Odin hopped into the backseat and wuffed happily as I opened the driver's side door for Isabela.
"Actually," she began, "why don't you drive this time? I can't imagine you've had enough time getting to drive since you've been here."
I shrug and pat my back pocket where my wallet was. At least I still had my license with me, but I may not be able to actually get an updated one for a good while… still can't risk getting back in the system without being traced.
"Aveline doesn't trust me with her car. I appreciate that you have some faith in me." Not to mention last time I drove a car, I ended up killing five people. She didn't need to know that.
As she hugged her coat around herself, I instead opened the passenger door for her and she patted my cheek playfully as she settled in.
"Such a gentleman." She purred. Closing the door, I slipped into the driver's seat to readjust it for my tall ass.
"Sorry for being so tall." I smirked and started the car.
"Tall, dark and handsome. Just how I like my men." Isabela stretched in her seat, arching her back deliberately. I snort in response.
"Do you want to get breakfast first? We don't need to be anywhere until later." I suggested. She tapped her fingers on her chin with a hum then gave an affirming nod.
"That's a good idea." She smiled, then rested her hand on the center console. She opened it and retrieved a rectangular device then plugged it into the radio.
"You seemed to like the lo-fi tunes from last time." She scrolled through a number of names on the list before tapping one on the screen. Gentle beats started playing, and I smiled.
"They're nice to listen to on a cold winters' day." I said.
I was still rather sad that I had to abandon my other vehicle back in Denerim, but for what it was worth, I'm alive and somewhere much safer so there's that bit of good luck.
I honestly wanted to spend some more time with her and learn more about her. She fascinated me with what she had divulged to me the day before.
We decided to go back to Duncan's diner. Of course I had to ask if it would be alright for my service animal to settle with us and he was allowed to hide under the table. Isabela ordered the same thing I did; vegetable and sausage omelet with toast and hash browns on the side.
And coffee. Coffee is always good.
I ordered a side of bacon to give to Odin. A good boy deserves a treat now and again. Over breakfast, Isabela's foot plays against my leg, and each time I look up, she's giving me that same warm smile from the day before. She had this look in her eyes that I could have lost myself in.
"You're the first woman I've been with in a long time." I said as I took a sip of coffee.
"Am I? I must be quite a catch."
I shrug. "Well… after being around you… I haven't had to question my own sexuality since I was a teenager."
Isabela actually choked on her coffee and set the mug down, frantically grabbing napkins to wipe her face off.
"Wait what?"
"I'm gay." I said nonchalantly as I took another sip of the brew, "At least… I thought I was." She tipped her head to the side in confusion. "I guess something about you got my mind in a fuzz. I felt really safe being with you." I take a bite of toast and let her rest her foot on top of mine. "I'm… honestly not too upset over this?" I shrug. "It just opens up new things for me to ponder… and new opportunities… like…" I trail off then slowly look back at her.
"Taking you out again… maybe?" The question in my voice is obvious… and nervous.
"Little old me?" She purred with another sip of coffee. "You flatter me, Hawke." She trailed off and I felt like there was going to be a 'but…'.
"But I don't know if I'm the sort of woman you would want to be with."
She put her cup down and looked out the window. "I really think you could do better." Her voice went low as she turned back towards me. Her smile had vanished, and she looked so… sad…
"Well, I won't know unless I find out, hm?"
"You're an idiot." Isabela shook her head and moved some of the eggs around with her fork.
"I get that a lot."
The Rivaini woman let out a warm laugh, her shoulders shook a little. She glanced at me, then back down at her breakfast.
"I'll tell you what, Hawke." She turned her attention back up at me, smiling. "Let's get to know one another a lot better than just us sleeping together, okay? I don't want you rushing into something new when you're already… damaged, y'know? It won't be good for either of us."
I rub the back of my head with a nervous chuckle. "Y-yeah… You're right. My apologies." It would be better to not rush into anything anyway, especially since I'm actually questioning things… Maybe it was just a fluke because of the circumstances.
"I do appreciate the fact that my sorry little hide got you questioning things."
It was my turn to laugh in response. She's alright.
Once we had finished eating and got the bill, I offered to pay this time. I had enough money left over from last time so I don't see why not. Isabela refused to let me do it so I at least demanded to leave the tip. I stuck a $20 in there and stuck my tongue at Isabela as we stood to leave. Odin followed happily after me after being given the leftovers from breakfast.
