Chapter Ten:

The pair left the Hanged Man though the back door, avoiding any chance of running into one of their companions, and set out for Hightown and Hawke's home. At some point they would have to tell their friends their news and Isabela knew that she would have to apologize for her recent actions but for now the happy lovers simply wanted to be alone and left undisturbed.

Hawke's home was empty, save Dane who Isabela was relieved to find seemed happy to see her.

Isabela and Hawke spent the day talking, joking, laughing, and taking comfort in each other. They spoke about their little son or daughter and the future but carved few plans in stone. They both understood that it would take some time for them both to adjust and that there was bound to be some setbacks along the way. However, they were committed to seeing them through together.

That night, after convincing Hawke that it was safe, they made slow, tender love - not rutting or fucking or any other euphemism one could name - and it was toe-curlingly incredible. Not so much that Isabela wasn't looking forward to the next time Hawke flipped her head over tits and hammered her like a bent nail, but incredible nonetheless. Sex with Hawke had always been great, but now after they both had confessed their true feelings it was somehow even better. In the past Isabela had always thought that people who said they 'made love' were idiotic fools prone to hyperbole, but now she understood that she had been the fool. Making love implied a deeper connection between two lovers, beyond simply the physical or satisfying baser needs. It was a mental and emotion connection, a sharing of the innermost parts of oneself and a desire to please one's partner more than oneself. In hindsight, and with a newly found understanding, Isabela could see that they had in fact been making love for a very long time; she had only failed to realize it. Isabela found herself misting up at this line of thought, prompting Hawke to kiss each teardrop away and she loved him all the more for it.

…

It was three days after Hawke had returned and he and Isabela reconciled that they decided to share their news. A formal dinner was set out and everyone, including Bohdan, Sandal, Orana, and even Aveline's husband Donnic, was seated around the table. The only one absent was Bethany who Isabela and Hawke saw earlier that afternoon and shared their happy news. Bethany had been so sweet to them both, and if it were even possible seemed more overjoyed than the pair. The pirate was prepared to break Hawke's sister out from the Gallows so she could be here tonight, but Bethany had refused. Like Bela had said, Bethany was the smartest one of them all.

Once the meal was finished and table cleared Isabela stood to speak. She reached out and took hold of Hawke's hand, who rubbed the back of hers with his thumb.

"I wanted to say a few things before we share the reason you're all here tonight." She paused and looked everyone in attendance in the eye, lingering longest at Merrill and Varric where she stopped. "I wanted to apologize for my behaviour over the last few weeks. That's only the last few weeks Aveline before you ask," she added quickly, drawing a few laughs. She waited until the laughter died out before continuing. "I'm sorry and I truly am thankful to count you all among my friends."

Feeling exposed at having bared so much of herself Isabela quickly said, almost as one word, "And I'm pregnant with Hawke's child. Surprise!"

Utter silence greeted her words; no one even took a breath, until Sandal spoke as if on cue, "I like surprises."

Roars of laughter filled the room.

Gradually the room came to realize that not everyone was laughing. Ten pairs of eyes came to regard Hawke who nodded his head. Disbelieving many then turned to Anders for confirmation.

"May I?" Anders asked. After receiving a nod he stretched out with his magic while everyone watched in silence.

"Dear Maker she is." Anders grabbed his glass and quickly drank its contents in one large gulp.

Once the shock wore off everyone stood and began to offer their congratulations.

The party moved into the sitting room and Orana began to play her lute, which she did beautifully. Free of the dining table and as gatherings are wont to do they broke into smaller groups. More personal congratulations, encouragements, and commiserations for Hawke should the child prove to be a girl like her mother were spoken to them both. It was heartwarming and uplifting for both Isabela and Hawke to see the reactions and hear the well wishes of their friends. It spoke well of the bonds they had all formed over the years.

"Thanks kitten," Isabela said to Merrill, "you're certainly welcome to be there when the child is born, but I do hope it's a little different from birthing a halla." The elf hugged her and then gently touched her stomach as if she could feel the tiny life growing inside. It was a gesture the pirate thought she might have to get accustomed to, at least among her closest friends and Hawke of course. She had even taken to doing it herself.

Merrill stepped aside and the pirate saw Aveline approach.

"Come on big girl," Isabela challenged, curling her fingers in a 'come and get me' gesture, "I know you've got something to say."

The room quieted in anticipation, even Orana stopped playing.

Aveline eyed the rogue carefully, studying her before speaking.

The tension built with each passing second.

"I've always been amazed that you can even stand upright with those things on your chest. By the time the baby's due you'll be so top heavy that you'll be walking on all fours," Aveline said in her dry, serious tone. Isabela was the first to laugh and the rest joined in. "Whatever else, one thing is for certain, the babe won't starve," she added over the noise.

Isabela pulled the guard captain in for a hearty embrace. Aveline whispered in her ear, "Truly, I am happy for you."

Throughout the night and into the early hours of morning the celebrations continued. No one seemed eager for it to end.

Thanks to my reviewer(s): Lotbe

A little later than I had planned to post this. Personally I blame the sun and the 30 degree Celsius weather southern Ontario is experiencing (although I could do without the humidity).