It would take a long time for normality to return, but that first night together was the first chink of light I'd had in over a month. She still didn't leave the bed often, but I didn't mind. Whenever I wasn't busy, I simply stayed with her, holding her close. From not seeming to want me at all, she'd done a complete one-eighty. She wasn't needy, but when I finally came to bed, she immediately cuddled into me, almost desperate for me to hold her close, tight, wanting to feel assured that I would not to let her go.

Our first proper kiss was over a week after that night. I'd held her all night as usual as we slept, waking to see her with eyes already open. Her eyes searched my face before she ran a hand gently down my cheek. "I love you," she whispered.

For once, my voice caught. I couldn't remember the last time she'd told me that. It wasn't just my voice that caught. When she leaned forward to kiss me, I'll admit the moment was simply too much, pressing her body against mine as the kiss deepened. It was one of the best kisses of my life, and the only reason we broke apart is that… I had a reaction, and that still made her uncomfortable. It was going to take small steps.

The very next day, she got out of bed when I did. Her legs were like jelly as she had barely stood up for a long time, and I did have to help her get dressed. She had to be nude in front of me, and it was obvious that she'd lost weight. Quite a bit, to be honest. She must have noticed my concern. "Need my appetite back," she said softly.

Helping her up, she immediately moulded herself into me and I wrapped my arms tightly around her, feeling her head rest against my chest. Stroking her back, she sighed. "I've missed this."

"So have I. One thing. Please don't apologise, as I can feel you want to say those words. I don't understand everything, but I was never going to go. I would have waited as long as you needed."

"I still feel… lost, Uhtred. I don't know what to do."

"Neither do I." For once, I simply didn't have the answers. I'd dealt with loss before, but this sort of loss was something I'd never even considered, and I certainly had no idea how Bethany felt. I'm not sure if she'd ever be able to verbalise it.

"I can't go through it again. I just can't…"

I kissed her forehead as she looked up at me. "Okay," I whispered.

Her eyes flooded again. "But I really wanted…" She couldn't finish as she broke again. I simply held her tighter, trying to provide all the comfort I could. "I wanted a baby," she whispered, her voice trembling, "Our baby…"

"I know…"

"They told me," she whispered, taking a deep breath, feeling her shudder, trying to get her emotions back under control, "They told me because I'm a Warden… the blood now in me… I thought it was a miracle, Uhtred. That the Maker was blessing us."

She rested her head back against my chest and cried. This was our first conversation about it. I didn't think we'd talk about it much again. We were both broken by it. All we could do was mend each other as best we could and somehow carry on. Feeling her settle down again, she seemed to relax into me, feeling comfortable in my presence. The Maker may have stolen our child, but I thanked Him for at least giving her back to me.

"Hungry?" I asked. She nodded, so I grabbed her by the hand and slowly lead her outside and down the stairs. Gawen beamed when he saw us walk into the dining room together, and our three other servants walked in and gave her a hug. I simply shook Gawen by the hand.

"Faith, lord. Always have faith. Things will work out in the end."

It wasn't quite back to normal. Bethany sat quietly and chewed at some food, though I sat close by, holding her hand for most of the meal. But she was out of bed, downstairs and eating. Slow steps, that's what it would take. I had no plans to do anything so after breakfast, I walked her into the sitting room so we could sit by the fire. She curled her legs underneath her and snuggled into my side, wrapping an arm around her.

Leandra arrived later, and no doubt she headed straight upstairs first, noticed Bethany missing, then went searching for her. She found us together in the sitting room, sitting in silence, but for once, it was comfortable. Leandra gave my forehead a gentle kiss before doing the same to her daughter. Taking a seat in the chair next to us, she sighed with what I think was relief.

"I'll tell Hawke not to bother you for a few days, Uhtred."

"It's no problem, mother," Bethany stated. Her voice croaked, I guess from not being used much lately.

