Hello guys, my apologies for the long delay. Warning for the last part of the chapter, there may be lemons, if you want to skip.

Mahariel woke up early. They were to take their leave at first lights. A lot of them were going to be away for quite a time and she wanted to see Blackwall and Harding. They were in charge of keeping everything in check and sending them regular reports. Dorian, Bull and Sera were to stay here as well, but she wasn't crazy enough to put them in charge. They were even the first to be carefully watched. Obviously.

She was happy to be back on the road. For one, it was easier to find time to chat with everyone. She caught up with Cassandra a lot. As the Seeker was avoiding Varric as the plague and Mahariel was often to be found with Hawke and him, she didn't get so much chance to talk with her since Caer Oswin. She spent her journey switching from one's side to another, not without carefully avoiding Josephine and Vivienne. The more the Ball was close, the more the women were becoming nuts and babbling advices about Orlesians randomly. She would manage some secret meeting with Varric and Leliana as soon as Hawke was beyond earshot. She sneaked few times among the soldiers, chatting friendly with them. With her gloves covering her mark, the men didn't realize right away they were talking to the Inquisitor. Until someone call after her and then it will be babbling, stumbling, blushing and endless blinking. Solas was watching her dance, restless as she was. He knew at some point she was to go scout forward and discreetly inviting him to come along with an imperceptible nod and glance. It was his privilege: being invited to scout forward with her. Scouting forward was her quiet time during this social dance and she was willing to share it with him. Except for the few times she would jump on her hart before. The mount meant fully lonely quiet time. He explained it to Varric when the dwarf came to ask him why he wasn't following her once. The dwarf had chuckled.

"You are full of surprises, Chuckles! I didn't take you for the romantic kind!"

"Being observant is hardly being romantic, master Tethras."

"And being observant is hardly having your eyes stuck endlessly on one person only."

"I did not do such a thing." Solas had answered quickly but his face and tone were not half as cold as his words. Varric would even swear his lips slightly curved.

Mahariel wasn't exactly sure why Leliana had asked for Aelia to come with them. Sure, she was a Warden and they were going to Adamant right after the Ball but, they already had enough Wardens, didn't they? And taking one more Warden mage wasn't exactly the wisest idea…But she didn't argue, considering one other healer beside Hawke could prove useful. She could stay with the troops and, considering she arrived barely before their departure, it was true they had left several subjects to discuss with the Warden-Commander. She could have insights to help them during the assault. The Warden was discreet, riding silently except if one of them came to her. She was mostly to be found with Leliana or/and the Commander, discussing the issues brought up during the latest night meeting. Mahariel, Hawke and Varric would come to her as well because…Well, Varric and Hawke weren't to leave anyone be and the Inquisitor was very…well, inquisitive with new allies.

Mahariel, Varric, Hawke, Leliana and Josie – when she allowed herself to forget one sec the Game – were the worst group of gossipers to be found in the convoy. A pity Dorian wasn't here as well, truly…And, as such, their attention when they were together was mostly on Aelia, considering she was the last one to join.

"Ah! You owe me one silver dwarf!" Said successfully Hawke, pointing her finger to Cullen and Aelia.

"What, why that?" Asked Josephine "How do you – " Varric sighed, defeated.

"No Ruffles, she is right. Look at Curly, how he is rubbing the back of his neck. Dammit, I'm seriously losing my touch." Hawke laughed evilly.

"Told you it will happen before we reach Halamshiral!" Mahariel cleared her throat and Hawke sighed "Yeah okay, I know I owe you one silver too."

"What?! You had the same bet with Grey but on the other side?!"

"Because she tricked me! She came and bet me Cullen would be flirting with a mage before we reach Halamshiral! Said like this without details, of course I thought she was crazy!" It was Mahariel's turn to laugh evilly.

"And then you heard the entire story and rush to do the same to Varric." Hawke shrugged.

"I wasn't very eager to lose one silver to your duplicity you horrible double-crosser! I'm just surprised Varric didn't try the same!"

