AN: This is the final chapter of three to be uploaded today (1/25/2014). I took dialogue directly from the game for a good part of this chapter. I will try to post an update next week sometime; however, I need to finish a chapter for another story I am writing first. I also am not satisfied with what I had planned for next 2-3 chapters, so I need to rework those ideas. Hope you enjoy.

Fenris was pleased, if a bit surprised, when Katherine appeared in his mansion at midday. It had been a little over a week since Vanard met his end. Fenris and Katherine had already shared two nights together since that time. They were some of the best nights of his life, but come morning, when he awoke, he was plagued with memories that made him want to forgo any further sexual relationship. Maybe when Danarius was vanquished and he was no longer sought, it wouldn't be that way. He hoped.

He had resolved to forgo the sexual aspect of the relationship following the first night after Vanard's death. Of course, he couldn't bring himself to tell Katherine that, so he decided to just wait until she inevitably brought it up. A coward's way, perhaps. The second time they slept together that week, they had been celebrating Vanard's death at the Hanged Man. He had drunk some new vintage that Varric had picked up. He wasn't really drunk, just buzzed enough to let some of his determination go. He didn't regret the night, just the memories it brought on during sleep.

Katherine appeared slightly hesitant as she entered his upstairs. He stayed where he was, seated at the table before the fireplace. When she did not speak or approach him, he met her eyes in a moment of concern. Usually she gave some sort of greeting. When she seemed disinclined to talk, he decided to take the initiative.

"Is there something a matter?" he finally asked casually, though he felt nothing casual as he asked the question.

She shook her head slightly. "No. Nothing is the matter. I am-I am fine."

When she didn't elaborate, he gave a curt nod. "Okay." He decided to say no more and await what she had to say.

It was almost as if a slight blush stole across her cheeks. She looked down at her boots for a few seconds, before raising her eyes to meet this gaze. "I have something for you."

Fenris' face remained impassive, but he was genuinely surprised. Hawke was really the only person to bestow presents on him. Hawke's presents were no prizes to be sure, often gaudy baubles he found at the marketplace that Fenris just had to decorate with, or something Hawke scavenged and had declared immediately that it reminded him of Fenris. Hawke's little trinkets were strewn throughout the bedroom that Fenris didn't use. There was probably a fine layer of dust on them. But a gift from Katherine would surely be different. Even if they had not made vows of love, it was clear that there was a strong affection and connection between the two of them. He would cherish anything she gave him, even if he would not care for it had someone else given it to him.

He must have taken a while to answer, because she held out her gift for him to see. He stood up and took it by reflex and was surprised that it was a book. "It-It's a book", he uttered. He was aware that he likely sounded dumb, since what he had said was incredibly obvious. Luckily, she didn't bring that up.

Katherine nodded. "This one is quite rare actually. It's a subject you're familiar with." As he turned the book over to look at the cover, where the title that he couldn't read was inscribed, she came to sit on the table near to where he stood. She waited for him to respond and when he didn't she continued. "The book is by Shartan, the elf who helped Andraste free the slaves. You know about him, right?"

"A little," he answered quickly. He was not keen on admitting his short fallings, but felt he had no choice but to tell the truth. Taking a deep breath, he began, "it's just that . . . slaves are not permitted to read." He handed the book back to her. "I never learned."

"Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't know." She gazed down at the book in her hand for a few moments, before looking at him again. "It's not too late to learn, Fenris."

He sighed. "Isn't it? Sometimes I wonder." He had wished to the ability to read, but shame had kept him from seeking it out. Surely Varric, or even Hawke, would have taught him if he had asked, but his past kept him from revealing the weakness. Since she was no longer smiling, he felt compelled to talk further. "I don't mean to seem ungrateful, Katherine. I do appreciate the thought. I've always wanted to learn more of Shartan."

A small smile lit on her face. "I can teach you, if you wish. I may not have Varric's way with words, but I think I would be capable of teaching you to read."

He nodded, pleased by her words. "Perhaps this is my chance."

The smile grew on her face. "Shall we begin now? I had nothing to do really today anyway."

"Of course." She gestured to his chair and he took the seat obediently. She stood and walked to stand at his side, handing the book to him. He was a bit disappointed that she did not sit on his arm rest or his lap, but figured he would probably learn better without her physically distracting him so much.

"A Slave's Life, by Shartan," she began, before showing him the letters that made up each word. At least it was early afternoon and they would have plenty of time to learn. The afternoon with Katherine would be enjoyable, even if all he did was learn how to read.