommon in the Free Marches." Elegant went back to working on Hawke's hair and pulled a few of the long strands through her fingers. "You have lovely hair Hawke, such a deep, rich color."
"Yes," Hawke smiled fondly, "all the Hawkes have raven-colored hair. My father enjoyed the irony."
Elegant chuckled behind her. "Ok, rinse your hair out and I'll bring you a sponge so you can scrub."
Hawke sank her head beneath the water and cleaned off the excess oil. By time she finished, Elegant had returned with said sponge and a bar of soap. Hawke scrubbed and scrubbed until she was pink, allowing Elegant to get her back for her. She felt truly clean for the first time in a month.
She stepped out of the tub and into the towel that Elegant had ready for her and quickly dried herself off. Adding a bit of heat to the towel sped the process significantly especially for drying her hair.
Elegant gave her a simple bathrobe to wear and sat her down in a chair. The brush was almost as nice as the bath and Elegant quickly had her hair in a simple up-do. Next came a simple application of face paints, which Hawke had never worn before. She kept flinching when Elegant added something to her eyelids, but finally the arduous task was done.
"Elegant?" Hawke asked as the other woman shifted through various dresses.
"Yes Hawke?"
"Have you… ever been an escort, like this I mean?"
She laughed softly again, "Oh yes, in my youth."
"What… I mean, how… I've never had to be a lady before. What do I do?"
"Oh, it's not too terribly difficult. Stand up straight, place your palm on his arm when he offers, and try not to speak unless in answer to a question. You are meant to look pretty to make him appear more important."
"Right. Easy enough, I suppose."
"Ah, here we are!" Elegant held aloft a red dress with silver embroidery along the bodice. "This should do quite nicely."
Elegant assisted Hawke with putting on the dress and laced her into the bodice. Stepping back, she admired her handiwork. "It's missing something…"
"What?"
Elegant thought silently for a moment before snapping her fingers. She then pulled a length of red ribbon and adorned in Hawke's hair. With a nod of approval, she led Hawke out and back to Gamlen's. "You know, if you weren't quiet so pale I think you could pass for an Antivan noblewoman."
"Good to know?" Hawke wasn't sure what to make of the comment, but filed it away for possible use later. She then sighed, "I won't be able to carry my staff, will I."
"Afraid not. Too obviously a weapon, but I believe that is why Meeran chose you for this task. As a mage, you are a weapon, and do not need to carry one, yes?"
Hawke groaned, "Thanks for the reminder."
"Now, now. None of that. Remember shoulders straight, and a lady would not make such an undignified sound."
Hawke adopted the correct posture and made a small, wobbly curtsy. "My apologies, my lady."
"I'll make a lady out of you yet Hawke." Elegant smiled and knocked on Gamlen's door.
It opened to Carver and Leandra looking confused. Elegant bobbed a perfect curtsy and announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present: Mistress Hawke."
Hawke stepped inside and braced herself for whatever comment Carver would no doubt make.
"Maker's breath." Leandra murmured quietly, hands going to her heart and mouth in shock.
"You look like you just stepped out of Hightown, girl. Why are you dressed so preposterously?" Gamlen demanded.
"Just part of paying off our debt, Uncle. We're escorting someone around the city." Hawke informed him. She then turned back to Elegant and thanked her for her time; the blond smiled and left.
"Right. Well. We'd better get to the docks if we're going to be on time." Carver declared and strode purposefully out the door.
Hawke and Aveline followed a little behind Carver, just out of earshot. "You clean up well, Hawke." Aveline told her.
"Helps actually being clean, I suppose."
"Yes, I imagine it would." Aveline chuckled.
Hawke shifted uncomfortably. "This may be a pretty dress, but, Andraste's ass, it's hard to breathe in."
"Corsets are not designed with trivial things like breathing in mind." Aveline criticized. "I avoid them whenever possible."
"I can't say I blame you." Hawke stopped fidgeting and glanced ahead at her brother who appeared to be rather annoyed, again. "What's wrong with Serah Grumpy-Pants?"
"He's your brother, Hawke, I've only known him a few weeks."
"Best guess?"
Aveline sighed. "My best guess is that he's jealous."
"What, he wanted to wear the pretty dress? Can't say that isn't an interesting image…"
"Hawke, you are lovely. Elegant did a magnificent job of making you look like someone who belongs on the arm of a noble."
"Abrupt change of topic, but thank you?"
"He is jealous that once again you will be the center of attention, and that you were given special treatment."
Hawke hmpf'd and shook her head. "If he wants to wear this flaming corset and pretend to like the snooty noble, he's welcome to take my place."
The rest of the walk to the docks was silent. They watched as The Wind Dancer pulled into the harbor, all suppressing a shudder. Not one of them wanted to step foot on a boat again any time soon.
"Just what are we supposed to tell him?" Carver whispered.
"I'm not sure. Meeran wasn't very forthcoming."
"Think it's a test?" Aveline asked.
Hawke sighed. "Now I do. Great." When their client appeared on the deck Hawke stepped forward. "Follow my lead."
Carver and Aveline followed as she led the way to the boat. She waited, head slightly lowered, demurely, as the man stepped from the ship to land. "Greetings, Messere. I trust you had a pleasant journey."
He was fairly young, but older than Hawke by a year or two. He carried an air of self-importance as he regarded her. "It was tedious, to say the least. Who might you be, Serah?"
Hawke dipped a small curtsy, mostly to hide her unsteadiness with the unfamiliar gesture, but he did not seem to notice any wobbles. "I am Lady Hawke. Your father bid you safe travels and has acquired the assistance of the Red Iron to protect you for the duration of your stay in Kirkwall." Hawke gestured graciously towards Carver and Aveline.
The young man's eyes moved to his two new bodyguards, appraisingly. Carver certainly fit the role, hulking tower of a man carrying a two-handed sword like it was nothing. Aveline, while not as physically large as Carver, held a commanding presence and no-nonsense attitude. Both stood confidently at Hawke's side and she was pleased that they were able to play the part well.
"I see. My father is overprotective, but I can see the… benefits of such an arrangement." He turned and gave a few orders to the sailors carrying his luggage and then stepped closer to Hawke and her group. He took her hand and swept a genteel kiss across her fingers. "Shall we relocate? I desire to be away from the smell of fish."
Hawke placed her hand on his offered arm and allowed him to lead her away from the docks, Carver and Aveline in tow.
