Chapter TWENTY-NINE
One of the letters was a summons from Seneschal Brann. The others were from merchants and townspeople asking for her aid in small matters. Guard this shipment, find this person, solve this murder. As Aria walked up the steps of the Vicount's Keep to answer the summons from the Seneschal, she ran into Aveline, who was just coming back from a luncheon with the guardsmen.
"Hawke, there's something I need your help with. It's a private matter and only to be discussed...well...privately," Aveline whispered as she passed. "Meet me in my office when you're done with your other business. I wouldn't bother going and talking to the Seneschal though. He just wants to use you so he doesn't have to get his own hands dirty."
"Tell me something I don't know," Aria quipped good-naturedly, accepting the forearm embrace with Aveline. "Let's go to your office then, and you can tell me what this pressing private business is."
As they turned to head for the barracks, Varric's voice hailed Hawke from the Keep's main door. Accompanying him were Fenris and Anders. Aria was shocked to see them together of their own accord, but then, last night was Wicked Grace. They probably all passed out drunk in Varric's room at the Hanged Man. It wasn't a completely uneducated guess.
"You're a very difficult woman to keep pace with," Varric said as he joined them at the top of the stairs that led into the guardsmen's barracks.
"I wasn't aware anyone was trying to keep pace," Aria suspiciously stated. She ignored the elf that stood next to the dwarf.
"Are you feelin' alright Hawke?" Varric asked, his face a mask of mock concern.
"I'm...fine, why?" Aria countered.
"You passed on the perfect set-up for a short joke," Anders laughed, his eyes lit benevolently.
"I've graduated to dragon jokes," Aria said, unable to muster her trademark sarcasm in a believable manner.
"Hawke, before you go do whatever it is Aveline has you doing, might I have a word?" Varric entreated her.
Aria sighed and tromped down the steps. "I'll be right back," she said for Aveline's benefit. The Guard-Captain turned on her heel and left Anders and Fenris standing on the landing by themselves.
"Look, about what happened-"
"Varric, it's done. And as far as I'm concerned, it was all a dream. You don't have to explain anything to me, nor should you feel ashamed."
"Where's the hard-headed, smart-mouthed Hawke when I want her?" Varric chuckled. "Seriously, though. I am sorry. But, what concerns me more is why you wouldn't wake up when the Keeper, Merrill, and Anders were doing whatever magic it was to drag you out of there. What happened?"
Aria turned away from him, only to meet the crystalline green gaze she both adored and abhorred. She squeezed her eyes shut and lifted her head to the ceiling for a moment. When she turned back to answer, Varric regarded her with rare, acute concern.
"That bad, huh?" he said. "I won't press."
"I wanted to see Bethany. I wanted...to talk to her, to let go of some of this...baggage. I guess that's what happens in dreams. You lose sight of what's real once you realize everything you want is there, just waiting for you to claim it," Aria softly said, hoping Fenris's stellar hearing didn't pick up the conversation. She knew better.
"I know it's silly to offer and you probably won't accept, but... If you need to talk, I'm here Hawke. I might not have the perfect feminine perspective on things, but I'm pretty good at deciphering complex situations," the dwarf kindly offered.
Aria sighed. "Careful what you offer. I might take you up on it."
"If you do, I'll buy your drinks for the entire night," Varric laughed.
"You have yourself a deal, messere," Aria said, shaking his hand.
"Great! Now let's go see what Red has in store for us. Bound to be entertaining in the very least," Varric replied, shaking her hand in turn and walking back up the stairs with her.
Aria did her best to seem bubbly and devil-may-care, as she was so oft described in Varric's tales. It was not an easy facade, and she doubted she did it convincingly. They met up with Aveline in her office and she hastily closed the door, glowering at the three males present. She turned to Hawke.
"I have a favor to ask you; it should be a small matter, but I worry. I need you to give something to Guardsman Donnic, here in the barracks. No questions, and he is not to know it is from me," Aveline addressed the rogue woman.
"Sure. I love being a lowly message carrier," Aria quipped.
"I'm serious, Hawke," Aveline threatened. "Take this package to Guardsman Donnic."
"Donnic? Oh, right! Didn't we save his skin once?" Aria asked, turning to Varric, who nodded. "What is it I'm taking to him?"
