Chapter FORTY-ONE

Fenris watched Aria sleep for several moments, his fingers went through her hair, marveling at the way the silken strands managed to reflect even the lowest of lights. They'd been through a private hell, each of them; his with Danarius and escaping the shackles of slavery, and hers with the destruction of her home and the loss of her family. And yet… And yet here they were. Alive. Safe, for the moment, he amended the thought with a smirk. Happy.

Happy. He nuzzled the top of her head, breathing in her scent. Happiness was something for which he had never even dared hope. It was a strange feeling, yet another that set his heart racing in panic for second. Would he lose himself in this…this…wonderful, chaotic bliss she offered him? She gave of herself to him freely, never doubting him, never questioning. She trusted him, he knew, and he trusted her. He sighed and closed his eyes then, succumbing to the exhaustion that still plagued him from the battles the day before.

ooooooo

Aria woke of her own accord to sunlight flooding into her bedroom. She listened to the birds singing outside and the calls of people hailing each other on the street. And then she felt steely arms close tightly around her, lips at her neck.

"Good morning," Fenris whispered.

Aria giggled. "Good morning. It is nice to not get dragged kicking and screaming from bed for once."

"It is," he rasped, kissing her cheek.

"I wonder if Bethany is up yet," she said, sitting up and stretching. Her body was still sore, but not as badly as it had been last night when she was so rudely awakened by Aveline. She still felt the unsettling wave of nausea again as she moved to the edge of the bed.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee and food cooking greeted both their noses and Aria heard Fenris's stomach grumble. They both laughed at this and climbed out of bed. Fenris donned his clothes from last night, his armour over the top of them, and he gathered his other clothes from the chair by Aria's desk.

Aria fished some clean undergarments out of her dresser and quickly pulled them on. Then she went to her closet and selected one of the dresses Mother had gotten for her. It was a hunter green sundress with a wide silver belt just below the bosom. She snatched a pair of strappy silver wedges from her shoe rack and quickly pulled them on. Aria smiled when she watched Fenris tie the ribbon he'd taken from her hair around his wrist again.

He watched her twist her hair into its normal ornate bun on top of her head, and she fixed the combs she'd wore last night back into it. Fenris quickly ran a comb through his own reckless hair, then offered her his arm.

"I'm going to go home and get some things together; how long do you figure we'll be gone?" he asked as they alighted the stairs into the great hall.

"How long do you think it'll take us to get to Seheron?" Aria queried.

"That depends. How do you want to get there?" Fenris countered as they entered the dining room. "We're really tempting fate going there, you know. It's primarily controlled by the Qunari."

"I fought the Arishok in an honorable battle. Thankfully, the Qunari are not underhanded, as a whole. Going by ship would probably best. And maybe we can hire a carriage once we reach port. I'm not keen on walking all the way."

Fenris chuckled. "I'll arrange it."

Aria fished in her coin purse and handed him ten sovereigns. "Keep it discreet."

He quirked his trademark smirk and pocketed the coins. "Discretion is my specialty."

She kissed his cheek and they sat down at the table together. Aria poured him coffee and herself some milk. Orana had just set a platter of scrambled eggs and bacon on the table. She smiled and bowed as she entered, then returned to the kitchen. Sandal was setting the table and Bodahn had just sat down to his morning paper. Bethany entered shortly after Fenris and Aria, her hair tousled and she was still in her bed clothes. Gamlen also joined them momentarily, cleanly shaven and looking slightly hungover.

"Uncle, would you mind watching over my estate for the next few weeks?" Aria asked as they all sat down to breakfast together.

Gamlen looked at her in shock. "You're leaving? Again?"

Aria laughed. "This time I'm going on holiday for a while. Fenris and I need a change of scenery."

"No doubt!" Bethany chimed. "Where are you going?"

Fenris looked at Aria and surreptitiously shook his head. Aria caught the gesture before she responded, so she hedged. "I'm not quite sure yet. We might just—travel. I'll write to you when we find someplace to enjoy ourselves."

"Well fine. Be that way," Bethany giggled, wise to her sister's tricks. "Were I you, I wouldn't want anyone knowing where I was going either."

"You're going to elope, aren't you?" Gamlen said then, taking a strip of bacon from the platter in front of him. He grabbed three more.

