Act 1

Chapter 10

"A Meeting"

Fenris and Hawke were trailing behind Danarius as they entered the dilapidated warehouse where he was to meet his contact. With building hostilities in Miranthous, Danarius had become extremely paranoid. If he thought there was even a small chance of betrayal from a Magister, he had been making sure to take them out. In previous years Fenris had been the one to assassinate his competitors. But now Danarius was cautious. Although, Fenris had always been precise and careful, he didn't want there to be any possible way that he could be linked back to their deaths. He now enlisted less powerful Magisters to assist him with his plans. And also made sure that if he was ever to be investigated, the blame could be placed fully on his little minions.

Danarius pulled his cowl low over his face and began walking through the underground tunnels where he was to meet his new partner. From what Fenris had gathered, they were to discuss the best way for him to end yet another rival for power. He would promise wealth and political gain if they offered their support. But Fenris knew he had no intention of helping anyone but himself. Once they served their purpose these men would be killed as well, and Danarius would lose no sleep over it.

The warehouse was eerily quiet. He and Hawke were on edge. Something did not feel right about this plan. Both of them voiced their concerns to their master and were reprimanded for offering their opinions without being asked. Fenris scowled at the back of Danarius' head as he recalled the back of the magister's hand cutting across Hawke's face.

The previously clear red mark across her cheek had now faded, but that didn't make it easier to stomach. Since they had become more open about their feelings for one another, it was harder for him to contain his anger at the way she was treated. Over the last few weeks his mind had already been working diligently to try and come up with an escape plan for the two of them. But with Danarius and the guards' constant presence and ever watchful eyes it was becoming hard to determine what the best way to execute a plan would be. Neither one of them had the money to get out of the city and with his unusual appearance he would be spotted quickly. He hadn't spoken with Hawke about his hopes of freedom yet. Without a clear idea he didn't want to get her involved. Besides, the very small amount of time they were able to steal to be alone was precious to him. Each night when they made their sweep of the outer wall of the estate they were given about 15 minutes to hold one another without being seen or arousing suspicion.

A smug grin crept up on his face as he walked behind Danarius. Right behind the stables was a small part of the estate that was completely isolated from view. Each night Hawke would pull him to her and crush her mouth against his without even giving him the chance to speak. Some nights he would pin her to the wall as they shared the most intense, fevered kisses he could ever imagine. He felt his pants grow tight across his groin as he remembered the way her legs wrapped around his waist and the way her hips would roll into him as he devoured her mouth.

Unfortunately, they were never able to take it further than that. The fear of being caught was always at the back of their minds and for now it kept them in their clothes. But at the rate they were going, Fenris knew it would only be a matter of time before he had to take her. His need to have her under him while he pushed into her was overwhelming. He had spent too many nights taking matters into his own hands, and before long he would have to find some way to act on his urges. He also gathered from the things she whispered when things got heated that she desired the same thing. The idea of her taking matters into her own hands as well made him clear his throat and readjust himself in his pants.

When she shot him a sultry smile from the other side of Danarius, Fenris felt his insides melt. In just a few short hours they would be making their nightly walk of the estate, and he would be able to feel those soft lips against his while he wrapped his arms around her perfect body. Distracted by his fantasy, Fenris nearly collided with a column, causing Hawke to suppress a giggle. Danarius whirled around and eyed both of them warily. Quickly, Hawke suppressed her smile and stood stoically before him.

"I hate these tunnels," Danarius scowled then turned forward as he descended the steps to the basement. "This better not be a waste of time."

Once they reached the bottom of the stairs Danarius surveyed the room. "He is to meet us in the chamber on the other side of that door." He pointed across the large room and took a step.

"Wait a second," Hawke whispered as she footed the dusty floor with her boot. Danarius either did not hear her warning or chose to ignore it because he continued walking across the basement. "Master!" Hawke yelled.

In a matter of seconds, Danarius took a step, a click sounded across the room, and then an arrow flew from the wall. Without hesitation, Hawke snatched it right out of the air, just before it pierced his chest then pushed him to the side. Periodically another volley of arrows would shoot from the wall, but for the time being all of them were not in harm's way. "Poison," Hawke whispered as she fingered the point. She threw it to the side then surveyed the room. "Look," she pointed to several spots across the floor. "There are few other triggers."

