Chapter Ten

Lothering – NSFW

I was grouchy – they kept bugging me about dragons, vampires and mating rituals; what the fuck?

Lyna, Sereda and Aedan just would not let up. Then came one question that froze me in my tracks, "I know Wolves mate for life; do dragons? I mean… I wouldn't think so since you've had lovers and even an ex-husband – but you're also a Vampire so…"

I tripped and fell – Alistair caught me as I sputtered, "Aedan; son of a bitch. Yes – okay? We mate for life – I mate for life. It's more complex than just having sex – there's a whole thing that happens when we sleep with our mates and there's… well… my point is that it comes with more than just sleeping together. The first requirement for that is that our Dragon half must recognize the mate – hence, when there are more than just one mate, it is possible for us to be with both – because there is a binding…"

"And in 10,500 years… you're only just meeting those who could be mates?" Alistair looked dubious – but not in a way that said 'I don't believe you'. It was more like 'That sounds like a flaw in the plan'.

I sighed, "It's all about when our dragon considers us mature enough to bear offspring. Children are rare among the long-lived races in any case, but… in theory, this means I only just came into my maturity. In other words, the dragons have viewed me as a child this whole time and only now will I be allowed a voice because now I am an adult. You aren't considered an adult until you find at least one potential mate or reach 15,000 years old – Dragons are… yeah. The point is… uh… fuck me – I don't know where I was going with that."

I was way too thrown off guard by the questions to think straight.

Carver choked, "Er…"

Sereda sniggered, "Was that an offer, Salroka?"

I smirked, "Not this time."

I scented the air and growled, "Weapons ready. There are Bandits ahead." I commented and everyone got to the ready.

I glanced at Alistair and said, "Stand closer to Morrigan – if she uses her Magic, you need to play the part of Templar. I'll play it for Daylen." He nodded and though both looked at each other in disgust, they did as I said.

The leader was 5'10 with shaggy black hair and grey-brown eyes. He saw us approaching and looked excited. "Wake up, gentlemen; more travelers to attend to! Led by a knife-ear of all things…"

I chuckled.

"Er… they don't look much like them other ones, you know. Maybe we just let these ones pass." A bald man next to him said.

The leader – realizing we were too well dressed – didn't want to give up what he was sure would be a bounty, "Nonsense; greetings, travelers!" I looked at him unamused but didn't say anything.

The man said, "A simple 10 silvers and we'll be out of your way."

"Uh-huh. We really aren't refugees, buddy – maybe you should listen to your smart friend." There were sniggers on both sides since the man I called smart was obviously simple.

The bald one lit up and said, "See? What'd I tell you? No wagons and they all look armed."

"The toll applies to everyone, Hanric; that's why it's a toll and not a refugee tax." The leader sighed.

"Ooh, right! Even if you're no refugee, you still gotta pay."

"Well, I can't say I'm happy about your non-compliance in the face of a Templar and his charge… Alistair?"

"Morrigan, I think that's more your cue. Light em up!" he nodded. Morrigan gave a dark chuckle and her hands lit with fire-balls. The thieves all paled and shook, "No… please…"

A smirk graced my lips, "Morrigan, my dear?" She flung the ball of fire. They all screamed as they burned and I shrugged, "Leave the stuff – we've no need of any of it." I said before Sereda and Lyna could loot. We moved on. Just as we reached the exit of the highway, Alistair spoke.

"Well, there it is; Lothering – pretty as a painting." He sighed.

Morrigan smirked, "Ah, you finally decide to rejoin us, have you? Falling on your blade in grief seemed too much trouble, I take it?"

Now that she mentioned it – he was quiet and only talked if it involved me since leaving the hut.

"Is my being upset so hard to understand? Have you never lost someone important to you? Just what would you do if your mother died?"

"Before or after I stopped laughing?"

"Right, very creepy, forget I asked…"

"Now, Now, children – don't make me put you in time out or worse. Alistair, you have been withdrawn – and while I can understand that, I am your leader in the middle of a War on two fronts. We can ill afford to be anything but our best."

"I… I was just thinking…" he sighed. "Ah no wonder it took so long, then," Morrigan gave me an amused look. I had given them permission to banter after all.