"Elopement is for those who have something to hide," Aria curtly replied. "Everyone in this city knows my business, most of the time before I even do. No, we're just going on holiday. I've never been. It would be nice not to have the Guard-Captain dragging me out of bed no matter where I sleep every morning to go fight monsters."

"And now Knight-Commanders," Bethany darkly groused, stuffing almost an entire muffin in her mouth.

"It would be no trouble," Gamlen all-too-happily replied. "I will look after things while you're away."

Aria snatched five sovereigns out of her coin purse and pushed them across the table to her uncle. "For your trouble. And, I'm leaving Bodahn in charge of the money. He'll help you fund the repairs to your home, if necessary."

Gamlen pocketed the coin greedily, then smiled benevolently at his niece. "It is good to return to grace."

"Yes well, see that you don't squander it this time, hmm?" Aria saucily retorted.

"Indeed," Gamlen chuckled, taking a bite of a muffin himself.

Fenris ate quickly and took his leave, kissing the top of Aria's head before he departed. Gamlen was not far behind him, eager to spend some coin. Aria helped Bodahn and Orana clear the table while Sandal washed the dishes and Bethany returned upstairs to get dressed.

Once breakfast was cleared, Aria went out to the garden. She sat on one of the low benches facing the front of the hawk statue. It occurred to her that her surname was a good fit. She was a bird of prey. She could take on larger birds and animals and win with speed and cunning. She was forced to see the greater picture from high above, how the world around her came together, how each little cog and nail held the foundations together. And she had to protect them. Keep things running smoothly.

But not today. And not for a good long while. She needed rest from that daunting task that had befallen her. Tonight she'd leave Kirkwall behind for a while. Tonight she'd be free to do as she wished, go where she wished. It would be just her and Fenris. No fights. No battles. No bandits and Qunari. Just them. Fenris wanted to go to Seheron, the place of his birth. Aria sighed. No doubt Danarius could strike there. Well, maybe there'd be one or two fights, she conceded to herself. But she'd end them. Anyone that tried to take Fenris from her… She'd destroy them utterly. No mercy, she icily thought.

Instinctively her hand went to her belly. She would know if…if she was expecting, wouldn't she? Didn't women get sick at first? Aria had never paid much attention; children had never been in her forecast. But Bethany and Fenris had been right. It was entirely possible that she was with child. Oh, why hadn't she thought of that before…before…

"Are you ready, sister?" Bethany asked her from the patio doors.

"Yes!" Aria squeaked, turning abruptly to face her.

"What's wrong?" Bethany queried with alarm.

"Oh, nothing. I was just…lost in thought for a moment."

Bethany took her arm as Aria approached and they walked through the mansion and out the front doors together before either of them spoke again.

"What were you thinking about?" Bethany asked once they were not within earshot of anyone. They walked towards the high-end bazaar near the Dwarven Merchant's Guild, where the best dress makers and jewelers operated. They started browsing the merchants' wares.

"The future," Aria hedged.

"Don't give me so many details," Bethany chided sarcastically.

Aria laughed. "It's just…difficult for me to imagine."

"What?"

"Being…being…a mother."

Bethany gasped. "So you are?"

"No!" Aria curtly replied. "I'm sorry. I don't…I don't think I am, anyway. I would know, right?"

"You're asking the wrong person," Bethany giggled.

"Asking the wrong person what?" Isabela's voice greeted their ears from behind.

"Which is more dangerous," Aria started. "A male or female High Dragon?"

"Well that depends," Isabela chuckled. "But I wouldn't really know. I imagine a female guarding a nest would be much more of a threat than a lone male. Unless you threatened his treasure horde. It's a toss up. I've never even seen one, so I'm no expert."

Bethany giggled and shook her head as she squeezed Aria's arm. "Always so clever."

"What?" Isabela suspiciously asked, taking Aria's other arm as they perused the beautiful wares before them.

"Inside joke," Bethany chortled, her large, brown eyes sparkling merrily.

"Oh fine, be that way then," Isabela chuckled.

They wandered around the markets for hours. Isabela and Bethany took the liberty of selecting a whole new wardrobe for Aria. She doubted she'd wear half the stuff they picked out for her, but Bethany reminded Aria of her new role as a member of the Kirkwall Council. She'd need to dress the part on several upcoming occasions.