"No. I know he's been here more often than not, but now that you're up and about, maybe feeling a little better…"

"Lying in bed wasn't solving my problems. And…" She turned her head to look up at me. There was a look in her eyes I remembered. "He remained so devoted to me, despite the fact I was pushing him away… I didn't want to, but… I hated myself. I hated and blamed him. It wasn't right but… He never gave up."

"It's because I love you, as I said."

"I'm not sure what exactly brought you into my life, Uhtred, but whoever is responsible, I can only thank them for it."

"When do you think you'll be ready to leave the house?"

"Soon, mother. Let me take my time with this."

Going outside was one thing. Being intimate with each other was another. It was a slow process that led to that. I showered her with affection. Lots of cuddles, and we rediscovered our love of kissing each other. The one thing I tried to do was make her smile. The first time I saw it again… It lit up her face, and I'm sure my breath caught. When I heard her laugh for the first time, I damn near broke down and cried. I regaled her with stories of what I'd been doing, hoping to leave the hurt and pain we had suffered into the past.

I'm not sure how long it was later that we made love for the first time again. All I know is that she initiated it. We were lying in bed, Bethany spooned against me, when she turned around and kissed me, and it was the sort of kiss always bound to get a reaction. Clothing was slowly taken off, skin revealed. I showered her body in attention. I made her moan. I made her laugh. I definitely made her squeal.

When we joined, I sighed with relief. I didn't last long that first time. That may have made her giggle, and I didn't mind. When I made her orgasm, I think her tears were of immense relief. Her body still worked in that way, at least.

Lying together afterwards, feeling rather hot, a little sweaty, heartbeat a lot faster, her naked body pressed against mine, that was almost the final step for us. It still wasn't quite back to normal. I was left thinking it might never be the same as it was before. Our loss would always be there, always be felt, but hopefully it would now be in the background. I liked to believe that night, we had moved on together.

We headed out together the next morning after breakfast. Wrapping an arm around each other, we slowly strolled around Hightown. Many people now knew me by name, and we received much affection, as news had undoubtedly spread about what happened. Bethany was polite though clearly didn't want to be reminded, so I suggested we go visit her sister.

Hawke cried out in surprise, seeing her sister at the door, wrapping her in what can only be described as a bear hug, before she basically dragged both of us into her sitting room. After accepting the offer of a drink, we sat down and enjoyed a chat.

"Well, you two are certainly loved up again. It's good to see."

"We made love last night, Hawke," Bethany admitted straight away.

"Oh… First time since…"

When sisters talked about this, I knew to stay quiet. I'd learned rather quickly that they happily discussed anything about their private lives, even if I was present. Considering Bethany was always nice about me, I didn't mind. "Yes. But he was so… loving and considerate… He focused all his attention on my needs. Not that he didn't before, but last night…" She trailed off and sighed, grabbing and squeezing my hand, the smile on her face lighting up her eyes. I leaned across and simply kissed her softly.

"Anything I need to know about?" I wondered.

"Well, I have some news, at least. Remember a few years back, we helped this elven woman with her son. Kids name was Feynriel. Ring a bell?"

"Hmmm. Vaguely. Was he a mage or something? Or was it nightmares?"

"Yes, he was a mage. We rescued him from slavers."

"So what was the problem this time?"

"Well, he'd fallen into a coma. Remember Keeper Marethari? She was even involved this time. Something to do about the magics. Anyway, Arianni, his mother, actually came to my door and appealed for help. You know me, always willing to assist, but when I sat with Marethari and went on about the Fade, I'll admit, that's a little out of my depth. So I grabbed Anders and Merrill at first, and they could then explain in simple terms what was needed."

"Why was he in a coma?"

"He has a particular talent for when he's in the Fade, makes him more susceptible to demon possession. What surprised me is that even Marethari suggested that, if he proved too weak or incapable of controlling his magic, that I make him Tranquil."

"No shit."

"You didn't, did you?" Bethany wondered, a slight tone we both recognised and understood.

"Well, no, of course not. But anyway, I took the two mages and we entered the Fade. Weird place."

