Chapter SIXTEEN
Aria stopped at the top of the steps that led from Hightown into the Lowtown bazaar. She collected her weekly share money from Hubert, who had thrown in 2 extra sovereigns. Aria tried to give it back, but Hubert insisted she keep it as a gift. Generosity was not one of Hubert's defining traits, though Aria kept it, in the end. She had a pleasant surprise for Varric, now.
She was coming from informing Aveline of the conclusion of her investigation of templars-turned-thrall. Reports had seeped in, as well as an investigation into some allegedly connected kidnappings and murders. Aria hated spending so much time in the Gallows, and she knew that Emeric, Thrask, and Cullen—the templars with whom she'd spent much time assisting-were aware of the company she kept. She just hoped they wouldn't act on that knowledge in light of the help she'd given them with their issues. So far, they seemed content with the status quo.
Aria lightly bounded down the steps to Lowtown, stopping to talk to Lady Elegant for a few minutes. Elegant gifted Hawke one of her finest perfumes and a recipe for a healing potion. Elegant refused payment and shooed Aria away, laughing at the rogue's confusion. Aria was beginning to wonder if she hadn't stepped into an alternate reality.
Her concerns were further aroused when the dwarven smith in Lowtown's bustling marketplace also gifted Aria a new set of gauntlets that enhanced her dexterity a sizable degree. Then, the jeweler gifted her with a ring that surged with healing energy. And when she reached the doorstep at Gamlen's, there were two bouquets of some of the most beautiful flowers she'd ever seen, a bottle of extremely fine wine, and a parcel, tied up with a deep crimson ribbon. All were addressed to her.
"What in the Maker's name..." Aria said, stooping to gather the items in her arms. She pushed open the door and deposited the odd items on the table. No one was home, as was normal for this time of day.
It was early in the evening. The sun was creeping ever faster towards the horizon. In three hours, it would be dusk. She'd been up since dawn running errands, catching up with friends, and tying up loose ends. She was thoroughly exhausted, but Bethany insisted Aria come to the Hanged Man with her this evening. A little nap wouldn't hurt anyone.
Aria threw herself onto Bethany's bunk, not wanting to make the climb to her own. Bethany's bed was always softer somehow and smelled of sunshine, spring, and flowers. She fell quickly to sleep, eager for the recharge. She didn't wake again until it was nearly dark, and the door to the hovel was enthusiastically opened, the door knob banging against the wall.
"Is Aria here?" she heard Bethany ask her mother, who was apparently much quieter with her entrance.
"Shhh! She's asleep," Leandra hushed Bethany.
"Asleep?! Sweet blood of Andraste, why is she asleep?"
Aria heard footsteps quickly approach the door, which stood slightly ajar. She sat up and stretched her shoulders, then yawned loudly. Bethany strode in, her dark eyes flashing.
"You promised!" she scolded, helping Aria to her feet.
"It's still early yet," Aria said with a yawn. "We have time."
"Only because I knew you'd pass out as soon as you got home," Bethany replied, playfully thumping Aria on the shoulder.
"It's been a long—and strange—day," Aria laughed, rubbing the back of her neck uncomfortably.
Bethany quirked a brow. "You really don't know what day it is?"
"Um...Wicked Grace is tomorrow night, not tonight," Aria answered. "C'mon. You can buy me a pint, since everyone's so generous today."
Leandra's laughter followed them down the stairs as they departed.
"Am I still asleep?" Aria asked when they turned down the alley that led to Varric's current residence.
Bethany giggled in response and only quickened her pace. Aria trotted to keep up and followed her sister through the bar, up the stairs, and to Varric's closed door. That was odd. Varric never closed his door. Bethany knocked and the door was promptly opened.
Varric's room was decorated in silver and dark lilac ribbons, Aria's favorite colors. A feast was laid out upon his enormous table where they played Wicked Grace and held party meetings regarding whatever plight they'd gotten into. Many people were present. Varric, Merrill, Isabela, Anders, Aveline, Hubert, a few of the mine leaders, Lord and Lady Elegant, and Lirene stood around the end of the table.
"Happy birthday, Hawke!" Varric chortled, throwing his arms wide to encompass the group. Most of them cheered. Everyone had a drink in hand.
