Chapter Four

To Lothering

(A/N: Smutty Scene)

The moment we landed I cast Efflorescence – everyone in my healing circle gaining immediate healing. Morrigan and Flemeth watched as I case several spells. I looked at Alistair, "The king is dead – looks like it's your time to shine."

"Can't we just let Anora have the throne?" he grumbled.

"You're joking, right? After what Loghain just did, you'll let his daughter have the throne? What if she names him her regent or worse – gives him the throne entirely? Not to mention, she won't just let us bring Loghain to justice – he's her father!" Aedan argued.

"… I know, I know. I was just hoping that my non-existent birthright would stay… non-existent." Alistair sighed.

Flemeth laughed, "He's the heir to the throne?"

"Cailans half-brother and named heir… we just need to go back through Ostagar at some point to retrieve those papers." I said.

"Well, is there some way we could repay you for your… assistance in rescuing us?" Aedan asked.

"All that I wish you to do is what you were meant to do. It has always been the Grey Wardens duty to unite the lands against the Blight… or did that change while I wasn't looking?"

"No, it didn't change. We will make sure this Blight is defeated." Sereda nodded.

"We were so close… The King had almost defeated them. Why would Loghain do this?" Alistair snarled.

"Now that is a good question. Men's hearts hold shadows darker than any tainted creature. Perhaps he believes the Blight is an army he can out-maneuver. Perhaps he does not see that the evil behind it is the true threat."

"The Archdemon." Alistair nodded.

"And how does Loghain think he's going to get away with murder and… oh, I don't know Treason?" Daylen asked.

"He will be saying that the Wardens never lit the beacon." I crossed my arms.

I heard Daylen, Lyna and Sereda grumbling, "That bastard leaves us to die; almost dooming the world with his actions, and he blames us? We lit that beacon the very second the signal went up!" Lyna shouted.

"I'll kill him my bloody self, just you watch!" Sereda snapped.

"Get in line," Alistair glared at the dwarf who nodded and replied, "You're right – Atarah has first dibs, doesn't she?"

Unanimously, they all nodded, and Daylen said, "She defended him to the King before the battle from what I heard when I was… eavesdropping; made Cailan apologize to the foul bastard."

I chuckled, "I thought I felt you near-by. I knew Ostagar would fail – I just… hoped that I could change it. I'm sorry, Alistair."

Flemeth snorted, "Things happen for a reason – if something is meant to happen, it will find a way to. You could have been in the Vanguard with the King and he still would have died child."

"I know. I've seen so much over the last 10 thousand years – I should have known better than to try and change things. That Mage with us – Gary – he was never going to live either."

Morrigan spoke up, "So then don't try to change things – try to avenge them."

I nodded, "Justice was always in the cards. Howe, Loghain… and all those who were part of this… they will die."

Aedan raised his fist, "I'm in – if it means killing Howe, then I will follow your lead, commander."

Alistair nodded, "Brining Loghain to justice – count me in."

Daylen laughed, "I'll follow you for what you did at the Tower!"

Sereda snorted, "Duncan trusted you – I will too, Salroka."

"Why not? An Elf in charge means we can't really go too wrong." Lyna smirked.

"Besides… if Arl Eamon knew what Loghain did, he would never stand for it. The Landsmeet would never stand for it. There would be a Civil war." Alistair pointed out.

Aedans' eyes went red, "Arl Eamon wasn't at Ostagar. He'll still have all his men…"

I nodded, "Add that to these lovely treaties for the Dwarves, Dalish, and Mages… we have an Army in waiting."

Lyna spoke up, "And we have an advocate for each group too. I'm Dalish, Sereda is from Orzammar and Daylen is from the Circle. Your Arl Eamon would certainly listen to at least Aedan, right?"

I chuckled and pointed to Alistair, "Arl Eamon would listen to the boy he helped raise."

"Oh yeah – he did mention that…" Daylen mused.

Lyna spoke up, "So let's do this; we build an army, end the blight as quickly as we possibly can and kill that traitor. What are we waiting for?"

"Why not; that's what Wardens do, right?" Aedan asked.

