Disclaimer: I do not own Bioware or Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Marian got a letter from Aveline to meet her in her office in the Viscount's Keep. Usually, it would mean nothing good but the moment she entered this time, Aveline seemed… relieved to see her. The expression on her face was not one she was used to. "Marian. I need…" She hesitated. "A favor that I can only trust to you."
"You can always ask." Marian offered.
"It should be a small matter, but I worry." Aveline said. If she was worried, Marian was going to need a backup. At least Varric, Isabela, Anders, Fenris and Wanda. "I need you to give something to Guardsman Donnic. Here, in the barracks. No questions, and he is not to know it's from me."
"Donnic? The one we pulled from an ambush?" Marian asked.
"The event that put me here. But this is…" Aveline looked away briefly. "A different need of the guard and its captain." She managed something that might have been an attempt at a glare, but since it was directed at Marian's elbow, it really didn't have much effect. "And you're doing very badly at the "no questions" part."
"Very well, Aveline. If it means so much to you." Marian said. She was having an odd feeling about this and wanted to get it over with.
"Thank you. And please, hurry back with his reaction." Aveline handed Marian the roster as Marian had an awkward feeling of being a delivery person. "I appreciate this, Marian. I really do."
"Guardsman Donnic."
"Serah Hawke. It's been some time. You're here in Hightown now, right? I think the captain mentioned it. I see your uncle now and then on my patrols but…" Donnic shrugged. "We don't talk."
"No ill effects from the ambush, I trust?"
"They got me pretty good, I'll admit, but they fared worse, so I can't complain." Donnic smiled. "Guard is a good career if you're careful. A short one if you're not. And the captain makes sure we're careful."
"This is for you. It's apparently very important." Marian handed him the package.
"I'll take your word." Donnic unwrapped the package, and gave it an odd look, not that Marian blamed him. "It's a copper relief of… marigolds? And it helpfully says so. "Marigolds."" He looked up at her. "Well. How crafty. Is there a meaning to this that I should know?"
If there was, Aveline had not told her. "Just keep it. I'm sure it's more than it seems." Marian said.
"It would have to be." Donnic shifted back awkwardly. "Right. I'm sure we both have things to do. Of varying import. Serah Hawke." He gave a small bow before leaving.
He turned and looked at Wanda and Isabela, who were both as confused as he was.
"Is there some reason Aveline just made us look like idiots?" Isabela asked.
That was an excellent question and they felt extremely embarrassed.
"I swear, if we end up as a joke to the guardsmen, I'm going to…" Wanda stopped as Isabela chuckled. She certainly would like to see Wanda have few words with Aveline.
"You're back. Of course you are. You're efficient. Get things done. Good or ill." Aveline said, pacing around and fidgeting. Aveline of all people, fidgeting. "So, how did Donnic react?"
"As one might expect when confused?"
"I thought it was clear. Metal is strong. Copper ages well. Flowers are soft." Aveline muttered as it hit Wanda, who tried to suppress her chuckle, while the rest just stared, confused. "I've clearly gone about this the wrong way. Don't talk to him again. Just… take this. The patrols for next week. Post it to the roster and just… listen." She shifted from foot to foot nervously. "I want his honest reaction without the captain present."
"You could just have him hauled off." Marian said.
"This isn't about an accusation I can put in a report and explain. I need someone…" Aveline sighed. "Unofficial."
"All right. Posting the roster just over there." Marian said, confused as Wanda was trying to keep a straight face.
"I need to know exactly how he reacts. That's key." Aveline smiled nervously. "Thank you."
"This is weird. Right?" Merrill noted as they went out before noticing that Wanda was giggling quietly. "What?"
"I think we'll see soon enough." Wanda said. She could not wait to see how the rest was going to react, once they would realize what Aveline actually wanted them to do as Marian put up the roster. They paced away far enough to make it seem like if they were waiting for Aveline, rather than eavesdropping. Luckily, the guards at the Viscount's Keep were used to Marian's frequent visits, they did not think them waiting in the corner suspicious as they nodded at her politely.
"Hey, Donnic." Brennan called out. "Whose pucker have you been greasing to get Hightown?"
Donnic walked over to her. "What? You're daft. I'm working dockside on those smugglers."
She gestured at the roster. "Says here you're guarding the square. Always been a make-work job, that one. You someone's pet?"
Donnic was clearly irritated. "Check your eyes. It's a mistake." He took a look at the roster himself, and then groaned. "You have got to be kidding me. What did I do to get that post?"
They headed back to Aveline's office. Wanda snickered, leaving them all confused.
"What's so funny?" Varric asked.
"Just wait." Wanda said.
"Donnic thinks I'm punishing him? But Hightown is a safe patrol. A reward."
