Wow two reviews after only two days of posting this? Was not anticipating that or any followers so soon. Thank you for giving very positive reviews, letting me know what you think of it so far, and for the constructive criticism. I encourage it, it lets me know what I am doing wrong or right and how to improve from that. I will try to make the breaks between dialogue better from now on and read through what I typed more carefully before posting, since the 90,000 word mass post all at once is over with. I wrote a novel in a day lol! I'll also start adding the page breaks, so when there is a time lapse you will know instead of reading about them doing one thing, then it jumps into a whole new scene. I do not have a beta reader and will not pester anyone to help me, but if offered I will gladly accept. Arrival to Kirkwall will be fast approaching now, so those waiting for more familiar territory to return will not have to wait much longer. Bioware owns all.

Ch. 11 The Road to Amaranthine

Dusk has settled and goodbyes were already given as the three walk through the streets. "Ah the Pearl! This will be fun! You should get a whore tonight, I'll even help you decide!" Zervan explains happily as Fenris broods in the background.

"No thanks. We already rejected the offers Isabela sent to us last night. Maker what a horrible memory that was." Hawke tries to push it out her thoughts as Zevran laughs, "Oh I would have payed my weight in coin to witness that. I'm willing to bet your lovely cheeks were the shade of your hair."

"Probably…" Hawke looks back to Fenris, seeing him try to ignore them as he looks testy as ever. She decides embarrassment would suit him better now, even at the threat of her following victim to it and Zevran was the type of guy who would be more than happy to help.

"So Zev, what can you tell someone as clueless as me about elves and their customs?" She gives him a smirk and he gets the idea quickly.

"Whatever your heart desires, but I'll start from the basics. You see even though our bodies share simulates between one another, there is still differences one needs to know. For example, as a male elf I am naturally my more flexible than the average human male counterpart. This allows me the ability to reach more difficult areas at various angles within the female anatomy. We also have differences in our erogenous zones and…"

Hawke sneaks a peak back at Fenris as Zevran continues, but feels a wave of terror crawl down her spine as she sees his blazing eyes plastered on her. Well at least he is embarrassed, too bad though she is going to pay dearly for it later.

The lessons continue all the way to the Pearl and once inside Isabela is up to her same antics and swindling people out of their money.

"Isabela! So we meet again."

"Well I'll be damned, can't get a break from you even if I wanted it." He sits down to join her at cards as she smiles up to the two, "So did you like the surprise I sent?"

Silence from them is the only answer given. "Seriously don't tell me you turned them both away! Full service is pricey!"

"Isabela what were you thinking! We were already on edge and we about killed them when the barged in unannounced!" Hawke fusses to her.

"Why did they catch you both in the middle of something?" She gives a lusty smirk and Fenris reaches for his sword, "Death is cheap and something I would be more than happy to give in return."

"Whoa no need for violence and bloodshed, at least now anyway. Join me friends for drinks! I must hear all the mischief you have been up to." Hawke takes the invite, sitting down and looks up to her companion. "Have a seat Fenris, we've been offered drinks and company."

"Is this the kind of company you want?"

"Yep."

He sighs, "Very well."

He sits down next to her with every intention to make that ridiculous elf broke. The devious look in Hawke's eyes lets him know she is about to rob Isabela blind at cards as well. This he could tolerate.


"So Isabela you actually rejected the advances of a man when out to sea all that time?"

"Bet your ass I did, he was just vile. Bitch!" Isabela loses another round and cries, "Hawke you are making me lose all my winnings!"

"Better step up your game then." Hawke smirks as the start dealing a new hand and Zevran interjects, "And my friend, you may want to slow down on the drinks."

"Why? I don't even feel it yet. Or have you decided to go back on your word?" Fenris gives a half smile, he was obviously lying, but he was really rolling up the bar tab. Hawke is impressed. They even make a good team making their friends miserable. The ludicrous pair both deserve it though.

"Ah no, but you will make me a poor man at this rate."

"Good." Fenris then gets up to order another round and Zevran sighs at first, but it turns to laughter, "Oh I see what this is, he must be mad I interrupted your moment before."

"What moment is that?" Hawke is more focused on her hand, but that changes as he replies, "When he was about to claim your lips as his own."

Her eyes widen as that moment flashes through he mind. No of course not. He was going to stop, he wouldn't…

Isabela smirks at her look and says, "Progressing I see."

"That was nothing, he was worried about me and trying to put me at ease again. I know what it must have looked like to you, we are… There is nothing like that between us." Hawke explains frantically. Fenris's reserve around her was lessening as they have become more comfortable around each other, but he was not about to make that kind of move.