Alistair shot her a glare and shot back with, "Oh, I get it! This is where we're supposed to be shocked to discover how you've never had a friend your entire life."

Aedan and Sereda laughed. Morrigan smirked at him and said, "I can be friendly when I desire to… alas desiring to be more intelligent does not make it so." Lyna and Daylen laughed at that one.

Alistair rolled his eyes and looked at me, "Anyway, I thought we should talk about where we intend to go first."

I nodded, "I have a rough idea on order of operations. I know that Fergus is still okay in the Wilds – chasind have taken him in. Hmm; Grey Wardens from other areas is off the Table since Loghain closed the borders… I think the Mages should be first. We could recruit a healer at the tower then move on to Redcliffe. I have a map in my pack, so no need to spout the directions for now."

Aedan lit up, "Fergus… he's really okay?"

"He will be once he heals up some. He was ambushed in the wilds while scouting."

"Alright then; what do we need to do here in Lothering, then?" Aedan asked.

"Alistair and Morrigan, I want you two in close proximity at all times. We've been spotted as having a mage so the Templar gets to stay with her. Daylen, you're with them, just in case. Sereda, Lyna and Aedan, I want you three to go to the Chantry and tell whoever is in charge that the Bandits are dead then head to the Tavern: do not go in until you all meet up, okay? Alistair, your group will go grab the Chantry board mission – since you look like a Templar no one will question that – then go shop for groceries. We're doing the missions because we need word to spread about our good will, Morrigan; meaning, don't bitch about it. After shopping for fresh groceries, meet up with Aedan and go into the Tavern. A Chantry Sister will help you get rid of Loghains men and claim to have visions from the Maker telling her to join us – we will be taking her with us, in fact; tell her you'd love for her to join us. By that time, I should meet back up with you in front of the Tavern – if not, wait for me."

"And me…?" Carver asked.

I gave him a smirk, "We will be heading to your house – you and me – to drop you off and inform them of your sisters' survival."

He relaxed, "I admit that I was afraid to ask about her. Where is she?"

"Healing – she'll catch up just in time for you all to flee Lothering."

He nodded, "Then let's be off."

"Greetings to you, My Lady… if it… isn't too much to ask, might you be able to spare some bread?" an Elven man asked. I smiled and said, "As long as you don't mind magic… or I could just give you a gold piece and tell you that the bandits are dead…?"

The elven man widened his eyes as his wife said, "That's wonderful news! We may not be able to recover everything, but…"

I handed them a gold piece and used my Conjure Refreshments to summon a couple loaves of bread. They thanked me profusely and ambled off to collect their things.

I glanced up and found him easily enough – Garrett freaking Hawke. He was watching me in stunned silence. He was 6 feet tall – his midnight black hair ruffled in the wind and his honey brown eyes wide. He sported a thick beard and his skin was tanned.

"Garrett Hawke? Just the man I was looking for. I've a message for you…" I gave him a soft smile.

I had Carver hold back so we could surprise his brother – Carver liked that he would have the upper hand and agreed.

"Well, at least I don't have to worry about you being a Templar. I saw what you just did."

"And I know what you are, too, Serah. I have news of your siblings, if you wish to hear it." He was 6' with tanned skin, gold eyes and deep black hair. He gave me a small smirk when he noticed me checking him out.

"Carver and Marian sent you…? Does that mean they're alive?" His voice had gotten slightly deeper as he pulled me into a building near us. I saw Bethany and Leandra stand when they heard Hawkes words. "I'm Atarah, or just Tara. And yes, Carver is alive and mostly well. He wasn't in the Vanguard so he escaped that fate… is he always a grump, though?"

Carver walked in, "I'm not grumpy, Commander." he grumped.

I smirked, "I rest my case. Carver here has joined the Grey Wardens – Marian approved it and I know she lived too. She was injured and needs to heal up first, but…"

Leandra was hugging Carver and said, "How did you survive – you split up?"

I spoke, "Carver was with the rest of his Unit when we lit the beacon to signal Teyrn Loghain. Loghain quit the damn field. Luckily, I'm not from around here and was able to save my entire unit of 6. The seven of us regrouped and headed here."

Carver said, "She's our commander – and has assigned me to make sure my whole family evacuates Lothering when Marian arrives. I won't be leaving with her – I'm staying with you for the time being."