Aria turned to Bethany, her expression completely dumbstruck as she said, "You know you haven't gotten nearly enough sleep when you forget your own birthday."
Everyone laughed at this, and Bethany ushered the guest of honor to her place at the right of the host's seat at the head of the table. They all sat down and delved into the delicious meal set before them. Aria knew by the quality that it was not food from the tavern's kitchen. It was a meal fit for a cheeky Hightown noble.
There was roasted turkey, pheasant, and lamb abed hearts of romaine and spinach. There was grilled asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, and steamed broccoli. There were several breads, with cinnamon butter and honey drizzled over their tops. Aria was especially fond of the deep fried mozzarella balls and the sweet, wonderful Antivan blackberry sangria Varric gifted her at the start of the meal.
Varric regaled them with artfully embellished re-tellings of their many adventures while they ate and drank. A certain elven warrior's absence was something she felt as the night wore on. If Varric had been in charge of this surprise party, as he surely was, she had no doubts Varric would have issued an invitation to Fenris. Aveline was the first to leave as soon as the dessert was cleared, as she needed to be up early the next morning to file reports. The miners soon followed, along with Hubert, who walked with Lady Elegant and her Lord husband.
Soon, it was only Varric, Isabela, Bethany, Anders, Merrill and Hawke left in Varric's chambers. They had situated themselves on the sofas near the hearth, listening to Varric and Anders share battle stories. Merrill would interject with questions and Isabel shared a few tales of her own. Aria just listened, basking in the warmth of the wine and food in her belly and in that of the hearth.
It had been over a month since they'd had a gathering like this, where most of them were present and could just enjoy each other's company. They'd all been so busy, mostly in gaining the coin to prepare for the expedition. Hawke had often contemplated who she would take into the Deep Roads, when they did furnish the coin. She could only realistically choose two, as that was all their provisions allowed.
She couldn't take Bethany. Hawke had made as many enemies as she had friends. Leaving her mother defenseless was not an option. She feared for her sister's safety from the prison-like Kirkwall circle, however it would be a far kinder fate than Aria's if she came back sans little sister.
She needed a mage, though. Merrill's talents in battle were brutally efficient, but Anders was a healer and had been in the Deep Roads before. He was the obvious choice to fill that role. Varric would be the ranged attacker. She needed brute strength and boundless energy reserves. She needed... Aria's eyes widened and her smile was painfully wide as she met the verdant gaze of which she was extremely fond.
"I am sorry I am late," Fenris said, clearing his throat as he entered. He looked for a brief moment at Varric, nodded, and returned his gaze to Aria.
"That's alright, Fenris," Bethany chimed, "She didn't even remember."
Hawke blushed at this and tapped her boot against Bethany's in a spiteful gesture.
Fenris nodded at this, "I don't even know when mine is. I think it could be quite easy to forget, in the grand scheme of things." He sat next to Hawke on the sofa, the side of his hip bumping hers in the process.
Anders stood then, his increasingly common, painfully stoic demeanor returning. He offered to escort Merrill home and she drunkenly accepted. Anders hugged Aria and wished her a happy birthday again before he departed, his expression briefly adoring. He departed with Merrill on his arm, turning back once to offer her a sad smile before they disappeared down the stairs.
Hawke was keenly aware of the heat radiating off of Fenris's body. He was always so warm, it was hard not to be drawn to him. She relaxed a little at his proximity, and took a long draw from her wine glass, freshly filled by Varric.
"May I?" Fenris asked, indicating her glass.
She handed him the glass without hesitation. His eyes stayed on hers as he tipped the glass against his lips. He closed them to savor the sweet, tart, dark flavor of the wine on his palette. Fenris handed her the glass and nodded appreciatively.
"Fruity, sweet, slightly smoky—oak, I think," Fenris said after a moment. "I'm going to guess 60 years old?"
Varric coughed. "You've had it before, I trust?"
"Not exactly. This is much sweeter. Is this Antivan?" Fenris countered.
"Indeed it is," Varric replied, grabbing the bottle off the table and handing it over to Fenris. The elf surveyed the carefully labeled vessel, his expression somber.
"It was a favourite of mine. May I have a glass?" The question was issued to Hawke, who had lost herself in his eyes again.