"You wanted his reaction." Marian said, thinking that Aveline was messing with them and Marian was losing her patience with these antics as Wanda was trying to keep a poker face.
"All right, I can fix this. I need…" Aveline paced back and forth. "I need three goats and a sheaf of wheat. You'll take them to his mother." She turned towards them. "It's a dowry tradition. Maybe it will smooth the process."
"What makes you think that will work?" Wanda asked, not able to contain her laughter anymore as it hit the rest as Isabela smirked and Merrill squealed, excited.
"Hold a moment. You're sweet on the boy!" Isabela teased.
Aveline glared at her. "So help me, whore, I will break you."
Isabela laughed. "Oh, this is glorious. All this flailing is her idea of courtship."
"I think my jaw just landed in the Deep Roads somewhere." Varric muttered, not believing how was Aveline trying to flirt with Donnic.
"Not a word, dwarf." Aveline glared at him.
"I wouldn't dream of mocking your… unconventional courtship." Varric said with a fake smile on his face as Aveline groaned at their taunts.
"Aveline. You know you could talk to us." Marian said, barely able to keep a straight face. If Marian of all people would laugh at her, Aveline would surely kill someone present in her office. Luckily, they all got ahold of themselves soon enough.
"What am I to say? That a grown woman can't speak her mind? I've been focused on being captain for so long, that's all I know." Aveline said.
"But you were married once, right?" Varric pointed out.
"That was…" She started to get defensive, and then sighed. "A long time ago. It was easier. Or seemed to be."
"Maybe you're just ready to move on from your husband." Wanda said.
"It's been four years since Wesley. Stop trying to protect me." Aveline said, getting defensive.
"That's right. She's made her peace. Now let her get one." Isabela said.
"So, there's been no one for you since we got here?" Wanda asked, just to be sure.
"Wait, you've gone four years without? You must creak like a rusty hinge." Isabela laughed.
"Many people have their lives because of me." Aveline dodged.
"But poor you, no life of your own." Isabela taunted.
"We both place others above ourselves. I happen to do it clothed." Aveline said, glaring.
"You're splitting hairs, but wishing someone would split yours." Isabela mocked, nearing her.
"I've had enough of your loose lips. Like many, I'm sure." Aveline sneered.
"Oh, touché. Prig!" Isabela sneered back.
"Slattern!" Aveline growled, her and Isabela's faces inches away from each other.
Wanda cleared her throat as she stepped in between. "Back to the topic at hand…"
Aveline and Isabela pulled away from each other, still exchanging glares though.
"I can't imagine you having trouble speaking your mind." Marian said. They had never seen Aveline this vulnerable, which genuinely worried them.
"The guards are in my care. I hurt when they hurt. But Donnic…" Aveline sighed, trying to ignore Isabela, who was amused at the sight of seeing Aveline so vulnerable. "I want him to know that I feel…" She lowered her head in concern. "…but if something happened to him…"
"Something already has happened and we still helped him." Wanda reminded.
"If it made sense, I wouldn't need you. I feel paralyzed. I hate it." Aveline said.
"What makes Donnic so special when someone closer to you might be interested?" Marian teased as everyone raised their brows. Was Marian flirting with Aveline? Not even a second later, they all chuckled, suppressing their laughter, knowing that Marian was just trying to make Aveline blush, and it seemed to work.
"Nothing. Not a thing. Not rich, not the most skilled, I daresay he's not even the best looking." Aveline said awkwardly. "But he's… something. He's not like the others."
"Strong lips. Has to be." Isabela teased.
"Just say the word and we can drag him straight into your office." Wanda teased.
"Oh, and how would that look! The captain ordering her guardsman to… to… it wouldn't help." Aveline protested.
"There are places in this city where no one cares that you're captain." Varric pointed out as they realized what was he suggesting.
"So go out. Get him drunk. Shame is a great equalizer." Isabela said.
"What, just… go out somewhere? Like it's that easy?" Aveline questioned nervously.
"You'd be surprised what one pint of beer can lead you into." Wanda noted.
Aveline considered for a moment. "Tell Donnic… invite him to the Hanged Man. Don't tell him about me, make something up. It's a surprise, or just you, or a group. Anything to get him there. He's not like the others. I don't want him to think he's meeting the captain."
As requested by Aveline, they invited Donnic for a beer in the Hanged Man but no sign of Aveline so far.
"There were supposed to be others coming, right?" Donnic asked, looking around awkwardly. Marian glanced at where Isabela, Merrill and Wanda were, Isabela and Wanda seemed amused, while Merrill blushed, trying to suppress her giggles as Varric was at another table, seeming to be playing Wicked Grace with other guests in the tavern with an occasional glance at Marian and Donnic.
