Chapter Nine
The day of the dreaded party finally arrived, and Aurah's nerves were in shreds by midday. She was bathed, plucked, groomed, scrubbed, perfumed and coiffed by a trio of female elf slaves, who were so silent and subservient, never daring to meet her eyes, that it made her already iffy stomach feel even more sick.
Danarius had ordered that she and Fenris rest in their rooms until evening, and she was escorted from the grand baths back to their chamber by a pair of house guards. It struck her as odd as they had never accompanied her anywhere before, but since she was always with Fenris when she left the room, she supposed it made sense. Couldn't risk a still uncertain new pet trying to scamper out of her cage.
She entered the room, stopping to stare at a new armor stand next to the one that held Fenris' armor and sword. It displayed another, smaller set of armor, similar in style to his, but with red accents, and obviously made for her. Beside it rested a quarterstaff, much like the one she practiced with, but with a blade on one end, just like her old staff. She was surprised to see that her armor included boots, unlike Fenris.
He was sitting in a chair across the room from their armor, nursing a glass of wine, and looking as solemn as ever. She jerked her chin toward the leather boots where they rested on the floor. "What do you make of that? I thought slaves were not permitted any type of shoes."
He set aside his glass and stood, coming to stand beside her as he perused the armor. "Human armors always include boots, and since you are not an elf, and are not traditionally accustomed to fighting barefoot, it stands to reason that Danarius would want you appropriately attired."
Hawke smiled, wondering if Fenris noticed how much his speech had changed around her in the time they had been together. Previously, he never referred to the Magister as anything other than 'Master', but since they had first whispered together about attempting to escape, he called the cruel mage by his name when they spoke privately, more and more.
She sat on the floor and tugged on the boots, wiggling her toes against the soft leather. "It feels strange, after so much time with nothing on my feet. I hope I don't trip and fall on my face during our little battle."
Fenris said nothing, his expression pensive as he reached out a hand to touch her breastplate, where a small, attacking hawk had been worked into the design, with talons extended.
"Fenris?"
He looked down at her, his expression closed and guarded, and she sighed. "He told you, didn't he? Exactly what he commands us to do tonight? Won't you just tell me? I had rather know now so I can prepare myself, than to be surprised later." She yanked the boots off again and stood, reaching for his hand to tangle her fingers with his. "You know you can always tell me anything, no matter how distasteful."
He regarded her gravely for another minute, then tightened his hold on her hand. "You remember the first day we sparred together?" She nodded and he continued. "When Danarius commanded us to kiss, while he...watched?" Hawke swallowed and nodded again, her face going pale. "He wants that, and more from us. He said he wants our performance to be enemies to lovers, as he put it. Like some play that is currently in favor among them all, apparently."
She backed away from him, shaking her head, his fingers slipping away from hers. "So, he...he wants us to kiss again as the finale of our fight, and that's all? Right, Fenris, that's all he wants?"
The muscle in his jaw throbbed angrily, but his eyes stayed locked to hers. "You know that isn't all. What do we do every day after we return from practice, of our own volition? He knows, Aurah, whether through spies or he has secretly watched, but that is what he requires, and we cannot refuse. He would beat us, torture us, and beyond that, he would take you away from me."
Hawke stared at him in numb silence, then laughed a moment later, the sound bordering on hysterical. "So, that's it. We're supposed to fight and fuck, right there in front of everyone, as they enjoy their fine wine and Orlesian crepes." She looked away, her eyes still wide with disbelief. "What kind of place is Tevinter, that this is acceptable entertainment for their high society? Don't they have any shame?"
Fenris continued to watch her, his expression tight. "No, they have no shame, they heap it on the many slaves they force to their bidding so that they never have to feel it. I have been a vessel for their shame at a number of these...parties. It's not pleasant or comfortable, but I've survived it, and so will you."
She took another step away from him, shaking her head vehemently. "Fenris...I...no, I can't do it. I can't!"
His expression darkened and he covered the distance between them in two steps, seizing her arms in a firm grip. "You must! Do you have any idea how gently he is treating us? From him, this is true favor. Stop acting like a spoiled child! He might have decided instead to pass you around to a hundred men, who would use you even as the blood ran down your legs and you cried in agony from the abuse. To the point of death! I've seen it!"