"So what do you wanna do next?" I shove my hands in my pockets as we head out onto the sidewalk.
"Well, it's beautiful out so why don't we just wander a bit? I can show you some of the sights until we need to meet the rest at the Hanged Man." She loops her arm with mine and smiles. "We'll just be leaving the car here for the time being. Don't really need to spend precious time dealing with traffic when we could be using it to build new memories~"
I just nod.
"Just need to be sure Odin doesn't get too cold. He'll be fine for now-" I look down at him. "You'll let me know when you need to warm up, okay boy?"
Odin barks very happily and seems to nod.
"So what breed of dog is he? I don't recall seeing these before." She looks down at Odin curiously.
"He's a Mabari. They're a common breed back in Ferelden. They're normally used as war dogs because of their strength, size, stamina, and that their bites hurt worse than anything. As you saw, he bowled me over pretty easily. Just imagine a pack of these charging at you covered in warpaint."
Isabela eyed Odin warily then stared back up at me.
"And you have one as a-"
"A service dog. Yes. Mabari are incredibly intelligent and are capable of learning complex commands and can recognize patterns and behavioural differences with their masters. I trained Odin from a pup so he knows all my mannerisms and can tell when I'm about to have an episode."
I pat Odin happily. "I've… had more than enough trauma in my life to warrant needing one like him. But don't get me wrong. He's a trained warhound and on command, he will defend me as he sees fit. I have no intention of sending him after anyone though. Not right now anyway."
I look up ahead of us, but felt her judgmental eyes on me. Along with the eyes of those walking past us or outright giving a wide berth as the giant man with his giant bear of a dog walked past.
She showed me several little nooks and crannies of the city. A few of her old haunts and some new places. One was a little cafe called Sabrae. It was also some sort of occult space? I wasn't really sure what to make of it, but she dragged me in anyway.
As the door opened and the bell chimed, Isabela threw her hands up in the air and shouted "WHERE IS MY FAVOURITE LITTLE ELF?!"
An overly excited squeak sounded from behind an open windowed partition and Merrill poked her head up. She waved excitedly with a very wide grin.
"Isabela! Hawke! Good mornin'! It's so nice to see ya! I'll be out in just a minute." She hurried with whatever she was working on, came out with a tray with a few full mugs of coffee and plates with food on them. Sandwiches and the like all piping hot. She was agile and swift and didn't spill a drop as she set it down on the waiting customers' table.
The eager Dalish hurried over to us and threw her arms around Isabela. The two exchanged a gentle peck on the cheek and her large green eyes turned up towards me. She took both of my hands with her tiny ones and beamed.
"It's so nice to see you out and about, Hawke. I hope things have been doing well for you!"
I cracked a weak smile and nodded.
"Not too bad. Been hanging out with Isabela the past day or so and so far… things are going well."
Merrill nodded, then let me go. She guided us into the store and had us sit at the bar next to a huge Qunari man and an elven woman that I vaguely recognized.
"Eris!" I said abruptly as we take our seats. The elven woman jumps with a start, nearly spilling her drink and turns with a dirty look before her expression softens and a wide grin follows.
"Well now!" She sets her mit down and angles her chair towards me, legs crossed over one another with an arm over the back of the chair. "Isn't this a small world? What brings you to this lovely little hole in the wall?"
I gesture towards Isabela. "She's showing me some of the sights of the city. I didn't expect to see you again so soon."
"Ya never told me yer name, mister." The little roll of her 'r' was a little drawn out, probably deliberately. As I blinked, wisps formed around her and danced along her hand as I extended mine, taking hers firmly.
"Hawke." I finally granted her an actual smile.
"Pleasure tae finally acquaint ourselves proper." She turned back towards Merrill.
"Oh! You two have met already? What a small world indeed. How did you two meet?"
"Ah met this bloke when 'e was 'alf dead fresh off the ferry." She turned back to me with a playful elbow to my ribs. "Glad ye didn' keel over, Hawke."
"So am I, honestly. I quite enjoy being alive. So, Merrill, how do you know Eris?" I turn towards the smaller elf.
"Eris helped design the logo for my flower shop, and we ended up becoming great friends along the way!" Merrill beamed.
Eris nods happily then jabs the giant Qunari in his side. "Must be a coincidence then that we met again here. We were invited to come along for the big get together at the Hanged Man. Well, Merrill invited me and I'm draggin' this big oaf with me cos 'e needs some more socializin'."
