A Night On The Coast
Anders woke to the distant sound of laughter, a loud raucous laugh followed by a happy bark. A smile found its way to his lips as he moved towards the flap of his tent. A warm rain was falling outside, not exactly a drizzle, but not a downpour either. Grabbing his coat he worked himself carefully into it before venturing out into the night.
The laughter punctuated by happy barks led him down the path to a clear patch of sand on the coast. What he found took his breath away. Leaning against a tree, keeping himself half hidden he watched the woman who had stolen his heart as she played in the rain with the man who would always be number one in her heart; her dog Tyr.
Her white hair hung in limp strands as she chased her coal black Mabari across the sand. The droplets of rain that clung to his fur glittered like gems in the thin shafts of moonlight that peeked through the clouds. A cat person through and through, he still couldn't deny Tyr's appeal. The dog was smart, fast, fiercely loyal and he never hesitated in protecting his owner.
Hawke's shock white hair glittered just as brightly and when she moved just right he could see a droplet highlighted on her eyelashes. Barefoot, dressed in trousers and tunic she was covered in mud and Sweet Andraste, Anders wasn't sure if he had ever seen anything so beautiful in his life. After chasing her across the clearing Tyr tackled her and she lay in the mud on her back laughing as the dog joyfully licked her face.
She and Tyr both froze at the same time; Anders was fascinated they'd detected his presence, seemingly at the same time. Hawke didn't move until Tyr let out a low growl. She kissed Tyr's nose and pushed him off her. "Shh, it's alright, it's just Anders."
Tyr lifted his head up, sniffing in Anders' direction before he gave a happy bark and bounded straight for where Anders was standing. Anders crouched down to greet the dog, hoping to save himself from being bowled over backwards into the mud. Scratching Tyr's ears he looked over the dog's back to see Hawke pulling herself out of the mud.
She walked over to them and gave Anders a completely unapologetic smile. "Sorry, did I wake you?" She reached down and patted Tyr's back. "We like to play in the rain sometimes."
Anders stood and wiped his muddied hands off on his coat, "You sounded like you were having fun."
"We were," She kissed the dog's nose, "weren't we boy? Nothing better than a little summer rain and open spaces." Looking up into Anders' eyes she pinned him with her gaze, "And just why, my dearest apostate, were you spying on us?"
Anders actually felt himself flush and chided himself; Hawke still pulled the strangest reactions from him. "I didn't want to intrude." He was expecting her to make another smart remark, that excuse had sounded weak even to him.
She left his answer alone though, instead reaching to run her hand briefly over his shoulder. "Looks strange without the feathered pauldrons."
He shrugged, "Would have looked stranger with wet, bedraggled feathers. Besides, you're one to talk, all covered in mud."
They stood in the relative safety from the rain under the tree and spoke for a little bit, just about trivial things, small talk. He knew they should have headed back to the camp, but he was enjoying her company without prying eyes. She was calm and relaxed for the first time since they'd left Arianni's.
It started raining harder and Anders huddled closer to the tree trunk but Hawke stepped back out into the pouring rain, letting it sluice over her. He'd been about to call her mad when he realized she was trying to clean off some of the mud caking her clothes. Another smile tugged from his lips as she turned about slowly, face upturned to the sky as she used her hands to get rid of the mud. Tyr barked and danced in circles around her. She looked like a pagan goddess dancing in the rain. Or maybe that was just his crazy lovelorn mind.
When at last she seemed satisfied she stepped back under the tree, ringing her hair out and shivered a little. She smiled up at him, a soft and radiant smile. "It might be time to get out of the rain and into our tents. I'm a bit chilly."
"Come, I'll make you some tea." He jogged through the downpour headed back towards their camp.
"MMmm, tea without having to build a fire, no wonder I adore mages." She giggled as she ran after him.
"Ah ha, the truth comes out." He teased as he opened the flap to his tent and let her crawl in, following behind her. He was a little less pleased when Tyr pushed his way in as well.
"Tyr, go back to my tent, there's not enough room in here for the three of us." She softly admonished. Tyr let out heavy exhalation, almost like a sigh and padded out of the tent again. Hawke looked at Anders and shrugged, "Sorry about that. He's so used to going everywhere with me."
Anders nodded and started digging through his pack looking for the tea. He was glad she'd sent Tyr away. He'd had visions of the big dog soaking the entire inside of his tent trying to shake the water and mud out of his fur. "He's a good Mabari and an excellent protector. I can understand why you keep him with you."
She shrugged, "I think I'll be safe for now. Unless you're secretly planning on drugging my tea so you can get some undisturbed sleep."
Having found what he was looking for he sat back on his haunches to make them some tea. Magic really was a wonderful thing and they were sipping steaming mugs in no time. He relaxed and let himself enjoy the quiet time together and sound of the rain. He almost never took the time to relax like this.
Long minutes passed before she spoke again. "Now I've seen everything."
He glanced at her, feeling languorous. "Hmm?"
"If I didn't know better, I'd say you look happy."
Was he happy? Yes, he thought he might just be. He was relaxing with Hawke who wasn't pushing at him or demanding something from him. She'd lost that hollow haunted look she'd had over the last few days and looked content herself. And he'd been privileged enough to see something beautiful and joyous tonight when she'd been playing with her dog. "Well, I've definitely felt worse."
She bumped into his shoulder playfully, "Come on, just admit it. You're happy."
"Alright," he conceded, "I'm happy."
She beamed at him and fell back into silence. Anders wasn't sure what exactly had prompted it, but he was enjoying the new found ease between them. He knew it would probably be short lived, it always was, so best to enjoy it while he could.
He watched her drinking her tea, not feeling pressured to fill the silence between them. She yawned a few times but stayed, seeming as if she wanted to prolong their time together. When she drained her cup he gently pulled it from her fingers.