"How adorable the denial phase."

"Shut it Zev!"

The two laugh at her as Fenris sits back down and she avoids turning his way.

"So you rescued our sweet Hawke from the clutches of a grotesque blood mage?" Zevran looks to Fenris who shakes his head. "No that was Isabela."

Isabela places a card down and responds, "Actually we worked together which surprised the hell out of me. I thought for sure he was going throw caution to the wind and tear that man to pieces."

"I applaud you then. Most men would be greedy and do whatever they could to claim that kill for themselves. Even if it endangered their love's life further."

"We are not in love!"

"Right, fooled again I see."

Hawke is now agitated and tired of the same accusations over and over with it brought up at any chance possible. She does not love him, he does not love her. They are friends and she cares the same for him as she does any of the other friends she has made since their meeting. Admittedly, she has made moves that cross the border of normal friendship; the gentle caresses, the long gazes, and the sweet smiles. That is not because she wants it to develop into something more, it is because she is trying to help him. She wants him to feel safe around her and experience the contact of another in a far different way than he can recall. Maybe it will help his memories resurface, maybe it will spark the feelings he had with his family even if he still can't remember it. He had to of had one at sometime, but whatever the case, he has her to turn to now.

She places her cards down and wears a fake smile. "I have nothing this time. You win this hand Isabela. I'll see you tomorrow, we'll meet you at the estate alright Zevran."

"Rest well."

She gets up and leaves the table, going back to the room Isabela got them again. The pirate is a pain, but she does look out for them and that means a lot to her.

"Well?" Zevran raises an eyebrow to the other elf.

"Well what?" Fenris shoots back an annoyed glance.

"Perhaps due to your inebriated state from spending all my coin on this swill, which I am well aware you are taking full advantage of, you happened to not see the troubled look on her usually radiant face."

"And?"

"And it would be best to go to her and see what is the cause of her distress."

Fenris narrows his eyes, "I already know the cause of her distress, I'm sitting directly across from it."

"Do you honestly think a little teasing is enough for her to walk away from this hand?" Isabela shows him the hand she put down. It was one of the best hands in the game you could have.

"Sorry to say it's not us and you have something to go take care of. Now go, no more drinks for you. I'm cutting you off." Isabela shoos him off with the wave of her hands and he growls and stands up.

"If it turns out you both are actually the problem, count on me fixing it the only way I know how." He threatens as he walks off.

Isabela shakes her head at his retreating form, "Why do people have to make the simplest things so difficult?"

"That I cannot answer… Want to go have sex?"

"Do you even have to ask anymore?"


He returns to the room, seeing Hawke sitting in a nearby chair. "Oh, you didn't have to leave because I left."

"What is it now Hawke?"

She looks to him a bit confused, "Nothing?"

"Did you leave, because they bothered you?" He crosses his arms, leaning up against a nearby wall.

"No. I'm used to them and their antics at this point."

"Then why?"

She sighs, "I'm tired is all."

She leans forward in the chair, resting her elbows on her knees, so that her hands may support under her chin.

"Why are you still up then, go to bed." He tilts his head over to the bed and she closes her eyes, he is so clueless. So is she.

"I want to thank you or cheering me up earlier after what happened. Also for entering the fade to come find me. I wouldn't be here now if it weren't for you." Her eyes open to look into his again.

"I doubt that. It was only a matter of time before that demon kicked you out for driving it insane."

Hawke lets a laugh escape freely at that. "Speaking from experience?"

"Perhaps not, I am still here with you." He gives her a small smile and she turns her attention to the ground.

"What happened before?"

Now it was his turn to be confused, "At which specific point in time are you referring to?"

She chews on her bottom lip for a moment then turns her questioning something else entirely, "Have you ever been intimate with someone before?"

"Is there a point to this question?"

His hair is covering his eyes and she speaks blindly, "I just want to understand something from before, so yes."

"Why not just ask me about that?"

She grips onto her chair and as her voice raises, "Will you stop answering my questions with more questions!"

He scowls at her for snapping at him. She had no right to invade his privacy with that kind of question and he saw no reason for it in the first place. Why does she need to know?

"I don't have to answer any question of yours," he snaps back.

"Fenris were you going to kiss me earlier!?" She blurts out and turns away, unwilling to see his reaction.

His face grows pale as his mind travels to before. At what point in time lead her to ask this? He stops at one moment; he was speaking in his naive tongue to her. He didn't even know why he did, it is not like she could understand it, but she relaxed in his hands as he spoke it. It then hits him, he was closing the distance between them and…. He didn't even realize it.

