Join Us

"Do you know how to play Wicked Grace, elf?" Varric asks me with a roguish glint in his eye. He is standing in my mansion, looking just as comfortable here as he does everywhere in the city.

"I play a little. Why do you want to know?" I ask as I pace in front of the fireplace. It's the warmest spot in the place. I don't care for the cold.

"We need another man at our weekly game. We were wondering if you would join us." Varric shrugs eloquently, making the offer seem both trivial and familiar, like we're just old friends. I barely know this dwarf and here he is extending me an invitation? I don't know what to say. I open my mouth and am stunned by the words I hear myself speak. "Sure. When, where and how much is buy in?"

Varric grins widely and he hooks his thumbs on his waist sash. "Great! Hawke, Isabela and I will be at my suite in the Hanged Man later tonight. Don't worry about the buy in, Hawke already paid it for you." He turns around and walks out into Hightown.

I am puzzled by the whole exchange. Why ask me? Why would Hawke buy me in?

That night I arrive at the Hanged Man and head up to Varric's suite, as instructed, still wary of the entire thing. Everyone is already there. Of course, Hawke lives with some uncle in Lowtown and Isabela and Varric both live in the tavern.

"Am I late?" I ask tentatively.

I sit at the table and Norah comes in with three tankards of ale, a goblet and a bottle of wine. She gives me the wine and hands out the ales.

My eyebrows rise at the detail. I don't care for ale and someone noted my preference.

"No, I just got here myself. I barely set the order for drinks before you came in. Is that wine alright?" Hawke asks. Ah, yes, that makes sense. She would have noticed. She notices a lot of things.

"Yes, its fine." I drink some. Perhaps not as fine as some of the vintages at the mansion, but a perfectly good wine.

The night progresses and we play numerous rounds of Wicked Grace, the alcohol flowing comfortably. Soon enough none of us entirely sober and we begin to talk about ourselves. Isabela tells us possibly true stories from her time at sea. Varric does wicked impressions of prominent members of the community, peppered with some truly scandalous gossip. Hawke tells us about her childhood in Ferelden, surrounded by family, dogs and mud. And I catch myself speaking about places I have been and hunting parties I have evaded.

As it gets later, Hawke begins to yawn and Varric declares this is the last hand. I feel a pang of regret. Why? It's just a card game, which I am losing at, something fierce.

Isabela wins and stuffs her winnings into her bodice and leaves. Hawke stands up to go and I venture an offer. "It's late, would you allow me to walk you home. It may not be safe." Varric smiles knowingly (at what?) and puts away the cards. He calls Norah to clear out the empty tankards.

Hawke smiles girlishly and nods in agreement. We walk out, promising to do it again the following week.

The walk is uneventful and soon we're at her door. She looks into my eyes and gives me one of her smiles. "I'm glad you decided to join us. I love making new friends. Good night, Fenris!" with that she turns and goes inside.

As I walk home I ponder everything. I had a good time. I'm surprised they would pick me, but I am pleased.

Friends, huh? I guess so.