Author's Disclaimer: I don't own a thing belonging to "Dragon Age 2." Everything belongs to Bioware.
Author's Notes: On we go, my lovelies!
CharlieBarrow: Thanks again for getting me into these characters and for keeping them all in tact :P
QueenTyzula: I hope you enjoy!
"Catching the Wind"
Chapter eleven "Spending time together"
Hawke strode to the door of the Hanged Man, trying not to feel like a fool. She'd gone home last night in a daze, sated and with another mating mark to bear; she hadn't gotten very much rest. She was here to meet Isabela for breakfast, as somewhat promised, and in her hand was a bouquet of flowers from the morning market. She looked very much like a suitor courting and she had no idea where she stood with anyone. Isabela had made her intentions clear, but she NEVER made her intentions clear. Not for anyone.
What made now so different? Strange hope warred in Hawke's chest. The feeble hope before the Qunari warred on Kirkwall that Isabela may one day relent to a relationship, a defined one, if she let her do as she pleased. Patrons of the Hanged Man called out greetings as she strode through the common room. She made her way through and climbed the back stairs to the rooms above. She paused, adjusting her tunic, then knocked. Isabela opened after a few seconds. Was she waiting for her? It gave Hawke's heart a jolt.
Their eyes locked and three years passed in a rush. Hawke couldn't forget the hurt she'd endured, but the old electricity as they met eyes startled her. Isabela was as lost for the moment. There was Hawke's old unabashed smile seeing her. And in her hand was a bouquet. Her heart thudded. Anyone else, she would have laughed at the gesture. And she didn't like flowers. Why accept something that was going to die in a few days anyway? But knowing Hawke had felt sappy enough to collect or buy them for her….it made her strangely happy.
"Hi." Isabela chucked Hawke's chin, getting her attention. "Are those for me?"
"Oh! Yes…." Hawke thrust the flowers in front of her, blushing. "If you want them…"
"They look good. Thanks," Isabela murmured. In trying so hard not to mess things up, she had to pull back her teasing. But seeing the pleased smile on Hawke's face made her heart thump. Hawke waited, boot tapping, as Isabela made the barkeep get her a tall glass to put the flowers in. She set the glass in her room and then went downstairs with Hawke.
"Morning stew?" The barkeep asked. The hung-over patrons from the night before loitered around the bar, heads down and sleeping. Isabela ordered two bowls and they were delivered with crusty rinds of day old bread.
The stew wasn't half bad, but Hawke had little appetite for it. Varric sidled out of his suite, yawning, and waved a salute toward the pair. Isabela found herself smiling. It was thanks to Varric that the word had gotten out to Hawke in the first place.
"So…. did you sleep okay?" Hawke asked. Isabela nodded, blushing to herself.
"I did…. how about you?" She could have kicked herself as a thoughtful blush darted across Hawke's features. Her mating mark had to be first and foremost on Hawke's mind now. Isabela had surprised even herself with it.
"…Alright, I guess. Hey, potato. Usually this stew is lacking," Hawke mumbled. Isabela giggled. She dipped her hard crust into the stew to soften it up and nibbled thoughtfully.
Hard starts at conversation were halted when an older woman pushed in and gasped at the sight of them. "You're her, aren't you? The Champion. Please, I need your help. My husband just died, and his will and papers were abducted by his old business partner. I'll pay for you to retrieve them!" The woman begged.
Hawke raised a hand to still her fussing. "I'll help you, madam. Where is your late husband's business partner known to hang about?"
After obtaining a few ideas of where to find him, Hawke finished up and cleared her throat. Isabela was watching her quietly, an odd mix. "Did you want to help me…?"
Isabela finished her stew and pushed her chair back. "Sure. It'll be like old times."
She made her tone light, but Isabela was quick to note the tender smile that darted across Hawke's lips at that. Hawke paid for the bowls of stew and the two shouldered their blades and made their way to the streets of Lowtown.