"Did you forget about the 'no-questions' part already?" Aveline grumpily replied as she busied herself with straightening the stacks of paperwork on her desk. Worry etched her brow and her freckles were swallowed by the blush that rose in her cheeks, contrasting not too becomingly with her fiery orange hair.
Aria groaned. "Fine, fine. Maker, no one knows how to have fun anymore."
"This is…odd. Does anyone else feel dirty and used right now?" Varric said as they departed from Aveline's office to find Donnic.
"I'd think you should be used to it by now," Aria replied, unnerved by how closely Fenris walked next to her. She could feel the heat of his skin and she avoided looking at him.
"In normal circumstances, yes, but Aveline's dirty work is something else entirely. We're going to get caught," Varric groused.
"I doubt it's dirty work. Aveline's too…boring for that," Anders quipped.
"Well whatever it is, let's get it over with. I've got other things to do today," Aria said then, Fenris's closeness grating on her nerves.
They found Donnic reading a map in one of the quarter halls. He stood when he saw Aria approaching and offered her a gentlemanly bow and a smile.
"Serah Hawke," he greeted her, extending his forearm. She took it and he continued. "It's been some time. You're here in Hightown now, right? I think the Captain mentioned it."
Aria inclined her head and released his arm.
"I see your uncle now and then on my patrols," Donnic continued. "But, we don't talk."
"That's wise. He's like to try and swindle you out of your boots," Aria laughed, trying to make it sound smooth and natural. She thought it did. She didn't know if anyone else did.
"Somehow, I don't think he'd succeed," Donnic chuckled.
"I see you've mended well after that little mess we pulled you out of," Aria kindly stated.
"No worse for wear," he replied. "Thanks to you. Guard is a good career if you're careful. A short one if you're not. And the Captain makes sure we're careful."
"Sounds like you've a lot of respect for the Captain," Aria observed aloud.
"She's an amazing woman," Donnic softly conceded.
"Speaking of, I have something for you. Apparently it's fairly important? I wasn't given many details," Aria segued, handing him the package Aveline had bestowed upon her.
"What's this?" Donnic asked, carefully opening the brown paper to reveal a bouquet of orange flowers set in the shape of a shield. "It's a copper relief of…marigolds? Oh, and it helpfully says so. 'Marigolds'."
Aria stole a questioning glance at Varric, who was biting his tongue and shaking with silent laughter.
"Well, how crafty," Donnic politely said, looking at Hawke as if she'd lost her Maker damned mind. "Is there a meaning to this that I should know?"
"Just—uh—keep it," Aria struggled to save face. "I'm sure it has deeper meaning."
"It would have to," Donnic awkwardly stated. "Right. I'm sure we both have things to do. Of varying import. Serah Hawke," he said in dismissal, and Hawke couldn't beat a retreat fast enough.
"That was…painfully awkward," Anders said as they left the guards' quarters. "What was Aveline thinking?"
"I don't know but I'm not one for being put on the spot in such an instance," Aria growled, stalking back towards Aveline's office with ill-concealed malaise.
Aveline all but jumped them when they entered her office again. "You're back! Of course you are. You're efficient. Get things done. Good or ill," she stated, seeking to placate the piqued Hawke. "So, how did Donnic react?"
Aria looked to Varric, who had to turn around and walk out the door. His guffaws could be heard all through the barracks. Aria looked back at Aveline, who actually appeared as though she might be about to cry.
"As one expects when confused," Aria answered her query.
"I thought it was clear!" Aveline said in distress. "Metal is strong, copper ages well, flowers are soft."
Aria looked at Anders and Fenris, who seemed just as befuddled as she was. Varric came back in then, swiping at his eyes. He'd laughed himself to tears it appeared. He shook his head when he looked at Hawke's expression and couldn't say anything for fear of bursting into laughter again.
"I've clearly gone about this the wrong way," Aveline broke the confused silence. She shifted through some papers on her desk and found a long scroll, which she promptly handed to Aria. "Don't talk to him again. Just take this. The duty patrols for next week. Post it to the roster and just…listen."
"A silent role? Maker yes please," Aria said as she took it. "It's a short walk though…"
"Hawke…" Aveline threatened.
"Yeah, yeah, I got it," Aria turned with a wave of her free hand.
"I need to know exactly how he reacts. That's key," Aveline said to Aria's retreating form. "Thank you!"