"I know, been in it before myself."

Hawke raised her eyes in surprise at that. It wasn't a story I often told. "Demons did bargain for Feynriel. One was a sloth demon, so Anders told me. We just killed that one. Then we ran into a desire demon. Why do they always have their breasts out?" I shrugged, though wondered the same thing. "Demons, demons, demons. We then had to face down a pride demon, then a rage demon. Through all this, Feynriel stayed by our side, learning to use his gifts to stare them down and not give into temptation. With each demon we defeated, Anders and Merrill suggested they could feel him getting stronger."

"Did he wake up?"

"He did. After thanking us for his help, he sat down with his mother and suggested that the best thing he could was to leave. He was never going to join a Circle but thought he was going to need the help of mages, so he's headed north the Tevinter Imperium."

"What? But they hate elves, don't they?"

"Well, hate might be a strong word. But considering his gift, he was confident they'd be interested in teaching him. His mother was beside herself, of course, but I had to agree that he was taking the right course of action. He needed help in controlling his abilities."

"Well, look at me, missing out on all that fun," I stated rather sarcastically. Bethany giggled next to me.

"Don't like the Fade?"

"Nope. Been there once. That was enough. I have to deal with enough demons here as it is."

"I'll admit one thing; those desire demons could be rather tempting. Anders and Merrill knew all their tricks, were able to resist, but it's difficult as a non-mage when you're offered… well, it seems it can read your thoughts and, well, your desires obviously."

"I would ask, but I'm almost afraid to," Bethany stated.

"I'm strong enough to admit that I nearly gave in."

"To what?" Bethany asked.

Hawke didn't say anything. In fact, she looked away and appeared to be rather uncomfortable. I just patted Bethany's leg. "Let's just leave it," I said quietly, "We don't need to know."

"Thank you," Hawke whispered, but when she started to wipe her eyes, I did wonder what she desired to cause such a reaction, and understood why she was so tempted.

"Anyway, I'm assuming your mother is keeping herself busy now that she's not popping around as often?"

Hawke laughed. "Oh, she'll be around nearly as often. She won't need an excuse to visit you two. 'Bethany this, Uhtred that, blah, blah, blah'. I swear, she thinks of you as one of her own."

Bethany just cuddled into me. "Well, he is, basically. Part of the family just… unofficially."

We stayed with Hawke until just after lunchtime before we decided to head home, Bethany starting to yawn, letting me know she was starting to feel tired. Back at our place, I led her upstairs so she could have a lie down. What I should have realised is that Bethany was on her way back to being normal as it was all a ruse. I found myself leapt upon by a giggling woman, trying to tickle me. I fight fire with fire, and was soon tickling her in return, her laughs and shrieks echoing around the quiet house. We were both laughing away before we stopped and just looked at each other. Her eyes spoke of numerous thoughts and emotion, but the one I definitely recognised was desire. It was a look that had only returned to her eyes. Our lips crashed together and…. Well…

There were other noises being made ten minutes later that suggested our intimate life was well and truly back on track.

"Uhtred, you're a man…"

I looked myself up and down. "I'm glad you noticed, Aveline."

She laughed to herself. "That's not all I was going to say. You're a man, right. And you're with Bethany. Would you say she was… strong willed?"

"You've met Bethany, haven't you? Brown eyed, brunette, busty bombshell. Witty. Funny. Far more intelligent that I am. Hell of a talented mage. Of course she is. One of the many reasons why I love her."

"When you were courting, was she… forward with you? Let you know what she wanted."

"Again, you've met and spoken to her. Bethany isn't shy in coming forward. I guess it's hard to remember as the past few months have been difficult, but she's finding herself again."

Aveline smiled, leaning across the desk to grab my hand. "I'm glad, Uhtred. We all are. It's been lovely seeing her down at the Hanged Man again. She seems to have found her zest in life again."

"We're getting there. It was slow to begin with but the pain has dulled. There's still an ache, but I think we can both ignore it and move on. Anyway, I have a feeling we were going to discuss something you wanted."