"Oh, he did." Answered Leliana and Mahariel with one voice. They shared a knowing smile before the spymaster resumed "But it was a bit late for that." Varric handed the coin to Mahariel.

"Yes, well, take it right now or Hawke will try to trick you."

"How dare you dwarf?!" Hawke replied fake offended "I always honor my debts." She paused and shook her head to emphasize "And I have good hair."

The night of the Grand Ball finally came. Mahariel crossed the door of Halamshiral with her advisors and an inquisitorialness guard. She was stunning in the dress. Her sovereign stature, chin high, full of grace. Her hair was wavy, some little braids clearing her pointed ears. She took a deep breath before smirking with confidence when she saw the Grand Duke. Game on.

Gaspard pointed quickly Briala as the guilty party. She listened carefully to his words, trying to find her way between the lies, half-truths and omissions. For someone claiming to hate the Grand Game, she had no doubt Gaspard was a skillful player, and the kind who was here to win the night. After the discussion, she took on her to help a noble with her lost ring – she needed the favor of the court after all, but she didn't miss the occasion to place some witty word in doing so. She eavesdropped some conversation before she decided that it was time to move to the official introductions to the Empress. She couldn't be free of her movements before.

She managed unsurprisingly well – given her history – and spotted some nods of approval among the nobles. Good, now the evening can truly begin. She went to find Leliana outside of the Ballroom. They talked about Gaspard and Briala, then the spymaster mentioned the presence of an occult – literally – advisor at the Court. Once the pressing matters had been discussed, she leaned closer to her ear and declared with a knowing smile.

"I have your special scout awaiting above the guest garden, Inquisitor." Mahariel smirked.

"Does he know she is here?"

"No, we were a bit afraid he would just not stay where we wanted him if he knew the Champion was here. However, it probably means you should hurry. I met the man in Kirkwall" She chuckled "Believe me, only one person can make him wait without him beginning to kill people. And sorry to disappoint but this is not your Worship. Or Varric. Probably even less Varric actually." Mahariel smiled with mischief.

"I would not have it any other way. Speaking of a dwarf, I'll find him right now so he could stall our guest before it becomes bloody."

Hopefully, Varric was easy to find, discussing with nobles. Apparently, he was quite pissed against his editor but she decided it was nor the time or the place to elaborate the topic. She whispered him some words and he chuckled as he nodded.

"Duly noted, Grey. Go find Hawke, I'll keep him company."

Okay, no unwelcomed bloodshed. That was a good start. Now, finding the Champion…

Hawke was still outside the Winter Palace, held hostage by some nobles. Now that she thought about it, she should really have seen it coming. She was – officially at least – Viscountess of Kirkwall and unmarried. And apparently, every stupid single orlesians remembered that, and now she was stuck with two sticky suitors who couldn't take a hint! And she couldn't just go, dammit, she was here with the Inquisition, she could not act with disregard of any politeness…Sadly. She was wearing a dark-red ballgown. Some thin golden strings crossed on her nude shoulders and traced Kirkwall heraldry in her back. Her brown hair was falling around her face as a gold half-mask emphasized her amber eyes. She suddenly spotted the long white-hair. YES!

"If you may excuse me gentlemen, I need a word with the Inquisitor." Both men made a ridiculously deep bow, fighting against each other for who will made the deepest – or the most ridiculous, depends of the point of view.

"Messere Hawke."

She suppressed some rolling eyes and loudened a bit her voice.

"Inquisitor, my dear, it has been too long. Please, walk with me, your Worship." Mahariel suppressed a laughter at her dramatic skills who couldn't help but sound awfully sarcastic. She reached her with the quickest respectable pace she could and took her arm. She whispered "Andraste's tits, I'm never leaving your side again! Damn Orlesians lapdogs!"

"As you wish, but be aware, my dear, I have quite the agenda." Mahariel looked at her entwined arms and smiled at the sight of the red ribbon, hardly hidden under her gloves.

"I'm up for anything right now! Just take me away from them!"