"I think it's time you went to bed, you're starting to look a bit tired." He prompted.
"I was enjoying your company."
"And I was enjoying yours. Go get some rest." He held the flap open for her and waited for her to crawl out.
She stopped right before leaving. "Sorry for leaving your stuff all wet."
He shrugged, "It will dry."
She slipped out and he took off his coat, moved the wet things to one side of the tent and slid back into his bedroll. When he lay down and closed his eyes he was surprised to find himself still smiling. What a strange and wonderful night.
The next morning Sekhmet woke feeling refreshed even though she hadn't slept that much. Maybe it was getting away from the city, or maybe it had been the pleasant time with Anders. It had warmed her considerably when she realized he had been happy.
Of course, in the long run it just made things worse because now she wanted to make him happy all the time. That devastatingly beautiful smile was so very worth it. Anders was so very worth it.
She dressed and climbed from her tent; Tyr had awoken and left nearly an hour before. Anders was already awake, walking the edge of the encampment and sipping what she assumed was tea. He glanced at her and a soft smile touched his lips briefly as he held his mug up in friendly salute.
Sebastian strolled over to her with a smile of his own, "Good morning."
"Morning. Where's Merrill?"
He shrugged shaking his head, "She went off a little while ago. Said she would be back soon, but didn't really say where she was going. Should I have gone with her?"
"No, it's probably fine. It's not like she's new to the Coast or anything. She knows it can be dangerous." She found herself watching Anders who was clearly just killing time, stopping to look at some vegetation, walking around a bit more before examining some more.
"So what's on the schedule for today?"
She turned her attention to Sebastian who was watching her with amusement. "Just a patrol basically, Aveline said they're having problems with packs of dogs. Apparently, many of the Fereldens who brought theirs with them to Kirkwall couldn't afford to take care of them so they turned them out.
"The ones who left the city, or were brought out of the city seem to have formed packs out here. And now that they've been out here for a few years they're feral and aggressive. There have been a lot of injuries both to citizens and guards."
Sebastian scowled, "Why did she ask you? Surely, she knows it would be a difficult task for you, given your feelings about dogs."
She nodded, "I think that's why she asked me, because she knew I wouldn't make them suffer."
He relaxed and nodded, "Ah, yes I suppose that does make sense." He started to walk away from her.
"Oh, before I forget, the others will be joining us tomorrow morning."
He stopped and looked at her curiously, "Why, do we think there's going to be that much of a problem?"
She smiled, "Not at all. I just thought that maybe we should try a little training together. Most of us haven't worked together all that much. And since I promised Varric I would try to get Merrill out of the house more she's going to need to learn to fight with the rest of us. And of course it'll be an excuse for those who haven't yet to meet you."
Sebastian smirked, "Well, it should be interesting at the very least."
Taking care of the dogs had been exhausting, mostly on an emotional level. None of them had any real desire to hurt the dogs but they were very aggressive and definitely feral. There was no other way to make the Coast safe.
They hadn't sought out the dogs, just travelled throughout the Coast and dispatched those that attacked them. Sekhmet had been surprised and more than a little disgusted at the sheer number of dogs. She was surprised they hadn't run into more of them before now. Perhaps something had recently riled them and that was why they were suddenly an issue?
As evening had settled in it was still hot and muggy. They were looking for a good place to set up camp for the night when Merrill wandered off down a small trail leading to the water.
Sebastian smiled and walked down the small embankment with Sekhmet, "It always surprises me just how much water is here. The ocean is beautiful and vast. In Starkhaven all we have is the Minanater River."
"You make it sound like a small river. It's pretty big isn't it?"
He nodded, "Aye, but nothing like this. And the coast has a kind of stark beauty to it, don't you think?"
Sekhmet nodded in agreement, "It really does."
Merrill jogged back to them, "Wouldn't a swim be lovely?"
Sekhmet eyed the water, it did look awfully inviting. She was hot and sweaty and sticky and a swim would be the perfect fix. "I definitely think we should go swimming. It's been ages since I went for a dip and it's so hot today." She started unbuckling her armor.
Sebastian took a step backwards, "Uh, Hawke, just what were you planning on swimming in? We don't have anything appropriate with us."
She paused and looked up, a devious twinkle in her eyes. "Well I was planning on skinny dipping. I mean I know you and Anders have both seen women naked before, I've seen a man or two naked before and I'm sure Merrill has as well."
Merrill tilted her head, "A few."
Sekhmet shrugged, "So, there you go."
Sebastian was watching her closely as he spoke, "It's not really appropriate for us to be swimming naked."
"Will you relax, Sebastian, she's joking." Anders sighed dramatically and sat down on a nearby rock to pull off his boots. "We can go swimming in our smalls." His lips quirked to the side in a small semblance of a smile, "Unless, you're not wearing any, Prince."
Sebastian barely contained a smile before he turned and walked back up the hill. "I'll keep a look out while you are all making fools of yourselves."
Sekhmet shrugged, "Suit yourself." She'd have to track him down later to find out what the smile was all about.
Merrill was already dipping a toe into the water by the time Sekhmet turned around.
"Oh, it's chilly."
"Then you better hurry up and get in."
With a squeal Merrill jumped and landed with a splash in the water. Sekhmet chuckled as she pulled off the top of her armor, followed by her tunic. She worked on pulling her boots off and turned to see Anders watching her.
"See something you like?"
"Keep going and I'll let you know." The words rose unbidden to Anders' lips but he quickly quashed them before they were uttered. "Sorry." He returned to his own clothing, slipping free of his coat.
"By all means, feel free. I certainly plan on looking."
Anders was hard pressed to suppress a smile.