"She'd do a lot better to get this fellow alone in a room," Anders laughed as they walked out of the office. "Life's too short!"
Varric tried to stifle a giggle but it came out in a fit of snorts. Aria then realized what Aveline was up to. She was sweet on the man but didn't know how to make it known. The staunch Captain of the Guard was actually daunted by something!
Aria thumped Varric on the head lightly with her closed fist. "Don't. Let's just see where this goes. Maybe she actually has a plan."
"Games of strategy aren't exactly her strong suit," Fenris said, the first words Aria had heard him speak since this whole endeavor began. It constricted her chest and she worked to bury the emotion that roiled to the surface.
"Indeed they aren't," Aria cordially replied, posting the duty roster. They stepped back and pretended to check their gear while the guards circled around.
"Hey Donnic! Whose pucker have you been greasing to get Hightown?" one of the female guards said as she read the roster.
Donnic strolled up, a mixture of anger and confusion settling on his dark features. "What? You're daft. I'm working dockside on those smugglers," he said as strode up to the roster.
"Says here you're guarding the square. Always been a make-work job, that one. You someone's pet?" the female guard, Brennan, growled at him.
"Check your eyes, it's a mistake," Donnic fired back.
"Says the pet," Brennan sneered, then walked away.
Donnic shook his head in disbelief then rubbed his brow as he read the roster over a third and fourth time. "You have got to be kidding me. What did I do to get that post?" he morosely said to himself.
Aria inclined her head toward Aveline's office and the group of them walked nonchalantly back. When they entered, Aria shook her head. The questioning look on Aveline's face demanded an answer.
"He thought he had offended you," Aria diplomatically stated.
"Donnic thinks I'm punishing him?" Aveline asked, obviously distressed. "But, Hightown is a safe patrol. A reward."
Aria shrugged. "You wanted his reaction, and there it is."
Aveline sighed and began pacing the length of the office. "All right, I can fix this. I need… I need…" she kept pacing then looked at Aria. "I need three goats and a sheaf of wheat. You'll take them to his mother."
Aria crossed her arms over her chest and cocked one eyebrow as she regarded the Captain, who had stopped pacing to issue that order.
"It's a dowry tradition. Maybe it will smooth the process," Aveline helplessly stated.
"I think my jaw just landed in the Deep Roads somewhere," Varric smoothly interjected, his composure regained.
"Not a word, dwarf," Aveline snarled.
"I wouldn't dream of mocking your…unconventional courtship," Varric sniggered.
Aria stepped in to diffuse the growing tension. "Aveline, out with it already. You know I'll help where I can."
"What am I to say?" the Captain asked in desperation. "That a grown woman can't speak her mind? I've been focused on being Captain for so long, that's all I know."
"It can't be a complete mystery. You were married once, right?" Anders put in his two cents.
"That was a long time ago. It was easier, or seemed to be," Aveline answered, her guard down now.
"So…no one…since you've been in Kirkwall?" Aria asked, feeling oddly selfish about her own relationship turmoil in light of Aveline's confession.
"I am…diligent on behalf of my men. And I've neglected many other things."
Aria shook her head in disbelief. "I can't imagine you having trouble speaking your mind."
"It's just…fear. I know it's foolish, but I can't get away from it," she replied, her eyes darting to Fenris for a moment, then back to Hawke. "What about you and Fenris? How do you make it work?"
Varric and Anders both stifled coughs of surprise and Aria found herself automatically looking to the elf. He cocked that half grin of his and one eyebrow shot up, challenging her to say something. It was not at all the reaction she thought he'd have to that question, and she wasn't quite sure what to say herself.
Aria turned back to Aveline, whose eyes pleaded with her for an answer. "Maybe…we're not the best example," Aria nimbly hedged.
"But you understand," Aveline pressed. "I feel paralyzed. I hate it."
"Well…none of this anonymous gift giving is really working. How is he to know it's from you if you don't tell him?" Aria parried. "I guess, I'm saying, what will work?"
"I'm the Captain. He's my guardsman. I can't get past that," Aveline sighed in desperation.
"There are places in this city where no one cares if you're Guard-Captain," Varric silkily interjected.
"What? Just…go out somewhere? Like it's that easy?" Aveline challenged.
"Yes!" Aria exasperatedly said. "It is that easy!"
