Author's Disclaimer: I don't own a thing belonging to "Dragon Age 2." They all belong to BioWare!
Author's notes: We're heading for the game's end events that trigger a war. For those not in the know, it's a war of templars against mages. With Hawke's sister and her second mate, she is highly invested to keeping the side of mages, at least in my play-through :P But not to fear, even when we hit the end of the game, I am continuing on. I have stuff planned for Hawke before her appearance in "Dragon Age: Inquisition."
Ideas for the lines from Meredith towards Hawke's pups and the ship bed come from CharlieBarrow. Thanks for the idea!
QueenTyzula: Thanks for sticking with this one. Tried to convey the world from the game aptly since you've never played it :P
CharlieBarrow: Thanks again for the lines for Meredith and help on events.
"Catching the Wind"
Chapter twenty "City Astir"
Hawke lay on her belly on the bed. She was naked, gripping the sheets in both hands. The ship's wooden surface had done a number on her arse, not to mention Isabela's passion. Now, her mates were busy digging and plucking splinters from her upturned rear.
"Yowch! Watch it!" Hawke griped. Isabela rubbed the swell of her ass affectionately, far from any cuts.
"I would say I'm sorry, sweet thing, but it IS you," Isabela teased." I couldn't help myself."
Merrill blushed as she retrieved another jagged piece of wood with the tweezers. Small tugs of her fingers wove healing magic through her mate's cuts. "On the ship's deck, really? Can we try that?"
Hawke grinned at the blushing elf. She rubbed Merrill's thigh through her leggings. "Sure if you want, love….."
"Heal up first," Isabela suggested. Merrill nodded, eyes lit with concentration.
"Your perfect bum sure got it."
"You think my ass is perfect?" Hawke was full of herself. Merrill nodded, face red.
"Well, yes…."
"Oh, hush, Hawke," Isabela snorted. Hawke raised up on her elbows and preened. The muscles in her shoulders rolled.
"Keep teasing me, I'll have a problem. That you should really help me with," Hawke grinned. Isabela gave her a sultry look. From what she could see of Hawke's privates from her leaned up position on her elbows, she was unshifted, but that could very well change. The pirate ran her tongue over her lips.
"Well then, what do you have to show me?..."
"Papa! Mama!"
Hawke buried her face in a pillow as her sons ran into the master bedroom. "Knock, pups!" she grasped a corner of the sheets to tug over her hip.
But the twins were already inside, and they couldn't keep from staring at the debacle occurring. "Are you okay, Papa?" Lark asked. Falcon tugged on Merrill's arm idly.
"Yeah, well…." Hawke mumbled into the pillow. Isabela smirked at her mate and ruffled her son's hair.
"Papa got an owie. On her bum." Isabela's grin was insufferable. Merrill leaned down to affectionately tuck a lock of hair behind the Champion's ear. Hawke smiled up at her.
"Mamae, use your magic to make Papa better," Falcon urged. Merrill nodded and moved the sheet aside. She continued prodding at Hawke's bare ass, face knit in an expression of concentration. She dug out another splinter and Hawke yelped.
"Be brave, Papa!" Lark suggested. Hawke gave her son a wry smile.
"You got it, little Champion." At her son's insistence, Hawke bit back each gasp and stifled moan. The pleasure she'd gotten for this pain was worth it, after all.
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Isabela toed her boot over the debris on the dirt floor. Squeaks from a nearby stack of barrels caught her attention. Darktown, the connecting tunnels below Kirkwall, was a downright squalor of a place and it was always startling to see the ragged children and peasants trying to survive here.
Merrill shuddered and moved beside her noticing the rats. "By the Dread Wolf," she muttered. Isabela agreed with her and both women watched Hawke off to the side. Their mate was conversing with Anders. The blond mage was waving his thin hands, trying to persuade Hawke for….something. Isabela found she couldn't pay attention, instead trying to rifle through random crates without appearing like she was looting. Someone's torn trousers? Really?
"I don't know, Anders. You haven't proven to be a friend to the Chantry. Why do you want to go in…" Hawke was saying. Anders gave a small laugh and continued. Isabela raised an eyebrow. The mage had always been trying with her in the past, but he was apparently hiding something. She hoped her mate had the sense to see it.
