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Chapter 87 – The inevitable.

'Once upon a time, there was a young woman.' Makatza was at the Orphanage. It was the day after they had returned to Kirkwall and Fenris still hadn't been shown her tattoos. She had travelled to see the children and had earlier found out that they had never heard of the classic fairy tales. So she decided to twist one, about her own life. The children were rapt with awe. They had settled in well, being treated with care had done them well. There were a few Noble children, who insisted in staying to listen to her stories. Makatza had been tense the last few days. But as she spoke, she felt her anxieties melt away.

'This young woman had long, flowing hair, and thought of to be very pretty. Although she never believed it. Now this woman, we will call her Kitty, she didn't live in this world. She lived in another world, where there was no magic. No Chantry, no fighting with swords. Like all of you, she went to school. But she was also an orphan. Kitty didn't have a mother or father, but she found a woman who was kind enough to look after her. She was lonely, so lonely. She didn't have any friends and felt like something was missing from her life.'

She paused, this was the time the children bombarded her with questions, but they were strangely quiet. She waited for a few minutes but no, they were silent. Finally a little girl, who by the cut and quality of her clothes, was a Noble's child, piped up.

'Miss Hawke,' she said politely. Makatza had stopped them calling her ''Lady Bavent,'' the first time she came to visit.

'Yes Violet?' She replied with a smile.

'Is this story going to have a happy ending?' She asked, her bright blue eyes hopeful. Makatza smiled even more and nodded her head.

'Aren't my stories always happy?' She replied. Violet nodded and Makatza felt better now that one of them had spoken. She shifted her spot on the carpet, the children were seated in a semi-circle around her. Varania was sitting on the edge of one of the children's beds. She had sat in with every tale that Makatza had told. It wasn't just the children who were fascinated at her a stories. She breathed in deeply and continued.

'One morning she woke up and like normal, she went to school. When she left school it was raining. Horribly. She was soaked and she ran home, her adopted mother had taken in other children and she helped to look after them. Now on this particular night, after they had eaten dinner, her mother turned to her and asked her to look for one of the girls. She hadn't returned home,' the children all gasped in horror and leant forward. 'So Kitty went out to find her. She knew that the girl liked to hang out with friends in the woods. Now it was dark, and it was cold, and Kitty was very afraid. Luckily she found the girl quickly and sent her to a friend's home where she would be safe. But it had started to rain, and it was a lot darker then it was before. Then. CRASH!' All the children jumped. 'A loud rumble of thunder! The night sky flashed with bright with lightening, then it went dark as the clouds covered the moon. Kitty was so scared, she ran and ran through the woods. She tripped over roots and stumbled into trees as she hurried home. But a really loud bang of thunder scared Kitty so much that she smacked into a tree and fell asleep. And when she woke up. She wasn't in the woods any more!

The children gasped in shock. Varania even held her hand up to her mouth. Makatza tried to stifle a laugh at their expression. Violet chipped in, 'what happened next miss?!'

'Well, do you really want to know?' They all nodded happily. Makatza continued.

'She woke up alone and cold. She was surrounded by buildings and the floor was paved. It was still raining, but she wasn't dressed in her own clothing. It was a strange dress, she got up and began to walk down a road. Her toes were cold and wet, she had no shoes! She tried to talk to people but they couldn't help her at all. A bad man tried to grab her and she screamed loudly! But she was saved by the pirate queen and the merchant prince. They took care of the bad man and helped her to an inn. She stayed at the inn for quite a while. The pirate queen introduced her to many of her friends, but there was one person that was introduced to Kitty and she felt her heart tremble. He was tall and handsome, everything a prince should be.'

That's when the questions began.

'Was he strong?'

'Did he have a sword?'

'Did he have a horse?'

'Was he brave? And kill bad men?'

'Was he romantic?' This one was from Varania. Makatza smiled with happiness. She held up a hand and they all fell quiet. There was a creak outside the door, but no-one noticed it. Fenris had arrived to walk Makatza home, he had Elgon and Ciere with him, and he paused outside the door to the dorm as he heard Makatza talking. He smiled to himself as the children were asking questions. She was telling them a story. Silently he slipped into the room, the wolves slunk in as quiet as a breeze.

