Chapter Ninety-Four

Hanged Men

Hawke and I were called to the Viscounts office almost before my feet officially set down back in Kirkwall. As it was urgent, I just sent Sebastian to take our things back to the house while dragging Fenris and the others with me.

My ass wasn't even in the chair yet when the viscount told us that 3 Qunari had gone 'missing' from his front door. Not to mention, Aveline was waiting for me outside the door – and I had a feeling that it was about Emeric.

I assured the viscount repeatedly, "We will look for the missing Qunari, Dumar – but I wouldn't get your hopes up. If I'm right, the tensions in the city are reaching a fever-pitch. Something is either going to give – or it's going to snap."

The viscount had been… less than pleased to hear it. I couldn't blame him.

We then walked our way over to the barracks to talk to Aveline. She was pacing. Hawke gave me a confused glance when he saw my smile – I knew what was happening!

"Hawke… could you wait outside for minute? I have a favor to ask of Ara." Hawke simply turned and walked out. "Copper Marigolds?" I asked and she went bright red.

"Tell me this will work?" I smirked, "Only one real way to find out, Captain." She gave me a small glare but handed over the Dowry Gift.

I skipped out of the office, chuckling.

Hawke lifted an eyebrow as I made a beeline for Donnic.

"Your Majesty, it's been some time." I smiled sweetly and handed him the gift. "Someone asked me to give this to you."

He took it before looking at me, "It's… a copper relief of… Marigolds? And it so helpfully says, 'Marigolds'… how crafty… is there a meaning I should know about?"

I gave a chuckle, "Yes, but I'm not to tell you, yet. Just… hold onto that, will you? You'll look back on it one day with fondness."

He pocketed it and I headed back to the captains office. "Well?" she asked, suddenly not caring that Hawke was in the room.

"Well, I convinced him to hold onto it, but… he was unsure of what it was for."

"Post the roster? And listen?" I giggled and shook my head. "He'll think Hightown is a punishment, not a reward, sweetie." She groaned. "I need… um… three goats and a sheaf of wheat for his mother?"

That is when Hawke and Axel – the one Templar with me – both caught on. "Dowry traditions?" Hawke asked horrified.

"Well, what am I to say, Hawke? I've been focused on my career so long, that's it's all I know."

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but what about Wesley? You were married once; or did I make that up?"

I snorted and hit Hawke in the back of the head.

"That was… a long time ago; it was easier or at least it seemed to be."

"Hanged man for drinks, Aveline. Tonight. That will be a place where you two aren't co-workers." I was sitting in a chair with my legs crossed.

"Will you tell Donnic? I'll… meet you there?" I nodded and stood, heading over to the poor oblivious man. Aveline couldn't be more obvious about her feelings; just her luck they were both a bit… yup.

"Donnic! I was wondering if you'd like to come to the Hanged man tonight. I'm the entertainment and I could really use some feedback from someone unused to hearing me sing…" he looked startled but nodded. "Should I bring anyone else?"

"The more the merrier! I'll buy a round for any guard who shows up – as long as they are not on duty!" I said, making sure my voice was loud enough to be heard even in the captains' office.

He looked confused, "I… suppose that's alright then."

"And call me Ara, Donnic – I dislike the titles." I turned and headed out of the room. Hawke whispered, "You're helping to set them up?"

"Uh-huh – Aveline is gonna chicken out at the Hanged Man though." I smirked.

Hawke groaned, "The toughest woman in Kirkwall?"

"Is a fool in love," I grinned.

I made us head to the house so that I could have a bath – citing that the people we needed to talk to about the missing Qunari wouldn't even be at the Hanged Man until later tonight when they got off shift. We would need Aveline with us for that anyway.

Hawke all but followed me into the Bathroom – confusing me a bit – and Fenris followed him. I lifted an eyebrow, "Can I help you gentlemen?"

Hawke grinned, "We got interrupted when we made plans before, sweetheart. So while you talked to Aveline, I spoke with Fenris…"

I was confused for a moment before recalling what plans he was speaking of. I flushed red, "Oh… now?"