The room had been quiet for what seemed like an eternity. He did not know how to respond to her question. His mind does not comprehend what his body wanted, what he wanted…. Am I losing control?

She is starting to turn her head his way hesitantly, so he breaks the awkward silence.

"Not that I can remember…," he begins and she looks his way fully. "Ever since I've received these markings, there has never been anyone of that nature." This is the best answer he can give her to that. He understands why she asked him it now.

"And before…?"

He slowly shakes his head no. "If there was, I know not of it. I was only a boy then so I find it unlikely."

"I see…" She fidgets, a common nervous reaction from people. "I have never been romantically involved with another as well."

This left him surprised. A woman like Hawke he assumed would have at least someone she was that close with at a time, even if it wasn't in a physical way. Then again, being a mage in a family full of them must have made such things difficult.

"You have never shared those feelings with another?"

"I have not… We never stayed anywhere long and I could never place that much trust in anyone. What if I involved myself with the wrong person and they found out about us? What if they ran to the Templars and turned us in? It wasn't a risk I was willing to take and I know it was the right decision. Leliana and Sten were the only ones that ever knew what I am before I was taken. Leliana figured it out after I said something careless and Sten found out first hand, yet neither said a word of it. I guess maybe there are more people we can trust than we think."

"And what of me? Do I fall into that category with you?" He questions and she smiles.

"I'm still here with you aren't I?" She repeats his previous statement.

"Yes, you are."

They both turn in, but neither sleep. Hawke didn't know if Fenris dodged her question or explained it in a way to let her know he knows nothing of that sort of thing. Fenris on the other hand is replaying his actions toward her and remembered how it all came so natural to him. That terrified him.

He is becoming too soft at a time when he needs to keep it together more than ever. It wasn't just his life on the line anymore and the other life he is safeguarding is causing him to act not himself. He even said he is hers in Arcanum. I belong to no one…

He sits up and being that Hawke is awake as well, she notices, "Can't sleep either?"

He is alarmed by he voice, but regains his composure. Running a hand through his hair, he begins, "Before I do not know what that was myself. I do not see you in a way that would cause a reaction like that from me. I've never tried to comfort another, so I believe I acted strangely for it. I'm sorry that troubled you however…"

She sits up, clutching her blanket and sighs, "It's not… I'm not troubled by you, I'm just trying to understand things and it's irritating not being able to do so. You did comfort me though, but could you tell me what you said?"

"No."

"No?"

"A man must retain his air of mystery." He cracks a smile and she lets out a laugh.

"That's bullshit. Fine then, I'll say things you won't know of, hm let's see…"

"Vos can tendo ut optimus me Hawke, postremo vos deficit." You can hear the smirk in his voice.

She cocks him an annoyed brow; Hawke hates being left in the dark. "Why did you throw my name in with that?"

It amuses him this annoys her so much. After the incident in the market, then on return to the brothel, she was asking for it.

"Maybe if you weren't restricted to one language, you would know that answer," he mocks and her teeth grind.

"You are an ass."

"So you have informed me on prior occasions."

Hawke falls back into the mound of blankets on the floor, a smile hidden away from Fenris's view. She admires him. Fenris must have been taught none of these things, only how to kill and yet he learned them. He had once explained it to her as a way of his survival, but that does not deter how smart of a guy he actually is. He says some really stupid things from time to time, but having someone like him around is a relief from what she is used to.

As a kid, she made friends with people who could fight so she would become stronger, but they were never the brightest bunch. Bethany is the one to thank for any intelligence that she does have. She was the one who showed her the value of knowledge and got her into reading more. Learning a new language is difficult no matter how much you read however. You cannot interact or fully learn the correct pronunciations, it was all completely different when you apply it.

That song is the only thing in another language she knows.

"Enjoy this victory today Fenris, it will be your last."

"We will see about that, won't we." With things more settled now, they are both able to sleep.


"Now how was that for a breakfast!" They leave the restaurant they stopped by in on the way to the estate.

"Do Ferelden's usually eat portions of that size? A meal for two should not cover an entire table."

"Is that complaining I hear? Last time I checked you ate all of yours and helped me to finish mine." She locks her fingers behind her head and grins to him.

"The food was excellent."

"See I told you, remember that time you where making fun of what Ferelden's eat?"

"I stand corrected," he offers and she gladly takes it.

"Come on, let's get your chest plate back before someone thinks you're approachable." They increase their speed and soon find themselves back at the estate.