"Yes, of course," she said, pulling her hand back, "The reason I'm asking a favour is because, well, you're a man and I don't really know any other man I trust as much to do this."

"So Hawke is discounted because she's a woman?"

"Well, yes, to be honest. This is something I feel a man can do for me because…" She trailed off and sighed, before her eyes looked at mine, almost pleading, "Can you help me, please?"

"Oh, all right. What do you need?"

"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."

I almost started to laugh, but Aveline looked so… nervous, I guess I could understand why. But it was obvious what I was being dragged into here. I wasn't blind. She reached into her desk and passed across a package. I was left confused as to what it could be, but I picked it up and rose to my feet. "Can you let me know his reaction, Uhtred?"

"Aye, sure. No problem."

Walking around the barracks, carrying a package, made me feel nothing short of a courier. Not that I considered it a bad profession, I was simply overdressed for such a role. Walking towards the guard barracks, I knocked on the door and asked for Donnic. A couple of guards pointed me towards another table, where he was sat alone.

"Donnic?"

He looked up and nodded, then he seemed to recognise me. "Ah, you're the Dragonborn, er, Ser Dragonborn, correct?"

"Just Dragonborn is fine. I'd prefer Uhtred but..." I trailed off and shrugged.

"Yes, I remember you and your friend, Hawke. Is she well?"

"Oh, keeps finding trouble but, aye, she's okay." I took a seat across from him and pushed the package across the table. "Look, I don't normally do this, but I was asked to deliver this package."

"What, for me?" I nodded as he obviously looked confused at receiving a package. Opening the lid, he leaned back and looked back at me. "It's a copper relief of… marigolds? And it helpfully says so. 'Marigolds'." He paused, scratching his chin. "Well, how crafty. Is there a meaning to this that I should know?"

"Honestly, just keep it. I'm sure it's more than it seems."

"Well, if you say so, though… Never mind. I should probably get back to work in a few."

"Aye, I'll just… go. See you around, Donnic," I stated, rising to me feet, and leaving as briskly as I could. Once outside the barracks, I backed against the wall and had a good chuckle. The poor man had absolutely no idea. I didn't even know what marigolds were supposed to mean, so I guess we were as confused as each other.

Walking back into Aveline's office, I took a seat as she stated, "You're back. Of course you are. You're efficient. Get things done. Good or ill." I chuckled again as she barely took a breath, her nerves obvious to me, and if she was like that with me, gods only know how she was with others. "So, how did Donnic react?"

"Um… I'm not really sure what to say, Aveline. I certainly didn't the meaning behind it."

"I thought it was clear. Metal is strong. Copper ages well. Flowers are soft."

I couldn't hold back the laughter anymore, looking away and shaking my head. "I'm sorry, Aveline, but I don't think anyone would have got that meaning." I heard the sigh, making the laughter stop immediately. "Sorry, but… What did you expect?"

"I've clearly gone about this the wrong way. Don't talk to him again."

"I don't think that will be a problem for either Donnic or myself."

She opened her desk drawer again, this time sliding over a piece of paper. "Look, just… take this. The patrols for next week. Post it to the roster and just… listen."

"To what? Why am I doing this too?"

"I just want his honest reaction without the captain present."

I sighed. "Aveline, why don't you just go waltzing on over…"

"Waltzing?"

"Aye, waltzing on over and tell him how you feel."

She thought for all of three seconds. "No, my way is best, Uhtred. That will be coming on too strong, scare him off. My way is best." She leaned forward and with her eyes pleading, stated, "Please…"

Running a hand down my face, I sighed before agreeing. I posted the roster and stood back out of the way, as a few guardsmen walked past and stopped to look at it. There was soon a small crowd and I heard one person cry, "Hey, Donnic, whose pucker have you been greasing to get Hightown?"

He came jogging out of another room, appearing to get ready for his shift. "What? Don't be daft. I'm working dockside on those smugglers."