I admit, I did want to find out if Hawke was really that good in bed – Bela all but sang his praises to me. I think she hoped I would take him as secondary mate if I didn't take her; she was vocal about wanting to crawl back into my bed on a frequent basis. I had to admit that the idea of keeping her had a certain… appeal. But she wouldn't stay in one place for long after the Battle for Kirkwall took place.

Fenris snorted, "Not now – tonight. It is Sunday; Hawkes' night to snuggle with you. Though, this is your choice, Amatus."

"I… please. I'd like that. Goddess – I'm going to be half-useless the rest of the day." I muttered before beginning to strip for a shower. I think it was going to have to be a cold one today.

Fenris lifted an eyebrow, "Do you always strip around Hawke?"

"Sometimes – he's seen it all before, he doesn't seem to mind the view like some might, and it's just flesh, so it's not like… should I not strip in front of Hawke?" I asked, realizing the problem.

"… And you, Hawke? You have never encouraged her to try you out? Even with her doing things like this?" Fenris asked.

"Well, I'll crack jokes and playfully ask, but she never really seemed interested in me," Hawke shrugged as he leaned against the doorframe.

Both looked to me. I snorted, "I'm interested. Ask Fenris how I danced around him. Besides, my mates are all jealous bastards. If they suspected my interest, you may not enjoy much peace. I was very, very surprised when they let Seb in – come to find out that if someone is going to be my mate in my next life, the jealousy is lessened."

"Do you think we might be future mates too? Alistair and Fenris at minimum haven't had much of an issue with me. Cullen did – but that was because I was supposed to replace him, I think."

"Maybe – or it could be that you're meant to take on a different role in my next life. Who can say for sure other than the Moon Fae? Unless I have a vision or we do mate, then we won't get that answer. Mom already told me that she wouldn't reveal that. So I only know Seb and Kell for sure in my next life – Kell is a moon mate, he'll always be with me; and then… well, Seb was gold." I shook my head, "It's very rare to find mates from your next life in the first place – that I found one… well, not even your luck is good enough to find more than that."

"What other role could I possibly take that would mean your mates aren't that jealous of me?" Hawke looked amused.

"Not one that I want to think about or consider… or check." I quipped back to him. He looked confused and I could see the gears turning in his head. He didn't seem to figure it out so I shrugged.

Fenris looked like he figured it out – but as I said, I wasn't about to dwell on it if I was going to take Hawke to bed in this life.

I stepped into the spa-style tub and leaned back. I needed a soak after that boat-ride back from Orlais. All my shops had officially begun using the loyalty card system. As expected, not one noble stuck with the Iron cards… most went right for the Black-Salt Card or Gold depending on their status as nobles. In Ferelden, Teyrns and up had Black Salt, Arls had Gold, and Banns had Silver. Orlais, the Royals – Empress, Grand Duke/Duchess – had Black Salt, Dukes, Marquis, and Comtes had Gold, Vicomtes Barons and Lords had Silver.

I found it amusing how the countries had just… automatically decided that they could only get a certain 'tier' depending on their rank when there were never any such stipulations.

I was given reports on who had 'donated' to my school/orphanage effort. What surprised me, was that even some lower 'class' people were donating – I'd hoped they would, and even prepared gifts for those who donated a certain amount without buying cards. That wasn't publicized though.

It was like when you went to Wendy's in January and you could donate to their cause of the year and get a key-chain tag for free junior Frosties all year with purchase. The gift was a small lazurite hat-shaped keychain that entitled people to a free sample-size of tea with purchase… for life.

It wasn't much – but it was… I was grateful that they donated and wanted to express that. Each keychain was engraved with a Danu metal – not really rare – called Starlight Ore. It was a shimmery silver that glowed a soft blue. Using that metal combination, we could reliably tell real tags from fakes.

Hawkes' voice pulled me from my musing, "When will the Orphanages in Starkhaven and Gwaren be open?"