Flemeth looked to me, "You are set then? Ready to lead the Grey Wardens?" I rolled my eyes, "I think the over dramatized unity salute a minute ago cemented that."

She snorted, "I like you, child."

"I don't suppose there is any other help you could offer?" Aedan asked Flemeth as I summoned my Void-Storage once more, pulling out heavy armor Alistair and rouge leathers for Aedan. I handed Lyna some blood elf rouge armor, Sereda got Dwarven heavy armor and Daylen got Kirin Tor robes… they were all enchanted to fit whoever wore them.

Now that they knew that Wardens were taking the heat for Loghains betrayal, it was easier to convince them to ditch the Warden armor and get them into something more… non-descript. For myself, I pulled out a steel-boned corset top (crimson and black) with a matching pair of pants and boots. I pulled on ¾ length gloves too before pulling my purple hair into a ponytail and braiding it. Alistair had been so shy he looked away while I changed – the others all openly checked out my tattoos.

"Now that you mention it…" she gave me a sly look when she saw my amusement.

"The stew is bubbling, mother-dear. Shall we have 6 guests for the eve… or none?" Morrigan shot a glance at the Wardens and I as she came back out – she had sipped inside a bit ago.

"Our guests are leaving shortly, girl; and you will be joining them."

"Such a shame… what?" Morrigan looked stunned. "You heard me girl; last time I looked you had ears."

I chuckled, causing Morrigan to shoot me a glare. "What? It's a wonderful idea! You know the Wilds and how to get passed the horde. Not to mention your magics are different to mine and Dayens so they will be useful." Flemeth nodded.

"Have I no say in this?" Morrigan huffed.

"You have been itching to get out of the wilds for years; here is your chance. As for you, Wardens, consider this repayment for your lives."

Alistair flinched as Aedan sighed, "Is she so bad that you having her come with us is the price of our lives?"

I snorted, "That's one way of seeing it, but no, she's not so bad."

"Mother, this is not how I wanted this! I'm not even ready!"

"You must be ready. Alone, these three must unite Ferelden against the Darkspawn; they need you Morrigan. Without you, they will surly fail, and all will perish under the Blight." I stopped the others from speaking.

"I… understand."

"And you Wardens, do you understand? I give you that which I value above all in this world; and I do this because you must succeed."

I smirked, "She won't come to harm with us, Asha'bellanar; I will see to it myself."

"Allow me to get my things, if you please." Morrigan walked back into the hut and I looked back to the men.

My words caused Lyna to gasp and bow to the old woman, "Asha'bellanar… forgive me for not recognizing you!"

"Do you even know anything beyond the title?" Flemeth asked, amused.

She shook her head, "Not really."

"Then stand – the Dalish bow to me far too easily."

I giggled, "I know more of you beyond the title – I know who you really are; what spirit now inhabits your body."

She stiffened, "Do you? In that case… I might have something for you…"

She walked over to a shed and grabbed something. When she came back she handed me a ring made of Ancient Heartwood. I accepted it and slipped it on.

"What will it do?" I asked.

"The Dalish will recognize that." she smirked so I held my hand out to Lyna.

She glanced at it, "It marks you as Vhenallin – friend of the People. On an elf, this means you will be offered Vallaslin at whatever camp we find."

I nodded my head, "Then I will accept the Vallaslin of Mythal – no other."

Flemeth smirked, "I look forward to seeing it."

"You would." I laughed.

"I am at your disposal, Grey Wardens. I suggest a village north of the wilds as our first destination; 'tis not far, and you will find much you need there. Or if you prefer, I shall simply be your silent guide." Morrigan said mechanically as she approached us once more.

"Oh, honey, I prefer if you speak your mind!" I grinned.

"Ha-ha you will regret saying that!" Flemeth laughed and I grinned at Morrigan who sighed and replied, "Dear, sweet mother; you are so kind to cast me out like this… how fondly I shall remember this moment."

"Well, I always said; if you want something done, do it yourself… or hear about it for a decade or two afterwards." I giggled at that and nodded. "The burden of Immortality." Flemeth shot me a grin.

