Thanks to all you readers out there! Sorry, but I am behind on reviews and correspondence due to personal reasons. I will catch up!

This is a much lighter chapter. Totally insane and a two part thingy. Our Hawke is in denial.

Don't worry, Varania is not forgotten ;)

Chapter 14: Birthday Party Part I

Laughter floated out of the kitchen and into the foyer. Bodahn rolled his eyes for what felt like the hundredth time that day. He noticed a smile on Sandal's face and wondered if perhaps the sound of Hawke and Fenris flirting was amusing his adopted son.

Orana made an appearance.

"By the ancestors, what are those two doing?" said Bodahn. His happy dwarven beard bounced as he spoke.

"They are making cake." Orana grabbed an empty glass from the desk. "And a mess of my kitchen," she finished with a grumble.

The maidservant crossed the foyer in a determined stride. Bodahn's eyebrows were still unsure whether they could relax or not. He had never heard Orana audibly complain.

A high pitched squeal followed by a thundering laugh echoed throughout the house. Though Bodahn found the sounds annoying, he felt it was a nice change from Hawke's dark moods. For three days she had argued with anyone who was courageous enough to engage her in conversation. He was uncertain if this was caused by the full moon or something more sinister. The dwarf shrugged while he considered the situation.

Either way, the laughter is better than the yelling, thought Bodahn

"Maker what is that?" Hawke's eyes were wide with merriment. "It looks like Lucifer's dung."

Fenris poked at his cake. He tried to make a doggy ear out of a strategically placed strawberry.

"It is Lucifer," said Fenris. He gestured towards his creation. "Can you not see the resemblance?"

"It's a sorry looking pile of mutilated confectionary not my Mabari."

"And what of yours?" said Fenris. He eyed Marian's elongated cake. "It is very... phallic."

"It's your gigantic two-handed sword," said Marian. "If it were not for the fact that I have seen you naked I would think you were compensating for something."

Fenris scooped a bit of frosting up from her cake and stuck it in his mouth.

"Fenris!" Hawke swatted his hand. "Keep your fingers off my phallus!"

"I thought you enjoyed it when I put my fingers in your frosting." He gave her a wicked grin. "I have yet to hear you complain, woman."

"I would return the favor and violate your cake, but since it already looks like someone gang-raped it with a spoon, a fork and a set of steak knives. I think I'll leave it be."

Marian wrapped her arms around his neck. Fenris wrapped his arms around her waist and they kissed. When they ceased the affection, Hawke paused. She licked away the sweet sugary cream from his lips.

"I enjoy making cake with you," said Fenris in a low sultry whisper. "It is unfortunate that you only have one birthday a year."

"You mean it is unfortunate that we only have one birthday a year."

"Of course." He smiled. "How could I forget my own birthday?"

Since Fenris did not know the actual date of his birth, Hawke had suggested that he share her special day. As part of the celebration, the couple had decided to make a cake for each other. It had been Hawke's idea to sculpt it into a meaningful shape. Fenris could care less. He only wanted to eat the frosting, which he had demonstrated by piling it into a large mound, adding strawberries and calling it a Mabari.

Orana walked into the kitchen. The maidservant was horrified by the mess. Dishes and cooking utensils were scattered across every surface. A fine dusting of flour covered the floor along with globs of frosting. She noticed three empty wine bottles. They were the culprits behind the outlandish behavior taking place in what she considered her domain. While Fenris and Hawke were busy groping each other, Orana took the opportunity to swear at them under her breath. Fenris's ears perked up. He had just slipped his hand under Hawke's dress when he noticed the maidservant standing in the doorway.

"Ahem." He cleared his throat. Hawke had her hand planted firmly on his balls. Fenris quickly shifted. "How may we help you, Orana?"

"Uh oh." Hawke buried her head into Fenris's chest and giggled. "I think I've been caught elf-handed."

Fenris tugged on a piece of her hair. "Shush, Marian before you damage the use of another word."

Orana folded her arms. "The guests have started to arrive and they desire refreshment, therefore, I will need the use of the kitchen soon, my lady."

"We will be done in a moment." A goofy grin spread across Hawke's face. "I just need to add the final touch to Fenris's sword."

The drunken woman laughed at her own innuendo. Orana rolled her eyes. She spun around on her heel and marched off leaving the sound of an unmistakable sigh in her wake. Fenris looked at Hawke and her at him. They had just witnessed a miracle: Orana was annoyed.

Hawke blinked "Did she... is she... mad at us?"

Fenris wiped a dusting of flour from the top of his nose. "We did make quite the mess, Marian."

"But Orana has never been outwardly angry. Maybe it's her delicate time of the month."

"Bah, what possessed you to say such a thing to me?"

"I like getting a reaction from you."

"Maybe..." His voice became heated. Two firm hands lifted Hawke onto the messy counter. She gathered up the material of her dress past her waist and he slid between her legs. "Is this reaction to your satisfaction?"

"Nicely done."

