Collapsing on her bed, Hawke let out a long sigh. She was exhausted, mentally and physically, after an afternoon spent trying to adjust to her newest household members. She wasn't the only one tired, either. Aibhne lay curled at the foot of the bed. The Mabari had followed her upstairs, turned twice in a circle instead of her customary thrice and started snoring almost instantly. There'd been quite a bit of nudging and a couple more full-face licks from her throughout the day. It seemed Cormac was correct. Aibhne had quite the knack for distracting Hawke when she tensed up.

Despite her exhaustion, Andrea felt the day a moderate success. She'd managed to not throw a single spell and, after the disastrous impromptu sparring match, kept her wits about her as well. There had been a few tense moments, but between Fenris and Aibhne things had progressed about as well as she could have hoped.

Merrill and Isabela's arrival had relieved the tension immensely. Hawke smiled remembering how the pair swept into the library, bringing some much needed humor and distraction with them. Durstan stammered and stumbled over the petite elf that remained oblivious, as always. Cormac had jumped to his feet when the two women entered the room and Isabela, being Isabela, had taken advantage of his chivalry and stolen his chair. Merrill had held her tightly for several moments, kissed her forehead and then plopped herself at Isabela's feet.

Isabela launched into an improbable and highly embellished tale about Hawke, the Viscount's son and the Qunari. Andrea smiled as she looked back on the pirate and her story telling. She had long known there was more to the pirate than most people expected and today was no exception. Her tales, helped along by Varric and Merrill both, kept everyone entertained and allowed Hawke to focus on something besides her fear.

There had been moments, of course, mostly brought on by Cormac's incessant need to move. Clearly, Varric's first task was to find a way to redirect that tic. Conversely, Andrea found herself relaxing more and more around Durstan as the day progressed. His unruffled manner was a calming influence. By the end of the day, he'd taken to placing a hand on Cormac's shoulder whenever his twitching started to grate on her nerves. He seemed to recognize that his friend's nervousness was feeding her own. Cormac would relax just slightly at the older boy's touch and grow still for a few blessed minutes.

The boys, and that's the only way she could see them, were young, Durstan all of 18 and Cormac 16, Their youth was oh so obvious and their closeness reminded her of Bethany and Carver at that age. The usual pain clenched her heart as she remembered her siblings. Cormac wasn't as prickly as Carver, but he certainly showed the potential. She smiled, remembering the brotherly interactions between the two. Yes, the day had ended as well as could be expected, given its start.

A soft knock at the door roused Hawke from her thoughts and she looked up as Fenris slipped into the room, closing the door softly behind him.

"This is your room, too, Fenris. Why are you knocking?"

"It is never wise to startle a mage," he said, the slight smile on his face softening his words. "How are you, carissima?"

"Tired, but…encouraged."

Fenris arched an eyebrow and crossed the room to join Andrea. He reached down and patted Aibhne as he passed by her pallet and then perched on the edge of the bed. He took her hand in his and idly rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb.

"Encouraged?"

"Well, yes. After a rocky start, I managed not to blast anyone or curl up in a ball. So, progress."

He chuckled and squeezed her hand. "Donnic and Aveline will be by tomorrow afternoon. Are you ready?"

"No, but sitting around on my arse won't make me any more prepared," she said, sitting up and sighing. She scooted closer towards Fenris and rested her head on his shoulder. "I like Durstan. Will you teach him to fight?"

"Yes, I believe so. He is tall enough and strong enough, I think, to use a great sword. It will a bit of a challenge to teach someone who is left-handed. Perhaps I can speak with Aveline and see if she has someone who can assist in his training."

"Sounds like a plan."

"And what of Cormac?"

"Up to Varric, " she mumbled.

"Andrea?"

"Yes?"

"You should get some rest."

"Not sleepy."

"Yes. This is why your eyes are closed."

"Shows you what you know. It's called resting your eyes."

"I see. Still, perhaps you can rest them lying down. Just in case."

Andrea stuck her tongue out him without opening her eyes and snuggled closer. "Fine right here."

Fenris sighed and placed one hand on her cheek, pressing her head closer. "Always."

The next morning found the entire Hawke household gathered around the dining table. Bodhan and Orana fidgeted, not used to taking their meals with Hawke. After much persuasion, they had reluctantly joined everyone and were now perched on the edge of their seats. Cormac looked almost as uncomfortable, pulling at the collar of his new tunic. Durstan had watched Fenris, looked around at his fellow servants, shrugged and started eating.

"Cormac, does your tunic not fit?"

"What? Oh no, mistress, it's fine."

"Then leave it alone. If it's not going to strangle you, I'd prefer it was left in one piece."

"Of course, mistress." He frowned when he heard Durstan's snicker and nudged him with his elbow. He focused on the food on his plate, more than he remembered seeing in one sitting since before he came to Kirkwall.

