Thud. Thud. Thud. Hawke sighed as she set down her bow. She was trying her hand at archery, but every arrow she shot only managed to hit the edges at best. She had never been any good with a bow, but she had hoped that after spending time with Sebastian she would've able to pick up some tricks to help. She had not.

"I didn't know you practiced archery."

Hawke turned around to see Sebastian standing in the doorway that led out into the courtyard. He was without his signature armor that day, wearing only his coat and simple clothes he would wear underneath. His arms were crossed against his chest. She had no idea how long he had been standing there, watching her. She wished she had been throwing her daggers instead. It would've been less embarrassing.

"I don't," she said as she retrieved her arrows, "I tried, when I was first learning to fight, but I could never get the hang of it. I was hoping that I might've learned something after spending time with you, but..."

"Is that why you wanted to be friends with me?" he teased.

She had to look back at him to make sure it was him who said that, but then again no one else she knew had that voice. He would joke and tease just like everyone else, but it caught her off guard sometimes. She wished he would do it more. It was like a small glimpse at the person he used to be, or at least, she thought it was.

She rolled her eyes, but she was smiling, "No, it was for your accent."

"You joke, but that's true for some."

"Oh believe me, I know."

They fell into a comfortable silence as she continued to gather the arrows scattered around the courtyard. He joined her when he realized that there was at least two quivers worth of arrows. She was a little ashamed that he could now see just how bad her aim is.

"How long have you been practicing?" he asked.

"Uh, most of the afternoon?"

"I could teach you a few things, if you'd like."

"I appreciate it, but that's not necessary."

"I insist. Unless you have something else you need to do."

She opened her mouth to deny him again, but then the thought of him getting close to correct her posture popped into her head. She didn't think it was likely to happen, but the possibility was too good.

"Alright, but let's get the rest of the arrows first."

"Why do you have so many anyway?"

"Gifts from nobles."

"Ah."

They gathered the rest of the arrows, and headed back to the target. She tried not to seem too excited as she got in position. She drew an arrow from her quiver, and waited for his instruction. She fought back a shiver as she felt his eyes on her. Much to her disappointment, he didn't touch her.

"You're too tense," he instructed, "Relax your shoulders a little, now raise your elbow. That's good. Now, release."

She did what he said, and let the arrow go. It sliced the edge of the target, and pounced off of the stones in the courtyard. She tried to hide her disappointment, but after failing all day there was no hope in trying. She was just proud she didn't groan in annoyance again.

Sebastian, on the other hand, wasn't nearly as disappointed. His voice was almost overly enthusiastic, "That wasn't bad! There's a little bit of a breeze here, so try aiming a little more to your right."

She took a deep breath, nocked an arrow, and pulled back on the bowstring. She pointed the arrow a bit more to the right, and let go. The arrow hit the target with a resounding thud. It still wasn't a bullseye, but it managed to hit one of the inner rings which was better than any of her shots earlier that day.

"Good, try again," he encouraged her.

She repeated her actions, and aimed further to the right. It hit the same ring, but to the right of the center this time. She pursed her lips, but otherwise showed no reaction. He seemed to be just as impressed as the first time, and his praises made her feel a little better when she shot again. And again. And again. By the sixth arrow the high from his praises wore off. She was getting close to the point that she was at when he first arrived, and he could tell.

She let her arms fall to her sides, "Maybe… maybe we should take a break, or stop for the day. My aim has obviously improved, but I don't think it's going to get any better today."

"Nonsense, I think you can do it."

"I've been hitting the same places over and over again. I don't see how it's going to get any better today."

He bit his lip slightly, "Let me… may I try something?"

She furrowed her eyebrows at him, "Uh, sure, but if this doesn't work, I'm calling it a day."

"That is more than fair. Now, draw your bow one more time."

She did as she was told, and waited. Her breath hitched when he stood right behind her, and wrapped his arms around her just as she had originally hoped. She hoped he didn't notice her now blazing cheeks. He placed his right hand on her shoulder, and placed his left over her left hand on the bow. He nudged her hand and the bow until it was in just the right spot. She had to fight back a shiver when he leaned close to her ear, and murmured, "Now, release."

The arrow flew through the air, and landed in the very center of the target. Even though he was the one who really aimed the bow, Hawke couldn't help the large smile that spread across her face. She forgot for a moment that Sebastian was standing right behind her, so when she turned to say something, the words died on her lips. His face was only a few inches from her own.

"I told you you could do it," he said with a soft smile. His right hand had slid from her shoulder, and down her back when she had turned.

Her voice was little more than a whisper as she tried to ignore the hand on her back, "Well, that was mostly your doing."

"You were closer than you think," he said, and if he was anyone else, she would've sworn he had leaned in closer.

There was no hope of him not noticing the blush on her cheeks now. She was fairly certain that her face was as red as her war paint. She could feel his breath on her lips. He was close enough that she could see all the different shades of blue in his eyes, and the little veins of green that she didn't know were there before. He had light freckles dusted across his cheekbones and nose that she hadn't noticed before. She could smell some sort of tea on his breath.

Then, it was like all her dreams came true. His gaze dropped to her lips before his eyes fluttered closed. She felt like time was moving in slow motion as he pressed his lips to hers. Even though the kiss was chaste, she couldn't help the sigh that escaped her. His lips felt like heaven against hers.

When he pulled away he rested his forehead on hers. She noticed his left hand had found its way to the side of her hip. The way he smiled at her almost made her swoon. The feeling didn't last when the more worrisome part of her brain piped up.

"That was… lovely, but what about your vows?"

He chuckled slightly, "I originally came by to tell you that I have decided to take back the Prince's seat, and while I'll admit I did not plan this, a prince does need a princess."

Her eyes widened, and the words all but flew out of her mouth, "I- are you already proposing marriage? I mean I know it's been no secret how we really feel about each other-"

"Maker, no! I was trying to be romantic," he laughed, "but I am serious about wanting to be with you."

"And I want to be with you," she smiled.

"I know. Isabela and Merrill made that kind of obvious for you," he teased.

"Oh believe me, I know. Though, maybe I should think about thanking them now," she said with a large smile.