"O-of course," Aria stammered, then regained her composure. "You've shared several bottles with me."
Varric poured it for Fenris, and took another glass for himself. Hawke indicated that Isabela and Bethany receive glasses as well, which Varric was all too happy to pour. They silently enjoyed the wine for a few moments, the hearth crackling merrily and a drowsy feeling of comfort permeated the very air.
"When will this expedition finally take place?" Isabela asked finally.
Hawke groaned at this and leaned back to pinch the bridge of her nose between her thumb and middle finger. Bethany twirled her staff between her hands and looked expectantly at her sister.
"Varric?" Aria deferred.
"We need 2 more gold pieces."
"We can make that in a few days," Fenris smoothly stated, looking from Aria to Varric. His arm laid across the back of the sofa, just touching her shoulders.
"Indeed we can," Varric replied, his gaze expectant against Hawke's.
Aria sighed. "We could leave tomorrow, actually."
She put a bag of coins on the table. She'd been keeping it on her belt everywhere she went now, instead of tucked away. Gamlen had been snooping lately and the last thing she needed was for him to gamble away her fortune a second time.
"What is this?" Varric asked, picking the bag up. He weighed it carefully in his hand, his eyes going wide at first, then narrowing on Hawke. "I knew you were squirreling away more somewhere."
"You have two full shares from me, then," Aria candidly replied. She sat back a little more, so that Fenris's arm slipped down to land fully across her shoulders. She pretended not to notice, as did he. Isabela chuckled from the sofa opposite them.
"Well played, Hawke," Varric said in awe. He poured the contents of the bag onto the table, smoothing the sovereigns out with the palms of his hands. "I'll need a week to get everyone rounded up and purchases made."
"Who are you taking?" Fenris quietly asked her.
"Me of course," Bethany said, matter-of-factly. "Anders hates the Deep Roads."
Aria groaned at this and placed her head in her hands.
"Sister?" Bethany asked, voice quavering. "I'm still going, right?"
Aria stood then and collected her coins back into the bag. She placed the bag on top of Varric's money chest. Then she looked to all of them. "I'll know by the end of the week. Everyone who wants to go will meet up with us at dawn at the Merchant's Guild seven days from now. You'll be told then whether or not you're going." She drank the last of the wine in her glass, Fenris mimicking her as he stood.
"It is getting late, isn't it?" Isabela asked, checking the clock above the mantle. It was nearly 2 a.m. "I think I'll take my leave. Happy birthday, Hawke." The pirate hugged the other rogue and waved her goodbye to the collective before bounding down the stairs.
"She's not going to bed yet," Bethany smirked as Isabela's head disappeared.
"Nope," Varric said, draining his glass in the same fashion as his companions. "She has to find a pillow."
"I hear she prefers furry ones," Fenris quipped, his arm sliding through Hawke's. The movement felt so natural and she fought the shiver that went through her at his touch.
Varric laughed, along with Bethany. Bethany decided she wanted to stay with Varric for a little while longer to discuss details about the expedition. Fenris offered to walk Aria home, which was more a formality. His intent was a given, to which everyone was privy.
Aria bade them good night, and Fenris led her down the stairs. They walked silently, at a leisurely, very close pace. Aria thought back to a month or so ago, on a night with similar circumstances. No rainclouds were in sight, this time however. The moon was a finger-nail thick crescent in the sky. The stars were much more visible in the increased darkness, lending their own light more readily.
"Did you enjoy yourself today?" Fenris politely asked as they both bounded nimbly off the doorstep of the Hanged Man.
Laughter bubbled from Aria's throat. "Indeed I did!" She leaned against him more, savoring his warmth. His touch combined with the racing of her heart and mind and added new depth to her state of drunkenness.
"Even though you forgot it was your birthday?" he chided, a slight chuckle lacing the undertone of his voice.
"I think the fact that I forgot made it better than it would have been had I known," she replied.
"How so?" he asked.
She realized they weren't walking toward the hovel she called home. They were headed for the rocky lookout where she often had the party meet before departing on one of their many journeys. The Point. It didn't bother her that he was leading her there. She didn't much feel like going home, anyway. She hated the place.
"Just for the day, I thought I lived in paradise."
