Neither woman knew how it had come to this. One minute they were rolling around on the deck upstairs, the next they were having one last drink together, then they were arguing again for what seemed like the millionth time, and now Hawke found herself pressed up against the cabin door with Isabela's lips pressed against hers, no longer afraid to accept that she was in love. Lana kissed her back furiously, taken aback at the pirate's sudden confession. There was a pounding in her ears as Isabela's hands claimed her for their own, tracing down her sides and cupping her hips, pulling her closer as though she never wanted to let her go again.
They were both out of breath already, over eager and still unable to believe that it was happening. Nothing else existed in the world except taste, touch and scent. Hawke placed a hand on either side of Isabela's face, pulling her in further, a faint hint of whiskey lingering on her tongue. A soft groan escaped her as she felt the pirate backing them both towards the massive four-poster bed a few feet behind. Isabela's legs collided with it and she fell back, dragging Hawke down with her. Lana lay her full weight against the pirate's massive chest, pinning her arms over her head and blindly unbuckling the woman's hard gauntlets and sliding them down her forearms. She flung them off the bed then clumsily undid the strings on her black corset before ripping it off impatiently and throwing it to join them on the floor.
Breaking their passionate kiss, Lana began to trace her tongue along Isabela's collarbone. There was a kind of sweetness to the pirates tan sin that she had never noticed before, having been too inebriated and caught up in grief to remember the last time they had had sex very well. This time it was different though. It wasn't just some drunken decision, caught up in the moment and led by nothing more than their sexual appetites and need for company. Both of them wanted it, both had dreamed of this moment for years, longed for it. It was so much more than just sex, and they both knew it.
As Isabela lay her head back, eyes closed, feeling the tenderness of Hawke's tongue leave a wet trail of kisses along her neck and travel down along her chest, she realised what she had been missing all these years. Her fear of falling in love had denied her the opportunity to experience anything like this. It was different, foreign, but even more satisfying than she could have imagined knowing that the woman now tearing open her shirt down the middle to continue her kissing further down was completely hers. Balls, why didn't I tell her I loved her sooner, she thought desperately, arching her back as Lana's tongue ran down along her abdomen, tickling it, and arousing her to a point that she had never yet reached before anyone had properly touched her. The anticipation was torturous, so much so that she placed both hands on Hawke's head, running them through her brown hair and encouraging her to reach her destination quicker. She couldn't wait any longer. Lana giggled between kisses, glancing up at her with those enticing chocolate-brown eyes. She slowed down on purpose now, teasing her, zigzagging along the pelvic creases in her lower abdomen and getting an agonizing moan of pleasure from the impatient pirate.
"Hawke..."she whispered, breathless, throwing her head back onto the bed again and feeling a throbbing ache between her legs that she desperately needed satisfied. I'm going to explode, she thought to herself, knowing Hawke was toying with her, driving her crazy on purpose. Then, just as she was about to complain again, the warmth of Lana's mouth covered the pulsing ache, and began to massage it gently. Isabela gasped, moaning again and entwining her fingers further into Lana's hair as she buried her head between her legs.
"Maker's... breath!" she exclaimed erotically, knowing she was almost at her limit already. Hawke wrapped her arms around the pirate's legs as she pleasured her, trying to hold Isabela still as she squirmed about on the bed, too sensitive now to even withstand the gentle cajoling of her tongue. She withdrew her hands from Lana's hair and grabbed fistfuls of the bed covers, her arousal agonisingly satisfying, almost making her scream out for relief. Although their last sexual encounter had been great, she couldn't remember Hawke ever having this effect on her. Of course back then I wasn't in love with her...Or I was but just too scared to admit it.
Suddenly she couldn't take any more. Her abdomen tensed as she climaxed, sending her into a spinning combination of pleasurable release and causing her to cry out loudly, using what was left of her breath. Lana slid back up her body, resuming kissing her neck as Isabela lay with her eyes closed sweating, completely lost in herself. She could feel Hawke's fingers slip in and out of her, curling inside her body and finding that special spot that had been so difficult for many of her former conquests to locate. The slight pressure Lana applied there made her body go into small spasms. She opened her eyes and looked down, bringing her hand under Hawke's chin and tilting her face up to kiss her once more.
The taste of her own juices on Lana's tongue furthered her arousal even more. It didn't take long for the pirate to blindly find the thin belt at Hawke's waist and untie it, letting her lapels fall loose enough so she could push the red robe back off her shoulders and let it fall to side. Hawke's breasts spilled out and pressed down against hers. The women gasped slightly, getting a chill at the sudden nakedness. Isabela ran a hand down along her back, feeling the Goosebumps which had just popped up as a result, and rested it along her ass, squeezing it in her grasp. She kicked off Hawke's boots with her own and rolled her back onto the bed, laying her over her discarded robe before straightening up and climbing on top of her, straddling her with both legs.