Pfff, not if I'm thousands of miles away, Aria scoffed in her thoughts. She really didn't want to sit on the Council. It wasn't like any of those stuff-shirted blowhards would listen to her anyway. Especially Seneschal Brann. Maker, she abhorred that man. He was a waste of flesh and bone, in her not so humble opinion.

Aria made some new furniture purchases, including a new heavy duty safe that had multiple theft deterrents. She hired a decorator to come in and get Gamlen to help him set up a more permanent room for the man. She also sent some builders to Gamlen's Lowtown hovel to start repairs and upgrades. That part of Lowtown had been heavily hit with gaatlok and his hovel had been all but destroyed.

They went to the Hanged Man for dinner, joining Varric, Anders, and Fenris in Varric's permanent room. Varric tried to sweet talk Aria into purchasing the Hanged Man for him, on the premise that he'd give her half the profits. She told him she'd consider it.

The sun started to set all too quickly outside the windows of Varric's room. Bethany said her good byes to all of them, sharing well-wishes and tears. Aria led her outside on the promise that she'd come back to the Hanged Man when she was done taking Bethany to the place the mages reluctantly called home. They stopped just outside the Gallows' gates and the templars on guard opened it before them, two more guards came out but stood just far enough away that they could still privately converse.

"Do be careful in your travels, sister, wherever they take you. And write me! But don't put anything that could compromise your safety in your letters. All our mail is intercepted and read before it reaches us."

"That I well know. I will write you," Aria said, her voice shaking.

Bethany palmed her sister's cheek, tears in her eyes. "I'm so bloody proud of you!"

"And I of you. I love you, sister. Take care of yourself, hmm?" Aria hugged her.

"I love you too, sister. And you do the same," Bethany tearily stated.

"Ok. I think I might have a boat to catch, and these fellows don't look too happy to have waited so long," Aria said, stepping away and swiping at her tears with her sleeve. She smiled sadly at her sister and squeezed her hand.

"Safe travels," Bethany replied, squeezing back and turning for the guards.

Aria watched them escort Bethany inside. Bethany turned back at the gate and waved before they closed the wrought iron behemoths after her. Aria turned and jogged away, eager to return to the Hanged Man and learn of her travel plans. Several people stopped her to ask for autographs and a quick chat on the way back. She obliged most, until she was a block from the tavern. She waved the last three people off, explaining that she had a meeting to keep. They didn't believe her when she ran into the Hanged Man, but she didn't care right now. She'd done enough for the people of this city.

When she entered Varric's room, just the dwarf and Fenris were present and they had to unlock it to let her in. Aria quickly seated herself next to Fenris, facing Varric across the table.

"Ok, you're in luck. There's a supply ship setting off in three hours for Brandel's Reach. You'll dock in Brandel's Reach and from there, you'll take another ship, this one is a passenger ship for the Carta, so you'll travel anonymously from the Reach to Antiva. I know a carriage operator there. He'll take you past Qarinus to the coast, where you'll be able to take another Carta ferry to Seheron," Varric laid out their itinerary for Aria.

"Thank you, Varric," Aria said, reaching across the table to squeeze his hand.

"It's the least I can do, Hawke," Varric returned the squeeze and sat back to look between both of them. "Will you return?"

"Of course. When I'm damn good and ready," Aria laughed wickedly.

"Be careful there, you two. Tevinters and Qunari abound there, and someone's bound to know at least one of you," Varric admonished. He stood and so did they. "I imagine you have packing to do. Fenris has all the details, manifests, and necessary documents. I had a friend expedite it all today."

Aria ran around the end of the table, knelt, and hugged him. "I owe you, Varric."

"Madam, you owe me nothing, and never will," Varric replied, pulling away to look into her eyes. His expression was serious. "I mean that."

Aria kissed his cheek and stood. Fenris offered her his arm, which she instinctively took. "Take care of yourself, Varric," he said as they stopped at the door and turned back. "I fully expect to see you when we return."

"Likewise, elf. Hawke."

They wasted no time getting home, sticking to the shadows so no one saw them race to Hightown. They went first to Fenris's estate, where a rented cart waited. They loaded the two trunks and satchel that Fenris had packed earlier, then went to Hawke's estate. Sandal and Bodahn were already in bed. Orana was playing her lute softly in her room, singing in a strange tongue along with it. Gamlen was out, probably at the Blooming Rose. He did have money to spend for once and Aria was sure no woman would ever let Gamlen touch her without being paid to do it.