"Plans change, apparently." Marian shrugged.
Donnic sat back down and after about ten minutes there was still no sign of Aveline. If the next guest entering the tavern the guard-captain, Marian vowed to kill her.
"Another round?" Marian offered.
"Maker, yes."
The atmosphere seemed to be getting more and more awkward. Wanda was sitting at Varric's table, playing Wicked Grace as Merrill was talking with Isabela as the elf seemed to blush. Varric would sure love to tell this tale about them embarrassing themselves like that.
Donnic narrowed his eyes. Next thing he knew, he was getting a lecture from Marian. On… the best way to go about courting Aveline.
"Look, if this was all a plan for you to get closer to the captain, maybe you should just talk to her. I mean, how sad would it be if you needed a go-between. Have some backbone." Donnic said. Wanda spat out her drink and laughed as Varric fell out of his chair and Isabela slammed the counter, Wanda, Isabela and Merrill giggling as Donnic got up awkwardly. "I have to go. Thanks for the drink."
Marian sighed and drank her glass as Donnic left the tavern. A moment later, Aveline went out from another part of the tavern, looking embarrassed as Wanda, Isabela, Merrill and Varric snickered at the look on the guard-captain's face.
"I… I couldn't do it. What did he say?" Aveline asked.
"He thinks I arranged this to get to you." Marian said as the rest snickered quietly.
"I'm an idiot." Aveline said, feeling embarrassed.
"Admitting it is a good step. Where are you heading next?" Marian asked.
"The barracks. Ferelden? The deepest hole I can find?" Aveline deadpanned.
"Aveline Vallen? Hiding? Who are you, and what have you done to her?" Wanda joked.
"I know, all right, but I freeze up." Aveline sighed. "The only place I'm not a mess is on patrol." She shrugged. "And killing highwaymen doesn't afford much opportunity for banter."
"Here come the excuses." Isabela muttered.
"I will not risk…"
"Come on, look what you're denying the boy." Varric said, interrupting Aveline.
"I think that pretty much forces the issue." Marian agreed.
Aveline shook her head again. "But I can't fight and talk…"
Marian shrugged. "I'll clear the way and you can see if he's the one."
"You're too good at this. Is it any wonder you've all but taken Hightown?" She hugged them before leaving. This had to be the most embarrassing thing in their entire life.
The following day, they went to the Wounded Coast they began killing bandits on Aveline and Donnic's patrol. Clearing the path for them was rather easy. Watching Aveline flirt with Donnic however… that was a completely different matter.
"So this route's pretty quiet." Donnic said as they walked down the path.
"Yes, and it's… a real nice night for an evening." Aveline said awkwardly.
"Uh, as you say, Captain." Donnic said nervously as he continued walking.
"Heh, yes, as I say." Aveline chuckled.
"Maker, she's bad at this." Marian shook her head as Wanda snickered, amused. Aveline clearly needed a few lessons regarding courtship and flirting.
They continued walking down the road, coming across more bandits and even a group of demons and pirates but easily disposing of them.
"How many of them are in Kirkwall?" Wanda wondered.
"Don't ask." Varric noted before they eavesdropped on Aveline and Donnic again.
"If it isn't done right, the blade can be too soft. Quenching." Aveline said. "Quenching the steel is a vital step that can make or break a sword."
"Right." Donnic nodded, although he had a confused look on his face.
"A blade for every purpose. What do you think? About blades?" Aveline asked.
Donnic stared for a moment before coming to his senses. "I'm sorry, Captain. I drifted off a bit." He looked at Aveline like if she had hit her head.
"Right. Of course." Aveline said, realizing she was embarrassing herself as they continued walking.
"Oh, God…" Wanda groaned, rolling her eyes as Isabela and Varric snickered at the inappropriate innuendo Aveline blurted out. Oh, they would make sure Aveline was not going to forget this.
"I wish I had the camera things you told me about. I'd like to see Aveline relive this over and over again." Isabela snickered.
Wanda smiled, amused at the thought. The most likely scenario would be, if Isabela had been able to get her hands on a camera and record this, Aveline would first be completely embarrassed, then she would shove the camera down Isabela's throat.
As they continued down the road, they finished off the remaining bandits until they saw Aveline and Donnic near them.
"Well, Guardsman, good patrol. I think we're done, and I…" Aveline stopped upon seeing Marian and the group. "Marian?" If looks could kill, pieces of Marian, Wanda and the rest would be washing up from Par Vollen to Orlais. "What a surprise. What are you doing here?" She asked with an edge on her tone.
"Aveline." Marian chuckled, enjoying the look on Aveline's face, just as everyone else.