I glanced up towards the Qunari, who looks rather annoyed as Eris continues to prod his side, but his expression softens when he sees me and he also smiles… his eyes flick over me…
Is he checking me out or sizing me up? Either way, I'm scared. He's huge.
"Names' Avvar." He says in probably the deepest voice I've ever heard. Hell I could feel the reverb in my very soul. He extended his hand towards me and I take it in a firm grip.
"Hawke." I say, meeting his gaze for a moment before gently averting it. I swear I was blushing again. He is gorgeous. And I don't know what I can do to keep control of my stupid flighty heart.
I let go of his hand but our fingers still brush as I pulled away.
Well there goes my stupid heart…
"So…" I hear Merrill say quietly to Isabela as she leaned over the bar. "Are his tattoos nice?" She holds a childish innocence in her eyes, then sets two cups of hot chocolate in front of us- "On the house."
Isabela winked and nodded. "His tattoos are very nice. They're very well done too. He's got this gorgeous dragon on his shoulder and really lovely geometric patterns down his arm– and don't even get me started on his muscles.." Merrill's eyes lit up eagerly, whether at the mention of tattoos or the muscles, I didn't know, but her response was endearing either way.
"You must be really strong then, Hawke! Can I see?" Her large green eyes lock on me and the familiar warmth greets my face again.
"I would quite like to see as well." Avvar says as he props his chin on his hands.
"I-I er… Well, I don't see why not, but maybe later on, alright?" That seemed to satisfy her, and she nodded her head eagerly. Avvar, in turn, gives me a wink from the corner of his eye and a very sly grin.
"I look forward to it! I've always had a fascination for tattoos. Aside from the Dalish Vallaslin, which only depict our Gods, the other sorts are quite fantastic." She turned back towards a customer at the register to take their order.
"I forgot that she asked about them." I muttered to Isabela.
"She wanted to know how far down they went." She shrugs in response.
"Aaaand you used having sex with me as reason to see them?" I keep my voice lower as I speak to Isabela. I don't really need anyone knowing about our little fling.
"Not really, no. You knew my intention was to sleep with you the entire time, didn't you?"
"Well, yeah, but…"
"Don't think too much into it, Hawke. Not every fling needs to be broadcast to the world." She pats my arms, her voice still low. "I didn't tell her what we actually did. All I told her was that we were going to spend some time together." She elbowed me gently. "Merrill is the only one in the group who isn't corrupted by lewd thoughts." She smirked over at the young woman as her back was turned towards us. "She's a true gem. I hope you'll get along with her."
"I think I will." I rested my arm on the counter and took a sip of the sweet drink. I'm not normally a big fan of sweet things, personally, but this one is rather enjoyable. I still side-eyed Isabela after a moment then stare down at the counter.
She sips her hot chocolate, hiding her warm grin as Merrill returns to us. I just give Isabela a gentle pat on her thigh in appreciation.
"So what brings you here?" The elf leans on the bar top, clearly needing to stand on her toes a bit.
"We were just gonna wander about for a couple hours 'til the get-together. I knew you were in today so I thought we'd drop by and bother you with our presence for a spell or two~." Isabela grins as well before leaning heavily on my arm. "It's nice to finally meet Eris after so long too. You've talked about her a lot." Isabela deliberately looks Avvar up and down and winks at him. I take it that they've met. Avvar says something to her in a language that I'm unfamiliar with and she wiggles in her seat a bit while deliberately squishing her chest together.
Trying to seduce him already?
"It's very lovely to see you again, Avvar~ Glad you're coming to the gathering."
"Of course." Avvar says, now glancing down at the Mabari curiously sniffing his leg. "I was told Marian would be coming as well. It has been far too long since I have seen her." He shrugged and let his hand lower so Odin could give him a gentle lick.
"Is it alright to pet him?" He asked.
"Oh, yes. I think I'll be fine for the moment. He deserves love now and then." I joke, then speak a gentle command word to Odin in Tevene and, immediately, Odin is up on his hind legs with his massive paws on Avvar's thigh. The Qunari gives Odin's face a playful rub.
"Such a good puppy." Avvar laughs and continues to rub Odin's face until he's had enough and returns to my side.
"Ooo that sounds lovely." I hear Merrill sigh dreamily to my left and glance over at her. "I'm just working til 5 so I won't be able to get there for a bit. Avvar offered to drive myself and Eris as well, so we will be going together. I appreciate you three poppin' in for a visit~" She leaned over the counter to give a grin to Odin. "Oh, we do have a sort of food item for dogs, would it be alright to give your pup one?"