"Very well." Hawke gave a curt nod of the head politely to the smiling mage. "We'll head to the Chantry later in the week. Or when you like."
"Of course. Thank you, Hawke!"
Hawke took up Merrill's hand as they left the rough-shod clinic. Isabela took the crook of her arm on her other side. "What did Blondie want?" she asked.
Hawke looked troubled. "To enter the Chantry with me. He can't be allowed by himself, could he, having spoken out against them. But as to why, I'm not sure….."
"Anders DID help with the maps for the Deep Roads. And other little things, I'm sure," Merrill chirped. Hawke gave her a tender smile and squeezed her hand gently.
"He has been a friend. I should help him then…."
"You're too good to everyone, sweet thing. I say let him find his own way in. It's cause the Head of the Chantry likes you, is all," Isabela pointed out. And it may be true. But Grand Cleric Elthina was fair to everyone, it seemed.
"Let's get home," Hawke urged. She stopped to pull coins out of her pouch and give them to some of the rough and tumble children dressed in rags. Her mates followed.
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Hawke grumbled. She left Knight Commander Meredith's office in sour thoughts. The older warrior had been congenial enough, but Hawke had taken to disliking the hard gleam in her eye more and more. The woman seemed to get off on punishing any mage she could find, and even Orsino, with his impeccable reputation, had caught her ire.
The First Enchanter had always been fair to Hawke and her companions, and now he beckoned across a hallway of the Gallows, desperation in his gaze. Hawke nodded and Varric hurried at her side. These types of meetings called for diplomacy, and so she had ventured out when called without either of her mates. Merrill, for her mage status, could not be allowed inside the Gallows walls. She'd never leave them. And Isabela would have riled Meredith up and possibly caused another incident where she'd find herself arrested. Again.
Hawke closed the door of Orsino's office behind her and Varric. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" she asked. The elf moved around his desk, scattering scrolls as he went.
"Enough pleasantry. I fear we don't have the time for it," Orsino worried. He coughed. "There have been rumor of blood mages meeting in the streets of Hightown at night. Please investigate this matter for me….if they are blood mages, they must be arrested. If they are innocent, I would have word to keep Meredith's templars off them. Please, Serah Hawke…"
Hawke nodded, feeling a headache coming on. "Of course, Mage Orsino. I will walk Hightown tonight and hopefully have an answer for you."
Varric sighed as the pair left the office. "It never ends does it, Hawke?"
"No, it doesn't…"
"Drink?" Varric suggested. Hawke gave a rueful smile.
"I need to check on my family. If Bela IS there, send her home, would you?"
"Course, Hawke. After she has had her fill of my glorious chest hair." Varric puffed his chest out, teasing. Hawke gave his shoulder a punch, but it was in good nature.
The streets were full of templars, and a nod was given to Cullen across the square. Citizens and mages were on the rush to go about their errands. Many mages left their staves at home, but Hawke still recognized the hand motions that went into enchantments at odd intervals. She hoped they'd be careful and always her thoughts went to the mages in her own life; her late father, sister, and mate. Too late for Father, Bethany was out of reach as a Grey Warden, and Merrill….
Hawke hurried home. At her special knock, Orana unlatched the door. Bodahn and his simple son had already departed the city, much to Hawke's dismay. She really did need to hire another man servant or two to help protect the women in her household, but with unease roiling through the city, the task was a highly ambitious one. A loud bark filled the air and Hawke staggered to find her footing as her mabari jumped to greet her.
"Down, dog!" she insisted. Her boys ran up, petting the mabari and greeting her. Isabela WAS home, Hawke was glad to see. She accepted a hug from both of her mates, accepting a kiss from first Isabela, then Merrill.
"I'm having a carpenter come over later, sweet thing. He needs to take measurements," Isabela said. Hawke slung an arm around her waist. Her hand settled on the swell of her mate's ass, squeezing.
"Uhm, why?"
It seemed an odd request with the civil unrest in the city.
Isabela gave her a look as if she were daft. "For your bed. OF COURSE."
"Uhm, why?" Hawke asked again. Isabela ruffled her hair and moved to pick up Falcon.
"I want a replica of your huge bed for my captain's quarters. Just indulge me, sweet thing," Isabela huffed. Merrill giggled beside her.
