Chapter 24 – In the air

'So where is Anders?' Aveline asks simply. 'He wasn't at his clinic and nobody has been able to track him down,' she sighs as she looks over her cards. 'Fenris had disappeared as well,' she adds as she looks at Hawke who simply shrugs his shoulders. Isabela comes in from Varric's bedroom. 'Still asleep?' The Guard Captain asked.

'Yeah, it's been an hour and a half, I left the health drought on the bedside table,' Isabela nodded as she took her seat with a heavy exhale. She stuck her finger into a small pool of beer that was on the table and spread it around a bit. 'This night was supposed to be a celebration, Anders is missing, Fenris stomped off in a strop because she got hurt and she's in bed healing from a fucking arrow,' Isabela cursed. Hawke pulled a sympathetic face.

He put his arm over her shoulders. 'It's not your fault. Things happen,' he reassures. Merrill nods enthusiastically from the other side of the table where Varric was explaining the rules to her for the third time that evening. 'Sebastian and Varric got the arrow out and she's going to be fine,' he smiles as he pushes his mug to her. 'She'll wake up soon and then we'll have a good time, I promise,' he nods. 'It's still early.'

'Yeah, I know,' she mutters as she drinks her beer. She glances over at Sebastian who had been rather quiet. 'What's up?' She asks registering the contemplative expression on his face.

Sebastian ran his hand through his hair. 'I just... I've always been taught that magic was... disruptive. That the circle is there for a reason,' he says after a moment. Hawke raised a brow and wondered where this was going. 'I mean, Hawke, you're a mage, you don't live at the circle and Meredith seems to have accepted you because you do good for the city. Merrill, you can blend and disappear with the other elves and nobody seems to bat an eyelid, what about Katza? She's a mage that isn't supposed to exist, the circle would probably try to remove her connection to the fade and when that didn't work they'd kill her, the elves idolise her but then they become an easy target for slavers-'

'What point are you trying to get at here, Sebastian?' Aveline asks simply.

'It's only a matter of time before word spreads. She's not exactly... inconspicuous. Her beauty alone makes her stand out,' he says with a slight blush. 'This sort of thing is going to happen more and more, she is going to be targeted more and more. We need a plan, something, to keep her safe,' he says simply. There was a silence over the table with his words. 'We need to keep her safe,' Sebastian mumbled feeling embarrassed.

Garrett sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose with his fingers. 'I understand what you're saying Sebastian, but we can't wrap her up like a china doll. Her status as a Lady will give her some protection against it all and if we teach her properly we can avoid these situations-'

'She is perfectly capable of protecting herself,' Aveline chips in. 'Hawke is right, we need to let her fight for herself.'

'I don't want her to have to kill people, she's not like that,' Isabela said quietly. 'She's sweet and kind, to drag her into this side of life that we have doesn't seem fair,' she says finishing her drink.

'With all due respect Riviani, that's a decision that Petal needs to make for herself,' Varric says as he begins to shuffle cards. 'You could say the same for Sunshine here,' he nods at Merrill, 'but she still gets her hands dirty when needed,' he shrugs. 'Train her well, keep an eye on her, it's all we can do,' he says with finality. The rest of them agree, some with more reluctance than others. 'So, who's going to go drag the broody bastard from wherever he's stomped off too?'

'Are you sure that you want to drag him back down? I mean he looked pretty pissed,' Garrett sighed. They had argued before bringing Makatza to the pub, it hadn't gone well. 'I don't like the idea of him out on the streets alone but he can take care of himself,' he shrugs. Aveline gives him a look. 'Alright, alright, I'm going, I'm going,' he says as he stands up rolling his eyes. 'If he punches me though...' he says leaving his sentence unfinished but clear.

'Yeah, yeah yeah, come on, I'll join you,' Isabela says as she gets up, she didn't want to sit here and wait for her friend to wake up. It was almost torture. She loops her arm through his as she leans her head on his shoulder. 'Let's go get him, seeing those two interact will cheer me up,' she adds sneakily to Garrett making him laugh.

-x-

Makatza woke up slowly, the bed was warm and she was still a little achy. It was only after a moment or two that she realised that the other were probably waiting for her to wake up. She reluctantly sat up, it hurt but it was bearable. Yawning with a stiff stretch she rubbed her eyes and looked around. There was a health drought on the side she picked it up and shrugged, there was really no need. Her boots had been taken off and placed next to the bed, she hadn't done that when she laid down so someone must had had some foresight when they came in to check on her. She sat on the edge of the bed and yawned again, she stood after a moment or two and then forced herself to walk into the main room where everyone else was waiting. There was a fair bit of chatter and she could smell wine as she opened Varric's bedroom door. Sleepily she waved at Garrett and Isabela as she saw them first as she wandered in. There was a moment of silence as she looked around. 'What?' She asked as she figured that she was being stared at. Varric was grinning, Aveline was getting up, Sebastian had literally covered his eyes with his hand, Merrill was pink across the face and Fenris was intently staring at the wall to the left of him, the tips of his ears red. Isabela bounced out her seat as Aveline took a cloak and wrapped it around Makatza.