Aria's two trunks and three satchels waited at the door. She and Fenris quickly loaded them, and just as they reached the bridge that the traders used to get from Hightown to Lowtown, a familiar voice hailed them, causing the mule pulling it to rear up for a second. Fenris got it quickly back in hand.

"Hawke! Hawke!" Aveline's voice boomed.

Aria whirled and put her fingers to her lips as her eyes met Aveline's fierce green ones. She glared at the Guard-Captain as she jogged over to them.

"You're not leaving?!" Aveline hissed on a low whisper when she reached them.

"Just for a little while. I'll be back, Aveline. I'm going on holiday for the first time in my life. And you're not stopping me this time," Aria spat back in the same low tone.

Aveline looked hurt. "You were going to leave without telling me? I had to hear from a patrol returning that there was a cart outside your house."

"We haven't told anyone where we're going. And I can't tell you, either. I will be back. We just…we just need to get out of this city for a while," Aria softly replied, clapping a hand on the Guard-Captain's shoulder.

"I understand," Aveline dejectedly stated. "Do you have a time frame of when you'll return at least?"

"Few weeks. Couple months, possibly," Aria replied.

"I'll try to hold the fort while you're gone," Aveline said, hugging the rogue to her. "Be careful."

"Always. I'll send for you when I get back."

"See that you do," Aveline replied. She looked to Fenris. "You bring her back alive and in one piece, you hear me?"

Fenris chuckled. "So long as I draw breath."

"Good. Well… Safe travels, you two. I'll anxiously await your return."

"Good bye, Aveline," Aria said, hugging her again.

"Good bye, Aria."

They left her on the bridge, and she watched until they were out of sight. An hour later, they were boarded and in their private cabin on a ship named The Cherise du Bois. Aria couldn't believe it. They were leaving Kirkwall for an adventure all their own. No cities depending on her, no plots to thwart, no catastrophes to stop. Just Fenris and Hawke, doing whatever they pleased, whenever they pleased. It was at once exciting, but also terrifying. What awaited them on this journey? She tried to think positively; no battles, no causes, no politics.

"Are you excited?" Fenris asked as they curled up on the surprisingly comfortable cot that served as the room's bed.

"Beyond measure," Aria gushed, her head resting on Fenris's shoulder.

"I imagine the last time you were on a boat, it was…much different?"

"Yes," Aria sadly replied. "It was filthy. There were a lot of rats. And the crew all looked down on us."

"Much the same as my last experience on a ship," Fenris agreed.

"And here we are, VIPs," Aria giggled. "And no more getting dragged out of bed by Aveline."

"She is…the most belligerent human being with whom I've ever been in contact," Fenris chuckled.

"She means well. She just…has no tact."

"Mmmhmm," Fenris grunted in response.

They were silent for a long time. The ship left port and Aria could hear the crew yelling to each other above them. The ship lurched as soon as it cleared the harbour, the wind catching the sails fully and surging them forward. Once the initial takeoff was done, things quieted down and the ship gently rocked as it cut the waves. Aria fell asleep shortly thereafter, safe and warm in Fenris's embrace.

ooooooo

As luck would have it, they made it less than a day out of port before a strong storm whipped over the Waking Sea. The ship tossed about and the crew all yelled to each other over head. Aria and Fenris listened, but stayed in their cabin as they were told by the ship's captain. They had gone on deck to try and help, but neither of them was seaworthy. It was odd for once to be more of a hindrance than a help and idleness ill-suited both of them.

"I think I'm cursed," Aria growled as she was almost thrown off the cot for the hundredth time by a huge wave crashing into the ship.

"You? Never," Fenris needled her, his tone playfully sarcastic.

"Ooh, you're not helping. I think I'm going to be sick," Aria groused as the ship pitched violently again.

Fenris fetched the empty chamber pot that was chained to the wall for her. She kept it beside her as the ship continued listing and groaning while the storm had its way. Several moments later, Fenris ended up needing the chamber pot, as seasickness claimed him.

After what seemed like ages, but in reality had been just under three hours, the storm subsided and the ship was smoothly sailing again. However, the first mate did visit them to let them know they'd be forced to make port in Highever. The ship had snapped two of her three masts, they'd lost two crew to the waves, and they were working on repairing a breach in the hull that wasn't considered severe, but could be dangerous in the event of another storm. The storm had also pushed them dangerously off course and they'd never make it to the Reach.