"All right then. I trust everyone slept well?"

A mumbled chorus of yeses greeted Hawke's question and she groaned. Damn it, this wouldn't be so hard if they'd all just relax. She idly wondered if there was a spell to lighten the mood, but shook her head.

"I know you're all wondering why I insisted that we do this," she said, gesturing at the gathering. "We need to get used to each other. Damn, I hate this," she muttered, looking down at her plate for a moment. She lifted her head with a jerk, eyes flashing. "I know you don't believe it, but I really hate the entire idea of having servants. And don't start with me, Bodhan, "she pointed her fork at the dwarf. "I know you feel obligated, and Maker knows I couldn't take care of this house without you and Orana. I just wish you all would relax. No one is losing a job today. Oh, Andraste's tits, you're all family. Even you two," she twitched her fork at Cormac and Durstan. "Get used to it."

"Hawke."

"Fenris," she snapped.

"Relax."

Aibhne chose this moment to push her way under the table, causing all the dishes to rattle. She stuck her head in Andrea's lap, her nose just peeking our from under the tablecloth. Andrea looked down and burst out laughing. The others followed suit, except for Bodhan who leapt to his feet and grabbed the water pitcher that rocked dangerously.

"It's been a while since you fit under the table, girl. Can you get out without knocking everything down?"

The Mabari panted her doggy grin and slid out with ease. She turned and sat down, resting her head on the arm of Andrea's chair. Hawke placed one hand on her head and turned her attention back to the table.

"Well, that was exciting. Here's the deal, folks. I need to be able to at least fake being the Champion by the next day or two. I can't hide here forever. I'm getting there and the more time I spend in your presence," she said, gesturing to each man in turn, "the easier it will be. The true test comes this afternoon, when Aveline and Donnic drop by. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to that. But, I will manage, with your help. For now, eat your breakfast and ignore the crazy mage."

Hawke turned her attention to her food and attempted to tune out the others. After a moment of awkward silence, Durstan asked Fenris about when they could start training. Their discussion dominated the table but she could hear Orana and Bodhan discussing what the household needed from the market. Soon, their chatter filled the air and she smiled.

She watched Cormac surreptitiously as she ate. He was quiet, concentrating on shoveling food and adding more to his plate when he thought no one was looking. His eyes darted around the room and she realized she was following both conversations. He asked Orana if she knew how to make laverbread and the discussion that sparked was priceless, mainly for the look on Orana's face as Cormac described the ingredients – boiled seaweed, oats and bacon. Despite her obvious misgivings, the elf promised to try it. Hawke wondered if Cormac realized the effect his grin had on the girl and shook her head.

"Hawke?"

'Yes, love," she said, turning her attention to Fenris. She smiled at the blush that blossomed on the tips of his ears.

"Do you still have one of Carver's old blades?"

"I don't know. Bodhan?'

"Yes, messere?"

"Do I still have one of Carver's old great swords?"

"I think so, messere. Would you like me to fetch it for you?"

Hawke waved her hand, motioning the dwarf back to his seat. "No rush, Bodhan. Durstan needs a practice blade. You can bring it to Fenris after breakfast."

"Yes, messere."

"It's Hawke, Bodhan. Just Hawke."

"Yes, messere."

"Stubborn dwarf."

"Yes, messere."

She smiled and turned her attention back to Fenris and Durstan. She lifted a shoulder in a helpless shrug.

"Apparently, I do have one of Carver's old blades. You know, you should just ask Bodhan these things. He knows where everything is."

"Clearly."

'So, Durstan, ready to learn the fine art of swordplay, are you?"

"Yes mistress."

"Oh, bollocks, not you, too. It's Hawke."

"I'm afraid I have to agree with Bodhan, mistress."

Hawke sighed. "Fine. Just so you know, Fenris might do his glow-y fist-y thing if you call him Ser. I wouldn't advise it."

"Hawke," Fenris growled.

She stuck her tongue out at the elf and Durstan threw back his head and laughed.

A/N: Just so you know, laverbread is traditional Welsh dish made of laver (seaweed). It apparently takes 10 hours to boil the seaweed into something that can be eaten. And before you ask, I've never had it. I found it on Google. You can find anything on Google.

Sorry for the delay in posting. I wasn't sure where I wanted to go next and this is really just a filler chapter before the fun with Donnic. Despite the face that I haven't posted in two weeks, I have had over 900 hits on this story this month. I think it's time I stopped babbling about the numbers and just be awed in silence. As always, a big thank you to all who have favorited, alerted, reviewed – NoMadKa, Chankeybee, themusicalmuffin, Letticiae, 4MFT, rookieroo, Yaminokai, and FinFinBang.