She sobbed brokenly at his words, the horror of someone being treated in such a way too ghastly to contemplate, and knowing that he was right, that they were being treated well by Danarius' standards...the standards of a monster. Something died inside of her in that moment, and she bowed her head and continued to weep, feeling lower than she ever had before, and wondering if it would even be possible to rise from such a depth.
Fenris cupped her cheek, gliding his thumb through the stream of her tears, his eyes soft again as he gentled his voice. "If you will try to trust me in this, I will do all I can to shield you, but I say again, you are stronger than you think." He pressed his lips to her forehead and pulled her into his arms. He had never realized how comforting it could be just to hold someone you cared for and be held in return. It was one of many surprising things Hawke had taught him.
When she had calmed, she lifted her head and met his eyes and gave a single nod, a measure of determination replacing the grief, fear and panic of moments before. "Alright. We're going to do this. Damn them all. It'll just be like our daily routine really, but dressed for performance. You lead, and I'll follow."
He gave her the tenderest smile she had ever seen from him and ran his fingers gently through her hair and against her cheek, before he smirked. "Or you could lead, and I will follow if it makes it easier for you."
Hawke sucked in a surprised breath. "But, you always like to be the one in control."
He pursed his lips. "I do, but as I said, if you feel it makes it less daunting in the moment, I am willing to switch roles."
She bit her lip to stifle the smile that was suddenly trying to break free. "Fenris?"
"Yes, Aurah?" His lips also seemed to be twitching on one side.
"You know you're really the kindest and most thoughtful person. Why, underneath the fierce wolf is a sweet, adorable puppy. If anything...happens tonight, and things go bad, I want you to know that I truly do lo.." Fenris placed a finger over her lips before she could say anything more. She sighed as he slowly took it away. "You really aren't going to let me say it? Not even once?"
He shook his head, a tinge of sullen sadness in his green eyes. "Not unless we're free. Until then, it's only useless words, and an empty dream." He took her hand in his. "But know that meeting you has been the most important thing to ever happen to me, and for that, I'm grateful."
Evening arrived, and the estate of Magister Danarius was abuzz with laughter, conversation and the tinkling of crystal. As guests began to arrive, they were ushered into the south gardens where they were served drinks and trays of finger foods featuring cuisine from Rivain and Antiva. Wandering acrobats and fire-eaters provided casual entertainment, and droves of slaves moved quietly between the kitchens and the garden, efficiently ensuring the comfort of the gathered elite.
Hawke stared through the barely parted curtains of one of the small libraries where Fenris had brought her that overlooked the courtyard, so she could satisfy her curiosity as to what other Tevinter Magisters might actually look like. She thought Danarius was surely a rather poor example with how unattractive he was, but after watching guests arrive for half an hour, she finally stepped back from the curtains with a frown.
"Disappointing. Most of them look so...ordinary. And a number of them border on physically repulsive."
Fenris raised a bemused eyebrow from where he leaned against the wall, fully armed and armored. "What did you expect? That people who perform blood rituals, consort with demons and sacrifice children would be beautiful?"
She opened her mouth and closed it, and then tilted her head and squinted at him. "Yes? But even Ferelden peasants, on average, are a damn sight better looking than this lot." Hawke flopped onto one of the plush couches, careful the small spikes on her gauntlets didn't threaten the fabric. She and Fenris had been dressed and ready for more than an hour, and it was just a matter of waiting to be summoned.
Fenris moved to stand in front of her, his arms crossed as he looked down at where she reclined. "Why do you think Danarius has been so eager to show you off, despite being a relatively new acquisition? Such beauty as yours is not commonly seen among the Magisterium's elite."
"Lucky me," she grumbled, propping her boot-covered feet on the table in front of her. "They removed all of my body hair earlier, you know. Is that another fetish here, that a woman must be hairless everywhere below the neck?"
He bit the inside of his cheek, his eyes narrowing slightly. "On the whole, yes. It is certainly Danarius' preference."
She chuckled, shaking her head. "What an odd conversation to burden you with. I assure you, I have never once discussed the hair on my genitals with anyone before now. My mother would be scandalized! Where is my breeding?"