"Not anymore, it seems. Says here you're now guarding the square. Always been a make-work job, that one. You someone's pet?"

"Check your eyes. There's been a mistake."

"Says the pet," the other guard retorted. There was much laughter from the others.

To say Donnic was unhappy would be an understatement. In fact, he appeared angered by it, and started to walk towards Aveline's office before apparently reconsidering, turning around and walking back to the barracks, muttering under his breath.

Wandering back into her office, I closed the door and sat down. She looked at me with hope in her eyes. All I had to do was shake my head. "Aveline, you clearly underestimated how seriously he takes the job. He's embarrassed, thinks he's being punished for something."

Her face fell. In fact, she looked rather upset by the reaction. "But… He thinks I'm punishing him? No, no, no. Hightown is a safe patrol. A reward." She sighed and shook her head. "Right… I can fix this somehow… What do I need to do?"

"Want my advice?"

"No, let me think, Uhtred." She muttered to herself for a few moments. "Okay, I've got it! I need three goats and a sheaf of what. You'll take them to his mother." I just glared at her, now thinking she'd gone slightly off the deep end. "It's a dowry tradition. Maybe it will smooth the process."

I picked up my chair and rounded the table so I could sit next to her. "Aveline, what on Thedas made you think any of this was going to work? Copper marigolds? A new roster? Gods only know what other schemes you had cooking in that noggin of yours. As I said, just come out and be honest with the guy."

"Uhtred, I've been so focused on this job, I don't know how to… court. Do women still court?"

"Of course they do."

"It's just been so long," she whispered, "Since Wesley… I'm ready to move on, Uhtred. And Donnic… I really like him."

"So why all this hullabaloo?"

"It's… not that simple, Uhtred. The guards are in my care. I am their captain, their leader. But with Donnic, it's something more. In here… I want him to know what I feel but… I also worry about him when he's out there… I want to tell him but I'm paralysed, Uhtred. I just can't go waltzing in, as you said."

I leaned back and gave it some thought. Her idea of courting, so we couldn't go with that. My idea of courting was… Hell, I'm not sure actually. I guess I had some charm, but most of my partners found me physically attractive first. I'm not the smartest of men, so that's out. "Look, why not just do something simple, Aveline. Ask him out for a drink."

"Oh, but I couldn't possibly."

"Aveline, it's simple. 'Donnic, would you like to join me for a drink at the Hanged Man tonight?'"

"But after the roster… and the gift… Oh, he'll just think I'm… You do it."

"No."

She leaned into me, obviously aware of my soft side. "Please, Uhtred. I know you want to help really. I know you have a soft side you keep hidden."

"Who told you that?"

"Pffft. Please, Uhtred. We've all seen how you are with Bethany. Merrill. Hawke. Even Isabela, and I know she winds you up something chronic. You're all steel on the outside with a big gooey centre."

"I've never had me described with a big gooey centre." I sighed. "Fine."

"Just… don't tell him I'll be there, or say anything about me at all. Make something up. There'll be a group of people. Just get him there. I don't want him to think he's meeting the captain."

"Aveline, I don't think I've ever put this much effort into getting laid myself. I'm putting all this legwork to get you laid eventually. I hope you appreciate this."

"I'll tell Bethany how helpful you've been. I'm sure she'll reward you."

"Well, when you put it that way..."

I stood up, moving the chair back to its original position, before I headed back out into the barracks. Most of the guards had already left for duty, and I caught Donnic just as he was about to leave. He was surprised to see me again so soon, and no doubt starting to grow suspicious about my continued presence. I'd spent time around the barracks, but this was unique.

"So Donnic, me and some of the boys are meeting down the Hanged Men this evening. I was wondering if you wanted to join?"

His reaction was one I expected. Absolute confusion. "Ummm. Sure, I guess…. Which boys?"

"You know, the boys! Don't worry, Donnic, we'll have a great night."

"Well, I don't mind wetting my whistle after a shift. So, sure, why not. Thanks, Dragonborn. I'll see you later."

