Aveline sighed heavily as she surveyed the numerous missives for the guards. There was a never ending cycle of signing, delivering, and then the inevitable arguments from nobles that thought far too much of themselves and far too little of other people. Honestly, the people in Hightown had no excuse to whine, at least their floor wasn't made of their own wastes. The squabbling of the nobles was however, part of the multiple circuses she had to manage. A light knock on the door signaled another responsibility about to get dropped in her lap. "Enter," she grumbled.

"Good morning, how are you doing today?"

"Leandra!" Aveline rose from her chair crossing the distance between them and assisting the older woman with what appeared to be food. "What a pleasant surprise. Oh! Are there those little muffins in there?"

Leandra laughed lowly, "Would I come visit the Captain of the Guard without her favorite treats?"

Aveline's response was swift and the muffins were quickly vanquished with all the vigor one could expect from the rather robust woman. After her conquest she delicately made sure she was presentable before turning back towards the silver haired woman. "What brings you to my office this morning? Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Oh, I was just out and about. Giving Siri and Anders some. . . Time to themselves."

Aveline did her best to cover the slight frown of disapproval. She didn't necessarily approve of the complicated mage, however, she did wish for happiness for Hawke, poor thing had more to do than she did. "I can't say I approve, but it will be nice to not see her mope about after seeing him. Maybe Hawke will quit trying to drown herself in ale every night?"

Leandra laughed lightly before taking a seat across the desk from Aveline. "I don't know if we could go that far, but seeing her happy is a good thing."

A knock rang out through the room. "Enter," Aveline mumbled distractedly.

"Guard Captain, the reports from last nights patrol."

Leandra watched the scene with increasing interest. Aveline seemed distinctly uncomfortable, and she was blushing. A smile wheedled it's way onto her mouth. The young man standing before her was indeed handsome, tall build with the bulk one tended to see in the more physical occupations. He had dark brown hair that fell to his shoulders and a strong jaw, and was completely oblivious to Aveline's reaction. He was far too worried about pleasing a superior to notice the distinctly feminine response from the ginger across the desk. "Uh, yes! Reports from the patrol. . . Last night. Yes. Thank you, Donnic."

"Ma'am." The young man saluted and left without question.

Leandra's all too knowing gaze settled on the normally intimidating woman.

"Please don't tell Hawke, she'll tell that damn pirate and I'll never hear the end of it."

"Your secret is safe with me."

Consciousness was a very slow process, it started with an awareness of sheets and the warm body curled around her own. Next came a nice stretch, causing said body to groan and copy her movements. Next was the delicious feeling of skin sliding against another's, her toes dragging against his shin as he yawned settling back into the nest her bed provided. Siri couldn't stop the smile that rose to her lips as his breath tickled her ear, blowing strands of hair into her face. His arms slid around her as he nuzzled closer, inhaling deeply at the base of her neck and she relished in the weight of him half lying on her. "Good morning," she mumbled. She was pleasantly sore in all the right places, they had come together at least twice more during the night and she just knew her hair was a royal mess.

Anders made a sound that intimated 'early'. With more than a slight bit of determination her feet found the floor and went to her restroom to relieve herself. When she returned she was surprised to find Anders already up and dressed. She did her best to hide the hurt that the opportunity for cuddles was gone. His body language practically screeched a sense of urgency and irritation. She went and settled on the bed slightly off kilter with the fact she had no clothes on. Perhaps that was not appreciated? She pulled the sheets to her chest and tried not to stare at him. She settled for staring at the floor before clearing her throat, "Is everything all right?"

"I can't believe I stayed here all night, that was more than careless of me. I have to go, I'm sorry." His staff in hand, he made for the door.

Siri swallowed past the rather sharp pain in her chest and triaged her options. She could cry and scream and react to the amazingly large amount of anguish that had caused or she could keep her shit in a basket and take it back out later when no one could see. "I see. Well, thank you for last night. It was. . ." She paused to hide the sob. "It was fun." Far too busy keeping herself on lockdown to notice her apostate hesitate before turning the knob, too busy to see the anguish wash over his face or the bob of his throat as he fought to maintain a neutral tone. "I. . . I can go out through the basement, no reason to make this awkward."