Fenris gave an amused smile. "I am happy to converse on any topic with you, Hawke. I always find our conversations...stimulating."
She was interrupted from replying by frantic shouting, followed by loud barking. Hawke froze with wide eyes before launching from the couch to look out the window, then gasped. "I thought that sounded like a mabari!" She turned to wave Fenris over, and they watched a large, golden mabari baring its teeth at three house guards, keeping them back, while a handsome and elaborately dressed, blonde-haired Magister laughed before finally clapping his hands to summon the beast. The dog ran back to his side, stumpy tail wagging and tongue lolling. Hawke had her face nearly pressed against the window, until both dog and mage were out of sight.
She sighed and smiled sadly, turning back to Fenris. "That was like seeing a little bit of home. And that one was quite good looking, for a Magister."
He made no response, but took her arm instead. "Come, we must return to our room until we are called. I have indulged you as long as I could; we can linger here no longer."
Hawke threw a final glance over her shoulder in the direction of the window and allowed him to lead her away.
The vast ballroom was filled with the din of conversation as the dinner drew to a close and the bevy of dancers finished their routine to polite applause and then withdrew, leaving the center of the room that was surrounded on all sides by banquet tables, empty once more. Slaves dressed in the house colors of their owners circulated around the room, effectively attending to the needs of every guest.
Danarius stood with a relaxed smile and nodded, and a slave stepped away from the wall and struck a bell three times until all conversation quieted and every eye in the vast room was turned to their host.
"Honored friends, guests and colleagues, thank you for attending my little get-together this evening." A titter of laughter ran through the crowd, as the gathering was anything but small, and Danarius grinned in acknowledgement. "I truly hope you have enjoyed yourself thus far, and if there is anything at all you need, don't hesitate to speak to any of my household slaves. And speaking of slaves, we now come to the highlight of the evening."
He turned as the doors at the far end of the ballroom flung open, and the crowd's attention turned when Fenris stalked into the room, exuding aggression and animal grace, his lyrium markings flaring brightly as he drew his sword, bringing an amazed gasp from many who had never seen the elf previously.
"Many of you are familiar with my research, and with my creation of my slave, Fenris, as a lyrium warrior. The lyrium markings give him special abilities, and increase his already impressive martial skills."
The double doors near Danarius opened next, and curious gazes followed Aurah's entrance, her chin lifted proudly as she walked with hips swaying, until she faced the elf. She drew the bladed staff from her back and twirled it once, a burst of swirling force magic rising from her hand in challenge.
"I'm pleased, now," Danarius went on, "to introduce you to a recently acquired slave, and a new favorite of mine from far Ferelden. Her name is Hawke, and as you can see, she is as beautiful as she is fierce. I have gifted her to Fenris to mould and train, and he has done an admirable job. Please enjoy as they battle together as only they can. I give you, the hawk and the wolf!"
Musicians tucked away in the far corner of the vast room began to play, building the tension as Fenris and Hawke circled one another, as they had done so many times before. Hawke shot a bolt of electricity at Fenris, and he lit his marks and flashed away before her spell could land. He swiped at her with his great-sword, and she dodged and rolled, coming to her feet again in seconds.
The dance continued, the suspense in the room growing as Hawke sustained a wound to her arm when she wasn't quick enough to avoid the elf's sword, and a dark bruise blossomed on Fenris' cheek when Hawke slammed him against the floor with one of her strong force spells. The entire fight was choreographed carefully and had been practiced half a dozen times, right down to the minor wounds, but none of their movements looked even the slightest bit rehearsed, their audience enthralled and eager to see what the outcome would be.
Fenris disarmed Hawke, and when she started to summon a fresh spell, he flung his sword away and tackled her, rolling across the floor before he restrained her and lifted her to her feet and pulled her against him, her back against his front. He placed an armored hand across her forehead and tugged her head back to bare her neck, then placed hungry, open-mouthed kisses from her ear down to the juncture where her shoulder met her neck, then bit her sharply there, drawing an involuntary moan from her that brought answering murmurs and applause from the spectators.