Fenris saw nothing, but knew better than to question her knowledge. She narrowed her eyes and scanned the walls. "Ah-ha!" she exclaimed suddenly. "Disarming switches." She pointed high in the rafters. Both of them looked around to see if there was an easy way to reach them. "Fenris, can you lift me?"

When he turned to look at her she was reaching up in the air trying to grip one of the lower wooden beams. He smiled to himself knowing that she could easily reach that on her own if she wanted to, but he certainly wasn't going to pass up an excuse to touch her. Danarius had made himself comfortable against one of the walls, unperturbed by the fact that had it not been for Hawke he would surely be dead. "Sometime today, Hawke," Danarius sighed. "I am curious to know why there are poisonous arrows shooting out of walls while I am going to meet my partner. Perhaps he will have some answers." Fenris noticed the evil sneer building across his face, and was quite certain that if they weren't the right answers this man was going to be dead, or at the very least begging to be.

With Danarius scowling and lost in his thoughts, Fenris approached Hawke and slid his hands around her waist. He let his fingers caress her midsection before he leaned into her ear. "Be careful," he whispered then placed a discreet kiss to her neck.

She leaned back into him and turned her head slightly to look in his eyes. "Of course," she responded and eyed his lips. It took everything in his power not to lean down and claim hers. Hawke let out a frustrated sigh then gripped his hands at her waist. "Lift me up and I'll make my way across the room using the rafters. I should be able to get all the switches and then we can safely make it across."

Fenris nodded, then hoisted her up into the air. Once she had the beam in her grasps he let his hands trail slowly down her legs as she lifted herself up. She smiled down at him then tugged on her earlobe. Fenris grinned back and tugged on his own before going to stand by Danarius and wait for her to finish the task.

Fenris watched in silent awe as she dangled from one rafter then swung herself forward to grip the one across from her. Like an acrobat she leapt from one beam to the next, never once losing her footing. Once she reached the first switch she gripped one of the beams and stretched her arm out as far as it would go, but she was coming up short. "Damn," she whispered. After realizing there was no other way to get to the switch she planted one foot on the beam then stretched her other leg out to the wall. Now she was suspended in midair high in the rafters with very little balance. Fenris felt a sweat build on his brow as he watched her try to keep her footing.

Once stable, she reached with both hands to grip the switch. After a fierce tug the arrows stopped. She smiled down at them just before one of her feet slipped. Without thinking Fenris jerked and began moving to catch her in case she fell. "Don't move, Fenris," she warned. "There are two more triggers that I've haven't disarmed."

He felt his chest rumble with his concern and his fists clench. "I told you to be careful," he growled.

Hawke just giggled at his outburst then pushed herself back fully onto the beam. "I am being careful, silly. Go wait over by the wall so I can concentrate."

"Yes, Fenris, stop distracting her. The sooner she finishes the sooner I can be done with this," Danarius commanded. Reluctantly, Fenris obeyed and walked back to stand by his master.

He watched as Hawke repeated the same steps, bouncing from beam to beam, putting herself in danger as she suspended in the air to disarm the last of the traps. With every leap she made, Fenris felt his throat tighten. He should be under her just in case. This was too dangerous.

With the last switch taken care of, Fenris released his nervous breath and walked to help her down. "Honestly, Fenris," she whispered low enough so that Danarius couldn't hear. "I'm not made of glass."

She sat on the beam and he reached out for her. Easily, she could make the jump down and both knew that, but any excuse to touch her would not go wasted. "I have the utmost confidence in your skill," he replied, then gripped her legs loosely as she slid down his body. Placing his mouth at her ear he whispered, "But that does not mean I have to like watching you risk your neck. Especially, for that foul creature over there."

Hawke giggled and stepped away from him, but not before squeezing his waist. As she approached Danarius, he looked at her expectantly. "I have disarmed the switches master, but I think you should know that they were newly installed. All of these traps are fresh. Whoever put them there expected someone to be traveling this way. I mean no disrespect, but perhaps we should be extra careful. This friend of yours may be the culprit."