Leandra threw her arms around me. I froze – I'd never been hugged by a woman I wasn't sleeping with before. This was new territory for me.

Bethany giggled. She was 5'6, like her mother, and had the same black hair that Hawke bore. Her eyes were so like her mothers'… sparkling blue. Leandra and Bethany were both rather pale and Leandras hair was white.

I looked at Carver, "When escaping, beware of Ogres – they like to squish people. When the old bat arrives to help, accept her deal."

He was nodding along – soaking in every word I said as I said it.

"What…?" Hawke asked.

"Hmm… sorry, I'm a bit of a seer. You sound almost exactly like your father… looks like him too…" Leandra paled. "How do… did you know Malcom?"

Carver chimed in, "She's a seer, mum – it was her words that put me in the Wardens and saved Rin. Without her, Rin would have been further in and died when Loghain retreated. She's more than that – a Dragon and…"

"Go ahead and tell them, Carver – your sisters, brother and mother can be trusted."

"She's a Vampire – she needs blood once a month; though drinking more often is preferable."

"I'm sorry – drinking blood?" Bethany asked. I flashed her a bit of fang as my eyes went red, "It's nothing to be afraid of – I can't take blood without permission. Ask Carver what happens to me. It isn't blood magic – I can't do that, and I'm immune to demons. Think of it as a dietary need – like some people can't eat peanuts."

Carver nodded, "It isn't painful – she just takes a little once a month. If she… you didn't see what I did when she was pressed to take without permission. I never wish to see that again. She was in so much pain – throwing it all up and there was blood coming from her eyes and nose… the screams… I donated to replenish what she lost in that the next night – she was out cold for the rest of the night."

Leandra winced, "That does sound painful."

"I took from Carver a week ago at this point, so I should be fine now unless something happens and I have to use my Vampiric Powers. Those are unique and rely on me being… fed. Anyway, I should be off…"

I started back toward the door, but Hawke pulled me back by the arm causing me to yelp. "Thank you. Really; we were… not that Carver will believe it, but we were worried – about him and Marian." Carver snorted.

I smiled up at the man, "I take payment in the form of hugs and kisses," I joked with a smirk. Leandra and Bethany started laughing when Hawke actually leaned in and kissed me… passionately.

I was stunned; that told me all I needed to know about his personality, though. He was a Charming/Sarcastic type – I wonder what Marian was. I groaned against him. Carver gave a sound of utter disgust.

When he pulled back with a smirk, I chuckled. "Lesson learned; ask for Kisses if it's you. We'll be in town for a few days, getting jobs done and helping people where we can before we head out." I heard a jealous bark that wasn't from Shana and glanced over to see a marbled black and white Mabari.

Carver said, "Tell me that my brother isn't… one of your uh… potential mates?"

"Nah – though he might be fun." I smirked.

Bethany spoke, "You said we?"

"Elunes' Grace – I'm a terrible guest; I never properly introduced myself. My name is Atarah Stormlight; as Carver said, I'm the current Commander of the Grey – what's left of the Grey. Counting Carver there are only 6. So we have a group of 8 people – 3 people who use magic, 3 warrior types and 2 that are more… Rogues; we also have 2 Mabari. My goal is to end the blight and unseat Loghain from his throne of lies."

Hawke sighed, "Figured the Wardens wouldn't allow themselves to die like that if they were the ones to betray the King. Oh – and this jealous lout is Grey." Oh, ha-ha… black and white Mabari… named Grey.

"Do you guys need a place to stay while you're here?"

"… There are 7 of us that aren't Carver, Lady Hawke."

"Well, there are 2 empty beds and plenty of space for bedrolls…" she flushed.

2 empty beds? I shrugged, "If you're sure… then I suppose I call Dibs on Hawkes' bed."

Hawke gave me a look and smirked, "Only if that means you're sharing with me." I roared with laughter as Leandra shook her head.

"You sure you don't mind adding three more mages to your home for a few days?" I asked, seriously.

"Why not; I already have 2 here." Leandra chuckled.

"Well… more like two Mages and then me… I'm special," I winked at her and waved my hand, casting a trans-morph spell so that the interior of their house now looked like it was made of marble rather than wood. Jaws dropped.