Aveline hung her head for a moment in self-defeat. Then, she looked to Hawke and said, "Tell Donnic… Invite him to the Hanged Man. Don't tell him about me. Make something up. It's a surprise, or just you, or a group… Anything to get him there. He's not like the others. I don't want him to think he's meeting the Captain."
Aria nodded and the four of them walked back out to look for Donnic again.
"She should be doing this herself," Fenris growled. "If you're doing all of this…this…absurdity to get his attention, he's likely to think it's you after him."
Jealousy. It was as bold-faced and open as anything could have been. Anders and Varric exchanged a knowing glance and both of them smiled to themselves. Aria didn't see it. She was too focused on the fact that she was going to run away screaming if she had to endure the elf's presence longer. She was so tuned to him it was maddening. But, the green tint to his tone gave her hope and she held on to that for the moment.
"What would you have me tell him, then?" Aria asked, steeling herself as she turned to look him in the eyes.
"A group is going out for drinks. We'll all be there," Fenris replied, stepping closer to her. He lifted his hand slightly, as though to touch her, then awkwardly put it back down at his side. "I think he'd be more likely to come."
Aria sighed and opened the door to the quarters where Donnic stayed. The guard looked up and seemed…annoyed?
"Ser Donnic, I apologize for incessantly bugging you, but are you free this evening?" Aria silkily stated, instantly registering a change in Donnic's demeanor. He actually smiled at her.
"I…have no immediate patrols. Why?" Donnic replied with courtesy.
"Everyone's going out for drinks at the Hanged Man, and I was wondering if you would be there," Aria coyly stated, returning his smile, and arching a brow flirtatiously.
"Blast! Why am I always the last to know about these things?" Donnic laughed. "Alright, I'll be there."
"Excellent! I hope to see you, then," Aria coyly replied. "I've got some other business to tend to, but I'll be there later."
"Of course, Hawke," Donnic said, bowing slightly.
Aria inclined her head, then made a hasty exit. Varric chuckled as they left the barracks. Anders was smiling knowingly. Fenris's demeanor was more broody than normal. They went back to Aveline's office.
"Alright, Aveline," Aria said as she entered, giving the Captain no room to speak. "You will be at the Hanged Man this evening. If you aren't, you may not like the consequences."
Aveline sighed. "I'll be there."
"Right, well, now that I have my evening booked, I should go see if the Viscount has other plans," Aria snarkily stated, giving no one else room to talk. She turned on her heel and bounded up the stairs that led to the Seneschal's office. She was chagrined to see she had a three person entourage.
"Hawke, if I may," Varric cut her off and held his hands out to stop her.
"Varric—"
"You're not busy. Not today," Varric chided, pushing her so that she turned toward the Keep's doors. "Work can wait. Today is about fun."
"Riiiiight. Fun. I know what that is," Aria said, allowing him to lead her back out into Hightown.
"No work, Hawke. I mean it. I'll know if you went back in to talk to that lickspittle the Viscount employs as a councilor," he said, turning to the guard at the door and flipping him a sovereign. The guard caught it and looked at Hawke, then nodded.
"Why you slippery…" Aria started, then realized Anders and Varric were already well on their way down the stairs into the city.
Fenris stood on the doorstep and watched them go, then turned to look at Aria. "I know you…need to talk. About a lot of things."
"And you don't?" Aria challenged, not waiting for a response. She darted down the steps, aware of the second set of footfalls shadowing hers.
He slipped his arm through hers as they alighted the steps but said nothing until he'd guided her towards the Chantry gardens. "I do need to talk but… I haven't the right words."
"Then, it isn't time to talk yet," Aria said, moving to walk away.
"You think leaving you was easy?" he challenged.
At this, she froze. Aria didn't know what to do. Part of her desperately wanted to hear anything he had to say, while another part of her wanted to ram a dagger through his skull. She was warring enough with herself. She didn't want to war anymore with him, too.
He grabbed her by the shoulders and spun her to face him, his movements firm but gentle. "I…don't know what to do."
"You got your memories back and then lost them again. I get it," Aria whispered as a fine trembling took to her limbs. Her heart felt as though it would hammer its way out of her chest. She felt sick to her stomach, and her head swam. She needed to run, to sit, to... Throw up. Something. Anything, to get away from him.