"Hopefully we can avoid an ambush this time," he says and knocks on the door.

The same servant is now on the other side of it. "Oh it's you messeres!" She then bows and continues, "Forgive my over-reaction the prior day. Everyone is stressed and they told me if I saw anyone suspicious looking…"

"No need to worry. Fenris is the definition of suspicious looking, so I don't blame you." She hears a growl beside her, but holds her smile.

"Oh… Well come in. I'll get the Warden for you." She quickly leaves as they stand in the large room.

"I see they fixed the door."

"Good for them," Fenris sulks and she giggles.

"Did what I say really offend you that much?" She crosses her arms and tilts her head.

"You say I'm suspicious looking? You are the one that always looks like they are up to something."

"Yeah, but I'm the lovable one," she jokes.

"When did that start meaning infuriating?" She sticks her tongue out as a reply.

"He worked all through the night to have it finished. I looked it over for any flaws and saw none, but you will be the judge of that." The warden steps out and returns the armor to him and as he looks it over. It is better than it has been in years.

"I see nothing wrong with it, you have my thanks." He places it back on and lets out a sigh of relief. He hated walking out in public without it.

"If you can allow us one more favor, I would like to know where Morrigan is so I can thank her as well as say goodbye to Leliana and the others. I know you all are busy and promise not to take anymore of your time."

"You are right, we are very busy. I just accepted a mission that will lead us north to Amaranthine and we are leaving today. Apparently there are two travelers trying to reach Kirkwall and will need our help to get there."

Their eyes enlarge to her and Hawke asks, "Where did you hear that from?"

"Isabela explained everything after you left last night and as I know you both to be too stubborn to ask for our assistance, I informed the Warden. Needless to say, it was all agreed to." Zevran steps out from the shadows and as the others enter the room.

"But… What about the Landsmeet? I know how important that is. No, we can't allow you to do this, we have nothing to offer you as payment." Hawke is starting to lose control of her emotions as Fenris remains speechless.

"So what? It will take a week to get there and a week back at most. I also have this letter of condolences to deliver to the family of Arl Howe." She smirks the last bit. "I care nothing of payment, just help us remove the darkspawn that cross our path is all I ask. From what I hear, I can count of you both to do just that. Go get your things, we are leaving in an hour." She commands to them and they remain frozen in place.

"You both better hurry, our Warden does not like to wait on others." Leliana smiles and Hawke feels her lip begin to tremble, before she takes a deep breath to compose herself.

"Very well, we will met back here within the hour. Thank you…" She then turns to Fenris and begins to lead him away, "Let's go Fenris."

The walk to the brothel is quiet between them, neither knew what to say. After all the failures and run around in their plan, finally something positive to it occurred. Hawke smiled at that, they will finally get to Kirkwall. If her family is in this city, there is no way for her to know, they will be hidden. Her uncle will have the answer she is looking for, mother never leaves him guessing her whereabouts. There she can finally help Fenris face down the monster that traces his every move and can find peace.

"For some reason I feel like this has happened before." Fenris finally says and Hawke looks to him.

"I have no idea what you are talking about."

Things are looking up for them and he is relieved for that, but still a bit concerned. Even though they have done nothing but help them so far, he is a bit weary of two members they will be traveling with. Shapeshifting spells are old magic he has only heard of and the older mage reeked of a spirit possessing her. He will be watching their every move on this venture.

They gather what few belongings they have together, before Hawke travels to Isabela's room. This was goodbye probably for good and she is going to miss this woman.

"Oh Hawke it's early, what brings you.." Hawke embraces her and says, "We are leaving to go north now. I just wanted to say goodbye."

"Well come on it, actions speak louder than words and I promise it won't take long."

"Isabela!"

The pirate laughs and pats Hawke's back, "Sorry I'm not the one to dump you off there, but I've had fun with you. You both kept things very interesting for me."

The women release and Isabela leans against the doorway, smirking at Fenris who averts his eyes.

"Well, I'm waiting."

"Then you will keep waiting wench."

Hawke turns to him and says in a scolding voice, "Fenris…."

He sneers at Hawke before stepping forward and offers his hand to the pirate. "Captain."

She laughs and takes his offer as enough. She gives him a wink after the gesture and says, "Oh what am I going to do without you two."

"I would imagine you will continue to do everything."

"Ha, am I that easy to read?"

"You and the word easy seem to go hand in hand."

"More like cock in hand," she cracks as the other two don't share the amusement. Fenris is now regretting the handshake, very much so.

"We should move on." Hawke nods to his suggestion.