Carver – having seen the other stuff I was capable of – just rolled his eyes.

"I'm not from Thedas, but… eh. I can teach you a few things, like conjuration and healing spells in return for beds while we're here."

Leandra smiled. "You're more than welcome here, dear."

"Then I shall go collect my party." Hawke elected to come with me.

Hawke and I headed over to the Tavern. Leliana was smiling as I approached. Her height was around 5'7. She had layered red hair and clear blue eyes. Her skin was pale and flawless as she sported a single dagger. I rolled my eyes and took the bow and quiver off my back – I had pulled them out this morning for this very reason – handing them to her with a, "You've got the look of an Archer; not a dual wielder." She looked stunned but took the bow.

"Who's this?" Aedan asked, suspicious.

"Garrett Hawke, meet Aedan, Alistair, Morrigan, Daylen, Sereda, and Lyna. The pups are Shana and Hero. Guys, this is Garrett Hawke! His mother offered us a place to stay while we do what we need here."

Aedan looked curious, "Because of Carver?"

Hawke smirked, "Not only that – she saved Carver and my twin, Marian. Then she offered to teach us a few… things in exchange. There are 2 extra beds and a couch – so if you do two to a bed, and one on the couch, only one person would need to put a bedroll on the floor."

"You mean 2 would – there are 7 of us, not 6… and only then because Sister Leliana said she will sleep at the Chantry while we are in town." Daylen pointed out.

"I'm rooming with him," I said pointing to Hawke. Daylen snorted, "You're rooming with my Cousin?"

"What did Carver say about this?" Aedan laughed. Alistair frowned. I shrugged, "He gave a sound of disgust and walked away with his hands up in surrender."

Hawke latched on to Daylens' words, "Cousin?" he looked at Daylen sharply and noticed, "No way – Daylen Amell; Aunt Revkas' boy?"

Daylen winked, "I'm a warden now, but yeah – that's me."

"Mom will be ecstatic to see you! Damn, Tara, if you'd told us about Daylen from the start mom would have followed us over here!" Hawke laughed.

Hawke placed his arm over my shoulders and gave a lazy grin as I chuckled at the looks on the mens faces. Aedan lifted an eyebrow and Morrigan smirked… Alistair looked slightly jealous but I wasn't sure if I was misreading that or if I was just hopeful.

"Then let's go… it's already sun down, anyway." Aedan sighed. We picked up the mission for the Bandits on our way past the Chantry board.

Leandra took one look at our group and bee-lined for Daylen, "Oh, Daylen; I heard… your two sisters were taken to the circles as well – one at Hossberg in the Anderfells and one to Dairsmuid in Rivain. Your two brothers were also mages – one is in Ostwick and the other is in Cumberland in Nevarra."

I had already told him his parents' fates – so he just nodded.

Hawke said he needed to tidy up his room if a beautiful woman would be sharing it with him tonight. I shrugged and headed for the Kitchen area while saying, "I'll cook dinner tonight. I put together some beef into Hamburger patties last night and they'll go bad if I don't cook them soon." I was such a liar… a cold spell was all I had needed.

"What are 'hamburgers'?" Bethany asked.

I smiled as I pointed to the potatoes, "You'll see… can I use some of those?"

Leandra nodded and I got to work making steak fries to go with the burgers. Leandra was watching, so I showed her how to make the Hamburgers – I needed to make 6 more for the Hawkes anyway.

Hawke came out of his room not long after I pulled out the bread I'd made and got the fries into the oven and began cooking the meat patties. I gave him an amused look, "Either your room was worse than an army camp or you were 'taking care of buissness' in there."

Aedan choked a laugh as Alistair snorted and Hawke actually blushed before saying, "It was worse than an army camp…"

"What do you do in there that causes it to get that bad?"

"I never have a beautiful woman spending the night so I just never have the motivation to clean it."

I smirked when I saw Leandra sigh and shake her head, so I replied, "Well, isn't that a pity… cleanliness is an attractive trait – one you don't seem to have."

Leandra looked like she wanted to laugh – Carver actually did laugh – when Hawke let out an oath and said, "That's… one good reason to keep things clean, I guess."