"It's…much more complicated than that," Fenris replied, his grip tightening as though he feared she would bolt. He helped her to a low bench under a beautiful willow tree. Its weeping branches offered them a shield from prying eyes and the outside world.
"I am a master at 'complicated'," Aria managed through clenched teeth. Her stomach was about to give at any moment.
"You look ill," Fenris softly stated, kneeling before her.
"I feel ill," Aria bluntly replied. She lowered her head between her knees and struggled to draw breath. She had never believed in the existence of paralyzing panic attacks before, but now that she was having one, she recanted that view.
"What's wrong? Are you hurt?"
Aria swatted his hands away as he began to assess her. "I am not hurt. Not physically anyway. Stop it."
Fenris stood with a look of acute consternation. "I think Donnic is interested."
At this, Aria had to laugh. "Well I'll let him down gently."
"You're serious?"
"I am not interested."
"Just in him, or…?" Fenris pressed.
"Why are we doing this? You can't stand me. What does it matter to you what I think or what he thinks?"
He looked at her as though she'd just slapped him across the face. "I can't stand you? Aria, are you really so blind?"
"Well let's see… I taught you to read. I helped you get back at Hadriana, helped you find out you have a sister, let you ravage me, and then you just… Up and leave, like it was nothing—"
"It was not nothing!" Fenris almost roared. "It was the most…jarring and spiritual experience I've ever had!"
Aria looked up at him in shock, moved her lips as though she was going to say something, but nothing came out. He sat next to her, his hand covered hers.
"I can't… I can't talk about everything, but I remembered some…very…unpleasant things," Fenris softly said. "I tried to find you, but every time I came, you were gone. Rescuing people, doing favours for big people, making yourself unapproachable…"
"You didn't even know I went to the Deep Roads until a fortnight later. How can I believe—"
"I was giving you space! You made it quite clear I wasn't a priority in your agenda—"
Aria cut him off this time, her ire growing. "No, no, no. Don't you dare turn this around on me! I made you my top priority, and how did you repay me?"
Fenris glared silently at her in response.
"Yes. That! Exactly that! That is how you repaid me. With anger and blame and hatred and—"
It wasn't words he used to cut her off this time. He yanked her to him and silenced her with his kiss. Aria didn't fight. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back, suddenly forgiving it all. Tears spilled out of her eyes. When she pulled away moments later, she realized the salt she was tasting was not just her own. His eyes were brimmed as well.
"You're the first I've ever had," he whispered. "Willingly enough, anyway. I don't know what this is. I don't know what to do. I just…we moved too fast."
Aria regarded him with marked incredulity. "Your first? But you said…."
"I've never loved anyone before. Not like that. Not as…an equal," Fenris quietly stated.
Aria stood and paced beneath the protective canopy. Fenris stood as well and watched her, his expression going between fear, worry, and hope.
"Have I offended?" Fenris nervously queried on her fourth or fifth circuit.
"No. No it isn't that… Look, let's just get this matchmaking bit... thing... over with. We could…we could use some time to digest everything."
"You want me to come with you to the Hanged Man?"
"I don't know. I guess you don't have to. I'm just going to stall Donnic long enough for Aveline to approach him and then I'll probably head home. Or up to Varric's room for a drink or ten."
"I will meet you at Varric's then," Fenris said. "In the meantime, I need to fetch a new book I purchased last week. Perhaps you can…help me with the more challenging language?"
"It's a start," Aria hopefully consented.
"I will see you there," he said as his hand cupped her chin. He lowered his lips to hers, briefly imparting a lingering, sweet kiss before he darted off towards his mansion.
Aria touched her lips and sat down on the bench once more. She tried to be angry at him but she couldn't. She'd been angry at him for far too long and he was worth this, wasn't he? Wasn't he? She was crazy. That had to be it. She was absolutely batshit crazy. Finally, she got to her feet and traipsed down to Lowtown.
The Hanged Man was not as busy as it normally was. Give it an hour or two and the place would be packed though, once the dockworkers and farmhands came in after a long day's toils. Donnic was already waiting at a table. He regarded her suspiciously when she took the stool across from him.
"Serah Hawke," he politely said, offering her the second tankard of ale.
"Ah, my thanks," Aria genuinely replied, taking a hearty swig. Donnic smiled at this.
"So, I thought there was a group," Donnic said after a moment.
"Plans change, apparently," Aria quipped, looking around for the red-headed warrioress.