Hawke smirked up at her, staring at the tear she had made in Isabela's white shirt which was now ripped cleanly in two and hanging from her shoulders like a sleeveless jacket. Isabela glanced down at it, taking a moment to admire her work before slipping her arms out of it and chucking it over her shoulder onto the floor. She undid a few of the numerous buckles on her massive boots and kicked them off awkwardly before leaning down to kiss Lana once more.
Isabela rubbed between her legs gently with her fingers, feeling the wetness which had already occurred. This time it was Hawke who was moaning softly. Then, taking her by surprise, Isabela retracted her hand and leaned back up onto her knees again.
"Don't stop!" Lana exclaimed, opening her eyes and looking up at her questioningly, wondering what she was doing. There was a wicked glint in the pirate's eye. She shifted to her left and then reached under Lana's left thigh and began extending her leg straight up in the air. Facing almost sideways now, the pirate adjusted herself back on top of Lana so that their centres were now touching, holding her leg up and beginning to rub herself against her. Taken by surprise by this position, Lana's head fell back onto the bed and she screamed out, turned on by the smooth, long, thrusting movements Isabela was making above her.
The bed soon began to shake when the pirate found her rhythm. Both women were breathing heavily, their throats completely dry. Isabela slowed down for a bit and began to run her lips along Lana's outstretched leg that she was holding up. She stared down at her, seeing a shiny layer of sweat settling on her heaving chest as Lana lay with her eyes closed, running her hands through her hair. Smiling to herself, the pirate then started to quicken the pace again, feeling the wetness of Lana's creases against her own. Hawke had had sex this way with women only a handful of times before but none of them had ever satisfied her like this, and Isabela certainly knew what she was doing. It wasn't until the candle on the bedside cabinet had almost burnt out and Lana had cried herself hoarse did the pirate finally stop. She let Hawke's leg fall and collapsed onto the bed beside her.
"Oh...Bela..."was all that Lana could manage.
The pirate glanced over at her and chuckled. Hawke turned her head so they were both staring at each other, amber eyes piercing chocolate-brown ones which for once had no trace of sadness in them. Isabela reached out and touched her flushed cheek, caressing it with her thumb.
"I love you, Hawke," she said again, feeling her heart flutter as the words escaped her lips for the second time tonight. Hawke smiled and kissed her hand.
"I love you too, Bela," she replied, leaning in and placing her lips on hers gently then resting her head on the Rivaini's shoulder. Isabela tilted her head against hers and draped her arm around her, holding her close as they both relaxed. She let out a huge sigh, feeling as though the entire world had just been lifted off her shoulders.
"You're not going to run off this time are you?" the pirate joked, glancing down at Hawke and remembering the last time. She felt her chuckle.
"Not unless you want me to," Lana responded, her eyes still closed.
"Go ahead," Isabela said, indifferently, "I only wanted to have sex one last time before I left."
Hawke jumped up, frowning down at her. Her heart sunk. "What!" she said angrily. "I thought you...I mean we..."
To her surprise Isabela burst out laughing.
"I'm only kidding Hawke," she replied, amused at the look on her face. She continued chuckling while Lana glared at her.
"Hey!... That's not funny!" she cried, annoyed, slapping her stomach. "You're so cruel!" Isabela laughed even more. "Stop laughing!" Hawke moaned, her frown deepening now. She shook her head and tried to get up.
Suddenly Isabela rolled over on top of her, taking her completely unawares. Her breath caught as Isabela weight pressed down on her, her face hovering inches from hers. She had stopped laughing now.
"Don't even think about it," she warned, leaning her forehead against Lana's, her warm breath tickling her face. Hawke's heart was pounding in her chest.
"You don't get to tell me what to do," Hawke whispered back, breathless. She felt Isabela chuckle.
"Sooner or later, Sweetness, I always get on top," she whispered back, smiling. Thinking back to their love-making, Lana smiled.
"That's fine with me," she replied.
Isabela pulled back a little to look at her, seeing the cheeky smile on her face. Then a huge grin spread across hers as she realised what Hawke was getting at.
"You don't know what you've gotten yourself into," she joked, shaking her head. She leaned in and kissed her, slower now, even more passionate than before. Lana felt her head go light as she drew breath from her, the pirate's searching tongue pressed against her own. They lost themselves in each other again for several minutes, neither wanting to leave this bed ever again.
The candles were extinguished now, the cabin in semi-darkness. It was the early hours of the morning and neither had slept yet. They had finally climbed under the covers as the Captain's Quarters grew steadily colder around them and Isabela had pressed herself up against Hawke's back, tucking her knees under hers and wrapping her arm around her holding her close. The faint scent of flower petals coming from Hawke's hair tickled her nose. She evidently bathed earlier, the pirate thought to herself, wondering what her own hair smelled like.