Shimmying out of her trousers, Hawke did a slow turn before she jumped and joined Merrill. Anders found himself smiling again as she surfaced, her stark white hair plastered to her head, the water running down over her pale skin. He closed his eyes and pulled off his own tunic and shucked his trousers before jumping in after her, only sparing a moment for the thought that this was a very bad idea before he sunk under the water.
As he surfaced he found Hawke way too close to him. Her fingers touched and traced the tattoo circling his bicep before he had even blinked the water away. "More tattoos, Anders?"
"Uh, yes." He tried to move away from her, even as every cell in his body told him to touch her. Almost unconsciously he licked his lips as he watched a bead of water slide down between her breasts where her breast band clung, nearly sheer, to her skin.
"I can guess where the griffon is from."
Then she was gone, disappearing back under the water. A small gasp escaped him as she surfaced, her slick flesh sliding up his body. She broke the water just behind his shoulder, her chest still touching his back. He felt his body start to respond to all that wet flesh.
"Why did I jump in here after her? I knew I was asking for trouble." His thoughts were little comfort as he felt a tug on his other arm when she held herself against him and traced the tattoo wrapped around that bicep as well. Her skin kept brushing against him, in a very distracting way. Had it really been that long that all it took to get him excited was a bit of skin touching his? Or maybe it was the numerous near misses the two of them had been having lately.
"Have I ever told you how much I love tattoos? I always want to touch them, or maybe…" she let out a small giggle, "it's just a good excuse to touch people." Her fingers moved up his arm, ghosting lightly across his skin and trailed down his back. Over the tattoo that covered most of his back, "What is this one?"
He swam forward a bit, out of her reach and turned to look at her. "Just another tattoo. I would sometimes get them as…souvenirs during my escapes from the Circle."
"Oh," she gave him a playful smile, "does that mean there are more?"
Anders didn't respond, he looked towards the shore and debated whether he should get out. She wasn't doing anything wrong, per se, she was just curious about his tattoos. And it was dreadfully hot out, so for now he'd stay and hope she wouldn't push him. He turned away and shouted to Merrill, "Are you planning on swimming all the way back to the city?"
Merrill jerked at the sound of his voice; she stopped and turned around to wave at the two of them. She started swimming back and Anders took the opportunity to dive under the waves and put some distance between himself and Hawke.
Merrill returned, "We should race." She said excitedly.
"Aren't you tired Merrill?" Anders asked lightly.
"No, I could swim for hours. I just love it."
Hawke smiled indulgently at the elf, "Sounds like fun. Where shall we race too?"
Merrill pointed to a stone protruding from the water some ways away. "How about there?"
Hawke's brow creased with concern. "I don't know Merrill, what if there are jagged rocks under the water?"
"I'm not sure I can swim and heal at the same time." Anders surprised them both by smiling at Merrill.
"I was almost there, it looked safe." Merrill reassured them.
"Ok, so who says go?" Hawke asked, a wicked gleam in her eyes.
"We should all count to three." Merrill suggested helpfully.
After counting the three of them took off for the rock, both Hawke and Merrill giggling wildly. It was a long swim and Anders eventually felt the pull of fatigue at his limbs. He briefly thought about using a bit of rejuvenation magic, but Justice put a quick end to that idea. "We will not cheat, Anders."
Anders didn't think he had much to worry about anyways; both Merrill and Hawke seemed to be a ways behind him. It seemed some good did come from all of those escapes from the tower; Anders actually loved to swim and was quite good at it. Of course his long limbs were probably a bit of a help as well.
He relaxed, figuring he'd easily win when he felt fingers grab onto his smalls. He felt a flush of heat followed by a moment of panic that Hawke was going to try pulling them off him, Merrill would never have grabbed him like that, it had to be Hawke. The panic was quickly replaced with annoyance as she used her grip on his smalls to pull herself close to him then pushed downwards hard, sinking him beneath the water.
Then she had the audacity to try to push off of him, her foot connected with his shoulder as she pushed him farther downwards and propelled herself forward. Before she could pull her foot away he reached up quickly and grabbed her ankle. He yanked her downwards and kicked for the surface at the same time.
Her hand grabbed his arm as he started to move past her, her nails scraping sharply against his skin. With her still gripping his arm they both surfaced together. She broke the surface of the water in a fit of giggles. Anders wanted to be angry with her, but she looked so relaxed, the shadows that had seemed to have been haunting her since he had met her, momentarily forgotten.
He gave in and smirked. "That wasn't very sporting."
"It was worth it to see you smile."
Anders' smile faltered, his thoughts beginning to sober again. He was interrupted by a small wave of water hitting him in the face. "Hey!"
She laughed a rich, full sound and on the heels of her laughter another wave of water hit Anders. He pushed the hair out of his eyes with a chuckle and splashed Hawke back. The little vixen retaliated by lunging forward and trying to push him under again, but his skin was slick and he slipped out of her grasp and swam a few feet away.
Still giggling, and what a sweet sound it was, she swam after him; lunging for him again. When he managed to dodge her she splashed him instead. After several minutes of giggling and a few intermittent chuckles from Anders, Hawke seemed like she was ready to give up. She turned and Anders thought she was going to swim away; instead she started using her feet to kick water at him.
"That's cheating." He said between being hit with water. He opened his mouth at the wrong time and got a mouthful of water. Coughing, he turned his head away and reached out to grab Hawke's ankle to stop her from kicking before he drowned.
He tugged back on her perhaps a little harder than he should have. Hawke had tried to right herself to pull her leg out of Anders' grip as she was being pulled backwards. She ended upright, pressed against Anders' chest. Anders instinctively wrapped his arm around her as she was still flailing a little. Feeling Anders' arm around her she stopped flailing and became mostly still, with the exception of treading water.