"Trust me, now," Fenris murmured, his teeth tugging on her earlobe, and Hawke knew he was asking for her permission, as he always did, despite the circumstances, and she smiled and reached back to pull him to meet her kiss, pouring her feelings for him into it, as she had never done before, her heart in her eyes when he moved back to gaze at her while a look passed between them that was brief but said more than mere words ever could.
"I do," she whispered, brushing her lips again his in a barely-there caress. "You lead, I'll follow," then she bit his bottom lip hard enough to sting and Fenris growled, the beast inside him surging to the forefront and taking over. His hands flew across the clasps of her armor, throwing the freed pieces aside, and hers did the same to his. They fell easily into their shared passion, and when his mouth closed hungrily on her bared breast, her eyes slipped closed, and in her mind, she was instantly back in their room again as the crowd faded away and her awareness narrowed to Fenris, and the welcome pleasure of his familiar touch.
The heavily armored bodyguard shifted his weight where he stood near the mage he guarded, his fist clenched tight as sweat beaded on his furrowed brow, outward evidence of the difficulty of his internal struggle. His attempt to keep his expression impassive was failing, and he finally leaned forward to whisper in the mage's ear.
"Get me out of here now, or I can't be responsible for my actions. That's my sister out there, for Maker's sake," he hissed in a low whisper.
The mage smirked, his eyes never leaving the woman and elf as they began to undress each other, still kissing passionately. "Take the dog and wait in the carriage, Carver." He pulled the younger man closer by the back of his head, making it look like a lover's embrace as he whispered against his ear. "And get control of yourself. We do not deviate from the plan, no matter what. We are already committed. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Master, as you command," he said, loud enough for any listening ears to easily pick up. He motioned to the mabari laying nearby and slipped out the closest door, the dog right on his heels.
The blonde mage inhaled a breath, enjoying the spectacle before him, despite the fact that he was surrounded by enemies, if they only knew what he had planned… He drained the wine in his glass, and a woman who had been eyeing him appreciatively all evening came and sat beside him, leaning close, and giving him an ample view of her cleavage.
"I hope you're enjoying the entertainment, Danarius always gives the best parties. I don't believe we've met, I'm Livia."
Smiling engagingly, the mage's gold eyes traveled the woman's form with obvious interest. As the warriors in the center of the room continued their arousing performance, many of the guests had begun to look around them with lust, pairing off in quiet corners, or slipping into rooms prepared for such a purpose in larger groups, or having slaves service them openly before their peers. The blonde mage couldn't have asked for a better outcome to the evening.
"No, we haven't met," he murmured, reaching out to kiss her hand. "I've only recently returned to my ancestral home, here in Minrathous. I'm Vindictus Aequitas, and it's a pleasure to meet you."
Her grey eyes brightened with further interest. "Oh, I've heard gossip that the heir to the Rarus dynasty had returned, but I had no idea you would be so..." Her eyes swept him again. "...pleasing to the eye."
He ran a hand across the skin of his muscled chest where his expensive robes left him bare, watching as she followed his movement and licked her lips before he spoke. "I think it would be to our benefit to become better acquainted, Livia, if that is agreeable to you. Either here or in a nearby room if you fancy privacy."
Livia's red lips lifted in a smile and she reached out and replaced his hand against his skin with her own, pinching one of his nipples lightly. "I prefer right here, where everyone can see us." Boldly, she lifted his robes and groped him, finding him long and hard, with no smalls to impede her wandering hands. She knelt between his legs and gave him a coquettish smile. "I can't wait to taste your cum on my tongue, Vin."
His smile was wicked as he pushed her head down. "By all means, be my guest." He closed his eyes and tipped his head back as his pulse quickened, a part of him laughing at the madness that was Minrathous high society, where you could go from introduction to sex in less than five minutes.
Opening his eyes again as Livia sucked his cock with a whore's expertise, deep-throating him and humming, he focused on the beautiful, naked mage in the middle of the room being vigorously fucked by the tattooed elf, and imagined it was him buried balls deep inside her, hissing out a breath as he hardened further, wondering what her magic would taste like against his tongue.
Aurah Hawke.
The very woman he had come to save.
~o~