"Apparently," Donnic mused, taking a drink. "So tell me about the Deep Roads. You've made two expeditions, of a sort, and both times you've come back with great new wealth."
"Ah, the wealth I don't much care about," Aria earnestly said, taking a drink. "That was just for my mother."
"Leandra is a lovely person," Donnic interjected. "I pass her when she goes to visit Gamlen. She always has a kind word."
"She's too gentle of a soul for everything that's happened," Aria concurred.
"I've heard stories. You had a brother, did you not?"
"Yes. He was…a good young man. A bit of an arse, but his heart was good. We were in the same regiment."
"So he was like you," Donnic teased, chuckling.
"My reputation precedes me," Aria also laughed. She did like Donnic. He was a good man. Aveline made a good choice in this at least. The thought of her had Aria looking around again, and instead of seeing the ginger, she locked gazes with Fenris. He stood on the landing outside Varric's room, also surveying the slightly growing crowd of patrons. When their eyes met, he smiled ruefully and his eyes were questioning. Aria imperceptibly shook her head, and he caught the gesture. His brows furrowed and he went back towards Varric's room.
"You seem ill at ease. Am I—keeping you from your friends?" Donnic asked then.
"No, no. I just thought someone else was coming," Aria distractedly answered his question and looked back at the door as it opened. Another guardsman came in with two friends, but they went to a far table and didn't acknowledge either Aria or Donnic. None of them were Aveline. "Would you like another drink?"
"Maker, yes!" Donnic exasperatedly sighed, and he seemed slightly crestfallen.
Aria decided that if Aveline wasn't here within the next ten minutes, she was going to throttle the Guard-Captain to death with the hilt of Aveline's own sword. Aria got up to fetch two more tankards of ale from the bar, engaging in a short conversation with Corff, the bartender, before returning to the table. Donnic took a couple swigs from the tankard, looking expectantly at Hawke.
"So, you've been a guard through quite a few changes. What do you think of Aveline?" Aria asked, seeking to break the silence.
"Look, if you've come here to try and start…something, I prefer women with a little backbone," Donnic said, standing. "Thank you for the drink, Serah Hawke. It has been…an interesting time."
Aria watched him leave, shaking her head sadly. Plan B would happen. She was going to punch that red-headed shedevil the next time she saw her. Aria wouldn't have to wait long. Nearly the moment after Donnic disappeared out the front door, Aveline strode in, her face contorted in anxiety.
"I…I couldn't do it," Aveline pleaded as soon as Hawke was within earshot. She closed the distance quickly and the mist in the warrioress's eyes softened Aria's resolve to pummel her. "What did he say?"
By now, Fenris, Varric, and Anders had materialized from the dwarf's quarters and they joined the two women.
"He thinks I'm interested in him," Aria exasperatedly stated. "He told me to grow a backbone." That last statement was a jibe intended for Aveline. For once, she understood the punchline.
"I'm an idiot," Aveline lamented, holding her head in her hands for a second. She then looked to Hawke, her eyes pleading.
"Well if the shoe fits," Aria testily agreed. No more coddling, she thought.
"You're not helping! This is…so bloody difficult," the Guard-Captain said, taking Aria's nearly full tankard and draining half of it.
"Again, she deflects," Fenris chimed in then, challenging Aveline.
"I will not risk—" Aveline started to stay, but Fenris cut her off.
"You're squandering something you don't understand."
"He's right," Aria backed him up before Aveline could reply. "You have to be the one to talk to him. To show him. To…go after him. We've been doing this your way. Now we're going to do it mine."
"What do you suggest?" Aveline asked, her demeanor one of defeat.
Aria thought a moment, ideas forming and then retreating, until she met Fenris's eyes again. How had they met? How had they expressed interest in one another? Combat. Aveline was good at combat. That's where she was at her natural best.
"Patrol," she said at last. "Take him on a patrol. You'll be more at ease, he'll be more at ease, and you can just…go from there."
"Killing highwaymen doesn't exactly provide an intimate setting, though," Aveline groused. "And I'm tired of embarrassing myself. I can't fight and talk."
"You won't have to. I'll clear the way for you," Aria said, not letting Aveline formulate an exit strategy. She'd come too far. Aria was going to make her see it through.
"You're too good at this," Aveline laughed then. "Is it any wonder you've all but taken Hightown? You clear a route up the coast and I'll…I'll think of something to say."