"Gwaren will be opening their doors within the month. I plan to take a griffin from the Palace for the grand opening. We're just waiting for the nobles to send all the orphans in their provinces that they can find. Starkhaven… well, Sebastian knows what building I can use and the Divine has already granted him back him throne while we were in Orlais. I just need to head down there with Bear and get him to oversee the renovations for me. It may take a year or two to get it renovated and get the word out in the Marches. Orlais will have one in Jader or Montsimmard – I'm not sure – within 3 years. Antiva and Nevarra will soon invite me to build orphanages in their countries with Rivain to follow. A vision told me that. In the Anderfels, the Grey Wardens will ask for the plans and lead the effort to build one like Celene is doing."

"Well… I uh… I met a few orphans while you were in Orlais. Turns out that Darktown is full of orphans." Hawke started.

I snorted, "Yeah – Anders brings me reports on that. Why do you think he offers food boxes and other needs? Where do you think he gets those things? He doesn't charge for his services, so he can't afford that. I help how I can at the moment. They're the safest in Darktown this year, so I haven't wanted to risk moving them yet."

Fenris spoke smoothly, "Darktown is the least safe under normal circumstances…"

"Horde of rampaging Qunari," I said. Fenris' eyes widened, "So he will snap after so long here?"

I nodded, "You knew he would – you just didn't know when. That's going to happen in the next few months. Remember that I'm going to take a huge fuck-off sword to the gut? That's how."

Fenris flushed – I think recalling that he would be quite amorous after learning that I would be okay… he and Cullen. I smiled lightly thinking about it – I had mentioned that Cullen would be getting a Daughter, but I hadn't told them the gender of Fenris' kiddo.

I lazily asked, "Do you want to know the gender?"

"Cullen will… have a daughter, you said… but yes – I want to know." Fenris said, sitting down in the chair by the tub.

"Twin girls – can you believe it?" I asked him with amusement.

His breath hitched, "A… a girl? I am sure I will be quite… protective of her."

"An elf – 100% elf. No magic of any kind… though she will have white hair with a single red streak. She gets that from me. Not you. Your hair turned white from stress and pain but it's originally black. But she has your eyes, you know." I was gushing. I was eager to hold the little girl – and I wanted to see my son at dinner, too.

Fenris gave me such a soft look, "I… wouldn't mind if she did – have magic, that is. With you, I am coming to learn that it may not be such a bad thing. Hawke is alright too."

I beamed at him, "Well, you know her twin will have magic – Fairy Magic. But she's a sword-woman."

"That's true." He mused.

Hawke coughed, "Maker – so, twin girls this time?"

"Uh-huh. I get to name them; since that's the tradition. Though, thinking on it, I'm set to have at least 3 daughters and 2 sons. I wonder what my child from Bull will be? Anyway, I always wanted a girl, you know? But with everything that happened, I didn't… have more kids in my past life. Just Levi."

Fenris leaned over and kissed my temple just as Sebastian walked into the room. He looked a little confused to see Hawke in here while I was bathing, but simply asked, "Ah – am I… missing something?"

I giggled, "Fenris is joining me in bed with Hawke tonight to use one of my Freebies. Was there something you needed, love?"

"I sent a courier to Starkhaven with the Ley Line piece you gifted me; the one that… connects to yours. This way I can move freely between home and work. I will have a seneschal doing most things for the time being, while I get caught up on the information. In the message, I wrote to set aside that building for the new Princess… I also have them setting up a building for your shops…" he looked sheepish.

I chuckled, "Oh course – that's a wonderful idea. Having shops in areas that mates can easily access… also, it will secure the support of our people to have me as their Princess if I bring in tourism and a good name."

He smiled and relaxed, "I know you said you would only open one shop in each 'region', but I did hope you would see the benefit in having one in Starkhaven."

I hummed, "The Free Marches are a group of city-states – you guys don't even cooperate as a nation together. In theory, the marches are all individual regions and I could also open shop in Tantervale. Not that I will. Sebastian… will you join me in the bath?"