"I think it's a great idea," she chirped. Isabela gave her a soft smile.
"Thanks, kitten."
"It IS a good idea, Bela!" Hawke was quick to say. "I'd love to have a copy of that bed in your quarters on deck."
The sultry smile Isabela gave her was worth it. "Well you have to admit, our night there was cramped. I never needed so much room before you, Hawke…. And you too, Merrill!"
Hawke gave her a roguish grin. They had tried out the captain's quarters in a test of how life on the open sea would be. The current bed wasn't big enough for all three of them. At least when they were involved in a sexual marathon. Hawke had had to climb off the bed and pound into Isabela from a standing position at the edge of the mattress.
Hawke blushed and coughed at the memory.
"Can we sleep on the ship again, Mama?" Falcon grinned. Isabela nodded.
"Perhaps soon, sonny-boy."
"Don't call me that! I'm a warrior!" Falcon huffed. He and his brother walked through the kitchen to take up their wooden weapons to the garden. Lark gave his mother a shy smile.
"You can call me that, Mama….."
"Thanks, pup." Isabela leaned to kiss Lark's head. "And I 'll call your brother what I like!" she raised her voice, so Falcon could hear. Her son stuck his tongue out at her but grinned to take the ire away. Isabela leaned against the doorjamb of the open kitchen door watching her sons. They WERE getting taller and with Hawke's tutelage, would get stronger. It was a good but sobering thought.
Hawke picked up on her softer thoughts and moved close to lean her head against her shoulder from behind. "Thank you."
"For what, Hawke?" Isabela asked. Hawke chuckled against her. Her hand moved over Isabela's corset and stomach beneath.
"For them. For this gift. Just…I don't know what to say sometimes."
"Say you'll always want me," Isabela teased. Hawke's other arm looped around her waist. She squeezed her from behind.
"I do."
Isabela's throat was dry, but she licked her lips. "…Say you'll always love me."
Hawke paused, then squeezed her gently. There wasn't an inch between them as the Champion embraced her from behind. "I do, Bela. Love you always." Her voice was hoarse and gruff.
Isabela turned her head to notice Merrill walking in, smiling, then blushing. She made to walk out but Isabela gestured her closer. When the shy elf approached, it was Isabela that slung an arm around her waist, drawing her close. The three women held onto each other contently. Hawke murmured something to Merrill's ear and Isabela smiled to hear the words of love given to her mate's second companion.
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Hawke held tightly to her son's hands. One on each side, both clutching a hand, meant she couldn't go for her blade easily if anything happened. The marketplace was brutal. People were outright shoving and arguing, over what, Hawke didn't know. She called out and yelled for clearance. Falcon and Lark's eyes were wide beside her and they clutched her. She shouldn't have left the house with them. But Orana, and her mates were all off procuring items and food for the household.
And since Hawke had foolishly decided not to get to work on hiring another man servant, she had to take the pups with her. No use trying to leave them alone. They'd probably climb the chandelier just to see if they could. Hawke raised her voice again.
"Move it! Make way!"
Falcon puffed his chest out and he and his brothers called out, adding their voices to their sires. Hawke felt a surge of love for them as they made their way to the merchants. Whiskey for Isabela, crystals and candles for Merrill, and a handkerchief for Orana. Hawke picked out more items Merrill had asked for when there was a surge of commotion and templars poured into the marketplace, clearing a rough path.
And then Knight Commander Meredith was there, long blond hair swaying with her hard pace. She stopped, boots clacking on the cobblestones as she recognized the Champion.
"Champion," she greeted. Her greeting was congenial, but the lines of stress between her eyes weren't. Hawke gave a stiff nod.
"Knight Commander."
Meredith blinked. She focused on Hawke's sons. "So the stories I heard were true. Congratulations on your heirs."
Hawke allowed a small smile on her lips. Her hands settled on top of her son's heads. "Thank you…."
"They're from the pirate, aren't they? Better her than the mage you took as mate," Meredith sniffed, her opinion of the mages apparent. Hawke stiffened with fury.
"See here, Knight Commander….!"
Meredith went on. "I heard the pirate was their mother…but I didn't think she had the desire to mother pups. A few of my recruits mentioned spending time with her before their training."