"Happy to hear!" Mahariel chuckled before remembering a thing and wincing a bit "Right now, it includes climbing a railing to search the library. Discreetly." Hawke put as much dignity as she could in her laughter as she looked down at their dresses.

"Maker, this should be fun!"

Fenris was tapping his foot face to the poor explanation of Varric.

"Dwarf, I didn't ask what happened to you lately, I read your letters. What I want to know is what I'm doing here. Wearing that." He looked down with skeptical eyes at the Inquisition scout outfit.

"I'm coming to it Broody! Maker, relax! So, I was saying…"

"Venhedis, at least give me something to drink if I am to listen to your endless monologue." Fenris mumbled as he leaned back against the wall.

They were standing away from the railing, out of sight. Varric had found a hidden railing behind the column of the promenade and a tree. Better than the one next to the fountain…Suddenly, Fenris interrupted him with a hand. Someone was coming. He reached swiftly the pommel of his two-handed sword in his back.

"Are you awaiting someone else, dwarf?"

"Wow, chill with the sword! This has to be the Inquisitor, don't try to behead her!" He waited for the hands of the elf to let go of the pommel. "It might take a while for her to climb, considering her dress." Fenris raised an eyebrow.

"Shouldn't we help her?"

"Nah, wouldn't be half as fun." Fenris growled.

"Festis bei umo canavarum" Varric heard the laughter of the women and covered it with his one.

"Maker Broody, did you smile at least once lately?" He crossed his arms and answered sternly.

"No."

"Well, be careful, as Daisy said, I fear your face might crack at this point."

"Why are you mentioning this monster?"

Fenris scowled and turned his back on the dwarf, decided to ignore him. He kept his arms crossed as he rested against a column. He didn't like it. Among his years in Kirkwall, he had learnt to trust the dwarf but all this, his attitude, this charade and fasta vass this palace full of orlesians…He definitely didn't like it. Venhedis, the only reason he had agreed to this was because of some hope the dwarf could have some insights about Hawke's whereabouts. Dammit, no one had been able to tell him where she was! No one in this damn country was able to recognize the freaking champion and viscountess of Kirkwall! She had to be somewhere! And now, he was waiting for yet another mage on top of that. Varric had made very clear the rumors about her being Tevinter were just that. Rumors. Did not make him like the situation much more. He jumped at the clinking of metal behind him.

Mahariel took away their masks and sent them on the upper floor. These damn things were not helping. They had already difficulties to climb, leave alone the effect of obstructed vision. They were busy and could not pay attention to the voices, getting closer as they climbed. Hawke finally notice them – or at least some sound. She stopped Mahariel with a hand and lowered her voice.

"Are we to expect company up here?" The elf dismissed the worry.

"Leliana's people. They are everywhere tonight in order to hand us some equipment if needed."

"That makes sense." As they came closer, she paid more attention – Varric still stalling and mostly speaking alone. "Is Varric with them?" Mahariel suppressed a shrug, reconsidering the idea face to her current position.

"Possibly, why not? I wouldn't blame him for running away from the Orlesians." Hawke nodded as she frowned. She was more interested in his conversation partner. The man remained mostly silent, but occasionally grunted to Varric's words. And…Damn there was something familiar about these grunts but, it is what they were, grunts and…She looked at her hand as she moved it to climb yet a bit more and her eyes laid on the red ribbon. Her heart suddenly jumped as she realized why these grunts sounded familiar. But she quickly shook her head, mumbling to herself.

"You are becoming crazy, hearing people who just cannot be here, you idiot…" Mahariel's head spun questioningly. "Arrh don't mind me, just losing my sanity. Happens on a daily basis." They both laughed lightly.

Mahariel finally reached the upper floor. Varric was still drowning the elf under a words' avalanche so his back remained towards her. She grinned and turned back to give a helpful hand to Hawke. Hawke took the final step and stretched her neck. She did not look yet at the so-called scouts at the end of the promenade, looking back at the damn railing.