Anders' heart was racing; he wanted to just hold her, just for a few minutes. Maybe it would be enough; maybe a few minutes of contact with her would help ease his constant ache, constant need for her. He leaned forward and nuzzled her neck without really thinking about it.
She shuddered and leaned back against him, their legs brushing under the water as they continued to tread water. It was nice holding her, nice to touch her without there being the screaming need for sex between them. She was so soft and so small, and she felt so right nestled against him, like she belonged there. And as nice as it was it put dangerous thoughts in his head. "Little lioness, much more of this and I'd damn the world to make you mine."
And as if she'd sensed the dangerous road his mind had wandered down she broke the spell, "So I can't ask about your tattoos but you can hold me captive against you?" She snickered.
He let go of her abruptly and pushed her away from himself. Touching her had been a mistake; swimming with her had been a mistake. It was a temptation he didn't need. Loving Hawke from afar was much easier when she was fully clothed and in armor. Her warm wet skin touching his was just a cruel and painful reminder that he could never be with her.
Merrill had finally come back from the rock. "You know, it is very hard to lose when you both stopped swimming."
Anders' voice was tight, "Sorry, Merrill, Hawke tried to drown me."
"I did not!"
He gave her a skeptical look.
"I wasn't trying to drown you, I just wanted to win." She mock pouted.
"How did that work out for you?" he quipped.
Hawke turned quickly and started swimming for the rock as fast as she could move. "I can still get second." She called over her shoulder.
Merrill laughed as Anders looked indecisive for a moment before he swam after her. Why? He had no idea. The fact that he couldn't stop chasing her was exactly what kept getting him into trouble.
The delay was long enough that Hawke beat him, but just barely. Far away from Merrill who was still watching them and laughing Hawke moved close to Anders again. "Would you be angry with me if I kissed you? Purely a consolation prize, no strings attached."
"Sweet Andraste, no.", Anders closed his eyes. "Yes." He managed to get out of his too tight throat. Would she hear it for the lie it was?
"Right" She sighed, "Let's head back. We should still have enough daylight to set up a camp."
Anders nodded and followed her as she swam back towards Merrill. "Come on Merrill, we're heading in."
"Oh," Merrill looked distinctly disappointed.
When they reached the shore Hawke climbed out first. She walked away without looking back. And for a brief, mad moment Anders was disappointed she didn't try to see what the rest of his tattoos were. But his better judgment quickly took hold and pulled himself out of the water, slipping his coat and buckling it so he could slide off his wet smalls and pull on his trousers without exposing himself to everyone.
Sebastian gave Sekhmet a disapproving look when he came back down the hill, which meant he had seen at least part of her exchange with Anders. He stayed silent for a long time and she had hoped he would just let it drop. Eventually, though he wandered over to her while Merrill made their dinner.
"I thought you'd learned you lesson where he was concerned." He was watching Anders as he spoke to her.
Sekhmet stood to speak with Sebastian, "His name is Anders, Sebastian. And we were just swimming."
He looked at her and gave her an indulgent smile. "You think just because I'm in the Chantry I don't understand the types of games men and women play? I wasn't born in the Chantry, Hawke."
She smirked, "Rumor has it you were a real wild man."
Sebastian wasn't smiling anymore though, "I won't see you treated the way I used to treat women. I can't sit by and be quiet while he...I don't want him to hurt you."
"Now you sound like Fenris." She said with a bit of irritation in her voice. She was so tired of getting lectures about Anders.
"I am sorry, Hawke, I worry for you."
At least he apologized, and seemed genuine about his concern. He wasn't just upset because Anders was a mage. She gave him a smile; he was a bit like the big brother she had always wished for, a bit over protective and a bit overbearing. "I know Sebastian, and I appreciate it. It's nice to know that people watch out for me too."
He glanced down, not meeting her eyes when he spoke. "I…care for you, Sekhmet. You've been very good to me."
Sekhmet wondered for a moment if Sebastian making some sort of confession but quickly pushed the thought from her mind. She wasn't exactly the type of woman that someone like Sebastian would be interested in. "I care for you too, Sebastian." She gave him a smile then sat back down, picking up one of her daggers to inspect it for sharpness.
Sebastian gave a small sigh, "Please, be careful." He turned and left her with her daggers.
As the evening wore on to night Merrill and Sebastian both turned in. Sekhmet stood and walked closer to Anders and sat down.
Anders instantly looked wary. "I'm tired, Hawke."
"You never sleep Anders; did you think I didn't notice?"
Anders sighed, "It doesn't mean that I'm not tired."
"I just want to talk. I'll be on my best behavior, I promise."
"Alright." He didn't look convinced at all.
"What is life like in the Wardens?"
He looked at her surprised.
"I condemned Bethany to that life, I need to know, how bad is it?"
"It's a hard life, but a lot of how bad it is depends on who is with you."
"What do you mean?"
"When I first became a Warden, the people who were Wardens with me were all pretty decent people." A small smile touched his lips, "Sareyna tried to make it a home for all of us, a safe sanctuary where your demons didn't matter."
"You cared for her."
He nodded, "Yes, very much."
Her voice was quiet. "You miss her."
Anders canted his head, "I do, but not for the reason you're thinking. She's my sister-in-law." Maybe it would have been easier to let her think that he was pining for his former Commander. But Anders found it difficult to lie to her. Even small lies, like the one in the water earlier were a strain.
"Wait, your sister-in-law is The Hero of Ferelden?"
"Yes, my brother was a Warden too."
"The Bastard Prince is your brother?" She asked, incredulously.
He closed his eyes and tried not to be frustrated. He should have been more careful. "Half brother and I really don't want to talk about that."
She watched him for a few moments, clearly trying to decide whether or not to push him. Eventually, she gave a faint nod, acquiescing. "That must have made being a Warden easier, having your family there."