"Give me time to suit up, and you go get Donnic. I'll light the signal fires when the routes are clear," Aria said, motioning for the rest of them to follow her.
"I've got to get Bianca. I'll meet you at the gate," Varric said, bounding away and up the stairs to his room.
Anders and Fenris were battle ready where they stood. They followed Aria up to Hightown and she ran inside her mansion to get the rest of her battle implements. Moments later, they arrived at the gate. Varric was waiting as promised, and they headed up the wending trail to the coast.
Aveline and Donnic were ahead of them, having already cleared a few bandits. Aria took the trail that went up the mountain slightly, but more or less ran parallel to the route Donnic and Aveline took. They cleared out a pocket of highwaymen and Aria lit the signal fire, eavesdropping the conversation betwixt the two guards as they passed.
"So, this route's pretty quiet," Donnic said as they passed beneath the outcropping where the signal fire blazed. He looked suspiciously at it, then back at the Captain.
"Yes, and it's a real nice night for an evening," Aveline blurted, her cheeks blushing terribly.
"Um…ahem. As you say, Captain," Donnic awkwardly replied, a hint of uncomfortable laughter in his tone. There really was no other way he could respond. He continued up the route.
"Yes. As I say," Aveline nervously coughed, then shook her head in dismay as she followed after Donnic.
Hawke stood from her eavesdropping vantage point and shook her head. "Maker, she's bad at this."
The rest of them stifled laughter as they continued double-time up the rocky paths to clear the next section. When they lit the second signal fire, all four of them hunkered down behind a boulder to listen in on the two lovebirds.
"If it isn't done right, the blade can be too soft. Quenching the steel is a vital step that can make or break a sword," Aveline was saying.
"Right," Donnic replied in absent-minded boredom.
"A blade for every purpose," Aveline continued, oblivious. "What do you think? About blades?"
"I'm sorry, Captain. I drifted off a bit," Donnic answered her query, his eyes darting to the cliffs, then down to the coast. He was in fight mode, not in romance mode.
"Right. Of course," Aveline tersely replied, stalking off up the trail and leaving a very confused Donnic in her wake.
"Ugh, painful," Aria groaned when she stood.
"Maker, just kiss him already," Anders quipped as they pressed on to the last signal fire. "He's not one for bandying about with shy little hints."
"How in the world did she ever get married?" Varric mused.
"Well, they didn't have any children, so maybe it was never consummated," Aria giggled.
"That is probably truer than you know," Varric chuckled as well.
They met another pocket of resistance, which they were quick to dispel. The Tal-Vashoth were quite wealthy and Aria was happy to refill her coin purse from their indiscretions. They made it to the third signal fire and they headed back towards Hightown, shadowing Aveline and Donnic. Aria made a quick decision to head them off and confront Aveline.
"Well, Guardsman, good patrol," Aveline was saying, undoubtedly beating a hasty retreat. "I think we're done. And I—" she trailed off for a second when Aria and her companions blocked the way. "Hawke! What a surprise… What are you doing here?"
"Aveline…" Aria said, her hand on her hip as she jutted her chin in Donnic's direction.
"Hawke, don't—" Aveline pleaded, throwing her hands up as though blocking a blow.
"I think you'll come around, once it's all out in the open," Aria gently said as her gaze shifted momentarily toward Donnic. He looked at her with suspicion.
"Would someone please tell me what's going on?" Donnic asked, his tone one of slight annoyance.
"Alright," Varric interjected then, not giving Aria or Aveline a chance to delicately resolve this. "I'm going to draw a picture of where she wants to touch you."
Anders let out a loud guffaw at this and turned away from them in a fit of coughing to cover up his laughter. Fenris's brow quirked in amusement. Aria grimaced and placed her palm on her forehead. Aveline looked absolutely devastated. And Donnic… Well, he looked quite pleased, actually.
"Captain?" Donnic asked hes, obviously pleased.
Aveline whimpered in response.
"I…should…get back to the barracks," Donnic said then, stepping quickly past Aria and her other companions. He winked at Aria as he passed.
When he was out of earshot, Aveline leveled a furious gaze on Aria. "I thought we were friends!"
"That is exactly why I have suffered through all of this," Aria flippantly countered.