"I think I need a bath," she said in Hawke's ear, "Do you think I need a bath?"
Hawke chuckled silently, "It wouldn't help," she replied, "You'd still be a dirty bastard."
Isabela laughed loudly and leaned in to sink her teeth into Hawke's shoulder a little too hard.
"Ah!" Lana gasped, still sniggering as she rolled over to frown at her, "Don't you think I have enough scars?"
The pirate chuckled, "One more wouldn't hurt," she teased, smiling Lana's favourite crooked smile. They stared at each other in the gray-darkness, seeing only the faint outline of the others face. Hawke ran a finger along Isabela's bicep when suddenly her hand brushed against a piece of cloth. It was the only thing the pirate still had on. She looked down, realising what it was.
"Did you mean it when you said you only wore that because it reminded you of me?"
"Of course I did," Isabela agreed, nodding her head. "I know it was silly but...it was quite similar to the one you wear all the time. You know..." she looked back up at her, "...the one that Bethany gave you when we left for the Deep Roads all those years ago."
Hawke dropped her gaze, a pained expression appearing on her face at the mention of her little sister's name. Isabela watched her closely, before glancing down at Lana's neck wondering why it looked so bare. True, it had been the last time she had seen her naked, but that had only been because the bandana had come loose in the struggle when they were having sex. This time though there was no mistake. Isabela put two and two together. She wasn't wearing Bethany's gift to begin with.
"You took it off?" she asked in disbelief. Hawke had been wearing almost as religiously as Isabela had worn her blue one (which incidently itself had fallen off tonight amidst the struggles). The lines on her face deepened.
"Worse," she replied sadly, "I threw it at her in anger back at Chateau Haine..."
Isabela gave her a look of sympathy, feeling slightly responsible. It had been her outburst which had started the whole thing. "Oh, Hawke...I know she hurt you but she didn't deserve that."
"I know..."
Hawke sat up straight then, the blanket falling off her. She stared down at her hands, thinking about Bethany and all those numerous letters she had been sending from the Circle which were sitting unopened on the desk in her Estate. Hearing her voice crack a little, the Rivaini sat up behind her and kissed Lana on the shoulder, whispering in her ear.
"Close your eyes..."
Hawke looked at her questioningly before doing it. Isabela reached down and untied her own bandana from her arm then. She gently lifted Hawke's hair from her neck and tied the bandana around it, knotting it at the back and giving her a quick kiss on the cheek when she was finished.
Hawke opened her eyes and glanced down at it.
"Don't you want it anymore?" she asked in surprise.
"I don't need it now that I have you...Besides, it looked better on you anyway. Red isn't really my colour."
Hawke stared down at it again, then looked up into Isabela's amber eyes, smiling.
"Thank you," she whispered, holding her had across it preciously and kissing her on the lips.
"I'm a giver," Isabela joked, smirking. Hawke laughed.
"You're just a big softie," she teased, "I've never seen you like this..."
"Maybe because I've been running away from my feelings for years," Isabela admitted, looking slightly apologetic. "I've got a lot of catching up to do, Hawke."
Lana smiled and pushed her back down onto the bed, pressing her weight on top of her.
"You're doing fine," she said leaning in to kiss her once more before laying her head down against her chest. Isabela's arms wrapped around her again and both of them exhaled.
"So... where do we go from here?" she asked, staring up at ceiling of the giant four-poster bed. Hawke sighed.
"You tell me," she replied, her eyes closed.
Isabela thought for a minute before answering.
"I'm not sure," she admitted, "The only thing that was keeping me in Kirkwall this long was you..."
Hawke's heart fluttered again. She was still getting used to hearing Isabela say things like that to her. And she's still getting used to saying them, I suppose.
"And now that you've got me?" she asked, wondering where Isabela was going with this. The pirate felt something rush through her, warming her insides. I've got her, she thought, still finding it hard to believe. She had never wanted anyone or anything so much in her life, not even this ship which had consumed her thoughts for years too. And now she's mine. The pirate smiled in spite of herself.
"Well..." she started, "I suppose I could stay...You have family here after all, and an Estate...It wouldn't be fair of me to ask you to leave with me."
Hawke raised her head and looked up at her. "I'd do it for you."
Isabela's eyes widened. She hadn't expected that answer. "But what about Gamlen? I know he's an ass but I think he would miss you a little...And then Charade. She hates my guts but you've only just met her, Hawke."
Lana smiled at her. "Wasn't it you who once told me that family's not only the people you're related to by blood?"