'Your dress is a little revealing,' Isabela grins, Makatza looked down at herself and mentally screamed. The slit that Sebastian had made in her dress had only gotten larger as she moved in her sleep and so the front had torn from her bust to the bottom and gave a pretty little window to the entirety of her stomach and underwear. She grabbed the cloak and blushed heavily.

'Sorry! I am still not with it,' She says pffting a bit of hair that fell over her face. 'Thanks Aveline,' she says gratefully.

'It's fine,' Garrett grins. 'Don't be embarrassed-' Aveline slapped him around the head as she passed, going back to her seat.

'Let's go get you dressed,' Isabela smiles, 'sort out the fuck me hair that you're sporting,' she adds purely for her own amusement watching several people shift in their seats awkwardly.

'Oh jesus,' Makatza said under her breath as she wrapped the cloak around herself tightly and shyly moving towards the door. Isabela took her up to her room and plonked her on the bed. 'Oh I can't believe that just happened!' Katza moaned hating her life in that moment. 'I mean... I don't really care, it's just skin but the entire situation... it's just embarrassing. Horrifically so,' she sighs. Isabela was listening but she was also deep in her chest of clothing as she looked for something appropriate to wear.

'We had to drag Fenris back from High town, he's not happy so don't expect a lot from him tonight,' Isabela warns as she finds a dress. 'Ugh, none of this stuff works,' she scowls.

'Why don't I just wear some of the stuff from my world hmm?' Makatza said pulling her bag over. 'Look, here are some black jean shorts, they're comfy and I can just wear one of your shoulder-less tops with the sleeves, a pair of these dolly shoes that look like this world's...slippers? I think they're called? It won't dig into my stomach and I'll be comfortable,' she says smiling. Isabela looks the outfit over.

'Hmm. Okay, you win, only because it's showing those gorgeous legs of yours,' she grins. 'Right, I'll go get you a drink in-'

'Something gently please, I'm still healing,' Makatza asked.

'Gentle... sure,' she said not really going to do what she asked. Makatza rolled her eyes as she leaves the room and concentrates on getting dressed. She's brushing her hair out the bird's nest it had become when there was a knock on the door.

Makatza makes sure she's actually dressed and then answers. 'Come in,' she says as she continues to de-tangle her hair, the door opened slowly and to her surprise it was Fenris. 'Oh, come in,' she says turning in her seat as she looks at him. He does as she says and gently shuts the door behind him. 'Are you okay? Isabela said that you weren't feel-'

'You are asking if I am well, when you are the one that was wounded by an arrow?' He said bluntly interrupting her. Makatza couldn't read his expression, he was carrying something in his left hand and had thankfully left his sword elsewhere. She shrugged a shoulder making a brief unreadable moment flash over his features.

'I'm fine now, there's no need to worry. It just hurt a bit, well, a lot, but it's done,' she says simply and dismissively as she stands up to get her shoes. 'Is that why you're here? Not that I mind, but I am curious I was going to be coming down in a moment or two,' she adds. 'Are you upset?' She asks as she reaches out to touch his arm.

He grabbed her wrist and pushed her against the wall, breathing heavily. 'Why?!' He demanded. 'Why did you do that!? It was an arrow! I was wearing armour! Why put yourself in potential danger? You foolish girl!' He had pinned her against the wall and she just simply looked at him, understanding his anger but not appreciating the position she was in. He inhaled deeply and moved away from her trying to calm himself. 'I just do not understand...' he says not catching her eye. Her mana was pulsing a little faster than usual but now he wasn't close enough for it to set off his lyrium.

Makatza gently took his hand and lifted her top so that he could see the wound, 'see,' she said softly as she pressed his fingers against her skin. Fenris refused to look and tried to pull his hand away. 'See?' She said firmly making him look, the scab had gone and she had healed more in her sleep, the wound was now only a pale oval scar. 'Fenris, I didn't think,' she admitted as she let go of his hand. His fingers traced the scar lightly before he moved. 'All I saw was that you were going to get hurt. I didn't want that to happen,' Makatza said quietly. 'I don't want you to feel guilty but it was my choice. I have no doubt that any of you would have done the same for me,' she explains. 'Why can't I do the same for you?'

'I... you need not protect me,' he says simply feeling a tightening in his chest as he looks at her soft smile.

'If I've learned anything from being here, is that we protect each other. This world is nothing like my other and the rules are backwards. For months you did nothing but watch out for me, albeit begrudgingly at the beginning. I mean you even tried to kill me,' she teases. Fenris' face hardened, he didn't like to think about that moment.

'Did I ever apologise for that?' He says quietly.

'No, but I think that saving my life multiple times makes up for it,' she smiles. Fenris runs his hand through his hair making Makatza's hormones sit up and beg.

'I am sorry. It was rash and I was not thinking properly,' he said sincerely.