"I…I have to fix this," Aveline frantically stammered. "He'll file a complaint. Ask for a transfer. You!" she said, jabbing Aria in the chest with her index finger so hard Aria was forced to take a step back to keep her balance, "You're coming back to the barracks to explain why you put him on the spot. Double-time, Hawke or so help me…"
"What the fuck? I'm here, risking my neck, putting my own personal reputation on the line to help you, and you're pinning this all on me? You can't even tell the man you're sweet on him!" Aria yelled, keeping pace with Aveline as she stalked back up the hills to the city.
"This is serious!" Aveline yelled back, jogging now.
"Oh please! He's interested, you moron. Go talk to him; I bet he's strutting like a rooster, waiting for you to return," Aria challenged.
"Hawke—just shut up," Aveline snarled.
They were silent the rest of the way back to the barracks; the men of the party wisely keeping their opinions to themselves. Anders and Varric couldn't look at each other without erupting in quickly stifled fits of laughter. Most of the guardsmen were sleeping if they weren't on patrol at this hour. It was late, and Aria was weary of dealing with Aveline's problems. She had relationship issues of her own and she wanted to deal with those, not play matchmaker for sissy Guard-Captains.
Donnic was nowhere in sight as Aveline unlocked her office door. She paced back and forth before it, glaring at each of them in turn.
"Maker, where is Donnic? I have to…head this off before it goes to the Viscount," Aveline lamented as she paced. "Maybe a formal apology? Something that shows the guards they can still trust me."
"You're their Captain and you're human. No one's going to blame you for wanting to have something other than fighting battles in your life," Aria wearily answered the red-head's meanderings.
"Not if it interferes with my role as their leader," Aveline countered.
"You're…Ugh. Aveline, they'll understand," Aria said, throwing her arms up in the air in exasperation.
"I won't be that stupid again," Aveline snarled, stepping up to Hawke in challenge.
Aria stood her ground, but before she could say or do anything, they were interrupted by someone clearing their throat. The two almost-fighting women turned to see Donnic had arrived.
"My apologies, Serah Hawke, but I need a moment with the Captain," Donnic cordially announced.
"Guardsman…Donnic…" Aveline said, awestruck.
Donnic smiled at her and inclined his head toward her office. "Please?"
Aveline looked to Hawke, who enthusiastically waved her away. Aveline's face lit up and she ushered Donnic into her office. Anders and Varric pressed their ears to the closed door. Fenris stood a few paces away, arms folded over his chest, his eyes fixed on Aria. She offered him a slight smile and took a couple steps closer to the door so she could listen.
After a few moments, Aveline's laughter could be heard. They waited until Donnic emerged. He winked at Hawke in passing, and when one of the other guardsmen returning from patrol passed by, he greeted them with uncharacteristic cheer. Aria and her companions slipped into Aveline's office and closed the door.
"Well?" Aria pressed, leaning against the bookcase next to Aveline's desk, her arms folded over her chest.
"Guardsman Donnic…did not file a complaint," Aveline dreamily stated. She straightened then and turned to look at Hawke, her expression earnest. "This was all incredibly stupid. And you made it wonderful."
"Yeah well, that's what I do. Jill of all trades. But, I think all credit for both the stupidity of the situation and its wonderful outcome can be laid at your feet," Aria replied.
"I knew asking you was the right thing," Aveline merrily said.
"Let's…not make a habit of it," Aria laughed, moving away from the bookcase to stand at her full height once more.
"I just… There's no way I can ever repay you. Perhaps it's simple. Thank you," Aveline gushed, or rather, as much of a gush as the disciplinarian Captain could allow. "Hey, can I ask you something? Was there a moment when you thought I was beyond help?"
Varric, Anders, and Fenris all laughed at this, and Aria barely refrained from joining them. "Maybe, we'll just leave that one unanswered," she hedged, winking at Aveline.
"Fair enough," Aveline chuckled. "Shout when you need me, Hawke. I'll always be here for you," she said, then as an aside, she added, "Just…knock first."
"No problem there," Aria laughed and she accepted the hug the Guard-Captain bestowed upon her.
Varric and Anders left the office first, headed back to the Hanged Man for drinks and hilarity. Varric was going to go absolutely nuts with this story, Aria well knew. Fenris offered Aria his arm as they left the barracks, and they walked in that fashion silently until they were outside in the courtyard.