Isabela chuckled, "Did I say that?" she mused, trying to recall. It had been the same day Leandra had been murdered. And I had pried Leandra's body from Hawke's arms and brought her home, Isabela remembered,picturing the scene in Hawke's bedroom afterwards.
"You did," Lana said, bring her back from memories of that fateful day. Isabela smirked at her.
"So what are you saying, I'm family now?" she joked. Hawke chuckled.
"You're more than that," she replied, "I've had bad experiences with family, I don't think you want to be pigeon-hole with that lot."
They both laughed. It was true, except-
"You can't leave things with Bethany this way though," Isabela said, remembering little Hawke's face back at Chateau Haine. Lana sighed and sat her head back down on Isabela's chest, snuggling in close once more.
"Let's not talk about it now," she said, trying not to think about her sister. "We're not in any rush."
Isabela silently agreed. She hugged Hawke in closer to her and they both closed their eyes, drifting off into the best sleep either of them had had in years.
"Hawke, where in Andraste's Ass did you disappear to last night? I had to go back to the barracks to get Brennan to accompany me the rest of the patrol!"
Lana jumped with fright and slopped her drink down her front as Aveline came thundering up to her where she sat at a table in The Hanged Man on her own. She spun around, and looked up, the Big Girl towering over her looking enraged.
"Sorry Av," she said, holding up her hands in surrender, "I ran into-"
"Two hours I searched for you in those wretched docks! I was worried sick!" she yelled, interrupting.
"I'm fine!" Hawke said, frowning, "I...You told me to run after Isa-I mean Crusty Jack, so I did! I only left you with three guards!"
"Those three guards turned into half the Armada as the night went on! Apparently someone had broken into their warehouses and stolen goods and they seemed to think it was me! Chased me the whole way back to the barracks they did!"
"Oh!" Hawke replied, frowning, "I...Sorry Av, I...I didn't mean-"
"You could have bloody told me you went home, Hawke. I would have understood!" Aveline shouted, interrupting her again.
"I didn't go home," Lana informed her. Aveline narrowed her eyebrows in suspicion.
"What?" she snapped, "Then where did you go?"
"I...er...I met someone..."
"Who?"
"Me," Isabela said, having returned from the water closet.
Aveline turned around in disbelief as Isabela passed her and sat herself a little too closely beside Hawke, planting a kiss on her as she sat down.
"I...Oh..." the guardswoman stuttered, pleasantly surprised, "I thought you'd left."
Isabela placed a hand on Hawke's leg and smiled up at the Big Girl.
"I got a better offer," she replied, surprised to see Aveline's face brighten.
"So...you two are...?" she asked, looking from one to the other. They both looked at each other.
"Let's not...thrust it into light," Isabela said, glancing at Hawke with a wicked grin.
"Yes I mean we wouldn't want to...rock the boat," she joked, with a cheeky wink at the pirate. Isabela chuckled.
Aveline groaned and rolled her eyes, "So you slept together, I get it...I take we're back to theses vulgar jokes again then?" she asked annoyed, though not as annoyed as usual Hawke noticed.
"Let me get this straight," Isabela said curiously, having noticed Aveline's permanent smile, "You wanted us to make up?"
Aveline's face went red. "I didn't say that," she replied defensively, "I just...wanted you both to stop acting like idiots. But I can see now that even though you're together you're still the same. Anyway, did you catch him?"
"Catch who?" Hawke asked, confused.
"Crusty Jack!" Aveline exclaimed.
"Oh...er...no he got away," Lana replied.
"I hear he's quite the...mast enthusiast," Isabela added with a cheeky grin.
"I'd let him climb up my rigging any day," Hawke said, causing both of them to burst out laughing. Aveline rolled her eyes. She hated it when two of them started drinking too early.
"Maker, if I hear another sexual innuendo, I swear... I'll see you later...off to spread the news."
Hawke and Isabela watched after her confused, seeing the smile on her face get bigger as she reached the door. Lana jumped to her feet.
"Wait here," she said to Isabela, before hurrying outside after the Guardswoman.
"Av!" she called, running up to her. Aveline turned round.
"What's up?" she asked, still having traces of a smile on her face.
"You tell me," Hawke asked, smiling a little herself. "Why are you so...happy?"
Aveline could no longer hide her smile. She grinned widely. "Hold on to her this time, Hawke," she said, gesturing towards The Hanged Man. "We all agreed that you were perfect for each other...I can see how happy she makes you."
Hawke's mouth fell open in disbelief. Never in this age did she ever think Aveline would approve a relationship between her and Isabela. Without saying another word, Lana threw her arms around her, despite the heavy armor and pulled her into a hug.
"Thanks, Av," she said to the pleasantly surprised Guardswoman who hugged her back then, "For everything."
"You know I'm always here for you," Aveline replied, smiling.