I glance down to the hound, whose ears perked up immediately at mention of food, and nod. "Yeah it's alright. He deserves a treat now and then. Don't'cha boy?" Odin sits up eagerly and I pat his head. Merrill holds her hands together eagerly then hurries to the back for a moment. She returned with a little cup with whipped cream on it and knelt down by Odin. I almost panicked as soon as she got in his space, but thankfully Odin was far more prepared to assault her face with as many licks as possible before she gave him the treat.
I genuinely thought he was going to bite her… thank the Maker…
I must have been obviously scared as Isabela rested her hand on my arm.
"Merrill, try to remember he's a service dog. Sometimes he may not be as friendly towards people who get in his space so quickly." I warn her gently, but she's too occupied with Odin lapping whatever it was out of the cup, then sniffing the empty receptacle before he returned to my side.
"Good boy…" I say softly.
"Sorry about that, I tend to get a bit carried away. I'll keep that in mind for next time. Don't need to get snapped at by a bear." She giggles and bows before she hurries, once again, to the back. Probably to wash up after being assaulted by dog slobber. Merrill does return after a few moments, drying her face and arms off with a towel, to the counter near us and leans on it again.
"Just be safe driving through Lowtown alright?" Isabela takes Merrills hand and they exchange a grin before Isabela slips a $20 over to her with a wink. "Keep yourself safe, dove." She purrs.
We decided to hang about there for a bit, chatting back and forth and enjoying the comfortable atmosphere. Granted, the more people kept coming in and out of the shop, the more my nerves started to act up. Odin sat upright and rested his head in my lap, and I rested my hand on his giant friggin head. "Bravo ragazzo, Odin… Mi tratti bene."
I take note of everyone coming in and out of the shop. Voices slowly meld into one, then into silence as my attention lingers on the faces and mannerisms of each new patron. There are elves, dwarves, humans… the usual rabble that plod about… wait…
"È... è uno... gnomo?" I blink in disbelief at the person of minute stature as they walked through the door followed by someone who I could only assume was their friend. I hadn't noticed it initially, but there was in fact a step-stool sort of deal for people who couldn't see over the bar. That's… oddly inclusive of them.
"What was that, Hawke?" I turn to see Isabela right in my face. I flinched.
"What was what?"
"What you just said? That wasn't Common, was it?"
Was it?
"What did I say?" She shifts back in her seat and taps her lip.
"It sounded… like Antivan, almost?"
"Nah." I shrugged. "It, ah, was Tevene. I know a decent number of languages… It's one I trained Odin in."
She followed my gaze back towards the counter and nodded. "Interesting…"
"Haven't you ever seen a Gnome before?"
"Isn't that a bit rude to call someone of such a size?"
"Gnomes are different, you dork. They're not a common sight in the cities but they're here. Most of them tend to keep to themselves and their studies, and I think there's a number of them working for the University and such."
Wonder how I hadn't seen one until now…
"Don't worry about missin' em." She downs the rest of her drink, then proceeds to steal the rest of mine. "They're hard to spot anyway." Isabela patted my arm as she stood. "Avvar has accidentally kicked more than one in his time in the city."
The Qunari wrinkled his nose in offense, "Isabela I am over seven feet tall, it is a little difficult to see people that small."
Isabela waved him off.
"Oh!" Eris clapped her hands together and turned to me. "Hawke. Aveline mentioned you were lookin' fer some work. Jus' so 'appens that my place is lookin' fer a new set o' 'ands n' could use a bloke like you. Big n' strong lookin'." She beams up at me and I tilt my head.
"Is that so?" I returned as Merrill set another mug of hot chocolate in front of me.
"I thought you might like something a bit less sweet, Hawke. Give it a try, won't you?"
I accept it and take a sip. It's far less sweet than the first mug and has a bit of a minty raspberry and dark chocolate sort of flavour.
"By the Maker this is amazing." I purr into the mug. When I set the mug down I turn back towards Eris and fish my phone out of my pocket then hand it to her.
"Both of you should give me your numbers. I'll get in contact with you about that job a bit later on. Sound good?" Eris took my phone and went about plugging hers and Avvar's numbers in it before taking a selfie of herself throwing the peace sign, then one of Avvar giving a smirk. I think that was just his default expression. She set them as the respective contact photos and handed my phone back to me. I quickly send them both a text with a picture of Odin with him blepping while asleep on Isabela's couch. I finish the hot chocolate and I see Merrill writing something down. "Got that figured for ya next time you come around~" I smile at her then to the others as Isabela and I stand up in preparation to leave.