He shrugged, "I had just met them, but the Wardens can be a family of sorts."
"And what about when it's not?"
His expression darkened. "There are things I can't tell you. The Wardens have secrets."
"So I've heard, but obviously something changed in the Wardens for you."
Anders sighed, "When Sareyna and Alistair left the Wardens, Sareyna appointed another Ferelden Warden, Nathaniel, as the Commander. There's a big complicated story about what happened, but basically the Wardens in Weisshapt didn't like the idea of Nathaniel ruling the Arling. So they sent a new Warden Commander from Orlais and Lieutenant from Ansburg, though he had been stationed in Antiva. Things went very wrong, very quickly, at least for me."
He sighed heavily and spoke again, "My big mouth got me on her bad side quickly. She took a Templar into our ranks and he followed me everywhere. It was like a constant taunt, I was free of the Circle, but not free of the Templars. A reminder that I wasn't free, that I never would be. Rolan hated mages and made no secret of it. I was worried more than once that he might kill me and call it an accident or tell the Wardens I had become an abomination."
He closed his eyes, "She made me get rid of Pounce, I almost left then but Justice convinced me to stay a bit longer. We were still eradicating small pockets of Darkspawn left over from the Blight." He paused for a second, "When we were done, that's when Justice and I…then I came here. You know the rest."
She touched his sleeve lightly, "I'm sorry you went through all of that, Anders."
He didn't respond for several seconds. "Stroud is a good man; he was the Lieutenant in Ferelden. He'll try to keep an eye on Bethany. Don't worry."
Hawke sat back a little and sighed, "I hope so."
"What about you? What happened in Lothering that you never talk about it?"
She gave him a sad little smile, "I know I sound like a hypocrite, but I'm not ready to talk about that yet." A brief pause, "I'm not sure I ever will be, to be honest."
He nodded once, "I can understand that."
She raised a brow, "Really, you're not going to press it?"
"We all have our secrets, Hawke. Now, you should really get some sleep."
"I'll sleep when you do."
Anders sighed and stood up, "You really are stubborn, you know?"
Hawke stood, "I've been told a time or two before."
Anders disappeared into his tent. "Good night."
"I expect you to actually try to sleep."
A muffled grunt was all she heard as she headed back to her own tent.
"So, why are we all out here again?"
She was kind of glad Fenris had asked the question. The two of them had been tiptoeing around each other since the Fade. She knew he wanted to apologize, but she wasn't sure what it would accomplish. She wasn't angry at him. She just felt that sense of loss and loneliness every time she thought about it.
So, she tried not to scowl when she responded. "We're spending time together as a group, talking, sparring and what not so that we learn to work together better. It will make things easier for us if we understand each other's strengths and weaknesses."
"Seems to me if you can fight properly it shouldn't matter," Fenris snarked.
She gave him a small smile, she had gotten used to this Fenris. This one liked to push her buttons. "I guess we'll see. Want to spar me first?"
He eyed her suspiciously and rightfully so; she planned on putting him down hard. He rose to his feet and walked over to her, extending his hand to help her to her feet. A smile flickered across her lip lightning fast, she grabbed his hand with both of hers, pulling as she kicked out with her feet and rolled to the side.
Fenris landed hard only able to try to catch himself with one hand. He jerked free of her and jumped to his feet. "That wasn't very sporting."
Jumping to her feet amidst laughter from their companions she made an exaggerated bow. "Hello, I'm a Hawke, notorious rogue, scoundrel and miscreant, have we met?"
Fenris narrowed his gaze and pulled his sword free, Sekhmet pulled her daggers loose and they started sparring in earnest. Fenris became frustrated, although he was ridiculously fast for a man carrying a sword as tall as he was, he was still no match for Sekhmet's speed.
Mostly, by the time his sword reached where she had been a moment ago she was already gone. Sekhmet didn't taunt Fenris, she let her blades and her feet do the talking. About fifteen minutes in Fenris changed tactics and surprised her completely.
He started swinging his sword towards her and when she spun away from it and towards his left side, he stopped mid swing and jerked to the left. He barreled into her with his shoulder and knocked her clean off her feet. Dazed from the impact she couldn't recover before he was holding his sword at her throat.
She laughed, "That was good, great, I didn't see it coming."
Fenris smiled, his coy boyish smile, the one that said he meant it. He held out his hand and Sekhmet let him pull her to his feet. She knew then, that the two of them would be alright. Not that all was forgotten, but that they would both find their way past what had happened, on their own.
She clapped him soundly on the back as she turned to the others who were sitting and watching. "Who's next, now that he's warmed up?"
"You want me to go again?"
She nodded, "Till someone beats you."
"If that's the case you could have beat me a half dozen times."
She gave a small shrug, "I was just warming you up." When none of the group volunteered she turned to Fenris, "Who do you want to spar?"
He barely paused, "Anders."
Anders stood and walked over to them, his staff still strapped to his back. "You sure, elf?"
Fenris sneered at him. "I was trained against mages like you."
A small smile ghosted over Anders' lips. "There are no mages like me." He unstrapped his staff and handed it to Sekhmet. "Hold this for me for a second."
"Anders?"
"I'll be fine." He peeled off his coat and handed it to her as well. Anders wore just a thin tunic and light leather breeches under his coat. Everyone got to see what Sekhmet already knew, Anders was in fantastic shape, not just for a mage, but for a man. He put his hand out for his staff and Sekhmet handed it back to him.
Fenris' gaze flickered over Anders' newly revealed form for a moment.
"See something you like, elf?"
Fenris growled and pulled his sword free again, "Showing off is going to get you killed, mage."
Anders cracked his neck, "Oh, I think not." He spun the staff around him a few times, stretching a little. "Ready?"