He went red at my sudden change of subject. Hawke snorted and left the room with Fenris.

Sebastian didn't need convincing.

We all headed to the Hanged Man – it was karaoke night, after all. I sang every week when I was in the city. I chose a knee-length black dress, black and brown strapped wedges, and a black waist-cincher. My hair was left in waterfall waves.

I pulled Aveline over to the bar when I saw a red-headed man in city guard uniform.

"Well, you're certainly a big spender," I commented to the man at the bar. He was 5'7 with an oddly shaped mustache and pasty skin.

"That's right, lady; tonight I'm paid and blessed! All I had to do was turn my head!" he turned and lifted his drink, "To all my friends!"

I got closer and he backed up a step, slightly unsteady, "Hey, step back, knife-ear, I know some important people. We're going to show this city what to do with those heathen Oxmen!"

I snorted and turned to Aveline, "Guard-Captain, would you like to have a word with your man here? Addressing an Empress as 'Knife-Ear' is surely unwise?"

"Guard-Captain?" the man squeaked and people stared at me.

She took a menacing step forward, and simply said, "Who?"

He backed himself up, "Who… what?"

"Who bought you?! Who bought the honor of a proud guard of Kirkwall and made him a drunken Mabari bitch?" she snarled as she grabbed him and slammed his back into a table. I waved off Corff, who had reached beneath the bar for the bat I'd gifted him after the last fight.

It still amazed me that some people still didn't recognize me. My fiery hair and silver eyes stood out and I'd made plenty of public announcements in the last few years here in Kirkwall alone. Maybe this guy was a transfer from Nevarra, Antiva or Rivain?

"I don't… I don't know! He was a Templar! He… had the seal of the grand cleric and everything, I swear!"

Aveline let him up and took a step back, "The penalty for abandoning your post is ten days on the wall. I expect you to report first thing in the morning… and you owe Empress Arvaala an apology for calling her a derogatory term – and be thankful that you aren't important enough to cause a diplomatic incident, you fool."

I was almost amused at Avelines' words.

He paled and turned to me, throwing himself to his knees and said, "Please forgive me, My Lady!"

I nodded with a small smile. He ran for the door as Hawke sat next to Donnic with a smirk and I looked at Corff, "Each Guardsman gets one drink on me, hun."

The bartender gave me a smile when I handed him three gold pieces.

I used my magic, causing the instruments I kept on the stage to come alive – I wasn't worried about theft since no one but an Air Fae or an Earth Fae could do the same and no one wanted to risk it. I actually had a Fairy employed here just to do this on Karaoke night. I paid his wages as an investor in the bar.

I looked around the bar, noticing that most of the Guard, Hawkes whole group and quite a few Templars were here tonight. I also saw the owner from a Bar in Hightown… hmm.

The first thing I sang, was Walk of Shame… by P!nk.

One step, two steps, counting tiles on the floor

Three steps, four steps, guess this means that I'm a whore

Uh oh, hell no, how long 'til I reach the door?

Fuck me, my feet are sore

Jaws hit the floor – Fenris looked amused, Sebastian was flushed, Hawke was laughing like a loon. Continuing with the theme, Slut Like You was next… same artist.

I'm not a slut I just love, love

Tell me something new

'Cause I've heard this

Okay I'll fuck you

A little taste test

You'll be my little friend

You'll be my little friend

You'll be my little friend

And they think we fall in love

But that's not it

Just want to get some

Ain't that some shit

You'll be my little friend…

I saw Bela get up on the Table they were all seated at and begin to dance to it. She was mimicking my moves well enough that I teleported her to me and we began our own little 'dirty dance' sequence to the song, shocking everyone since it wasn't widely known that Fairies could teleport… only the nobility really knew since it was mentioned at my coronation.

For my final song, I winked at Bela – I had practiced this one with her at one point a while back. Pon De Replay by Rihanna.