'He was strong, stronger then most men. Skilled beyond belief. Many people were in awe of his skill in battle. His sword was very large and sharp, the size of one of you! And as for romance, he was very shy around other people. His life had been hard and harsh. He wasn't very happy that Kitty had arrived in their world. She was very out of place. The pirate queen insisted that they help her get home and he grudgingly agreed. Time passed and Kitty wore down the ice around the prince's heart. He ended up saving her life many times, but one time she saved his. But by saving his life she was sent back to her own world! The prince was unhappy that she had gone back, for all the time that she was there, he felt worse and worse. Then the forest elf, she was a friend of Kitty's and the pirate's queen, she appeared and told the prince that there was a way to get Kitty back. The prince was happy. He did a courageous thing and travelled into Kitty's world. It was so different, but the brave prince persevered. He found Kitty and asked her to come back with him.'

'She refused.' The look on Varania's face. She looked like she was about to tear up. Makatza knew this wasn't the best story ever but the children looked happy. Fenris wore a slight frown, he recognised the story line, sort of. But she was talking about a prince, who had a very large sword. No other member of their group had a long sword, and Sebastian was a prince; but it didn't make sense that she would be talking about him.

'She didn't wish to leave her mother, and the prince left. He was unhappy. Kitty cried, she wanted to return with the prince, but if she left, she wouldn't be able to ever see her mother again. Kitty's mother saw how unhappy she was and demanded that Kitty leave with the prince. Kitty kissed her mother goodbye and ran to find the prince, hoping that he hadn't left already. To her happiness, he was waiting for her at the doorway to the other world. She threw her arms around him and they went back to the world were the pirate queen and all Kitty's friends were waiting. The prince told Kitty that he loved her very much, he would tell her poems in a different language. Hold her closely when no-one else was around. And if anyone tried to hurt Kitty, like the bad man, the prince would strike them down!'

'Miss Hawke!' Violet raised her hand. 'Did Kitty and the prince live happily ever after? Like the pirate queen and her champion in last week's story?'

Makatza caught Ciere's movement out the corner of her eye, she looked over and saw Fenris. She blushed brightly and nodded. 'Yes, Violet. After many trials of their love, the prince and Kitty lived happily ever after.' Violet grinned and did the childish trait that all adults fear. She asked the most awkward question.

'Is Fenris your prince, Miss Hawke?'

Varania giggled, Makatza looked straight at Fenris, all the children turned around and instantly got up. They loved the wolves and Elgon and Ciere loved being pampered. Violet walked straight up to Fenris and tugged on his hand, he wasn't quick enough to recoil his fingers from her steel, vice-like grip. He looked worried, but Makatza gave him a small nod. Fenris unsheathed his sword and placed it on one of the bunks, high enough so the children couldn't reach it. He could then kneel down to Violet's height.

'Yes?' He asked.

'Do you know any princes?' She said with a gleam in her eye. Fenris was a little wary but nodded.

'I know of one prince,' he said thinking of Sebastian.

Violet repeated her question, 'are you Miss Hawke's prince? You have a very big sword.'

'I do have a large sword,' Fenris agreed. 'But I am not a prince,' he said. Violet gave him a look. She tilted her head.

'Is it sharp?' She said, she hadn't let go of his hand, he was wearing his gauntlets and it couldn't have been comfortable for her.

'Very,' Fenris replied.

'You must be brave. Your sword is big, and you fight bad men. Miss Hawke said, a prince has to be handsome. You must be a prince.' she nodded. 'Would you go to other worlds to save Miss Hawke? Like in the story?' Fenris was completely shocked by this little girl. She was throwing questions his way that he had never anticipated from a seven year old. He was suddenly a little scared of this four foot child.

'I-I would,' he stuttered truthfully. Violet smiled a half toothed smile, she had lost her two front teeth earlier that week, by running into a low branch on a tree.

'Are you going to marry Miss Hawke?' She asked. Fenris paled a little. Varania scolded her.