Fenris nodded and the next thing everyone knew he was flat on his back in the dirt. Anders stood over him, legs parted and bent a little at the knees and his staff in his left hand, resting against the back of his arm. Fenris blinked a couple of times before getting to his feet and Sekhmet moved farther away to watch the two of them.
Fenris picked up his sword and stared at Anders for a moment looking confused. Sekhmet could understand, she had no idea what had just happened. Looking around at everyone else, it seemed to be the general consensus.
Anders looked deadly serious now, no jokes, or barbs, not even a smile at Fenris' expense; his eyes were fixed on Fenris. Fenris drew back his sword and as he started to swing it Anders cracked his staff along Fenris' hand lightning fast before using the other end to jab at his ribs and swung around to the back of Fenris' neck jerking him forward.
With Fenris stumbling forward off balance he brought his knee up into Fenris' solar plexus before shoving him roughly to the ground. Fenris hit the ground with a loud groan. He lay there for a moment, motionless and Sekhmet hurried over to him.
Anders waived her off, "He's fine, I just winded him." He knelt down to Fenris, "Ready to yield, or do you want to go again?"
Fenris took in a shaky breath and started to stand up. Anders stood and took a step backwards giving Fenris plenty of room. The elf took several deep breaths before he looked back to Anders, "I'm ready."
Anders stood still and waited for Fenris to start moving. He saw Fenris start to faze and he quickly jabbed him hard in the chest with his staff causing Fenris to gasp and his lyrium ghost effect to sputter out. Anders followed it through with a swift kick to his chin, Fenris reeled backwards half dazed.
Anders grabbed for Fenris' sword with one hand while he kicked out again this time connecting with Fenris' knee. Fenris cried out in surprise and crumpled to the ground. Anders stood watching him for a moment, Fenris' sword over one shoulder and his staff held loosely in the other hand.
Sekhmet watched stunned. She had no idea that Anders could fight like that, everyone was very still and very quiet.
Anders finally broke the silence. "I think he yields." He dropped Fenris' sword next to him and turned to Merrill, "Deal with that for me, will you?"
Merrill scrambled to her feet and over to Fenris. She had started healing him before she had even reached the ground. Fenris raised his arm and covered his face as the healing energy moved into him. Reassured that Fenris would be taken care of Sekhmet went after Anders who had wandered to the edge of the clearing.
She touched his shoulder gently when she reached him. "Hey."
Anders sighed, "Sorry, that was…uncalled for."
Sekhmet shrugged, "You were sparring, and you won. Between you and me, I think he needed it."
Anders gave a short nod. "I think a part of me was punishing him."
She scowled at him, confused.
"I saw what happened in the Fade, how it hurt you." He shook his head and gave her a rueful smile, "As if I have any right to punish anyone for hurting you, after all the things I've done."
"Or maybe you just really don't like him." She smirked at him.
He chuckled, "Maybe you're right, I really do detest the little bastard."
Satisfied by his answer she changed the subject, "So, uh where did you learn to fight like that? I've never seen anything like it."
"In the Wardens some of it from an assassin, and some of it from a dwarf that came from the Legion of the Dead, the rest from my Commander."
"How come you never use it?"
"I don't need to. As long as I have mana or lyrium, I cast." He shrugged, "It's for emergencies only." Pursing his lips he frowned a little. "He was right, I was showing off."
"I thought it was amazing, I might have you teach me some of it."
"Somehow, I don't think you'll have much use for staff fighting."
"No, the leg work you did. I do have legs, in case you didn't notice. I'm not that damned short!" When she got no response she grabbed his arm and pulled him back to the group. Fenris was sitting on a log looking agitated, but was blessedly silent. "So Anders, who do you want to spar next."
"Can I just say 'Good job, Blondie' and get a pass? That looked painful."
Sekhmet chuckled, "I don't think that works."
"Then you should spar him." Varric retorted.
Sekhmet shook her head, "Not on your life that looked painful." She grinned at Varric who harrumphed at her.
Isabela stood and dusted off her backside. "I'd love to spar with you, Anders." She walked up and traced a nail across his shoulder. "You can even cast a spell on me if you like." Her grin was almost feral.
Anders shook his head but walked back to the part of the clearing they were using for sparring. Isabela strutted over as well, pulling her blades free on the way. Anders twirled his staff easily as they circled each other. He was much gentler with her than he had been with Fenris and it took him a lot longer but he did finally manage to knock her off her feet.
"Now that's what I call foreplay." She purred as he helped her to her feet. "I'd ask to go again, but it seems like everyone wants a piece of you today." She turned to the group who were all on their feet now except for Fenris. "If you ever want to go again, I'm game. That was fun." Isabela strode back towards the group. "Watch those long legs of his, they're wicked." She was grinning like a Cheshire cat as she sat on the ground and started stretching her sore muscles a bit.
Aveline was already standing in front of Anders, shield ready by the time Isabela sat down. Anders took a deep breath, "Give me a second, I need a drink."
Aveline nodded excitement clear in her eyes. "I can be patient; it's been a long time since I came up against something new."
Sekhmet met Anders half way and handed him the waterskin.
"You're going to make me spar them all aren't you?"
"Only if you keep beating them."
"Izzy was tough."
Sekhmet snorted, "You were being nice."
"I didn't need to hurt her."
Sekhmet nodded, "Go play nice then."
Sekhmet went back and watched as Anders took all the rest of them down as well, never using magic once until there was only Merrill left. Merrill was excited to spar with Anders but Anders was exhausted.
"Merrill, I don't think I can."
"Oh Anders, please. I've never sparred with anyone before, it looks like great fun."
Anders sighed, "Fine, but I need to use magic before we spar."