The lesser market was thronged with people, honest merchants trying to make coin, and whores plying their trade near alleyways. Isabela sauntered beside Hawke and the familiarity of it was oddly frightening. She swallowed and set into the ease of their once comradeship.
"Looks like we'll be heading to an office in Lowtown business," Hawke said. "Let's bust some heads and see where this lout is hiding."
"Bust some heads. I like it; let's do it," Isabela said. Her step was confidant beside the Champion's.
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
Heads were busted, and Hawke gained another piece of information. The late husband's business partner had frittered away the rest of the joined business funds, but his precious person hadn't been in the office. They checked out the docks, and a rather seedy pub that made The Hanged Man look like high society. A back room of said pub held the business partner and four hired thugs.
The scrape of metal against leather as Hawke unsheathed her sword filled Isabela with longing anticipation. Her daggers were unsheathed, and she flipped the blades in her hands.
"It's going to be like that? You're going to regret it," Isabela taunted. Hawke raised her blade, standing half in front of Isabela. The pirate was oddly touched. Just like old times.
"Hand over the lady's chest or you'll be brought to justice," Hawke demanded. The business partner pointed a shaky finger.
"Y-you have no right! Stop her!" he screeched. Hawke moved as fluidly as water, sword rising and falling. Isabela was able to stick a blade into one of the men before the Champion could take everyone out with two swings. Only the business partner was left, and he fell to his knees, pleading for his life.
Hawke had him arrested though, and took up the small chest he was guarding. "The lady will want this. Great job, Isabela."
"You're not so bad yourself. So strong and fast," Isabela teased. "I could watch you for hours."
The striking blush reddening Hawke's pale features told her it was just the right amount of truth and teasing. Hawke coughed.
"Come on. Let's deliver the goods to the lady. If we leave her at the Hanged Man all day, Varric will tell her the same story five times by now."
"His stories are good even five times in," Isabela protested good-naturedly. The two pushed through the rough and tumble pub patrons to the door.
"Hey, watch it!" someone barked beside them. Two men were circling each other, exchanging the odd punch that missed due to their inebriation. Isabela elbowed one of them as they passed to force him back. He snarled and unsheathed a dagger, swinging it at her. Pure adrenaline made all the noise stand still as Isabela whirled to face him. She was barely able to unsheathe, deflecting the dagger with her own. She parried a few times, grunting.
A blur flashed beside her and Hawke was on top of the man, sword held at his throat. He wheezed an apology and dropped the dagger to the floor. Hawke shook him for good measure and stood up. She re-sheathed her blade and her wild eyes told a different story as they roamed all over Isabela's body, checking for injuries. Her gloved hand settled on Isabela's arm, leading her to the door and outside. In the alleyway, Hawke turned her in her hands, looking for cuts.
"Are you okay?! Did he hurt you?!" she demanded. Isabela shook, but only from the intensity of Hawke's concern. It was evident she did care. Her heart gladdened. She couldn't help melting against Hawke's side as her arm encircled her waist.
"I'm okay! You got him before he could get me," she insisted. Hawke touched her shoulder, then noticed their close proximity. They were close enough to kiss and the realization slammed across Hawke's features. She took a step back, adjusting her armor.
"My apologies," she stammered. Isabela watched her with half-hooded eyes.
"Oh, don't be," she murmured. Hawke fairly stared at her. Isabela cleared her throat.
"Let's get the chest back to its rightful owner."
The chest had been dropped in Hawke's haste to check on Isabela's well-being, and luckily no one had tampered with it. Back at the Hanged Man, the woman glowed over it, and asked for someone to bust the lock open. Hawke unsheathed her blade and smacked the butt of her sword against the iron lock. It fell apart and the woman reached in, taking out a sheath of papers rolled up and tied with a ribbon.
"My husband's will! Thank you so much, Champion. Wait, there is something I can give you…" the woman's eyes crinkled as she found what she was looking for at the bottom. "These belonged to my great aunt. Take it with my thanks."