She arched her back to deliberately show off her breasts. The silly grin on his face made it apparent that he knew exactly what she was doing. He assaulted her neck with firm kisses and ticklish nibbles. Hawke was delighted. Her fingers found a tuft of his hair to rummage through and to pull whenever she was overtaken by her need of him.

"Fenris... I want you," she said in a breathless whisper. "Let's go upstairs and you can do me quickly."

His lips fell on hers in fervent worship. Their tongues tangled and mingled taking delight in every touch. It looked as if they were about to devour each other. He pushed his erection against her female lips, only a slim piece of fabric separated their skin from meeting.

"I need you, Marian." His hot whisper lingered in her ear. Fenris's strong fingers massaged her breasts with a hearty grip. "We could... let's... it will only take but a moment."

An inquisitive voice made both Fenris and Hawke sigh. Anders was standing in the doorway.

"Hawke?"

"Are we in the Deep Roads again?" Hawke snuggled against Fenris's neck. "Remember how he used to find the most inopportune time to come visit us?"

"Oh... I," said Anders.

The mage looked away. Hawke gave Fenris a quick peck on the cheek before jumping off of the counter. The elf rolled his eyes and reached for an unopened bottle of wine.

"It's okay Anders." Hawke smoothed down her dress. She dusted the flour and icing off of her rear. "Come in."

Hawke shooed her naughty lover away so that she could remain composed. "We were just... decorating our cakes."

Fenris hid a smile. So far, his newfound birthday was proving to be a delight. He poured two glasses of wine and handed one to Marian.

Anders feigned embarrassment but it was really hidden jealousy. He had been watching them longer than he had made it appear. To see Fenris between Hawke's legs writhing and undulating in time with the movement of her hips filled him with resentment. As far as he was concerned Hawke had taken the elf back out of pity, not love.

"What do you want?" Fenris asked with little cordiality.

"I wish to speak with Hawke," Anders stated in a contrite tone. "Not that it is any of your concern."

"Marian is my utmost concern, mage." Fenris unconsciously rubbed her back. He had meant it to be a comforting gesture, but she felt the strength in his hand. He was claiming his territory. "There is nothing more important."

Anders scoffed at the comment. "What would you know of importance?"

"I daresay I put what matters first," said Fenris with confidence. "You are too busy listening to the sound of your own voice to hear the needs of others."

Hawke rolled her eyes. It was typical of Fenris and Anders to argue for no discernable reason. Sometimes she felt it was the only way they knew how to communicate with each other. Anders reactions were often fueled by his desire for Hawke and she knew it. But, the bulk of his problems with Fenris lay in his need to prove a point when it came to the mage/templar predicament. Anders was never going to convince Fenris of anything. The elf disliked the preachy mage and would for all time.

Anders infatuation with Hawke was of little consequence. She only had eyes for one man and nothing would ever change how she felt about Fenris. Yes, he was stubborn and often narrow minded, but he had grown through the years, allowing experience to percolate through preconceived ideas. He was, with some reluctance, open to change, whereas Anders remained stale and inhibited by his own prejudices. It was pity that had ensured her continued friendship with Anders. However, her patience was waning.

Hawke dusted the flour from Fenris's tunic. "You need a change of clothes." She looked down at her dress. It was mashed with flour and icing. "And I do as well. Let me speak with Anders and then I'll join you."

The twinkle in Fenris's eye did not go unnoticed. He kissed her on the cheek before departing.

Fenris grumbled to Anders on his way out. "Mage, make it quick,"

Hawke grabbed a dishtowel and began dusting off her clothing.

"How do you live with him?" Anders flailed his arms in the air. "Why do you live with him?"

"You wished to speak to me?" She said in a polite but firm tone.

"It's been some time since you have stopped by the clinic..." He began to pace. "I thought maybe something was wrong."

"I have been busy, Anders." A fleeting memory of Varania flew through Hawke's mind. She put it to one side. "I had intended to speak with you soon."

Anders rubbed his forehead. "There is something I need to discuss with you. But it should be in private. When can you come?"

Hawke ran her hand over her face. It's my fucking birthday. Why does he have to bring me problems? She smiled inwardly. I wonder if Fenris is naked yet. I wonder if he is waiting for me. Maker, I could do with some quick, hard sex.

"Hawke?"

"Sorry, I am slightly drunk." A lopsided grin confirmed her inebriation. "I will visit when I'm able to walk in a straight line and don't have to stand ten paces away from a torch. Will that do?"

Anders put his hand on his hips and huffed. "And here I thought you cared."

"Anders, it's my birthday! I usually care, but not today." She patted him on the shoulder. "Let's go have some fun."

He tried to be annoyed, but Anders could not resist Hawke's charming slurred words and rosy cheeks. She was plastered.

Hawke pulled on his short ponytail. "Promise me you will at least try and enjoy yourself?"