"Thank you for getting us this far. If I see you again, drinks are on me."

"I'll hold you to that Hawke."

She takes a deep breath and walks away, she was never great with goodbyes.

"Let's browse through the market on the way. We are going to need supplies."

"I was going to suggest the same."


In the markets, they manage to buy food, a tent, and bedrolls for the way as Hawke is very careful with the few coin they have left. A disagreement occurs however when it comes to clothes.

"Fenris you are not walking through the freezing cold mountains without a coat or boots and that is final! The wind alone will kill you. You are not used to this kind of weather, its nothing like the climate up North."

"This discussion is over, I will not have you dressing me up like a human."

"I'm buying it for you anyway, but be sure to remember this when we are up there and you are begging me to give them to you." She hands the merchant the payment and Fenris refuses to give any acknowledgment of it.

"Are we done here?"

"Yes." Once again Hawke finds herself irked by Fenris. It will be funny in the future to see him shivering with a scowl on his face, refusing to admit she is right. She is always right, he just doesn't seem to know that yet.


"You have a mabari!?" Hawke happily pets the eager hound as the caravan is loaded up.

"My ever faithful warhound Adela. I would say do not fear her, she only attacks those who threaten me, but you seem to not be concerned with that."

"I have a mabari too, Brutus. Saved my life more than once. Sad to say I trust them more than most people."

"Same could be said here."

Hawke then stands up from her crouched position and asks the Warden nervously, "Are you all sure about this? Fenris and I will not be upset if you change your mind."

"Nonsense, I speak for all of us when I say our choice has been made. You see them? They would follow me into the void and back; I would do the same for each one of them. What is left if we cannot even help our fellow man or our friends? Even if this world falls into chaos, I will hold onto that." Hawke looks too the group as they prepare and smiles.

"That is a sentiment Fenris and I will return, we will not be fighting for ourselves on this trip, but for all of us. My blades are yours."

The Warden gives a smiling nod before shouting, "Lets get a move on! I want Denerim beyond the horizon before night fall!

That was it and the journey begins en-route to Amarathine. The warden said they will be staying on Pilgrim's Path through this journey, so the way there will not be as treacherous as it could be. This road has been traveled by many over the years as it connects the holy cities together.

"What can you tell me about the area we are traveling?"

She turns her attention to Fenris and responds, "Most of the way will remain fairly flat, but further north as we close in on Amaranthine, the elevations will increase and the weather will shift. Expect it to become more dangerous, but we aren't the first to travel this road. Denerim is known as the birthplace of Andraste, while Amaranthine is supposed to be where the Chant of Light was revealed. That's not including it is a major trade route. Expect it to be busy even with the threat of darkspawn."

"Anything else I should know? Vegetation, wildlife?"

Hawke laughs, "The vegetation is dead this time of year and the wildlife consists of wolves, bears, giant spiders, and the typical tainted darkspawn. Sorry, not everywhere and be stuck with pretty flowers all year round and cute, fluffy bunnies on the most ferocious list."

"At least here you don't have crazed blood mages considered the normal part of the masses."

"No, but we have those here too. Speaking of mages…" Hawke turns to the witchy woman and continues, "I still owe someone my thanks."

Morrigan takes note of the statement directed to her. "You are to give me your thanks, my how overly thoughtful of you, I know not what to say. Oh isn't that beyond the realm of generosity for the complete draining of my mana and being left comatose for hours on end. I am just ecstatic and blooming with pure joy someone like you would take the mere seconds away from your day to give me your thanks."

Silence

"…. Would you prefer I bake you a pie or something instead? You like pie right, everyone likes pie."

Morrigan begins to fume as Alistair interrupts, "Don't mind her, she was raised in a swamp by woodland creatures and a loony old hag, who resembles her in looks and personality so much. Can't expect much from that."

"Somehow I find you not to be lying." Fenris states as Hawke feels the negative aura from Morrigan grow.

"I'm not."

"Then you have my condolences. It must have been disturbing to be in the presence of another like her, more so if at the same time." Fenris carries on.

"Like you wouldn't believe."

"If you imbeciles are quite finished." She stomps further up the path past them and Hawke says, "Thank you Morrigan."

She holds back a laugh as Morrigan grabs her hair and lets out a cry of annoyance.

"I think I'm really going to like having you both around." Alistair smiles with his voice.

Needless to say, Morrigan and Fenris will not be getting along.

Translations

Vos can tendo ut optimus me Hawke, postremo vos deficit: You can try to best me Hawke, but ultimately you will fail