"Great."

I wandered out, popped my head into Aveline's office, muttered, "You owe me for this. Big time!" before I finally escaped. The first person I had to visit was Hawke. Once I'd sat down and explained everything, she almost rolled about on the floor in laughter. "And I only popped up there to say hello as I hadn't seen her in a few weeks. I won't be making that mistake again."

"Your heart is in the right place at least, Uhtred. And Aveline being completely hopeless isn't a surprise. She's been so focused on her career, particularly since being made captain, it's no wonder she's clueless."

"She was married, though."

"Different time, different person. And losing her husband how she did, it's left its scars."

"Well, I'm not the only one going to the Hanged Man tonight. You're joining me. So is Varric and Isabela at least, as they'll be up for a drink."

"Sure, sure. I'll collect them and meet you there tonight."

I headed home and changed, spending the afternoon with Bethany before dinner. I'd told her what happened, left as amused by my story as her sister was, before I headed out. She made sure I received a long, very long, very passionate kiss, before she let me go. "What was that for?"

"Making up for all those I missed."

I definitely grinned as I kissed her again, pinning her gently against the door. When she whimpered into my mouth, that's when I pulled back a little bit. "You don't have to, but I'm certainly not going to complain if that's the sort of goodbye I get every time."

"You won't be home too late, will you?"

"I'll be as quick as I can."

"Good." She caressed my cheek, kissed me softly, before turning me around and gently pushed me out the door. "Behave, Uhtred."

"Always, Bethany."

Heading down to the Hanged Man, I wandered in to seen of Hawke or anyone else. I grabbed a tankard and a spare table, waiting for anyone to arrive. The first one was Donnic. I waved him over, and he joined me after ordering a tankard of his own. We made small talk for a good ten minutes before he started to look around. "There were supposed to be others coming, right?"

"Plans change, apparently," I muttered. Hawke was going to cop an earful when I saw her next.

"Right, well, look, I should probably…"

He stood up as I said, "Just give it a moment."

Sitting down, he eyed me carefully, no doubt wondering what the hell was going on. I didn't blame him. I sipped my tankard and we sat in virtual silence, and it wasn't comfortable. He drank his tankard, tapping the table with his fingers. Draining my tankard, I asked if he wanted another one. He definitely wanted one.

We'd probably shared three by the time Aveline wandered in the door. I thought I finally had salvation but I was wrong. She noticed the pair of us and walked away to the other side of the tavern. Donnic saw me looking and checked himself but saw no-one. I sighed, finished half my tankard, and figured I might as well bite the bullet somehow.

"You invite me out because you're… interested in me?" I definitely looked at him wide-eyed as he added, "Look, you're acting all nervous around me, you invite me for a drink with you 'and the boys', but the boys are clearly not here. And the fact you've barely said a few words would suggest you're rather shy and nervous, but obviously want my company. Sorry to say, but…"

"Aveline is great, isn't she?"

He sat back and seemed to understand. Oh, how wrong I was again. "Aveline?" He leaned forward, rather unhappy now. "Look, if this was all a plan for you to get closer to the captain, maybe you just talk to her. I mean, how sad would it be if you needed a go-between? Have some backbone, man." He stood up and drained his tankard. "Look, I'm going. Thanks for the drinks."

I didn't bother trying to stop him this time as he was quite clearly pissed off about having his time wasted. I stood up and stalked around for Aveline. "Aveline!" I growled, "Aveline! You'd better show your face right now. Oooh, you have no idea how angry…"

She appeared from a side room, definitely shame faced. Though angry, when she looked at me… Damn it, that soft side took over. "I couldn't do it, Uhtred. I'm sorry." I sighed as she asked, "What did he say?"

"Well, first he thought I'd invited him out for drinks because I was interested in him. Then I mentioned you, then he thought I was interested in you."

"I'm an idiot," she stated with a sigh.