"Merrill, darling, we're heading out now. Thanks for the drink and the snack for Odin~! And it was lovely to see you again, Avvar, and nice to meet you, Eris. I can't wait for tonight~!" Isabela blows Merrill a kiss, gives Eris a hug, and she grabs Avvar's face and gives him a full kiss. I give them both a slightly jealous glare, and I politely dip my head towards Merrill and Eris in response just as more people started to show up. Must be short after lunch– Odin presses himself against my side as we head back out into the cold. My heart pounded in my ears, so I stopped and let out a long and slow breath.
"Can we stop somewhere so I can pick up a pack of smokes?" Grabbing hold of Odin's leash, I wrap it about my wrist and shove my hands in my pockets. Isabela takes my arm and leads me forward.
"You smoke?"
"Yep."
"Only if you let me have one."
"Deal."
The streets were teeming with folk just out and about, despite it still being so cold out. Groups of them merrily wandering along without a care in the world, across the street there were some kids throwing snow at one another and racing through other groups of people to get away. Some poor old woman got pelted in the back of the head with a snowball and I heard some yelling as we rounded the corner onto the next street. Quite a number of shops along this route… I guess this was still a branch of Main Street.
"Third Street here has more of the…" Isabela looked up in thought, gesticulating with her hands like she forgot a word. A frustrated sound left her as she looked down at her finger, counting.
"Como eles chamam de novo…" she does seem a bit more frustrated the longer she has to try to think…
("What do they call it again…?)
"Pequenas conveniências?" I chimed in helpfully.
("Small conveniences?")
"Sim! Que! Obrigada!" Isabela snapped both her head upright and her fingers at the same time, then looked at me with utmost suspicion, squinting. "Espere... você também fala Rivaini?"
(Yes! That! Thank you!") — ("Wait… do you also speak Rivaini?")
"Sim. Eu disse que sei vários idiomas." I step ahead of her, unlinking our arms for a moment to stretch. "Well consider me seduced." Isabela laughed heartily and kicked over a pile of snow. "There's so much to you that we've yet to learn."
("Yes, I did mention that I speak several languages.")
"Indeed." I glance about upwards a bit more, surveying the buildings with signs and names plastered here and there. Some were more simple than others, we passed by a few places with easy names like "Teds' Trinkets", "Good Soup" (apparently it was a really nice little place that was wholly dedicated to making stews and soups of all sorts. How interesting-) and other silly names. Eventually we see a sign that's just a simple Smoke Shop.
"Go get me something with Menthol." She steals Odin's leash from my hand and pushes me towards the door.
"Alright, alright!" I head on in without another thought and look over behind the counter. Maker's breath they have too many brands these days… Menthol doesn't sound too bad though, might be nice to change it up from last time. I step in line behind two people, one bought a vape (I think that's what he called it) and the other one had chewing tobacco… Didn't think they sold this in the city. When it came to my turn, I just look towards one of the usual brands I've gotten before.
"...the Menthol one." The guy behind the counter looked me over nervously and didn't ask for my ID. I guess I look old enough (or scary enough) not to warrant being asked. He hands me the pack, I hand him some money. No words except a meek "Thanks for coming." before I head back outside.
Isabela sidles up to me and wraps her arm around my waist as I open it up and toss the wrapper away into one of those giant trash cans at the crosswalk. Her hand immediately stretches out towards me and makes grabby motions.
"Alright, alright, give me a second." I chuckle, holding the pack away from her as she reached out towards it. I'd give her the first one, then pull out one for myself. The first was snatched out of my hand instantly and I side-eyed her as she rifled through her pockets for a lighter. Rolling my eyes, I catch it in my teeth and snap my fingers once, then twice against the head of it. A small flame sparks at my fingertips and soon it is lit.
Isabela stopped going through her pockets and stared up at me. "You don't even have a lighter, that's not fair!" For a moment I thought she was genuinely upset, but then she starts laughing.
"It must be quite… handy to be able to do that, huh?"
"Quite. Would you like a light?" a small spark never set my brands alight as oddly as it was. Danarius had even been confused himself despite it still being magic channeling. As she leaned up towards me, the temptation to light hers with my own grew too powerful to resist so I leaned down to meet her in the middle. A slow drag set hers alight, and she gave me a soft smile.