"That would be a sight, brother," Bethany giggled. He gave her a small glare, "I can keep things clean!"

I rolled my eyes as I began making Ketchup – it wasn't quick (so much needed) and I'd had to make the Mustard powder first, but honestly ketchup with fries was a no-brainer.

"That looks like a lot of work for a sauce…" Alistair commented and I smirked, "You'll like it. It's good for both the burgers and the chips."

When dinner was winding down, bed arrangements were hashed out – Lyna and Sereda would share the guest room bed, Morrigan called the couch, Daylen and Aedan took the large Marian that belonged to Carver and Alistair opted for the floor as the only straight male… the Mabari made it their mission to be his pillow and blanket too.

I chuckled as I made my way to Hawkes room. I stripped down and put on a grey lacy tank top and boy shorts for sleeping in.

I settled myself on his bed and waited.

Hawke didn't take much longer coming to his room. He smirked at me, "I have to admit… that bed does look nicer with a pretty woman in it."

"Does it? I think it would look much better if we added a handsome man… why don't you join me?" I winked as I was lying back with one knee up and one leg crossed over it, my arms behind my head in the ultimate relaxed position.

He gave a soft laugh. "Are you sure? I wouldn't wish to presume…"

I rolled my eyes, "I'm not gonna push you if you don't want to do anything, hun – not everyone can handle me, after all. But, it's been a long time since I've been with a man – a couple thousand years, give or take."

He looked confused, "Thousand?"

"Mmmh – elves back home still have their immortality… kind of. I'm 10 and half thousand years old." I winked.

He shook his head, "I've never been with an older woman before."

I laughed, "If that's your take on it, then I'm truly glad you find this amusing."

"How long exactly… since you've been with a man?" he smirked.

"I've preferred woman for 4 thousand years now… but for you, I'm feeling more adventurous."

"Carver slipped – he told me what it's like to be bitten."

I shrugged, "I would have told you if you had asked."

"And if I ask to experience that?" he asked as he untucked then stripped the dark tunic from his chest.

I gave him a wicked grin, "My ex-husband used to ask for that during sex – are you asking?"

"Yes – I'd like to try that." I chuckled as I brought myself up to my knees, kneeling on the edge of the bed as he kicked off his trousers. I placed a finger on his chest before letting the nail lightly rake its way down.

I allowed a smirk to grace my lips before leaning in and nipping at his collarbone and said, "Then we shall… just not yet."

He groaned. "I… I do believe that you are over dressed for the occation…"

I placed my face near his ear and whispered, "Do you intend to… 'Unwrap' me yourself, or shall I assist?"

He gave a small snarl before I found myself on my back once more, his hands trailing swiftly to my hips and snagging on the waistband of my 'shorts'. With one swift move, he tore them from my body before ripping my top open. I chuckled. "Eager, are we?"

He smirked at me and said, "Shall I… slow it down?" Hawke had a wicked gleam in his golden eyes as he lowered his head torturously slow to kiss my inner thigh. I gave a small gasp when his teeth grazed the flesh his lips had just kissed.

I felt my hips twitch in anticipation as he slid his hands along my thighs to rest at my hips. I whimpered when I felt his breath; hot against my very core.

"Tell me – what is it you want?"

"Don't stop… please don't stop," he was chuckling but he leaned in and flicked his tongue across my clit. I was swift with my magic, creating a noise canceling shield around the room as I moaned.

My hands fisted in his sheets as he moved one hand away from my hips to aid his mouth. I whimpered, "Hawke… Elune give me strength, I need you…"

He was staring me in the eye as he lapped at me. I felt his lips twitch in a smile against me. I fisted my hand in his hair and tugged, attempting to bring him up to me.

I growled when he sucked my clit between his teeth and nipped. Using my magic to assist me, I had him on his back and sent soft jolts of energy wherever my fingers trailed. He hissed a breath. "I'd say that's cheating, but…"

"All is fair in sex, love and war, Hawke," I winked before I kissed my way down his jaw and neck. "Besides, you're just jealous that you didn't think of it first."

"Needing to… hide my magic… means I try… not to… be open about… it…" he panted as I chuckled with frost breath against his neck.

I straddled him, though he still wore his small clothes. "But where's the fun in that?"