Sekhmet giggled, "No one said you couldn't use magic, that was your own doing."
"Right." He quickly cast a minor heal on himself followed by a rejuvenation spell. With a look of determination he nodded to Merrill, "Come on then, let's do this."
Merrill lasted longer than anyone; she countered Anders with her magic. She used glyphs and shields to slow him so she could move or to deflect his blows. It was clear she had never really sparred before because she wasn't casting anything offensive, she was so preoccupied with defending herself against Anders.
Finally, getting frustrated he growled at her, "You have to hit me, Merrill."
Merrill's eyes went wide for a moment, "Oh, right, sorry."
A pulse of light shot out from her staff and hit Anders who staggered a bit. He shook his head then bounced on the balls of his feet a few times. "Alright, now we're talking. Come on Merrill; show me what you're made of."
Anders, seemingly reinvigorated by Merrill finally fighting back, came back at the girl furiously. She blocked his blows from the staff, cast a hasty shield, and ducked when he kicked out at her. For some reason Merrill seemed terrified of Anders' legs.
Sekhmet wasn't sure why Merrill wasn't casting something bigger, maybe freeze Anders in place or something. Perhaps she was just afraid to hurt Anders. They all watched as Anders backed her up against a boulder. Merrill looked like a rabbit caught in a trap and Sekhmet realized a minute too late what she was about to do.
Merrill pulled her knife free and cut her wrist, an entangle spell quickly weaving around her. The spell was cut abruptly short as Justice took over and gripped her around the throat slamming her hard against the rock. She let out a strangled cry as her body impacted the stone.
Sekhmet raced across the clearing and grabbed Justice's arm. "Stop, they were just sparring. You're in no danger Justice."
He didn't let Merrill go, "She will not use blood magic on us. Not ever."
Sekhmet tugged on his arm again. "I understand, never. Let her go please. She didn't know, it was a mistake, please Justice."
His fingers unwound and he straightened up. Sekhmet rushed to Merrill to make sure she was okay as Anders came back to himself. Merrill slid to the ground in tears, "I didn't mean it."
Sekhmet knelt beside her and rubbed her shoulders, "I know, but you can't use blood magic on us. Not any of us."
Merrill continued to sob, "I know, I'm so sorry."
Anders had turned and left, heading back to the rest of the group.
"Listen, I can spar with you in the future if you want to get used to it."
Merrill shook her head. "No, I'll just watch from now on." Her body shuddered a bit, "I thought it would be fun, but I was scared of him."
Sekhmet shook her head. "Why were you so scared of him? You knew he wasn't going to hurt you."
"I dunno, cause he hates me?" Merrill wiped her face and stood up. "Stupid, stupid, stupid."
"Shh, stop it. You made a mistake is all and Anders doesn't hate you."
Taking a shaky breath Merrill nodded, "He does, but it's alright. Let's go back. I'm fine now."
Sekhmet followed Merrill back to the group where they had just finished building a fire. Merrill sat down next to Isabela and stared into the fire. Isabela wrapped an arm around the elf's shoulder's consoling her.
Sekhmet walked over to where Anders was sitting a little away from the rest of the group. "Are you alright?"
Anders gave a stiff nod, "I didn't mean to hurt her, Hawke, I swear."
"I know, I told her she couldn't use blood magic on us. She was just afraid is all."
"I knew it too, I could see it. I shouldn't have pushed her."
"It's kind of the point of sparring, is to push each other."
"Not like that, she was terrified. I may not like her, but that wasn't right."
"Let's just forget about it. It's been a long day, come over by the fire, be sociable for once."
Anders stood up with her and they walked back to the fire before settling comfortably on the ground.
"So when are you sparring him, Hawke?"
Sekhmet smiled at Varric, "Maybe tomorrow, it's dark, besides I'm sure he's tired."
Anders shook his head. "Come on, I'll spar with you. We can see alright with the fire light and it's not completely dark yet."
Sekhmet stood up muttering and walked over to the clearing.
Anders jumped to his feet and followed her. "Hey, what's wrong?"
She laughed quietly, "Do you have any idea how sexy you are whipping that staff around and handing everyone their asses on a platter?"
Anders shuffled a little. "Uh, no."
"More is the pity. Come on Sexy, pin me." She flashed him her half smile and drew her daggers giving them a little spin. This was going to be fun.
Anders came at her with the staff, whirling it fast and keeping her away, he backed her up until her back hit a tree. Grinning she snaked out her dagger and hooked it around his staff stopping it and pulling it towards her. Surprised, Anders took an involuntary step forward.
Sekhmet flicked her dagger a little and placed a small rip in his tunic. She slipped away as he stepped backwards. "By the time I pin you Anders, I'm going to have you naked." Her voice was quiet, just loud enough so he could hear her but no one else.
Anders lost his rhythm with the staff and Sekhmet took advantage, flicking her dagger out again and snagging the fabric at his shoulder, she even nicked him a little drawing blood. She was gone again just as fast, her laughter trailing behind her. "Come and get me."
Anders took a deep breath, and followed her. He kept his movements smaller, more controlled. Continually changing directions he was able to keep her on her toes. He used his staff and pushed it sharply against her as she held her daggers in front of her and pinned her against a tree.
As he stood there pinning her she smiled. "With you panting like that and pinning me I can almost imagine you in my bed."
"Are you sure? It took six people to get me this winded, seven if you count yourself."
Sekhmet chuckled, "Oh, promises, promises Anders."
She saw his face change, saw him realize he had been flirting again and he jerked away quickly taking several long steps away from her. She came at him, moving blazing fast and he fumbled backwards, stumbling a little when his legs hit something. He found himself pinned against the same boulder he had pinned Merrill against earlier. Sekhmet climbed up onto it a little, her dagger at his neck as she loomed over him.