Hawke had a way with people. She was able to instill trust into many a wary soul. The confidence and warmth in her voice lulled people into a sense of security. She was dependable and true to her word. It was a defining factor that separated her from the norm, and one that had also brought her fortune and fame. But, for her, those things were of no consequence. Yes, they were nice, but the money she had earned through the years had been intended to help her family. Now, they were gone. The last remnant of family was Fenris. No woman had cherished a man more. This meant Hawke's unyielding generosity was coming to an end. However, for tonight, she was too drunk to give a damn.

Hawke and Anders entered the foyer. Her drunken eyes scanned the premises. She had invited her closest friends to the party. Aveline, Donnic, Merrill, Isabela, Varric, and Sebastian appeared to be happy. They were talking, eating appetizers and laughing. Tonight was a rare occasion that gave her great satisfaction.

"Excuse me," Hawke whispered to Anders. "I need to change before I'm noticed."

She raced up the stairs without waiting for his reply. The other guests soon became aware of Hawke's presence as she ascended. Each step was covered in a floured footprint. Orana practically growled at them.

"Hawke, where you going?" yelled Varric. "Is the party up there or down here?"

"Oh, there's a party going on upstairs." Isabela suggested. Her cocky grin made Varric's eyebrows rise. "How I wish I could watch."

"Yeah, but we're not invited Ravaini," warned Varric.

"I'm almost tempted to stand outside the door and listen."

Hawke closed the door to her bedroom. She was expecting to see Fenris as soon as she entered, but there was no one.

There's my bed, my wardrobe, my chest, strange perverted drawings by Isabela, a dagger, another dagger, an old staff, but no Fenris. Is he downstairs? Damned elf. Where is he?

A muscular arm wrapped around her waist. There he is. Mmmm, I hope he has the same thing in mind as I do.

She turned to meet him. Fenris practically attacked Hawke. The momentum of his body pushed her towards the bed.

"Fenris!"

The guests downstairs heard Hawke's high pitched squeal of delight. All eyes were on the bedroom door.

Aveline's face turned a bright crimson. "Well, Hawke does seem to be in high spirits this evening."

Bodahn sighed. "They have been like this all day, messere. If I didn't know better I'd think the house was full of children with the way they have been carrying on." The dwarf put his hands behind his back and rocked on the balls of his feet. "But I suppose it is their birthday, so maybe I shouldn't complain."

When Hawke reached the edge of the bed Fenris pushed her down onto the soft mattress. It was then she noticed that he was naked. Her eyes scanned every muscle, his toned abdominals, broad biceps, indomitable chest, the angular inset of his face, any part that she found attractive. Before she could ponder his intentions, his fingers had breached her female lips. They plunged deep inside to feel for her moist arousal. Their previous adventures in the kitchen had guaranteed her wetness.

The head of his cock slipped between the folds and into her slit. She was surprised but not offended. It had been awkward conversing with Anders when her mind only cared to be with Fenris.

"I am going to have you now." It was more of a demand than a request.

Her legs opened wider. "Take me." She dug her nails into his shoulders. "But make it quick. We have annoying guests waiting."

He smirked. "Yes, it would be impolite to keep them waiting." A deep thrust made her moan. "I would not want them or you to be... disappointed."

She bent her head upwards and watched as he hurriedly pounded between her legs. The sight of his muscles contracting and expanding filled her with such lustful want that she was unable to keep her eyes open. The lyrium in his veins flared. Fenris panted as he neared his climax. It sounded like he was running at a brisk rate. She watched his cheeks flush and his eyes close in what looked like immeasurable pain. He was close.

"Harder," she insisted.

A single finger outlined the contour of his ear. It was enough, along with her beggaring pleas, to send Fenris over the edge. He nuzzled his head in the valley of Hawke's neck. It muffled his grunts of pleasure. When it was finished she was insistent he move.

"We have to go downstairs," whispered Hawke. The wine and colorful sex was lulling Fenris to sleep. She smiled. "You have to get up, Fenris. As you said, it's impolite to keep them waiting."

He groaned. "I require rest."

"Later." She moved to the side and giggled. Fenris had planted his face firmly into the mattress. It looked as if his body had splattered all over the sheets. "Fenris," Hawke scolded. "You must get dressed."

"I must, must I?"

"I'm not going to dignify that with an answer."

Hawke dipped a cloth into a washbasin of fresh water and cleansed her body. She watched as Fenris reluctantly emerged from the bed. His eyes were heavy and his posture drooped like a cut flower without water.

"I suppose we should make an appearance." Fenris yawned. Hawke's eyes studied his body as he stretched. It was reminiscent of a newly awoken cat. "It is official. I hate social gatherings."

"What a revelation." After she had dressed, Hawke threw Fenris's tunic across the room. The sight of it offended him. "Get dressed while I go mingle."

"I will do as you ask but I will not like it."

"Yes, my Lord Broodyship, but do not be long or I will drag you downstairs by your pointy ears."

Fenris gave her a steamy look. "You promise?"

Later." She winked at him. The door opened. "By the way, Fenris..."

"Yes?"

"Happy birthday."