He was silent, his brows creasing together for a moment as he pondered this. Aria decided to continue.
"Everyone was nice to me. I didn't feel like I was going to have to dodge a dagger to the back all day. The fact that I was showered with gifts might have had an impact on my perspective as well," she said on a laugh.
"Yes, I can see how that might colour your perception," he agreed, the hint of laughter that only she ever got to hear flavoring his beautiful voice. "Speaking of gifts," he continued, bringing her slightly closer to him, "Did you open all of yours?"
Aria had to think a moment. "There were some left on my doorstep that I hadn't gotten the chance to open. I was so tired when I got home earlier, I had to take a nap."
"You seem to require a lot of sleep," Fenris teased.
She thumped him playfully on the shoulder and he softly chuckled. "There was a parcel I hadn't opened yet."
"What did it look like?" he asked, stopping at the edge of the trail that ran adjacent to the coast. Together they climbed up the small berm that lined the well-worn path.
Aria followed him to the edge and they sat with their feet hanging off, dangling them childishly. It was difficult to tell where the water began and the sky ended, for the two horizons mirrored each other perfectly. It gave them a small taste of what infinity was all about.
"It was a white parcel. With a red ribbon," Aria finally answered him as they got settled. "We're up here...why?"
Fenris pointed to the sky. "In about fifteen minutes, there will be a meteor shower of grand scale."
Aria looked up and watched the sky for a moment. "How do you know that?"
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you," Fenris quietly said, as though the words themselves tasted foul.
"Try me," Aria challenged, leaning closer to him to bump his shoulder with hers.
"Anders was talking about it a few days ago. That's where I learned it from," he nearly whispered, his gaze lifted skyward.
"Ah, I see," she replied, her own eyes drifting to the heavens.
They watched the stars in silence for what seemed like eternity. Aria scrambled for something to say. She didn't want this night to be about the relationship that wouldn't sort itself completely out. She wanted to be happy. She wanted to be loved. She wanted to disappear in a fog of bliss with this most unlikely soul mate who sat next to her now.
"Why did you ask about the parcel?" Aria finally blurted.
Fenris turned to look at her and he combed his fingers through the fall of her hair that hung down her shoulder, over her chest, and nearly to her waist. His eyes followed his fingers, all the way to the end of the slightly curling river of her hair. His gaze found hers a second later.
"Because I had hoped you opened it," he answered, his voice soft and deep, stained quietly with dots of hurt-coloured ink.
Aria chuckled and rested her head on his shoulder. "I wish I had too. What is it?"
"You'll just have to open it and find out," he hedged, pressing his lips against her temple.
A blaze of light lit the sky for a split second then, bathing them briefly in its brilliant light. They both sharply shifted their attention to the heavens. A few seconds later, they watched as a star fell, disappearing just before the treed horizon towards the mountains. Aria gasped as an even brighter one slipped through the deep bluish-black sky, where it disappeared somewhere out to sea.
The spectacle of falling stars quickly crescendoed to a miraculous display of sparkling matter falling all around, tens of them falling at once. This continued for nearly 20 minutes before it started to taper off. Nearly forty-five minutes passed before the last of the meteors blazed across the sky.
Aria and Fenris had sat in wonder the entire time. She was enchanted by the celestial display, almost feeling it down to her soul. Such beauty and inexplicable power was a sight to behold. She realized then, as the last star evaporated just over the bay, that Fenris held her nearly in his lap. His arms were folded somewhat firmly around her shoulders and his chin rested on top of her head. She hadn't remembered moving like this and it was quite the pleasant surprise.
"It is very late," Fenris whispered.
"I think it's beyond late to the point where some may consider it terribly early instead," Aria replied with a yawn.
"The cup is always full for you," he sarcastically, though sweetly, replied.
A twig snapping brought Aria's senses to full alert. Her hands instinctively went for her daggers... Which weren't there. Fenris drew his sword (thankfully he'd had his wits about him) and they scanned the direction from which the sound had come. It was off to Aria's right, where the slight embankment separated them from prying eyes on the road.
"Someone's breathing heavily," Fenris whispered next to her ear.
She nodded as she heard it too. Someone was definitely coming. Up here, at this time of the night, only one conclusion could be reached. Whatever it was, it was definitely trouble.