She dipped low, only a hairs breadth from his face. "I wonder what you taste like, Anders." She drew out his name, her voice a little breathy.
She went abruptly sprawling backwards on the ground when he pulled up his leg, planted his foot against her middle and shoved. Laying there for a moment dazed she giggled and stood up. "Ok, I can take a hint…for now." She gave him a wink and a bow, "I yield ser."
Anders shook his head and walked back to the fire muttering, "I don't know who is worse, you or Izzy."
Hawke stretched and sat down between Anders and Varric, "Well that was certainly entertaining. Tomorrow we should spar in pairs, not all sit around watching Anders put us all in our place."
Anders had actually enjoyed himself for the most part. With the notable exception of Justice popping in when Merrill had tried to use blood magic on him. The girl obviously needed a little guidance where battle was concerned. Maybe he could help her, "I want to work with Merrill tomorrow."
Merrill paled at his suggestion.
He tried to soothe her fears, "Don't worry; I'm not going to spar with you. I want to show you how to combine some of those spells so they're more useful."
"Oh, alright." But she didn't sound very reassured.
Hawke looked around at the group and announced, "Let's do like with like tomorrow, Varric and Sebastian, Fenris and Aveline, and Izzy and me. We should trade secrets; catch each other's strong points and weak points. Sound good?"
"Good a place as any to start." Varric pushed up the sleeve of his jacket and began unstrapping a knife from his forearm.
Aveline furrowed her brow when he pushed up his other sleeve, "How many of those do you have on you?"
Varric shrugged, "A bunch."
Anders shook his head. "It's a rogue thing. I bet even Sebastian has at least half a dozen blades on him."
Aveline turned to Sebastian, "Really?"
Sebastian looked decidedly uncomfortable, "I, uh, carry a few knives."
Anders couldn't help himself, he was honestly curious. "Let's see it, which one of you four is carrying the most."
Sekhmet scowled at Anders.
He rolled his eyes at her annoyance. "Ah, I forgot, it's supposed to be a big secret."
"Now I'm curious." Aveline was studying Sebastian carefully.
Sekhmet let out a heavy sigh. "Fine." She started with the daggers strapped to her back, setting them in front of her before moving her armor to reveal a knife strapped to her calf. She pulled it loose along with another on her opposite leg before pushing up her sleeves.
Sebastian made a small exasperated sound and started pulling knives free as well, quickly followed by both Isabela and Varric. The group watched with growing awe as small piles were amassed in front of each of the rogues.
Hawke paused briefly, "What about stilettos?"
He chuckled, "Those too, Hawke."
She made a face and slid free two stilettos built into her lower armor, the wrist guards were curved like the shape of her upper thigh and the silver looked just like an embellishment until she slipped them out. There were two more on her upper arms.
Laying them down she held up her hands, "There, I'm clean, that's all of them, two daggers, four stilettos, four knives and three throwing knives."
"Me too. " Izzy glanced at Hawke's pile, "I would like to point out that I have a lot fewer places to hide things than she does."
Hawke chuckled as did Varric. Then the group only had Sebastian to watch, as he was still pulling blades free. Honestly, Anders would have put his money on Isabela, barely clad or not.
"You don't even use blades." Hawke exclaimed.
"I used to." His voice was hesitant like he didn't want to talk about it. "Most of them are throwing knives."
"That still doesn't explain why you're a walking armory, Sebastian." Aveline was starting to look uneasy.
Hawke was smiling deviously, "Are you any good with those throwing knives?"
Sebastian looked up and grinned at her as he slipped another knife free of his chest piece. "As good as I am with the arrows."
"I'm not too bad myself, if I do say so."
Sebastian nodded at her, "I know, I've seen you."
Izzy was watching them both intently, "You should have a contest."
Hawke smirked, "What about it, Brother, want to give it a try?"
"As long as you lose gracefully."
"Ho, ho, strong words from the Choir boy." Varric laughed.
"Tomorrow then, after breakfast." Hawke pressed.
"It's a date, and Hawke, you're going to lose."
Sekhmet laughed, "Isn't pride a sin?"
"It isn't pride, just the truth." But he was smiling; seemed Sebastian could have fun after all.
The next morning Sekhmet stood at the edge of the clearing trying to be gracious. Sebastian was right, she was going to lose. He made her look like she had never touched a set of throwing knives before and to add insult to injury he made it look damned easy.
No matter how far back they moved he threw his knives easily and hit the leaf that they had tacked to a tree as a target dead on every time. He was all grace and clean lines like he was born throwing knives. He hadn't even broken a sweat and the further back they moved the more she wanted to wipe that smirk from his face.
"I think he's got you Hawke."
"Gee, Varric, whatever gave you that idea?"
"How about the fact that he hits the target first time, every time and you…don't," Now Varric was smirking too.
Sekhmet sighed, it bordered on a pout, "Alright, Sebastian, I concede." She shook her head and finally smiled, "Really, you're amazing with those things."
Seb slipped the knife in his hand back into his belt. "When my parents had cut me off and I was a betting man, I made my living with these."
"Does that mean you can do this drunk too?"
Sebastian smiled sheepishly, "Yeah."
Sekhmet snorted, "Alright, now I hate you."
"I did warn you."
She waived him off as she wandered back to the rest of the group, "Yeah, yeah." She looked up as she neared the fire, "Sorry Izzy, but I'm going to have to beat you senseless. Sebastian beat me and my ego is feeling a bit bruised."
"Great," Isabela grumbled.
"First, I'm taking a nap. I am exhausted, half of you jerks snore." She flopped onto her bedroll and closed her eyes a small smile still on her lips. She was having too much fun and wondered briefly how long she could play out in the woods before they dragged her back to the city.