They broke apart then, both looking down at the ground, embarrassed. After several seconds of silence, Hawke cleared her throat.
"Well," she said, rocking back and forwards, "I...I better get back to my drinking."
"And I better get back to work," Aveline said, back to her businesslike tone. "See you later, Hawke."
"Later, Av."
That night in The Hanged Man was a cheerful one indeed. Varric seemed ecstatic to have his two friends back, and even better than normal, so much so that he bought the first and second rounds (which were quite a while ago now). Anders was the only one who hadn't shown up to join in the festivities, though no one commented on his absence. Had Hawke not been having such a good time herself, she would have thought it odd, but she was too busy enjoying being with Isabela once more to take much notice.
Merrill was pleased to see Isabela back as well and had suspiciously become better at cards again. No one was cruel enough to wipe the smile off her face when she won though, by accusing her of cheating. As the little elf scooped her winnings into her coin purse, Lana got to her feet and went to get another round. She was already a little drunk.
"The same again please, Corrff," she said when her looked at her expectantly.
"Coming right up, Serah," he replied, reaching under the bar for more mugs.
Suddenly a pair of arms slipped around Hawke from behind. She turned to find Isabela, smirking at her.
"I'm finding it hard to keep my hands off you," she said cheekily, leaning in for a kiss. Every man in The Hanged Man was now watching them, unable to believe their luck.
"I wish they wouldn't stare every time we do that," Hawke said quietly, glancing around with they broke apart. Some of them had slopped ale down their fronts and others had dropped their pints entirely. Isabela chuckled.
"Its jealousy," she replied, indifferent, "They would love to have someone as attractive as me kissing them like that instead."
Hawke laughed and hit her playfully on the arm. "You not all that, you know," she whispered, cheekily, caressing the pirate's cheek "You've still got a fat lip from where I punched you remember?"
They both laughed.
"And you've still got a black eye," she muttered back, scanning the damage she had done a few days ago which was turning slightly yellow now. "So they're definitely not staring at you."
Hawke smiled and leaned in to kiss her again. Just before their lips met, something caught her eye behind Isabela. She smiled wildly.
"You're not going to believe this," she whispered, still staring. Isabela took the kiss Lana had been holding back and then turned her head, trying to find what she was looking at. A man was cowering in the corner, trying very hard not to look at either Hawke or Isabela so as not to catch their attention. A surge of anger and vengeance shot through Isabela.
"Ahh," she sighed, a dangerous grin appearing, "Lucky."
"Together?" Hawke asked, knowing full well what Lucky had done after being filled in earlier that night and well aware of what Isabela was planning.
"I think so," Isabela agreed, turning back to her. "Let's get the others their drinks first though...and I'm sure Varric will want in on this as well."
She released Hawke and helped her carry the mugs of whiskey and ale back to their table, then began muttering something in Varric's ear. The dwarf looked up and smiled like the others as he spotted Lucky.
"Ah, excellent," he said, clapping his hands together, "I've been getting a bit bored playing cards."
As Fenris, Charade, Merrill and Aveline watched them confused, Varric, Isabela and Hawke separated and began to walk through the tavern, all keeping eyes on the same prey. The pirate approached the table where Lucky was sitting, covering his face and talking to one of his associates as though trying to blend in.
"Lucky!" Isabela said loudly, as though he was an old friend. Lucky turned around, fear in his eyes, his broken nose now twice the size and rather bent.
"Ah...Alright Isabela?" he replied nervously. "How...how'd that Velasco thing go?"
"Let me buy you a drink," she said, smiling seductively at him. Lucky looked taken aback.
"I...What?" he asked, confused. Isabela's smile widened.
"I want to buy you a drink," she repeated invitingly. "Come and join me." Lucky seemed to deflate with relief.
"I...um...yeah, why not?" he said, getting to his feet. He began to walk over to the bar.
"Oh, not here," Isabela said, touching his arm. "Let's go somewhere a little more...private."
Lucky eyed her suspiciously again. Isabela began to run her hand up his arm, flirtingly. "Oh, you've such big muscles," she said longingly, "I've never noticed before."
"Uh...thanks," he replied, becoming lost in her piercing amber eyes. His gaze dropped to her cleavage then, which was peeking out over the new white shirt she had bought herself (Hawke having ruined the last one).
"Come on," she said, leading him towards the door, walking seductively. Every man's eyes followed them out, glaring at Lucky with looks of pure jealousy. He seemed rather pleased with himself and grinned back at them all smugly.
Outside, Isabela started leading him towards a dark alleyway.
"Where...er...where's your friend?" Lucky asked, nervously, "You know...the...famous one."
Isabela smirked back at him cheekily, "She's waiting for us."