"Yeah, sure."

The sound of her door closing resounded through the room. She was strangely aware of the sound of breathing, what had she done wrong?

Inhale.

Last night had been amazing and he said he loved her. What had she missed? All the signs indicated he had enjoyed himself and things on her end hadn't lacked in the least, in fact he may not know it but last night had set records for her. Was it Justice? Had she walked over some unspoken boundary?

Exhale.

No, she was missing something. There was not another logical conclusion, she lacked context. Something had happened when she went to the bathroom, some stray thought or insecurity that had set him off. She reached for her robe before heading towards her door and tied the knot as she raced down the stairs.

Mercifully, she could hear him. She wasn't too late. When she finally reached the door to the basement she made the mental note to buy her mabari more mutton then he could eat. Blessed animal had plopped all of his rather substantial mass in front of the door and was happily panting away as Anders awkwardly tried to shuffle Thedas to the side to absolutely no avail.

Anders laugh was strained to say the least, "This is why I'm a cat person." He ran a hand nervously through his hair as Siri considered him and her next words. "Could you make him move?"

"I have a question before you go."

Anders turned his eyes to the floor. "Of course," he choked out.

Siri took advantage of her rather short stature and stepped up to him, coming in close enough to be able to see his face. She took a deep breathe and locked eyes with him. "What did I do wrong?"

Anders eyes blew wide open in surprise, confusion cascading over his features and drawing his brow low. "Sweetheart, you did nothing wrong." He caught himself reaching a hand to her face and stopped halfway there. "Like you said, it was fun." Maker he couldn't stop the nausea that sentence brought forth, last night had changed his life, but it was ironic she had to heed his warning after he fell, after he didn't have to imagine anymore. He knew what she sounded like when she came now and what noises she made as she slept. Voids, why had he stayed all night?! Meredith was already looking for him and now, he had been seen entering her home and not leaving and he was a known mage. While he had been staying for a few days he had not left the mansion, had been sure that other than his lovely sojourn to Sundermount he had not been seen. He had kept Siri and Leandra safe from being associated with him, at least openly. He dared to sneak a peek at her face and the tears gathering in the corners in her eyes tore at his heart.

"Then why are you leaving?"

He actually heard his neck pop as he jerked in surprise. "Hawke, I thought. . . You don't. . . People will talk if I'm seen here or if I leave here. Meredith is actively looking for me, we were seen together last night and we weren't being very discreet. I couldn't. . . I've put you in danger."

Siri tentatively reached out and touched his face. "Tell me you love me."

She certainly knew how to wield a blade, be it a dagger or her words. "You know I do. For what it's worth, I don't think that will change anytime soon. Just one request, I'll need some time but don't cut me from your life completely, ok?" He closed his eyes against the onslaught of shame. Here he was, asking to still be friends. He sighed in defeat hanging his head further.

Her lips on his was a surprise, and as if it he had no choice he answered her call. His arms anchored around her waist and crushed her against him with the ferocity of a dying man. This would be the last time he tasted her or felt her skin beneath his fingers. She broke his kiss but not his embrace, lips traveled to his ear before whispering, "Silly man, I don't care about Meredith, she cannot touch me and I will not let her take you. I would have you in my bed and my heart no matter who sees, for as long as you'll have me."

Anders almost sagged against the wall in relief. "I have lain awake for so long, aching for you. This feels like a dream, I'm still waiting to wake up. Would you truly tell the world, the Knight Commander that I am yours?" Despite his words his arms tightened around her, if that was possible.

"I'd charter a damn banner if I didn't think you might consider that a bit brash."

She didn't get the opportunity to say much else, his lips and tongue were firm and demanding. The desperation to reassure himself that he was wanted, even needed drove him to an almost primal state as he lifted her into his arms and her legs wrapped around his waist. "Take me to bed my beloved, I want you."