Danarius seemed to be pondering her statement. "It would certainly appear so." He rubbed his chin in thought then motioned towards the door. "Hawke, you go first. If there are any more traps I will need your eyes."

She nodded and began leading them to the door. Once she touched the handle, Hawke stilled. Her eyes narrowed as she scanned the frame. "Something is not right here," she informed them. "Back up. I'm not sure what it is." Danarius quickly stepped clear of the door, but Fenris reluctantly moved away. Now that he knew what it was like to have her in his life, he hated putting her in danger when she didn't have to be. And if not for Danarius, she wouldn't have to be. She looked back and met his eyes. So much could be said between them without words. Her eyes said "It's alright." And his responded, "Just be careful." She nodded, then pulled her small knife out of her pants.

With a slow steady hand she pried the top of the door frame lose and revealed a thin wire. "This is another trap. If we would have opened this door my guess is we would have been met with either acid or fire. I used them all the time against some of the thieves on the outskirts of Lothering. Bastards, never saw it coming." Carefully, she brought her knife to the wire and sliced it in two. "Someone is expecting you," she informed Danarius over her shoulder.

"Perhaps we should turn back, master," Fenris offered. "We do not know how many men he has brought with him."

"Nonsense," Danarius waved him off. "That would only make me look weak. If he is behind this, he will be paying for his stupidity. Is it safe, Hawke?"

She nodded and kicked open the door. The three of them cautiously entered. It was eerily silent and he and Hawke took an aggressive stance in front of Danarius, prepared to defend him if necessary. The irony wasn't lost on Fenris. Both hated this man, would love nothing more than to see him dead, but if they had any chance of one day gaining their freedom they would have to swallow their pride for the time being.

While he and Hawke scanned the room the creaking of a door sounded behind them. Darting around they saw a hooded mage enter, followed by three heavy armored guards. "Danarius," he politely addressed him. "You are full of surprises. To be honest we didn't expect you to make it past our traps. It seems your new investment has definitely served you well." The man who Fenris assumed was Danarius's contact nodded at Hawke.

As if this mage hadn't just tried to kill him, Danarius casually responded to his statement. "Yes, she has become quite useful. In fact I'd wager that she could take out your guards before they even had time to unsheathe their weapons," he smiled. Without hesitation Hawke withdrew her bow and readied an arrow. The guards jerked and went for their swords but the mage raised his hand to still them. "All it will take is a flick of my wrist," Danarius assured him.

"Now, now, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Perhaps we can come to an agreement," his contact replied.

"That depends. Who put you up to this? You are definitely not bold enough to attempt this on your own. Tell me and I will consider sparing your life."

"Please," the mage scoffed. "You're outnumbered Danarius. These are some of the best swordsmen in Tevinter. Your two measly bodyguards stand no chance against them. It is I who will be considering sparing your life."

Danarius stifled his laugh. "Perhaps we should test your faith. Fenris, let's see how Hawke deals with these skilled swordsmen." Danarius flicked his wrist and pulled Fenris out of the way, leaving Hawke to handle the guards.

Within a matter of seconds she had fired an arrow straight through one of their heads, and had already readied another one. Before the guards had time to react the first fell lifeless to the floor. They advanced on her and Hawke shot the next arrow, piercing the second guard through the chest. With the third advancing quickly on her she abandoned her bow and withdrew one of her daggers from the sheath in her leg.

Fenris grew tense as he watched the large man bring up his sword to attack her. He knew Hawke would be able to hold her own against him, but an overwhelming desire to jump in front of her and protect her from his charge surged through him. He fought extra hard to keep his feet planted.

When the guard's sword reached its height and he moved to swing it down, Hawke smirked then rolled quickly to the side. Jumping to her feet she twirled and was behind the man in seconds with her dagger wedged through the gap in his armor. He made a gurgling sound then fell to his knees before toppling over. Hawke withdrew her blade and wiped the excess blood across the dead man's leg before returning it to her body.

Danarius's contact was backing away with his eyes wide in fear. Clearly he had realized the error of his misplaced confidence. Fenris moved to Hawke's side as they stood as a front before Danarius. "Now, tell me who is behind this before I lose my patience," Danarius hissed.