"Marian. Don't." Aveline begged, raising her hands.
"I think you'll come around once it's all out in the open." Marian teased.
Donnic looked from him to Aveline, and then back again. "Would someone please tell me what's going on?"
"You're a daft couple of…" Isabela rolled her eyes. "Take a hint and bend her over a basin, will you?"
"All right, I'm going to draw a picture of where she wants to touch you." Varric joked as Wanda and Marian chuckled, with Marian using her hands to gesture an… intimate innuendo and Merrill giggled quietly.
The looks on Donnic's and Aveline's faces were priceless. Donnic was… stunned, to say the least. Aveline looked like she was about to rip them all apart with her bare hands as she blushed. But the looks on their faces were worth it.
"Captain?" Donnic asked awkwardly as Aveline let out an awkward laugh. "I…" He blushed. "…should get back to the barracks."
He left the beach as Aveline glared up at the group.
"I thought we were friends." Aveline said, keeping her voice calm.
"Friends sometimes push." Marian noted.
"I… I have to fix this. He'll file a complaint… ask for a transfer." Aveline poked Marian in the chest so hard Marian stepped back. "You. You're coming to the barracks to explain why you put him on the spot. Double time, Hawke, or so help me…" She stalked away.
Marian turned around and saw that Wanda had used her powers to keep Isabela's mouth shut as the pirate glared at her, most likely to prevent Isabela to tease Aveline and agitate her into killing the pirate as Merrill was barely able to keep a straight face, blushing from stifling her giggles. Varric was… taking notes.
Marian left them all behind when she went to the barracks, it was very nice to know who your friends were.
"Maker, where is Donnic? I have to… head this off before it goes to the viscount." Aveline paced down the keep. "Maybe a formal apology. Something that shows the guards they can still trust me."
"You're the captain, not a golem. They expect you to have feelings." Marian said.
"Not if they get in the way of the job."
"You don't know that."
"I won't be that stupid again."
They were then interrupted by a cough from Donnic. "My apologies, Serah Hawke, but I need a moment with the captain."
"Guardsman Donnic?"
They entered the office as Wanda approached Marian and they were near the door, eavesdropping. But what they heard was stunning and very disturbing. Aveline Vallen. Giggling. Now that's something you don't hear every day.
They tried to fight the temptation, but it was too much for them and Marian looked through the keyhole. She quickly pulled away and was extremely glad that Isabela wasn't in the keep with them as Marian shook her head blushed and gapped at the sight as they heard panting and moaning coming from inside the office as it hit Wanda, who widened her eyes.
"Are they…" Wanda paused as Marian nodded. Wanda half-groaned and half-giggled, as she wished at the moment that she had an MP3 player to not hear the noise coming out from the office as she felt the taste of vomit in her mouth. Imagining Aveline of all people…
The guardsmen had gotten that Aveline was not to be disturbed and when they asked about the panting and groaning noises from inside the office, Marian and Wanda simply told them that she was sparring with Donnic. An hour later, Donnic emerged from the office looking a bit sweaty and worn out. He nodded at Marian and Wanda and walked off and they could tell that his armor was slightly askew.
They entered Aveline's office, who was readjusting her hair as they saw the scattered papers over the floor.
"Aveline." Marian said.
"Guardsman Donnic… did not file a complaint." Aveline laughed softly. "This was all incredibly stupid. And you made it wonderful."
"I think you can safely claim both halves of that pair." Marian teased.
"You're sweet. I knew asking you was the right thing." Aveline said.
"This is starting to become a habit." Wanda noted.
"I just…" Aveline smiled. "There's no way I can ever repay you." She kissed them both on their cheeks. "Perhaps it's simple. Thank you." She picked up her papers before turning to them. "Hey, can I ask you something?" Marian and Wanda nodded. "Was there a moment when you thought I was beyond help?"
"Let's not ruin the happy moment." Wanda said. There certainly were times, when Aveline was making things hard for them.
"All right. Fair enough." Aveline smiled. "Shout when you need me. I'll always be here for you. Just…" Her smile became mischievous. "Knock first."
Present
"What has that got to do with the story?" Cassandra asked impatiently.
Leliana looked slightly amused. "I don't know, I found it quite romantic."
Cassandra rolled her eyes. "But it has nothing to do with the Champion's and the Scarlet Witch's involvement with the incident."
"I don't know, they had to gain the loyalty of guard-captain Aveline somehow or else she would not have helped. Plus, I think he mainly told us this just to annoy her."
Cassandra shook her head. "For his sake, the next thing, the dwarf tell us had better be useful."
So, what do you guys think about it?
Please review and let me know if you are enjoying this so far and want for me to continue.