"Let's not do this again anytime soon, Ariel. We will eventually just tear these bloody dresses apart."

"And Josie will eventually kill us. I'm beginning to think she is the most dangerous of the whole Inquisition."

"Agreed." They exchanged a knowing smile and laughed lightly.

Fenris froze when he heard the well-known giggle behind him. No, she cannot be…He saw Varric's expression and his heart skipped a beat. He spun on his heels.

"Hawke?!"

The woman turned his head right away and froze as much as him. Her eyes wide-opened and – for once – absolutely speechless. They both stared at each other with disbelief for several seconds before the most genuine beam appeared on their face. She forgot immediately the heavy dress and run towards him to jump in his arms. Even him, usually shy in his love in front of an audience, could not care less right this moment. He held her tight and kissed her fiercely for a moment before he rests his forehead against hers. He stroked her cheek caringly as to make sure she was really here. He chuckled with his green eyes deep in hers.

"I'm supposed to be mad at you, Elie."

"Even you are not strong enough for that." She answered with mischief, her arms knotted around his neck. They kissed again. The kiss turned so passionate that they fell backwards. He could feel the warm breath of her giggle inside his mouth. Maker, he had missed her. His hands cupped her chin and he lost himself in the enamored stare before taking her lips back to his.

Mahariel and Varric had a huge grin on their face. The clap of their high five seemed to remind their presence to the couple. Hawke reluctantly moved from him – not without encountering troubles with the ballgown. The elf looked at her wrist and his eyes enlightened as he saw the red ribbon. He put yet another kiss just below it and smirked.

"You really do smile only for her, Broody." Varric commented with fake hurt. Mahariel looked at him with fake chastising look.

"Husssh, don't remind the kids we are here, Varric."

Mahariel struggled with the mechanism of a door which finally opened. Her eyes glanced towards Hawke and Fenris.

"I take a quick look in it and it is all yours." The elf slightly – and somehow reluctantly – blushed as she winked suggestively.

"That would be appreciated." She smiled with mischief.

"I figured as much." Hawke laughed.

"Damn I forgot the introductions! Fenris, the Inquisitor. Inquisitor, Fenris." She laughed and offered him her hand.

"I figured as much too. And don't get all formal, it's Mahariel." He shook her hand.

"A pleasure Inq – Mahariel." She nodded and turned back to her searching. Hawke looked at him, amused.

"You are aware she is a mage, aren't you?"

"I am. But I am aware there are good mages as well as you will know. Considering this is obviously her and Varric's doing, I can give her a chance." He smirked to the Champion before asking to Mahariel "Varric told me about your hair. Am I to understand you underwent a similar ritual as myself?" Mahariel raised a victorious hand with papers in it.

"The peace talks, got it! Let's keep the friendly talk for later, would we? I have an imperial ass to save and you have important matters to attend." She winked again as Hawke's laughter resounded.

"Here she is, the glorious Inquisitor who has to save all Thedas but the catch up of two lovers is the important matter!" Varric commented.

"This is Chuckles' fault, he made her softer, she is turning into a kitty!" Mahariel looked at him threateningly.

"I am not."

"Oh, you are, Ariel! Maker preserves us, if we are to discover Corypheus is engaged, you will end up planning his wedding instead of killing him!" The four of them winced with disgust at the image. Fenris looked at her and spoke with a fake patronizing tone.

"Hawke, stop killing the mood."

Considering Mahariel and Varric were back outside, he smirked and pulled her in the room. She giggled.

"See you later!"

She slammed the door. Mahariel and Varric looked at each other and laughed before she commented.

"Well, better hurry before our dear hosts noticed I bailed."

Fenris looked at Hawke, his eyes full of a lot of emotions. Relief, joy, love, lust.

"You are stunning."