"Seheron was a bad idea anyway," Aria sighed when the man left.

"I'm inclined to agree," Fenris wearily replied, the chamber pot still resting in his lap. He looked less green than he had a moment ago. "How did that craziness not make you sick?"

"I hate…throwing up. I hate it as much as you hate Danarius," Aria replied on a laugh.

"Pah!" Fenris snarled. "I was hoping we'd run into him."

"And you accused me of tempting fate?" Aria giggled.

"Highever. That's Ferelden isn't it?" Fenris asked after a few silent moments had passed. He seemed to be recovering from seasickness quite swiftly.

"Yes," Aria replied. "I've never been there."

"Neither have I. Goal accomplished," he gingerly said, dumping the chamber pot out the port hole and using the spray from the waves to rinse it. Aria grimaced when he hung it back up, but said nothing. Messy business indeed.

"I'll write to Varric in a couple days, keep Aveline off our scent," Aria remarked after another bout of silence.

"She probably went straight to him as soon as we left," Fenris mused.

"Oh, I'm sure of it," Aria laughed.

When they made port in Highever, Aria procured them a room at one of the higher end inns in town. She used aliases for them both and wrote a quick letter to Varric, alerting him to the change of plans. They supped at the inn's tavern and then used what little daylight they had left for sightseeing. People glowered at them as they passed, disapproving of a well-dressed young woman on the arm of an equally well-dressed elf. Aria didn't care. Every time someone's glaring disapproval was evident, she only incited them further by showing Fenris affection; a squeeze of the hand, a quick kiss. Every time, the bigots stormed away or pretended that they didn't just glare at them in passing.

For the next week or so, they spent their time sightseeing in and around Highever. All of their travel plans had been lost to that storm and their timelines were ruined. It didn't really matter. They'd intended to go someplace new, where no one knew who they were, and therefore, would leave them alone. It worked, for a time, except on their ninth day in Highever, Aria received a letter, which had been delivered on a ship directly from Kirkwall. It was sealed with the crest of House Tethras. Aria recognized Varric's handwriting.

Hawke and Elf,

I'm glad you made it safely into port after that storm. Don't worry, I didn't tell Aveline anything. I hope you have the good sense to keep your travels in Ferelden.

See you soon,

Varric of House Tethras

When she finished reading it, Aria was giggling. She handed it to Fenris to read while she prepared for bed.

"Word travels fast," Fenris growled, setting the note to flame in the hearth.

"I imagine the seas were pretty swift after that storm," Aria grunted as she crawled into bed. Fenris joined her momentarily.

"Where are we going tomorrow?" Fenris chuckled, blowing out the last candle in the room. It was a good deal colder in Highever than in Kirkwall, and they had given the innkeep license to enter their room and keep the fire going.

"I guess we could make for Denerim. It's been many, many years since I've been there," Aria sleepily replied, rolling onto her side so she could draw her leg over Fenris's hip. His hand rested in the bend of her knee.

"I enjoy it when you do that," he huskily whispered, then kissed her forehead.

"Do what?" Aria giggled, flicking the tip of his nose lightly with her forefinger.

"That thing you do when you throw your leg over me. It feels as though you're saying 'Mine'," he chuckled, leaning forward to kiss her forehead.

"You are mine, as I am yours," she softly replied.

"I am yours, as you are mine," he whispered in response.

They fell asleep shortly thereafter. Aria woke early the next morning as the innkeeper's boy stoked the hearth and threw more logs on. The sun was just starting to rise in the east. Aria waited for the boy to leave before she got out of bed. Fenris still slept soundly, soft snores endearing him to her even more. She rifled through her chests and opened some of the gifts she'd received while still in Kirkwall. In all honesty, she'd all but forgotten them. She stifled a squeal of glee when she saw a fresh new suit of the best armour she'd ever seen. She donned it quickly, and as she pulled the bell for room service, Fenris woke.

He hastily dressed in clean under armour clothes, then donned his trademark suit of spikes. They quickly ate breakfast once the innkeeper's boy brought it up, and Aria and Fenris went to the livery to hire a coach. She perused some maps while she waited for the team of horses to be hitched up to the carriage. She didn't really need it; everyone in Ferelden knew how to get to Denerim, no matter where they originally started. Maybe they'd take their holiday in the Ferelden capitol afterall.