Come Mr. DJ song Pon de replay

Come Mr. DJ won't you turn the music up?

All the gyal pon the dancefloor wanting some more what

Come Mr. DJ won't you turn the music up?

It goes 1 by 1 even 2 by 2

Everybody on the floor let me show you how we do

Let's go dip it low then you bring it up slow

Wind it up 1 time wind it back once more

When I came of the stage, putting my instruments back, I headed over to Hawkes table. As I walked, I changed my clothes; I now wore black jeans, a dark grey tank top, thigh-high black leather boots with a 2-inch-high thick heel – I could not do thin heels; I was always afraid they would snap. My hair was pulled back at the sides and clipped with a metal Celtic Knot hair ornament in the back, but was otherwise left loose.

The owner of the Hightown bar came over. "Empress Feather-Fall. My name is Cedric, I own…"

"I'm aware. How can I help you, Mr…?"

"Just Cedric, my lady… my bar has begun doing these Karaoke nights as well, and I wondered if you might consider coming to join us. I've been hearing nothing but good things about you for weeks from my customers, and came here tonight to see you myself. I'm not sure why a woman of your status would choose to come here exclusively… but my bar would be honored to host you."

I gave him an amused smile, "This place has the support of one of my dearest friends, Lord Varric Tethras from Orzammar. Let me be level with you, Cedric… I love this place, and I don't see myself choosing to go elsewhere while I live in Kirkwall. I even invested in this bar specifically – now, why would I give business to our competitors?"

He blanched, "I… was unaware. Thank you for your time." He beat a hasty retreat.

"Feathers, I'm not a lord…" Varric griped once Cedric was gone.

"No? So this letter from King Bhelen is all lies?" I smiled sweetly and he gave me a glare. "You didn't!"

"No, I didn't ask for it. Bhelen learned of our friendship and re-instated your family himself. Besides – I got you that family ring back, so…"

He sighed, "Sometimes, I regret being friends with you."

"No you don't; I have all the best stories!" he sighed, "There is that. Oh and some of my contacts spotted my brother at his old place."

"I've really missed Bartrand!" Hawke smirked from behind me. "I agree, Bianca has missed him something terrible!" Varric grinned.

Aveline approached and looked at Hawke, "I… couldn't do it. What'd he say?"

Hawke laughed, "He thought Ara arranged it to help me get to you. By the way, Ara, he says you have a nice voice, but he's afraid he's not the type to enjoy such… lewd songs." I giggled.

"I'm an idiot," Aveline sighed. "Well, if you were that far gone, you wouldn't have allowed me out of your office with the Marigolds, sweetie." This prompted questions from the rest of the group… Hawke obliged much to Avelines horror.

"I… need to talk to him, but I'm a mess unless I'm on patrol… I'm good at that, at least. But killing highway men doesn't provide for an intimate setting. I'm tired of embarrassing myself."

"There's an idea! Hawke and a few of us clear your patrol ahead of you while you talk with Donnic!"

She smiled at me. "Would that work?"

"In a way… I can't spoil the fun, can I? You may not like how it goes, but it'll be fine in the end." She nodded. "I'll set him on my patrol for the wounded coast next month! I'd do it this month but I've already posted the schedule…" I nodded.

She hurried off to do just that.

Hawke asked, "Do I want to know?"

"Let's bring Bela with us – it'll be so much fun! Hehe, I can't wait." My eyes were twinkling in humor.

Bela snorted, "They're daft. He should just take a hint and bend her over a basin sometime."

"I can draw a picture for Donnic – of where she wants him to touch her," Varric quipped.

I giggled, "They're adorable. Wait until she learns that they will be married before the year is up."

Hawke choked on his ale, "That soon?"

"Uh-huh. He's been pining for her longer than she has for him. And like the Fae, he moves fast once it's assured." I said.

"I have a question – why do you sing such… provocative songs?" Sebastian was bright red.

I blinked, "That wasn't that bad… it was pretty mild really. Should I show you?"