"Almost there, just a little bit more of practice a – "

He muttered her teasing with his mouth. She smiled against his lips as the kiss grow from tender to intense. His mouth run down her neck, appreciative of the cleavage of her dress. Her hands found their way under the top of the scout outfit. Quickly pissed with the fabric, she broke the embrace few secs to send it away. Her pupils widened as she pressed her hands against his muscled chest. She bit her bottom lip before leaning back towards his face. Her tongue lingered on his ear playfully, letting her teeth brushing his earlobe. He growled huskily.

Fenris wiped the stuffs on the desk and sat her on it. He refrained himself from tearing the dress apart, remembering in extremis the event they were at. He snarled at the outfit, his breath short.

"If I'm not to tear this in pieces, you better get rid of it quickly." She teased.

"Awww is that your way of saying you missed me?" He smirked.

"I do not need to state the obvious."

Hopefully for the sake of the dress, Josephine had had the sewers doing the parting thing. She giggled at his clear disappointment when she revealed trousers under the heavy skirt. He unknotted eagerly the top not fighting so much against the corset-style of the closing. He did have quite the years of practice. It was the turn of his pupils to widen even more, almost comically to the sight of the bare skin. He leaned forward, letting his lips brushing the warm skin of her neck. Her back arched a bit at the sensation as his tongue ban to explore each inch of flesh it could find. Her fingers went on the low back, slightly crossing the beltline.

She moaned when his teeth met her nipple. He began to suck it hungrily, his tongue dancing around the sensible area. Her hands came back instantly on his front side and struggled against the buckle. She felt his chuckle against her breast and quivered.

"Need some help, Elie?"

He cupped her breasts, teasing one with his mouth and the other with his fingers. Her whimper prevented her from providing an answer. She vanquished the buckle and lowered his trousers as well as his underwear with her legs. He sent them away with a movement of his feet.

He groaned at her touch of his thighs. She dragged her hands slowly, almost lazily until they arrived between them. And she quickly took them away, enjoying the not-so-appreciative grunt that came of it. She smirked and brought them to his chin to level his face back to hers. She kissed him languidly and let her mouth oh-so-slowly move from his lips to his chin to his neck to his chest to his abs until it finally reach his crotch. Thrills ran along his spine as he felt her lips brushing his length and his lips parted slightly. He felt her wamr mouth around him moving still oh-so-slowly. A loud groan crossed his lips as she felt the pre-cum entering her throat. He could feel the quick smirk on her lips. Her tongue became more playful and just a bit quicker in its movements.

When she came back to his face, he was reddened of pleasure and sweating. He put his hands on her waist and tilted her harshly on the desk. She gasped expectantly. He got rid of her trousers and panties -them he did tear apart. Her back arched as his arousal pressed against her bare thigh. He came back to her mouth and kissed her passionately. He bit her bottom lip as his fingers teased her crotch skillfully. He rubbed the sensitive flesh with one hand as his other was back on her breast. Feeling how wet she already was, he grunted appreciatively and his fingers took a swift pace. The steamier she got, the fastest he went, until her moans were begging inside his mouth. He smirked and teased her some more -she was the one to begin with the oh-so-slow part. He let his fingers lingered around her entrance, soaking in her excitement.

As his rod was still against her thigh, her knees pushed his hips on the side, hoping to get him to stop this torturing wait. He didn't fight, unable to wait any longer himself. A deep moan of relieve crossed the lips of them both when he finally entered her, thrusting intensely inside. Feeling her legs knotting around his waist, he tilted backward to lift her and turned around. He inversed position with her, sitting himself on the desk with her astride his laps. She arched her back to push him further inside and press her chest against his. His hands came on her low back in support. He guided her hips onto him. She quickened the pace of the shoves. They were endlessly kissing, biting, licking each other skin and lips, the moans and grunts barely muttered by the activity of their mouths.

The moans of pleasure resounded as they both came. They half collapsed on the desk, him remaining inside her. Her head on his chest, they were tenderly stroking each other. He raised himself on his elbow to rest his forehead against hers. He brought back one hand on her cheek, his eyes deep in hers with an enamored glance and a silly smile. She pressed a quick kiss on his lips and asked with a mischievous smirk.

"Ready for second round?"