'It's okay, I accept your apology. Besides, I did cover you in wine-'

'I implied that you were a whore-'

Makatza began to giggle making him raise a brow, 'okay, okay, so we didn't have the best start. We're friends though, yes?' She asks as she brushes her fringe aside, her teasing had broken the heavy atmosphere and relived a little of the tension that he was holding.

'I would like to say that we are, yes,' he nods feeling a small blush.

'Friends look out for each other Fenris, that even means getting hurt for one another,' Makatza says simply. 'So, I am sorry that I made you worry, but I won't say sorry for getting in the way. Though next time, make sure they're dead yeah?' She teases as she pokes his shoulder. Fenris allows himself to chuckle as he nods.

'Very well,' he agrees. Curiosity got the better of Makatza and now that he had been calmed down and the issue that was bothering him seemed to have been settled, she turned her attention to the package that had been dropped on the bed while they had their little moment of discussion.

'What's that?' Katza asked picking it up. 'Is it something for Hawke?' She said as she felt it. It felt soft yet hard, she was very curious.

Fenris smiled a little, 'open it,' he mumbled.

'Open it?' She repeated as she sat down on the bed. Fenris awkwardly perched next to her as she began to undo the string that kept the package together. 'Who is it for?' She asked as she struggled with the knot and resorted to biting it loose with her teeth. Fenris wore a half smile as he watched her, she was relaxing to be around and even after his burst in temperament she held nothing against him. Finally she worked the string free and removed the paper, she took out the garment holding it up as she looked at it. A black corset with silver boning, the top of the bust had beautiful silver embroidery along the edge, 'Fenris,' she gasped as she looked over the fastenings that were delicate buckles. 'My goodness it's gorgeous, what on earth-?'

'It is made for a rogue, under the leather there is a fine chain mail. It is flexible enough for you to be able to move freely and you would be able to wear it underneath almost anything as long as it is not too hot,' he babbles feeling his face get warm. 'I thought it would stop possible injuries and... arrows,' he says quietly. 'For your name day,' he adds.

'Oh Fenris,' she said feeling her eyes well up, 'it's beautiful,' she smiles brightly. 'Thank you so much, that's very thoughtful,' she gently places it on her knees before she leans over and slowly hugs him. He's surprised but his usual knee jerk reaction to pull away doesn't occur, instead he embraces her shyly. 'I love it,' she whispers, her breath tantalisingly weaving over his curve of his throat. After a minute or so Makatza feels her blush deepen as her mana begins to quicken with her heartbeat. Dear god I need to move, he smells so good and he's warm and...and I need to stop thinking about this, she screams in her head, she moves away and smiles to herself as her hair falls over her face as she looks down at the corset. 'Thank you, Fenris,' she repeats.

'You are welcome,' he says as they both get up the tension heavy in the air. Makatza looks up at him and smiles, biting her lip.

'So, I guess we had better join the others,' she says holding the corset to her chest.

'I guess so,' he agrees. They stand not really knowing what to do or say, something had happened between them and neither of them knew what to do about it. 'There is probably no need to wear it tonight,' he says eventually making her jump.

'Oh! Yes! You're right, there's no need, I'll just put it in my bag,' she says as she shimmies past him to put it in her Bergen. 'I can wear it tomorrow,' she says to herself.

'It should fit, if not let me know and I-'

'No, no it looks fine,' Makatza reassures as she turns to face him, flicking her hair over her shoulder. 'I'm sure it'll be wonderful,' she nods. He takes a brief step towards her and raises his hand to softly brush her hair away from her face, she could feel her heart pounding hard and fast. Makatza looked up into his deep green eyes, there was just something about him. His face seemed to soften when he smiles and he looked at her with such intensity she felt her core inflame. His thumb brushed her cheek as he leant forward, her inner voice screaming in glee. Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god, she thought in a frazzle as she closed her eyes, she could feel him move even closer and his breath on her mouth. Their lips almost touched when there was a loud banging on the door making them both jolt. Makatza inhaled deeply in panic her heart thundering for from shock and cleared her throat.

'Katza! You okay? You been a while in there, sweetness,' Garrett asked through the door.

Makatza cleared her throat again and swallowed while nodding, go to hell and back Garrett Hawke, she swore mentally. 'Uh, yeah! Yes, I'm fine. I just... I lost track of time, I'll be out in a minute,' she called back knowing that her face looked like an inferno. Fenris coughed lightly and moved away ever so lightly. 'We should... probably go now, they'll just get curious otherwise,' she babbles in nerves.

'Yes, yes, we should,' he says having pulled down a blank expression.

'So I'll um, I'll go now and then well, you know what they're like if they see us leaving together,' Makatza said without thinking. 'I'll see you down there,' she said as she moved towards the door. 'Thanks again for the present, I really do love it,' she says sincerely. Fenris nods and smiles at her as she leaves. He breathes in deeply and covers his face with his hands. What was he doing? He literally almost kissed her! Moaning into his fingers he sat on the bed.

'Venhedis,' he said to himself. That was close, far too close. He couldn't allow himself to do that again.


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I hope you like this instalment!