"The first step is admitting it, Aveline. Okay, it looks like I'm now invested in this, whether I like it or not, so I'm here for the long haul. I'm not approaching Donnic again. I'm far too embarrassed after that charade. What are you thinking?"

"Uhtred, the only place I feel comfortable is on patrol, but when killing bandits and highwayman, it doesn't afford much opportunity for banter."

"Right, that's settled. Hawke and I will join you and Donnic on patrol. Hawke and I deal with any problems we run into, you talk to Donnic. And for the sake of the Nine Divines, don't screw it up. When is your next patrol with him?"

"I put him on a patrol along the Wounded Coast in two night's time."

"Okay, Hawke and I will accompany you, give you time and space to talk."

"Thank you, Uhtred."

The next day, I dropped by to visit Hawke, first to tear strips off her for not showing up, and she admitted to doing it on purpose, as she was not getting involved in Aveline's appalling love life, but then she did agree to join me on their patrol, figuring we could at least see some action and watch from the sideline to see if she would finally sink or swim.

In the end, we didn't exactly join her. She gave us the route they would follow, so Hawke and I passed through it around fifteen minutes earlier than they did. Only Donnic and herself were part of the patrol. No idea if they only worked in pairs. Hawke and I eventually watched from a distance. It was… I'm sure I only cringed a few times, honest! The small talk was frankly awful to listen to, and Donnic didn't seem to have a clue what was really going on. Didn't blame him.

Nearing the end of their patrol, I'd had enough. It was time to force the issue. Hawke and I detoured so we ended up ahead of them. Watching them approach, I simply leaned against a rock formation. Both of them were surprised by my appearance. "Uhtred, what a surprise!" Aveline called.

"Yes, a surprise," Donnic added, no doubt wondering what I was doing there, perhaps thinking I was there for Aveline.

"I'm sure it is. Now, Aveline…"

She shook her head. "No, Uhtred. Don't push it."

"I think you'll come around once it's all out in the open, wouldn't you agree?"

Donnic sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose for a moment. "Would someone please tell me what's going on?"

"Donnic, isn't it obvious? You two should just find a room and… you know, do what men and women do when they're alone together. Like now. You two."

He glanced at Aveline. "Captain?" She simply looked at me, stony faced. "I should probably get back to the barracks."

He turned and walked away. "Aveline, go the hell after him. Maker's breath, just admit to him how you feel!"

"Since when do you invoke the Maker, Uhtred?" Hawke chuckled from nearby.

"Why did you do that? He'll now file a complaint… ask for a transfer…" She then angered and pointed at me. "That's it, you're coming to the barracks with me right now and you can explain what you said."

"And you just need to get laid, Aveline," Hawke muttered, "By all that is holy, just grab the man, take him into your office, bend over your desk, and let nature take care of the rest."

"You can come too, since you decided to get involved."

"Shit. Thanks, Uhtred."

Aveline muttered the entire way back through the gates of Kirkwall and to the barracks. She worried about being sacked, demoted, of Donnic leaving, of being mocked by her guards. Anything and everything that worried her about the role, she mentioned. Heading to her office, she waited outside, asking the others if there'd been any side of him. No-one had seen him return, and watching her shoulders slump in defeat, I did feel awful for her.

Until he appeared nearby. Walking towards us, he greeted us with a nod before he asked, "Captain Vallen, may I have a word in private please?"

"Of course, Guardsman Donnic. Follow me."

They walked in together, the door closing and when it locked, I shared a glance with Hawke. We waited around long enough to hear particular noises we both knew well. "Damn, man works fast," Hawke muttered.

"Good for them." There was a louder noise, and I added, "And Aveline is enjoying herself, at least."

"Come one, I think we should scarper. Don't really need us hanging about now."

I received a letter the very next morning while I was eating breakfast. I couldn't help grin as I was reading it. Short and simple, Aveline thanked me for everything, admitting she didn't really know what to say except 'Thank you'. I placed the letter above the fireplace as a reminder that love, even when sought after by someone as hopeless as Aveline Vallen, finds a way.