Hawke snorted softly while Varric decided to egg me on, "Feathers, there's no way that you can sing something more provocative than what you already have."

Since no one was on the stage yet, I headed back over – drawing many eyes. I hopped up on the stage and said, "I have been challenged, my good folks. If there is anyone here who is somehow opposed to provocative music about sex, please, cover your ears or find the nearest exit."

People chuckled but not one person moved from their seats. I hummed, "Consider yourselves warned."

I started the music and lowered my voice for Did it Again by Shakira.

First Floor – Room 16

Smells like danger – Even Better

Set your goals

Bless your soul

I'm in trouble – but it feels like heaven…

I headed back to the table again and gave a pointed look. Sebastian was redder than when I left. Varric coughed, "That was… interesting."

"Still mild. At least I didn't go for the song that said 'Let's talk about sex, ba-by' – that one was an option," I grinned.

"Makers' ass – your world…"

"Ask Kell about it sometime – he's remembering more and more; though I'm glad it doesn't seem to be influencing who he is now." I remarked.

"It isn't?" Hawke asked.

I shook my head, "Alex was awkward around women – so awkward. He'd point the cute ones out to me, but unless he was working and they came through his line to pay for their groceries, he didn't generally talk to them. We were set up by my friend who was dating – and eventually married – his sworn brother. They were best friends, grew up together. We all eventually became closer – I was dating all 3, but again, Alex was very awkward. Now, you wouldn't know that with how he acts as Kell. Kell is confident and has no trouble flashing that charming smile of his at any woman near him."

"Kell will smile at men too." Fenris pointed out.

I shrugged, "He knows I find that hot, but he rarely acts on that because he has much higher standards in male partners than he does in women. Like, any of my mates? He'd be agreeable, I think. Hawke too. But I don't think he'd look twice at Anders for more than flirting. Varric is too short, I think – it's already almost too awkward with him and I… the Elven Assassin that's too much like me? I'm not sure – he could go either way, I think. Huh – you know, this reminds me. Carver and Bethany are supposed to be back by now."

"… Topic shift, much?" Varric asked.

"My mind works a million miles a minute at times," I mused as I contemplated why I hadn't seen the twins yet. I clearly told Stroud to bring them back within a year and they weren't here yet! I was indignant.

"So… you think I have a shot at that big man you got?" Hawke shot me a brilliant smile.

"You, yes – Bela? Oh yes. I already had that talk with him."

Bela perked up, "I got a chance?"

"I already have permission to invite you to bed this Friday…" I grinned.

"Sorry, Hawke – looks like I have plans this week," she flashed him a wicked grin.

I laughed, "Kell will be glad to hear it. When I told him of the last time that I had you in bed, he was more than eager."

"That surprises me, Kitten – I thought all your men would be so devoted to you that then didn't even look…" Bela teased.

"Don't joke. They all know that I have no issues with them being with others – that's point of Polyamory; love shared. But Cullen, Sebastian and Alistair are 'one-women' kind of men. I was surprised that Alistair agreed. I only found out later that he agreed solely because he knows I like women and really wanted to try you," I gave her a coy grin, "Fenris is sharing me with Hawke tonight since we got interrupted before. Kell actually will accept offers if he's interested. My future mate Bull is Pansexual and will love a Tevinter mage man… I won't push them – if they want to, I won't stop them. If they don't, that's on them."

Sebastian took my hand and gave it a small squeeze – he wasn't one for public displays much.

That's when Bela realized, "So Hawke and I will both be having a date night with you this week, hmm?"

"If that's what you want to call it," I laughed.

"Speaking of – I think it's about time to call it a night," Varric stretched, "Especially if we're going to be making plans to clear the coast – that's a job all on it's own that will take a whole day when it comes up so we should really make a plan."

I nodded, "It'll be fun. And there's not much to do between now and then anyway."

"Good news to me," Hawke quipped, "This whole 'Hawke to the rescue' thing is getting old."

I snorted, "You still have a few years of it anyway."