The mage before them seemed to be weighing his options. Death was certain regardless of whether or not he revealed the name. It was obvious that he was beginning to see there was no escape for him. After the initial fear settled in, he scowled at Danarius. "There is a price on your head, Danarius. If I were you I'd watch my back. I may have failed in ending you, but the others will not." The mage turned his back and started to calmly retreat. With a nod from Danarius, Fenris knew it was time for him to end this man's life as well. It a flash of blue, he ignited his lyrium and rushed the man pushing he fist through his back. Once he gripped his heart he squeezed, crushing it in his hand before withdrawing his fist. The mage fell in a heap to the floor as Fenris shook the excess blood from his hand.

"Let us leave this place," Danarius ordered. He and Hawke followed as they made their way back through the warehouse.

Once they arrived back at Danarius's estate an invitation to attend a dinner at Talla's home awaited their master. Eager to use her connections and social status to his advantage, Danarius hoped he would be able to discern who was behind the attempt on his life. They were to leave in a few days, but Danarius was still on edge. Fenris could see the anger and a hint of fear in his eyes as he paced back and forth across his study. For years he had been all but invincible in Miranthous and Fenris imagined that right now he was willing to kiss Lucian's feet for bringing him Hawke. After all, if not for her skill the both of them could very well be dead.

After silently fuming and plotting on how to best handle this situation, he retired to his room, leaving Hawke and Fenris to make their nightly round of the estate.

The task was a little redundant. With guards posted at every exit and scattered across the high walls, an intruder seemed unlikely. But Danarius took great pride in his extra security and for Fenris, any excuse to be alone with Hawke was welcomed. Some nights they weren't able to share the duty because Danarius had one of them performing a different task. Tonight he was grateful they both were making the trip to scan the outer walls. All day he had been thinking of getting to be alone with her. The few minutes they were allowed here and there weren't enough. He needed more.

Once they were clear of the house, Fenris strolled closely beside her, near enough that their hands brushed against one another as they walked. "You were great today," he mumbled trying to make small talk. Since they had opened up about their feelings some of his nerves had dwindled but now he was constantly trying to make sure she didn't lose her interest.

Hawke turned to him with a smirk and rolled her eyes. "Please, I can't believe after everything that man has done that I'm still willing to risk my life for him." She sighed as they rounded the first corner.

Fenris eyed the stables at the far end of the wall and felt his insides squirm in anticipation. Just on the other side was the blind spot that shielded them from prying eyes. "It gets easier to stomach," he offered then frowned in disgust. The fact that they were forced to protect a man they hated put a sour taste in his mouth. "Well, perhaps not that much easier."

The walked in silence with her index finger curled around his until they reached the back of the stables. Hawke paused once they were hidden in the darkness. When Fenris glanced at her, he noticed she was deep in thought staring at her feet. "Is everything alright?" he asked softly and tugged on her finger.

She looked up at him and blew out a huff of air. "Not really." When she released his hand and raked her fingers through her hair in frustration Fenris moved to sit on one of the crates stacked behind the stable.

"Do you want to talk to me about it?" he asked warily. Dealing with these new feelings and emotions was strange to him. Never before, at least from his limited memory, had he had a relationship with a woman and he was completely at a loss of what was appropriate to say or do.

With her head craned back she turned and smiled at him. He felt his palms begin to sweat when she walked over and settled herself between his legs. Standing in front of him she placed one hand at his shoulders and let the other play in his hair. He could tell she was struggling to tell him what was troubling her, so he slid his hands up her hips and pulled her closer to him. He placed a soft kiss to her exposed neck then rested his head on her shoulder as she continued to run her fingers through his hair. "Will we ever be free?" she finally whispered. "I want so badly to have normal life with you."

His heart swelled at her words. She wanted a normal life with him. Raising his head he kissed her cheek and whispered into her ear, "I want that too, Hawke." She wrapped her arms around his neck and turned her face to look at him. "I promise that I will figure something out," he continued. "You deserve more than this life."

Hawke smiled sweetly at him then brought her hands to cradle his face. Slowly she brought her lips to his and kissed him softly. Using only his mouth and the soft caresses from his hands he tried to reassure her that if she kept her faith in him one day they would have their freedom.