"I guess it's time for us to be underway," Aedan sighed, looking toward the sky. "It's already Mid-day. How long will it take us to reach the Village?"

"Lothering is about a 3 day ride of a horse… how shall we do this?" she looked at me.

I shook my head, "You can scout by air. We can't use horses or the timeline can get… wonky. I will spend most of our trek in my main feline form as it is most productive to fights and scouting from the ground."

She grinned at me, "I would be pleased to scout by air. Will you be able to see me?" she asked. I nodded, "I can direct the others while you fly above us. I doubt you'd prefer the reverse."

I stretched before shifting into my spectral midnight black cat form. It was the only form I held with such coloring.

I was quite large in this form – I was tall enough at the shoulders to reach the waist of a man who stood at 6 feet tall – much like a Mabari, and long enough to be mistaken for a tiger or panther.

"Makers Breath…" Alistair breathed and I swiveled my head to turn my violet gaze upon him.

Morrigan smirked and loaded her bag on my back before taking her bird form and taking to the air. Her bag was light, so I didn't mind; but Alistair grumbled about her lack of asking permission before taking the bag. I followed the bird above us at a decent pace.

When we stopped 6 hours later, Alistair handed Morrigan her bag – she was looking at me so I told her, "It was light enough; he took it on himself to carry it, though. I've carried grown men before. That tiny thing is nothing compared to an Orc and a Worgen shooting arrows from my back while in full armor!"

"She didn't ask!" Alistair cried before Sereda chuckled and asked, "What's a War-Gen? Or an Orc for that matter?"

"Right… Morrigan, Alistair and Sereda weren't there for that lesson…" I muttered and started showing the two what the races of Azeroth looked like.

I used magic to aid me in making several steaks with buttered green beans and loaded mashed potatoes for sides.

We all fell quiet as we ate, but my ears perked halfway through the meal.

I placed my plate on the ground and felt my magic coat my hands as ice spikes began floating above my head. This put the others on alert as Alistair drew his sword and Morrigan watched me.

Lyna gave me a questioning look. At my head shake, she and the other new wardens stayed sitting.

I stood and turned in the time it took for a heart to beat only once, extending my hand a shooting a single ice spike to where I felt the disturbance in the earth.

We heard cursing and 3 men shot through the tree line. They stopped short when they saw me, ice surrounding my head and hands, eyes glowing with lunar energy and fighters at my back.

"State your buissness, or die," I forced myself to keep calm as the 4th human male came into our clearing, clutching his injured shoulder as the ice melted around the wound.

"We'll just… be on our way, miss…" the obvious leader started and they began to walk away. I used entangling roots to pin them in place.

"You did not state your buissness." I allowed a small smirk when Alistair sat back down, sheathing his sword.

"You'll not leave here without a good reason for disturbing our peace." Morrigan said lazily and I chuckled. "I do believe they are bandits, my dear. I've seen their ilk plenty in my home lands. If you give me your word to renounce your evil ways… no you know what? If you swear on your lives to join the Chantry, I will allow you to leave."

All four men paled. "But…"

I shot another spike, landing it next to a foot. "I've changed my mind… men like you would never change… don't you think, Morrigan?"

"I quite agree. They would say they have to leave here, and then rob the next unfortunate souls to happen along."

"A vote then. All in favor of their deaths, say 'Aye'." I chuckled.

Lyna, Sereda and Morrigan all said Aye – but Alistair, Aedan and Daylen said no. I glanced at Aedan's Mabari, who I had learned was named Hero. "Tie-breaker; Yes or no?"

He shook his head.

I nodded and released the men, "You've the grace of gods, gentlemen. Leave before I change my mind."

Morrigan gave me a look of sheer disbelief, "You're joking?"

The men left at a run the moment my entangling roots let them go. I shook my head, "No – I can't change things too much. I don't think those men would have attacked us normally. This group is made up of 4 women and 3 men – perhaps they thought us vulnerable. If the numbers had been larger or if I wasn't here – making it even split – then they wouldn't have chanced it."