Lucky's eyes almost popped out of his skull. He swallowed hard, his mouth watering uncontrollably. A huge growth spurted from his pants. Isabela looked down at it and chuckled.
"It doesn't take much, does it?" she teased, seeing that he was aroused. "Has Lucky never...gotten lucky before?"
"Not this lucky," he joked back, all caution gone out the window now. Isabela giggled and led him down the alleyway. When they got half way down, Lucky reached out and grabbed her ass, unable to resist. Isabela jumped and spun around.
"Not yet," she said playfully, pinning him up against the wall and tracing a finger down his face.
Suddenly there were footsteps in the direction of where they had just come. Lucky and Isabela turned to watch the outline of Hawke's perfectly formed figure, shining in the moonlight. The pirate found herself become aroused as well despite everything. Maker, I'd forgotten how good she looks when she walks like that. Lucky's mouth was hanging open and he was drooling down his chin.
"Holy Maker..."
Hawke approached them, a seductive smile on her face, matching Isabela's. She leaned in to kiss her, much to Lucky's delight and then both women leaned in to either side of his neck as though to kiss him.
Just as Lucky closed his eyes, ready for the greatest moment of his life, two fists were launched into his stomach simultaneously. His eyes flung open in shock and he doubled over, winded.
"Arrghh, you dirty wenches!" he exclaimed, straightening up and trying to grab them. Suddenly a bolt came flying through the air and caught him in the shoulder, sticking him to the wall behind him with the sheer force.
"Arrrgghhh shit!"
Varric appeared from a joining alleyway as Lucky's voice echoed in the night. Bianca was resting in his arms.
"I never get sick of doing that," he joked, walking down to meet up with the two women and admiring his handy work.
"And I never get sick of seeing it," Lana replied, grinning at him proudly and remembering the time almost ten years ago when he had saved her from a cutpurse in Hightown. The dwarf took a little bow.
"So," Isabela said, as the three of the turned to Lucky with their arms folded, "Tell us, Lucky, have you been a bad boy?"
"I ain't done nothing!" he yelled, trying to pull out the bolt in his shoulder to no avail.
"Don't lie," Isabela said, "You've been spying on me for years and sending information to the Felicisima Armada haven't you?"
A guilty look spread over his sweating face.
"I...ugh...I had to. They was...they was going to kill me, Isabela!" he exclaimed.
Hawke laughed, "And what made you think we wouldn't?"
Lucky's eyes widened in fear. "No," he gasped, glancing at all three of them, "No! Please!"
"I don't think pleading's going to help," Varric said, shaking his head and tutting. "Any ideas, Rivaini?"
"A few," she replied with a grin, "Most of them include cutting off his manhood...which I can see wouldn't make much of a difference anyway seeing how small it is."
The three of them laughed as they looked down at the dying bulge in Lucky's pants.
"No!" he pled again, "D-d-d-don't, please!"
"You should have thought of that before you screwed me over," Isabela snarled, all trace of her jokiness gone. "I was almost killed because of you, you greasy bastard!"
"I'm sorry, alright?" he yelled back hysterically, "I mean it!"
As a mental image of Velasco pinning her to the floor flashed through Isabela's mind she became furious and pulled out her Heartbreaker dagger, beginning to swing it in her hand.
"Do it," Hawke said, watching her seething in anger as she stared down at it, thinking about what would have happened to her had Hawke not saved her. Isabela glanced up at her for reassurance, then down at Varric who nodded.
"You should have known, Lucky," she said, staring up at him, "That if Castillon wasn't going to kill you, then I was."
The pirate moved so quickly that Lucky didn't have time to respond. Her blade sliced through his skin, the whole way up to its golden hilt, leaving a trail of dark blood trickling down his midsection and spraying them all slightly. Lucky fell limp, still hanging from the bolt.
"Ouch," Varric exclaimed, with a chuckle, "Right in the heart, Rivaini."
"He deserved it," Hawke said, pulling out the bolt and handing it to Varric as the snake Lucky slithered to the ground, dead.
Isabela was shaking with anger as she stared down at his lifeless form. Varric glanced at her then at Hawke who was watching the pirate worriedly. He cleared his throat.
"Well, I'll see you back at The Hanged Man," he said, leaving them alone together, "My whiskey's calling."
Hawke waited until his footsteps had left before speaking.
"Are you alright?" she asked, taking a step towards her and holding put her hand. Isabela wiped her dagger clean and placed it on her back, taking Lana's hand and nodding.
"Better than alright," she said bitterly, still staring at Lucky's corpse. Hawke squeezed her fingers gently.
"You really had no idea he was working for them?"She asked. Isabela shook her head.
"If I'd have known I'd have killed him sooner," she replied, a muscle in her jaw twitching. "I can't believe how stupid I was for not noticing."