'Violet! That's rude, now come on,' she waved her back. Violet let go of his hand, much to Fenris' relief. But like a child she was completely unpredictable and threw her arms around his shoulders in a hug. Fenris almost fell back in shock. Violet clung to him, no quarter given. Makatza smiled from across the room. He gave Violet a small pat on the head, he wasn't sure how to act. Violet leant back, letting him go. Not before she placed a child's wet kiss on his cheek.

'Bye prince Fenris!' She trilled running back into the throng of children. Elgon and Ciere bounced around the kids barking in joy. Fenris stood up shakily, he was clearly very uneasy. Makatza crossed the room and wiped the remnants of the kiss from his cheek.

'My Katza, what have you been telling them?' He said quietly to her, lifting his sword and sheathing it on his back.

'Nothing but the truth my love,' she replied. 'But don't worry, they don't know it's me. You're here early, did you hear the story?' Makatza smiled. Fenris' lips twitched into a small smile.

'Yes, the last half. The children love you, Varania was entranced as well,' he said her name a little bitterly. But he had taken some time to talk to his sister, under pain of death from Makatza. Elgon and Ciere trotted over as Varania began to herd the children into bed. The servants from the Noble's households had arrived to take some of the children home. Makatza nodded. 'Are you ready to come home?' Fenris asked, he had practically moved in, although he would never admit it. Makatza grinned and slipped her hand in his, leaning on his shoulder, watching as the children were piled into their cots. Violet and her brother waved and shouted goodbyes as they were kindly pulled from the room.

'That was sweet, what you did for Violet,' Makatza murmured.

'I am not used to children,' Fenris replied, shifting his shoulders. Makatza could tell he felt awkward, but she simply smiled. Ciere and Elgon trotted over clearly ready to go home. Makatza waved a goodbye at Varania who happily returned it as she bundled blankets onto a child. The left to a chorus of goodbyes and the scolding of maids telling them to get back into bed.

…

The next morning brought bad news and good news. Aveline and Donnic had decided to get married and there was much to celebrate. The bad news was that Makatza was summoned to the Keep. Leandra and Hawke had been asked to join her as well, it was worrying because the summons named 'Lady Bavent,' and the invite for Leandra and Garrett had been phrased as, 'Nobles of the city.' Makatza frowned looking at the letter, Leandra was sitting in the study's armchair sewing, while brain storming about what it could mean. Luckily Fenris and Garrett were out the house at the time, she made them take the wolves and Bubble, leaving the women to talk about it in general calmness. Aveline was still talking about the preparations for the wedding and reassured Makatza that it wouldn't be something awful. If it was a trial for something she would have been told. Makatza bit her lip, she had the sudden feeling of foreboding on her shoulders. For the first time in a while, she wished that she had looked up a review or wiki page for this blasted game. It felt very linear, as if she was going to be dragged kicking and screaming through whatever it was the world had planned. In a sigh she put down the piece of parchment.

'I'll worry about it next month, when I actually have to,' she said to the pair. 'Besides we should be talking about your engagement,' she smiled at Aveline who beamed. The rest of the morning passed in a blur as they decided what to do. The wedding would be held in a week's time. A small affair, private. It would be held at one of Makatza's homes, close to the city, but far enough away to be absolutely beautiful. The talk of weddings had made her uneasy, she remembered her own, also it made Leandra talk about grandchildren and the relationship between Makatza and Fenris.

'Have you spoken to Fenris about the future?' Leandra asked. Makatza rolled her eyes. She knew it was coming. Wasn't it good enough that they were together? She had spoken to him about it, so she wasn't worrying.

'I have mother. We want the same things,' she replied with a smile. Even if he thinks he would be a horrible father. The bloody idiot. She thought to herself with a laugh.

'Will you be having children, Aveline?' Leandra said, half satisfied with her adopted daughter's answer. Aveline's already pale complexion somehow whitened more. Leandra laughed and shook her head. 'You'll regret it if you don't,' she said wisely.

…

Makatza was getting ready for bed when Fenris came home. She had made the animals sleep with Orana and Sandal for the night. She wanted a moment to herself and Fenris. Her tattoos had finally healed and she wanted to show her lover. Who was becoming more and more distant, seeing as she would refuse him and pull away in pain when he tried to touch her. He walked up the stairs and knocked on the door. Makatza laughed.