Extended in her cupped hands were a small fortune in priceless jewels. Hawke smiled and graciously accepted.
"I am truly flattered, madam. May the Maker watch over you and your family."
Isabela smiled to herself as the woman gushed over her again, grateful. Hawke did make a wonderful Champion of the people. Everyone liked her it seemed.
When the woman left, Varric in tow to finish up a story, Hawke raised a bemused eyebrow to her companion. "You did help and almost took a blade for me. Here…."
Isabela was surprised all the jewels were pushed into her hand. Hawke's gloved hands folded both of hers around the precious gems, gently keeping her hands together. "Hawke, this is too much!"
"Keep it. You do look good in turquoise gems," Hawke shrugged, but a familiar gleam was in her eye. Isabela was glad to see it.
"I…thank you…" For once, Isabela was at a loss for words. Hawke gave her a slow smile and winked. Isabela was shocked to feel a blush climb up her neck and across her face. "It's really too much…."
"You always seem to help me in these outings. It's never too much," Hawke insisted. The old feelings for the pirate queen stirred in her breast. It felt entirely too good and only the odd thought about Merrill dampened her mood. Hawke sighed as Isabela grinned at her.
"Do you want to have dinner with me here?" Isabela asked. Hawke nodded.
"Too early for dinner. So, I guess we'll have to fill the time."
Isabela beamed happily.
8
8
8
*
8
8
8
8
8
8
Merrill wandered the edge of the Alienage. She was so down today, she could barely comprehend if anyone was in her way when she ventured outside her door. The large tree in the area courtyard loomed high overhead. The city had kept the large tree for the elves as they wanted it, and many had painted the base with loops and swirls.
Merrill walked round it, ignoring the calls of a few of her neighbors. She unlocked her hut door and walked in. She often forgot to lock it but really that was more out of habit. The Dalish weren't used to being indoors and Hawke had always reminded her to lock up. Hawke…
Merrill walked around her home, barely dodging the table and chairs as she did. There, Hawke liked that chair. And there, she could still see Hawke sleeping in her scratchy sheets, impressive body barely covered and waiting for her touch. It was just a fling, right? And Merrill had waited, and waited. It had been quite recently since Isabela had come to talk to her about her Champion.
Merrill had offered to let Isabela speak her piece and have a chance. Well, maybe this silence was Hawke's answer. She had chosen Isabela over her. Right? Then why didn't she say so? Hawke wouldn't just leave her guessing and waiting and hurting like this.
Well, it was just a few days more to wait. She had to be patient. Merrill paced and stopped in front of the tall broken mirror near her bed frame. The Dalish artifact stood mocking her almost with its imperfections and jagged pieces missing. Merrill had tried to help restore its magical properties, but it was slow going and Hawke had definitely taken up a lot of her time.
Well, now she had time. Merrill sighed as she picked up a cloth and polished a corner area diligently.
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
Hawke leaned back in her seat, thighs spread as Isabela ordered them another round of whiskey. They had been drinking all evening, first with dinner, and at the pirate's invitation. Hawke wasn't needed at the guardsmen barracks, and she didn't feel like going home to an empty house. So, she had gladly accepted.
A quick glance round the common room told her Merrill hadn't come. The other patrons were boisterous, talking and singing as they sang and ate. Varric was regaling three human women with a witty tale, spreading his gloved hands for emphasis. All seemed well. Merrill…..A twinge of guilt flared in Hawke's heart. She would have to do something…decide or….
Isabela laughed beside her, and Hawke's attention was drawn to her. Just as before, not just her beauty, but her laughing curses and sly winks drew her eye. And her heart felt warmed by the attention the pirate had just for her.
"What was it about me that had you hang around?" Hawke asked as she sipped her fifth whiskey. Isabela laughed, touching her wrist. Hawke's skin burned.
"Can I be honest? Those gorgeous green eyes and serious face. Then you turned around and I thought you had a great ass," Isabela grinned. Hawke's grin spread also, rather lop-sided as she battled a buzz.