"None of us did," Hawke said, knowing Isabela was more furious with herself than anything. Her instincts were normally good, but this time she had slipped up.
"I should have been more careful," she said angrily. "I'll never make that mistake again."
"Stop beating yourself up, Bela," Lana replied, "You're not alone anymore. You don't just have to depend on just yourself."
The pirate finally tore her gaze from Lucky's body and stared into Lana's eyes. Suddenly, the realization hit her. I'm not alone anymore...It felt...nice. All these years she had confided in no one, trusting only herself. But now I've got Hawke...If only I had realised years ago what I had found in her.
"Let's go," Hawke said, wiping a bit of blood off Isabela's forehead and tugging her hand gently.
They exited the alley together and began to walk towards The Hanged Man when Isabela stopped just short of it.
"Wait," she said, "Let's go back to your Estate instead."
Hawke gave her a weird look, "I thought you hated my Estate. Didn't you say it was too clean for you?"
"Well, I'm sure I could think of a few dirty things for us to do," she teased, grinning. Lana chuckled and rolled her eyes as the pirate redirected her towards the stairs which lead to Hightown.
"Hold on, I've left my daggers!" she remembered, wondering why her back felt so light. She tried to double back.
"Leave them," Isabela said, holding onto her, "Varric will take them for you."
"But-"
The look on Isabela's face was reluctant. She really didn't feel like going back into The Hanged Man after everything that had happened with Lucky. Even though she had been eager to kill him, the whole process had spoilt her night and she wanted nothing more than to just head home with Hawke and not have to speak to anyone, still feeling a little angry with herself.
"...Oh, all right," Lana said, reading her expression.
The night became chilly as they walked, making them cuddle into each other for warmth. The streets were never more dangerous than at this time of night but neither of them felt it as they held each other close. They reached Hightown in a matter of minutes and began to walk through the Market District towards Hawke's Estate.
"So...Do you think you'll ever be interested in men?" Isabela asked suddenly, as they walked past the empty stalls. Hawke laughed.
"Where in all of Thedas did that come from?" she asked, turning to look at her.
"I'm just wondering...I mean...If I'm in a relationship with you does that mean that I'll never get to sleep with another man again?" the pirate pondered innocently.
"Erm...Kind of...yes," Hawke replied, wondering why she was asking this.
"Balls..."
"Hey!" Hawke said, stopping and pulling away from her. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Isabela rolled her eyes and took Lana's hand again, dragging her along. "I didn't mean it like that," she said, smiling at her reassuringly. "I just...well...I had someone in mind for a threesome that's all."
Hawke's mouth fell open. "ALREADY!?" she exclaimed in surprise. "We've been going out less than a day, Bela! Are you getting sick of me that quick?"
The pirate pushed her up against the wall hard and closed in, kissing her deeply. After several breathtaking seconds, their lips parted and Hawke stood there, trapped and a little bit surprised by the sudden movement.
"What do you think?" she asked, answering Lana's earlier question. Hawke swallowed hard and matched the pirate's smile as she pulled her away from the wall and began to walk again.
"Ok, I believe you," she said, laughing at her response, "So who is this person you had in mind then?"
Isabela smirked, "I've told you about him already...Remember Zevran?"
Hawke's mouth fell open, "The man who assassinated your husband?" she asked in disbelief.
"The very same," she said, smiling, "I think you'd enjoy him...He can do things that would make your toes curl-"
"No thanks," Hawke said at once. Isabela laughed.
"Suit yourself," she said, "I guess I'll have to find another way."
"Another way to what?" Lana asked, a little scared. The pirate winked at her.
"You'll see, Sweetness. I just don't think you know what you're missing when it comes to sex with men."
Hawke groaned. "You're not going to convert me you know."
The two of them laughed as they neared the Estate.
"Well, well, well, the pirate and the prude!"
Both women spun around just as they were about to open the door. There, standing before them, in a bright red, low cut dress was Lady Elegant.
"Elegant!" Isabela said, smiling wickedly. She felt Lana's hand tighten around hers in anger.
"What do you want?" Hawke demanded, her blood beginning to boil. The woman always seemed to pop up at the worst times. It was as though she was trying her very best to stop them from being together.
"To show Isabela what she's missing," Lady Elegant replied, spinning around in her dress.
Isabela laughed. "And what's that supposed to be?" she asked, grinning.
"A real woman!" Elegant said loudly, "Not some muscled-up barbarian. I can't believe you're still pinning over this Ferelden Dog!"
"WHAT!" Hawke yelled furiously, releasing Isabela's hand and trying to get to Elegant. Isabela held her back though.
"Wait, Hawke! It's what she wants," the pirate said, seeing the City Guard patrolling behind Elegant, who was smirking. Clearly she had wanted to provoke her and get her arrested. Hawke stopped struggling and pulled out of Isabela's grip.