His hands rested on my hips and I felt him raise his mana before mimicking me, sending small jolts of lighting along my skin. I hissed this time. He took advantage of the distraction to pin me, holding my hands above my head with only one hand before using his free hand to remove his knickers.

I jerked my hips and he chuckled, "No patience… tsk, tsk."

I growled again, "I haven't gotten laid at all in over a year, Hawke!" he groaned, "Then I suppose I can forgive your… haste."

Finally free of his knickers, he then lined himself up with me, rubbing the head of his cock against my slit and clit. I sent a jolt of heat from my hands to travel along his body. He groaned and thrust.

I cried out in simultaneous pleasure and pain. He was quite large – over 8 inches at a guess – and it had been so long since… I loved it.

He kissed me before nipping my lower lip. He released my hands to bring his own to pinch my nipple, allowing me to put my hands around him. I allowed one to rake along his back, still using magics to heighten his pleasure while the other lightly tugged at his hair.

"Maker…" he groaned. I brought my legs up to rest at his hips as he deepened the thrusts. I gasped as the new position angled us in a way that allowed him to rub against my clit with each hard stroke. I used the hand that was tangled in his hair to pull him down and nip lightly at his neck.

He growled and I felt a thrill shoot through me as my brain decided he was a predator. I whimpered in response and tilted my head to bare my own neck; he took the offer and sank his teeth into me.

I moaned and moved my arms so that I was raking my nails along his chest, lightly tugging at the hair I found there, "Tara… maker; that feels amazing." I grinned and used my ice with one hand and heat with the other; trailing cold before slowly moving to warm it back up. He hissed and did something I hadn't experienced before; used his magic through his most… intimate area. Heat then chill and back to heat. I was enthralled.

I flipped us and sat up on him. He smirked as his hands came up to play with my breasts and I moved atop him. "I like when a woman takes charge…"

"Is that so? And if I prefer to follow?" I panted, allowing my inner walls to clench around him. His grin widened. "I can go either way, my dear; just say the word."

I chuckled and squeezed at him, "Oh, I'm submissive – but I'm a brat too."

He laughed, "I can work with that."

He moved to flip us over once more, before withdrawing.

"Turn over," he ordered and I smiled as I complied. He placed his hands on my hips and thrust hard, sending jolts of cold and electricity through me as his hands wandered my by body. He leaned forward and whispered in my ear – muttering nonsense things as he nipped and bit at spots along my shoulders and ears.

I felt his arm slip around me and his hand found my clit to play with as he fucked me.

"Hawke… Anar'endal dracon, it feels… I'm going to…" I cried out as I felt my body begin to shudder in pleasure. My magic went wild, sending electricity between us both in a form of mild chain-lightning. He nipped at my neck, sending more shocks through me with his Magic and prolonging my peak as he moved to flip me again.

I gasped out, "Bite… you want… you want me to…?"

He nodded, and leaned in to whisper, "Bite me."

I did – he roared out as he stiffened with the intensity; it was always better during sex.

When he collapsed next to me, he curled his arms around me. "I… I've never done that before. Magic with sex… that was intense… but that bite… damn…"

I chuckled, "I've never slept with a man who could do the magic thing you did… that was wow – I mean… wow."

"Hmm, glad I could do something that you hadn't experienced before… what does that thing you said at end mean?"

"What… oh, you mean Anar'endal dracon? It means 'By the breath of the dragon'. It's a common saying in Thalassian, my mothers' language. I slip between my mothers and fathers languages for curses and appropriate phrases."

"Your parents each have a different language?"

I yawned with a nod, "Two different factions of Elves. Blood and Night elves were at war for thousands of years, but… they recently had a common enemy. That does not mean I was viewed as acceptable however. I was always an outsider, drifting between the two. It is also the reason I have two variations of their magic, Mage and Druid," I snuggled closer to him, listening to his heartbeat… I always enjoyed that… made me relax.

He held me close and said, "Druid… what?"

I shrugged and closed my eyes. "I'll… explain more… tomorrow."

"So how does a beautiful woman avoid something she obviously enjoys for over a year?" he teased.

"Hard to find a lover when you're seen as… not worth living; like I said – my parent's races were at war."

I fell asleep before he could reply.