Hawke was red with rage, but she took up her son's hands and she moved them quickly past the Knight Commander's entourage. "I'd say good day, but I don't wish that for you," she bit out.
Cold merriment twinkled in the older woman's eyes. "The feeling is mutual, Champion."
As Hawke stalked off with her progeny, Meredith reflected on the days when mages did as they were told, and she and the Champion had almost been friends. It had been a few short years ago after Hawke's famous battle with the Arishok. She had healed remarkably well and had gotten into scrapes at the Hanged Man. She was furious over something, and some whispered it was a broken heart.
Meredith had had to arrest her after yet another brutal bar brawl, and instead of locking her in a cell to cool her heels, she had procured wine and talked it over with the new Champion instead. Meredith had felt pleasure when she had gotten Hawke to focus on a new goal to drive her anger, and the ruffians of the city fell to her wrath during the next few weeks and months. Her companions helped her clear the streets and Kirkwall was all the safer. Because she had spent a few more moments to urge Hawke to do good.
Meredith reflected these days were just spiraling to insanity. She had to keep her vigilance. Nobody else could.
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Isabela cursed as she undressed. Merrill was with her, anxious and more nervous than she was. The midwife they found was readying to leave the city, but she had opted to take their gold for a reading.
"Breasts sensitive….." the woman ran her hands over Isabela's generous figure, cupping the undersides of her breasts. Isabela hissed and swatted her hands away. "Have you been sick to your stomach?"
"A few times. I thought it was the spices in last weeks dinner," Isabela admitted. Merrill was watching her with wide eyes. She looked to be hoping for a child more than she was.
"More amorous than usual?" the woman asked. Isabela's lips curved into a smile.
"How can I not be when my mate is Hawke?"
The woman chuckled. "She is an ox, I'll grant you that. Well, congratulations, my dear. You're expecting. At least a couple months along as far as I can tell."
Isabela sighed, expelling her breath in one long exhale. She should have been anxious but slow love for Hawke moved through her instead. Merrill leaped into her arms, giggling and hugging her.
"Another pup, Bela!" she exclaimed. Isabela hugged her tightly, closing her eyes.
"Aye, and it's probably you that riled Hawke up good to have done it…" Isabela teased. Merrill blushed. The pirate dressed; Merrill fluttered beside her.
"Do you need anything? Do you…."
Isabela laughed, and they left the woman's hut, arm in arm. "I'm fine, kitten! Don't worry yourself sick over me. That's Hawke's job."
The two women were giggling and whispering together as they entered the Hawke estate. Both lit up, seeing Hawke stride out of the study. She was in her house tunic, bare knees showing above her tall boots. She smiled widely at the two women.
"Did you get your tasks done?" she asked. Isabela found herself moving to kiss Hawke hard, then sweetly. Hawke looked stunned when she parted from her lips. "Well, I'll take that for a yes."
"Yes, Hawke. Come, kitten, let's see where dinner is getting to, so we can all relax."
Hawke found herself liking the gleam in her mate's eyes. She followed her mates into the kitchen.
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"Cap'n wants us close to the ship. You know what she said," Craven said. The other ship's crew nodded, and a small spritely woman grinned up at him. Craven felt something move in his chest and he just nodded. "We gotta keep up our watches through the night. If something goes down, we're here to man the ship."
"Nothing'll happen here. Kirkwall is too sturdy," one of the men said. Another man walked by, a loop of coiled rope around his shoulder. Another of the men was on his hands and knees, varnishing the deck. The captain had insisted they make it as smooth as a pup's backside, for some reason.
"You remember that business with the Qunari a few years ago. Them attacking the city folk like that. And that was just a short stint!"
Craven nodded. "Cap'n Isabela says we stay on the ship and we will. If something DOES happen, and the city goes tits up, we'll be ready to shove off. At HER command."
The men and women nodded, moving around in their tasks to maintaining the Stormy Lover. Even tied up at dock, there were plenty of chores and maintenance to do. Craven leaned against the prow of the ship, eyes scanning the buildings of the city just beyond the docks. Kirkwall was roiling beneath the surface, a festering anger that threatened to explode.
If it did, they would be safe where they were.
End for now
End notes: Going to the end of the game in the next one! Stay strong, my lovelies. Leave a comment or review. Tell me what you think.
Sincerely, pen
10/7/2018