'You can come in,' she called. 'You don't have to knock y'know love,' she said looking at him in the mirror. She was pulling a brush through her long hair. He raised a brow and said nothing. Makatza bit her lip. Maybe she shouldn't have kept a secret for so long. 'Um, love.' She began. 'Have you had a hard day?' He nodded and took off his sword placing it next to the bed. He had recently cleaned the blade, they must have stopped at the Hanged man for a while. He looked like he was favouring his left shoulder as well. Makatza knew better than to ask about what happened. When he was in this type of mood, he wouldn't clarify or give details. Makatza finished braiding her hair and got up. She was wearing a deep blue, night gown that tied up the back, the sleeves could be removed by untying a bow at the shoulder. It was perfect for what she wanted to do. She swallowed with nervousness and pulled her braid over her shoulder, 'Fenris?' He looked over at her, his brow raised again. 'Would you just sit at the edge of the bed for a moment?' He tilted his head and did as she asked. She waited for him to remove his gauntlets before kneeling in front of him.

'Makatza-' He begun but she shushed him.

'I've been keeping a secret from you, it's nothing bad. I just, I'm nervous about what you will think,' she said quietly. With that said she got up and turned her back to him. Fenris had a confused look on his face but she didn't look at him. She breathed in deeply and pulled the bow at her shoulder. The satin sleeve slid off her arm and puddled on the floor. That was her bare arm, she turned as she pulled the other little bow. She saw Fenris' eyes widen as he saw the blue waves. He stood up taking her arm gently in his hands. His fingers traced the whorls that made the sea surf. From her wrist upwards there were waves and small boats. Around her elbow a majestic ship burst through the waves. Makatza could feel her pulse hammer as he followed the tattooed sleeve upwards. On the top of her arm the sails and sky, he could see something blue peeking from underneath her dress. Makatza turned showing the laces. Fenris' hands were shaking as he undone the knot. The dress dropped as soon as the last tie was loosened enough. It pooled at her feet, she was bare in front of him. He sat back on the bed, staring at the artwork of colours that adorned her back and thigh.

'M-My Katza,' he stuttered. The pain must have been incredible. She had told him the process to create her old tattoos, it was much different here. Makatza blushed. His hands began to run up the curve of her spine. It was like a painting. On her thigh a kitten lay on a guard's shield. The kitten had bright blue eyes. Further up to her hip grass began to grow. It covered the base of her back and curved around to the front of hips with little flowers. Up the spine of her back a large tree grew. He could see the signs of the other companions in the branches, held there with red ribbons. A mirror foe Merrill, books and a quill for Varric. A delicate bow leant against the trunk of the tree. But on the grass below there were four wolves. He recognised Ciere and Elgon instantly. Then he realized Makatza's wolf form. The largest wolf was dark in fur and had pale swirls adorning it's body. They were his markings. He traced the wolf's head running his fingertip down its snout. There was a hawk and two dragons in the highest branches, one on either side of her shoulders.

'Do you like it?' She whispered. The silence was unbearable.

'You were hiding these from me?' He replied after a while, his hands still exploring the tattoo.

'I wanted them to heal properly before I showed you,' she replied. Fenris' reply was to pull her by her hips back onto the bed. She squeaked as she fell. Fenris pinned her arms, and hovered over her. She felt her blush kick up a few notches.

'You did not think to let me know woman?' He growled. 'I thought something was wrong between us.'

'Well, that would have ruined the surprise wouldn't it,' she replied with a giggle. Fenris gave her a half smirk.

'I admit having you undress in front of me was a surprise in itself,' he said quietly. Makatza smiled and cupped his face, placing a gentle kiss on his lips. It said more than she could express. Fenris answered with passion, he had thought for the past couple of weeks that something was seriously wrong. 'We had better make up for lost time,' he whispered in her ear. Makatza felt her breath leave her in anticipation and she wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

'Yes, I think we should.'

There we are. Sorry about the late update and shitty chapter. Real life is being a bit of a bitch at the moment. Please let me know what you think.