"And you shall have all you wish of me."

Leandra discreetly closed the door to her daughter's estate. She was glad they were able to resolve their issues, the whole point of this was not to have Siri more upset than when this started. Perhaps a stop at that lovely tea shop she had been eyeing for a while, it looked downright cozy. She meandered down the street, nodding politely at the vendors displaying wares.

She sighed wistfully, taking a table in the sunshine. How she missed Malcolm. Maybe, just maybe after all this time she should consider taking after Aveline and Siri? It had been so long since she had a companion.

"I apologize for the intrusion," a deep voice interrupted her thoughts. "But I saw you and one does not simply walk away from a beauty such as yourself without at least getting her name."

Leandra glanced up through her lashes, surprised to feel her cheeks heat up. He was her age, and he had aged well. It couldn't hurt to have tea with a nice man in a well lit public place. "Thank you, my name is Leandra. Please sit," she said gesturing to the seat across from her. "To whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with?"

"My name is Quentin."

Sebastian watched the white haired warrior attempt to blend into the background. He was not surprised Fenris did not want to be seen, everything he represented was all hard lines and unbending opinions not to mention a very acidic personality. Fenris would not want his enemies to see him here, perhaps he was ready for a friend to see him here? The redhead made sure to keep his baby blues trained on the floor and began to move towards the elf with the bad temper and big sword that he was trying to befriend. Maker knew how he got himself in these messes. He stood quietly listening to the hymns that calmed him so for a moment or two before speaking. "It's a surprise to see you here. A pleasant surprise, none the less."

Fenris actually jumped, as if Sebastian had thrust an arrow into him rather than speaking.

Sebastian also guessed that ignoring that was a good idea.

"I'm just dropping something off!" Fenris snarled in his usual grace.

Sebastian hid his smile behind his hand. "I'm sure. Walk with me."

"Where are we going?"

"Are you always this suspicious?" The priest chortled.

"I find suspicion to be a healthy way to live and continue doing so." Falling into step with the other man despite his words.

Sebastian led them outside, best not to have Fenris feeling defensive. "Each of our emotions, even the unpleasant ones, are there to motivate us to our situation. Situations change though, therefore we must adapt to our new environment or remain stagnant and never truly step forward."

Fenris scoffed, "Why don't you just speak plainly, I prefer the truth to pretty words painting my supposed san and pathetic want to move on. You've got it wrong priest, I choose to remain as I am." The elf leaned against one of the numerous pillars, his countenance a great contrast to his words. "It's more than I've ever had before. I have a unique perspective on being content."

Sebastian could only note how suddenly tired his comrade looked. "What's troubling you Fenris? I can see you're struggling with something. I'd like to help."

He sighed heavily. "It's Hawke."

"What happened?" The rich accent lilted almost as fluidly as the hymns they heard in the Chantry.

"Yesterday, I was on my way to the mansion and she stopped me. She looked. . . Happy to see me and I still don't understand why. When we talked I made sure to make her smile. I did so knowing that she has ties to that," the elf visibly restrained himself given their location. "Man. I went out of my way to make her smile."

Sebastian waited patiently for the rest of the story. After a sufficiently awkward silence he realized, that was it. "What's wrong about wanting to make someone, who has only done you kindness after kindness I might add, smile?"

"I didn't know how much I liked that smile. I had no idea my own suggestion would be what finally broke Anders down to her advances. That my first attempt at. . . That. I ended up driving her right into his arms." His laugh held no humor. "I was a coward and that cost me the opportunity to know what might be behind that smile."

"Ah, well I can't blame you. She's a rare gem. The blasted idiot has no idea how lucky he is. If it eases the blow though, she's had eyes for him for quite some time. I don't think she would have been dissuaded. You know Hawke, when she wants something apparently even Rock Wraiths can't stop her."

Fenris chuckled with a bit more humor, "Perhaps it's for the best. I'm still damaged goods in the mental department. She deserves better than me or the healer."

"That is very true."