"Aww, and the little puppy is tamed," Elegant cooed in a mock baby voice, sneering at her. "Who are you going to go home with, Isabela? The little Ferelden pup...or me? You know I can do things she can't."
"Is that so?" Isabela asked, folding her arms, "Well you know what, Elegant? The whole time I was sleeping with you I was thinking of Hawke, so you obviously can't."
Lady Elegant's face turned a furious red and before Hawke had time to shield herself the woman, as girly as possible, reached out and slapped her across the face. Hawke barely flinched. She felt the spot on her face and turned to Isabela who started to laugh.
"I would ask are you alright but that was pathetic!" she exclaimed, as a bewildered Hawke started to chuckle as well. "I get spanked harder than that!"
Lady Elegant screeched furiously, enraged by their laughing and reached back to slap Hawke again. This time though someone grabbed her arm.
"I don't think so!"
Guardsman Donnic had appeared behind her and having witnessed the first slap, came to see what was going on.
"Let go you wretched man! Do you know who I am?" Elegant screamed, trying to struggle.
"No, but I think a night in the brig ought to calm you down, Serah," he said, calmly as ever. He tried to pull her away but Elegant rounded on Hawke again.
"May The Maker be my witness, Hawke," she spat angrily, "I swear I will get you back for this...You'll be following you dear old mother to the grave very soon...and your brother...and your abomination of a father!"
Isabela glanced at Hawke and saw her face change.
"Guardsman?" Lana asked stiffly. Donnic half nodded at her and looked away. Before anyone could take another breath Hawke punched Elegant so hard that she was knocked off her feet.
"Bitch!" she muttered, spitting on her. I enjoyed that.
Guardsman Donnic picked up Lady Elegant's unconscious form as though he had seen nothing and slung her over his shoulder. As he went to turn away he turned back, looking at Lana.
"Don't mention this to Aveline," he said, grinning, "She'd slay me alive if I let you do that."
Hawke laughed. "Not a word," she replied. "Goodnight Guardsman, and thanks."
"Ma'am," he replied bowing his head.
As soon as he walked away, Hawke felt a hand on her face.
"Maker, it's not even warm," she said, still giggling over Elegant's slap.
"What did you ever see in her?" Lana asked, bewildered. Isabela shrugged.
"She's not that bad in bed," she replied, making a face, "But don't worry, she's got nothing on you."
"Flatterer," Hawke replied with a smirk, "Well, let's get inside before something else eventful happens tonight."
"Alright...Maker, you're such a kill joy."
Hawke opened the door and they walked into the warmth of the living room. Isabela dropped her daggers on the table and, spotting a whiskey bottle on the table, picked it up and took a few swigs as Lana sat down on the chair in front of the fire.
"What's that?" the pirate asked suddenly, spotting a letter at the top of Hawke's pile of mail bearing the Chantry symbol. Hawke stood up and walked over, picking it up.
"Why would the Chantry be writing to you?" Isabela asked, sounding amused, "You didn't plan a wedding for us already did you? Damn it, Hawke! We've only been 'going out for less than a day'."
"Oh, ha ha," Hawke replied, recognising her own words being repeated back to her. Isabela chuckled. She watched as Hawke slid her finger under the seal and pulled out the note. Her face fell as she read it.
"What is it?" Isabela asked at once.
"It's from the Grand Cleric in Kirkwall! She wants me to talk with an agent of the Divine who has requested a meeting, to see what it's about."
Isabela looked disgusted, "Why are they asking you?"
Hawke shrugged, "Why does anyone ask me to do anything?" she said, "I seem to be all of Kirkwall's first choice for dangerous quests."
Isabela silently agreed. "I don't understand why the Divine would be sending her agents though. Something big must be about to go down between the Mages and Templars."
Hawke shivered as she thought of Bethany. They still hadn't made up. What if something happened to her before they got a chance to? Lana didn't like the idea of getting wrapped up in Chantry business, but this sounded important. Maybe I should go, at least to find out what's going on.
"I don't like this," Isabela said, staring at the note as though it might contaminate her.
"Neither do I," Hawke agreed, "But if something is about to happen, I'd rather have a bit of warning and this seems like a good way to find out."
"I suppose," the pirate agreed reluctantly, "When does she need you to meet this agent?"
"Tomorrow night in the Viscount's Keep."
"Then I'll go with you," Isabela said. Hawke shook her head. She hates the Chantry. She knew she was only doing it to watch her back.
"I'll be fine, Bela, Don't worry," she said, "I'll go on my own."
"No you won't," the pirate said firmly. She stared into her eyes, afraid of what this letter might mean for them all, "I've only got you back, Hawke. I'm not losing you now to a damn Templar/Mage war."