"You're just saying that," she said. Her heart thudded as Isabela leaned close. A good look down her plunging neckline was there for the taking so Hawke got a good long look. Her clit throbbed, aching to shift. But now wasn't the time.
"It's true!" Isabela insisted. She arched her shoulders and poised herself. "What about me?"
"Your beauty. You were so tough and just so damned beautiful. Then you greeted me after you took on those three thugs yourself. I didn't even have to jump in and you still wanted to talk," Hawke remembered. Bethany had been at her side then…. The very thought made her sad. Hawke took another sip. She stared into her glass, eyes sad. "I missed that about you. Your wit and you were always there. Then you weren't… I looked for you every time I had to pass the city docks."
Isabela's heart thudded. She couldn't help it. She set her hand over Hawke's and squeezed. "I'm here now. I…I didn't know you looked for me."
The forlorn look Hawke gave her slayed Isabela's heart. She held onto her hand, lending her feelings silently. Finally, Hawke squeezed her hand back.
"I…I have something to confess. Well, I told you when I apologized…. Yes, I did sleep with other alphas after I left. They all turned into you." Isabela's face glowed in a blush. Hawke looked oddly touched, then preened.
"Flatterer," she said. Isabela gave her old sultry wink.
"I try."
"Okay, on three, sip," Hawke suggested. Isabela called a few more drinking games and the two were fairly reeling as the night wound down. Varric walked past their corner table, shaking his head and laughing at the pair.
"You'll need to stay the night, Hawke!" he called.
Hawke grinned drunkenly. "Not in your room! Bianca will have a fit!"
Varric nodded seriously. "Aye, that she will…" he gestured to Isabela.
The pirate coughed. Thanks for the subtlety, Varric. "You should stay with me. Bed's big enough."
By the slow grin on Hawke's face, Isabela knew she was remembering other times in that bed. The Champion stood and shook out a few gold coins from her coin pouch. Isabela tossed a handful of silvers to help with the bill.
"Well, come on. Got to keep you safe," Hawke insisted. Despite her buzz, Isabela was touched. They staggered up the stairs, holding onto each other. Hawke leaned against Isabela's shoulder as she fiddled with the room key. They filed in and Hawke giggled as she fell onto the floor. Isabela slammed the door and settled onto the rug. Hawke was trying to kick her boots off, giggling. Isabela tried to help, tugging at her breastplate and armor pieces.
Hawke blinked, scrubbing her hand across her face. Isabela blushed as Hawke's fingers groped along her tunic, tugging one side of it over her shoulder.
"Come on….bed….." Isabela urged. Sex was not on her mind. When Hawke was spread out on her back, breathing evenly and near sleep, her heart surged. Isabela tugged the covers over them and curled up close to the Champion's shoulder. Basking in Hawke's warmth, she finally slid to sleep following her to rest.
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
The following morning, Isabela woke evenly. Whiskey WAS her drink of choice, after all. Hawke was still snoring so after using the chamber pot, Isabela sat on the edge of the bed, taking off her bandana to comb her hair. She watched the Champion's face as she slept, breathing deeply as she was off in dreamland. Isabela wondered what she dreamed about. It was too much to hope it was her.
Hawke stirred, and her eyes opened, gazing up at Isabela with a dreamy gaze. "Bela?" she said. Isabela's heart thudded. She set her comb down and leaned down to Hawke.
"I'm here," she said. Hawke grimaced, scrubbing at her mouth with one wrist.
"Too much whiskey," she said. The pirate queen grinned.
"You know me; I could drink it all night."
"You can," Hawke agreed. She sat up and scrubbed a hand through her tousled hair. Her tunic pulled up along her pale thighs and Isabela eyed her bare flesh. "Let's get to breakfast."
"Sounds good!" Isabela said. They finished dressing and headed for the common room.
End for now
End notes: Awww, poor Merrill. She'll get more play :P Stay strong my lovelies. Like it, smash it and do that review thing.
Sincerely, pen
11/04/2017