"… I suppose mother did say that you shouldn't change things too much…" she grumbled. I chuckled, "Don't worry, Morrigan – the next group of bandits we come across, I'll let you light them on fire."

She smirked, "That does sound like fun."

I nodded, "I thought you might like that."

A few days later, we came across a Mabari lying in the road. When it saw us it barked happily and rushed to me. I smiled widely, "Hello, girl; are you doing well?"

The sweet grey-fur covered Mabari with green eyes barked again. I looked at the group, "This sweet girl is the Mabari I helped back at Ostagar – the one I picked those flowers for."

"Then she must have been out here looking for you – Mabari imprint for life."

I grinned at Alistairs words, "I know she was. What to name you…? How about Shana?"

She gave a happy tail wag and I chuckled, "That settles that, then. Come then – we are almost to Lothering."

"Weapons ready. 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.

"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…"

"Morrigan, my dear?" I smiled at her, and 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?"

"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…"

I snorted and said, "Well, you have been quite."

"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 Redcliff. 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."

"What about you? Alistair has 2 others in his group; I have 2 others in my group… but you're alone?" Aedan asked.

"Nonsense – I have Shana and the element of surprise." I chuckled.

They all nodded and we split up.

"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 mans' eyes widened 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. I didn't actually expect that – since Carver had mentioned Marian. I swiftly used Clairvoyance and was… sad to find out that one sibling was dead – Marian was the reason Carver lived.

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.

"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 brother, 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 sent you? Does that mean he lives? What about…?" 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?"

Hawke and his sister both laughed as Leandra shot me a smile. "Yup, that's Carver!" 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.

"He was recovering when we left. But we made better time than we expected. He may not be here for a few weeks or even a month or two. But the minute he's here, I suggest you guys scoot. And beware of Ogres – they like to squish people. Oh and when you meet Flemeth, accept her deal… also, as I'm sure you figured out… it was only Carver who lived. Marian gave her life for him."

"What…?" Hawke asked, though I could see the pain in his face. "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?"

"Nope; like I said, I'm a seer. Past and future… well, I should go! See you in about a year and half… give or take."

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."

"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 had been. I groaned into his lips.

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.

"We?" Bethany asked.

"I never… properly introduced myself, did I? I'm General Atarah Stormlight, Field Commander of the Grey Wardens – of which there are only 5 left… not counting me. So we have a group of 7 which includes 3 magic users, 2 warriors and 2 rouges… and also, 2 Mabari. We will end the blight regardless of Loghains lies."

"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." Hawke sighed. 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, Lady Hawke."

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

"In that case… Dibs on Hawkes bed!" I giggled when 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.

"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."

"Why…?" Aedan shook his head.

"She brought news about my brother and 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?"

"Cousin?" Hawke looked at him sharply… and then he 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 not.

"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."

Daylen looked like he'd been punched in the gut. "What about… mother?"

"She… no one knows. She vanished without a trace and her husband was killed when the youngest of your siblings was taken by the Circles – he had already lost everyone else… he fought back. The Amell curse wasn't very kind to our family, I'm afraid."

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 had them well preserved.

"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 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 bed 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."

I chuckled. I had gotten over some of my weight insecurities a couple hundred years ago when people stopped making fun of me since I was Inas' sister. I knew my eyes, chest and hips looked great so as long as I kept something covering my gut, most people wouldn't comment.

"It would look much better if we added a handsome man; I believe… 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."

"T… 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."

He groaned as he untucked then stripped the dark tunic from his chest. "Do you have any idea what I am thinking right now?" he growled out as he came closer to the bed.

"Probably me in bed with another woman… would you like me to describe her?" I smirked. "Trying to give me ideas?"

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, "I could – if you wish. The truth is, I'm hoping to get you so hot and bothered that you finally take me."

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?"

"Please… don't stop. Ash karath; do it…" 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 – 8 and a half 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 bite 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'm a submissive," I winked. He growled and moved to flip us 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 growled and found his own release.

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," he yawned.

I giggled. "I thought the same thing my first time. That woman taught me so much… and that thing you did with… well, that was new for me."

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

"What… 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?"

"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.

"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.