"You are such a romantic." She exhaled a gentle stream of smoke
"You know it." I gently elbow her and exhale through my nose. God I missed this feeling… "Where to next?" We start off again down the road and pass by a group of mages. Heads down, hoods up, staves held close as if prepared to flee at a moment's notice. Five of them each with a wisp or several fluttering about their group, the small creatures paused as I walked by them and seemed to watch me go by. An odd sensation trailed along my spine, that chilled feeling of dread, yet it was not deep in my heart as it usually happened. This uncertainty remained as a little red wisp fluttered over to me and landed on my shoulder. I didn't try to shoo it away, and it just sat there. Crimson ribbons of light tethered it back to the person of its choice and said person, a young man, stopped and turned towards me in surprise.
"You seem to be a friend to the wisps." He said, lifting his hood a bit to show his eyes. Blue, but with that glowing aura similar to my own. A relatively average looking young man, by my standards at least.
"They tend to linger." I turned to face him as we had all stopped in the middle of the sidewalk. "I mind them not. They are welcome to rest where they please."
The mage nodded, flicking his eyes over me, then to Isabela and finally down to Odin. He pursed his lips in thought, finally staring back at me in full eye contact. There was a sort of pull at the back of my mind. An invasive sensation like someone was trying to pry through my very psyche. Because they were. I didn't avert my eyes and simply gave him a smile, a mental barricade formed as the feeling prodded closer to things I didn't want anyone else knowing. In response, the mage winced and just as quickly as he entered my mind, he vacated and let out a breath. I took a drag of my cigarette and raised a brow.
"Sorry to bother you, serah." His wisp retreats from my shoulder and returns to his. He simply nods and dips his head, and I do in return.
"Not a bother. You lot take care." I turn back on my heel and usher Isabela along with a hand at her back.
"What was that about?"
"Nothing. He was kinda weird wasn't he?"
"You're one to talk." She leaned against my arm.
"That I am and I will not apologize for it. Anyway, where are we going?" I stopped and looked around in confusion. The buildings all looked the same. Tall and grey, decorated for the season and the inevitable new year celebrations. We end up walking in a comfortable silence together, my arm draped around her back, and hers around my waist with Odin's leash taut in her other hand. It was weird being so comfortable with someone who was otherwise a total stranger. I even kissed her and slept with her like I had known her for a long time… But why?
I may just be thinking too much into this entire thing. It might be a trauma response. Who knows? I sure as hell don't. But regardless, being with her and Odin has made wandering the streets of Kirkwall all that much more comfortable. Any pain I had in my heart would subside quickly. Another flutter makes my heart skip, and I slowly pull Isabela closer to my person, giving her a gentle squeeze at the side. She returned the gesture and smiled up at me with those beautiful brown eyes.
"I'm glad that being together seems to be helping your nerves, Hawke." She says with another pull from her cigarette. "It has certainly been helping me."
"Has it?" I take a long pull from mine and let it hold a little longer. The burn felt good. Soothing despite what it was. I turned my head away from her and let out a very long breath.
"Mhmm." Her head rests against my arm as we stop at yet another crosswalk. "I know it was so sudden. You, being rushed out into the world only a week after recovering from your sickness… being made to interact with complete strangers as if we were close friends. I…" she pulled away a bit. "I felt like I was taking advantage of you… for last night. You let me in so easily."
"You didn't." I say. "You… were allowed in because you were the first person to ask for my consent. The first to give me the power to say yes or no. And… I guess I might just be projecting the need that I used to have for my… former partner." I shrug.
"I would like for this little arrangement to become more…"
"Let us know each other better first. Then we can decide if it should continue, okay?" She squeezes my side.
I hum in response and nod. I like her. She's sweet. A little scary, considering what she divulged to me, but sweet.
The white signal changed and we started across the road, my attention now to the sounds around us. The crunch of snow and ice beneath groups of boots and tires. The sounds of engines roaring past, the chatter-the endless chatter between hundreds of different voices… the sound of my heartbeat in my own ears as the rest of the world slowly became silent. The world around me slowed, every person's face became blurred until nothing was made out. Their bodies soon became silhouettes as each passed me by. Even the woman at my side seemed to take on the same shape.
One beat… two beats… three…
Every single body that passed, I could hear their heartbeat. A cacophony of drumbeats radiating around me in the eerie quiet of the world… I snap my head up to face ahead of me and, among the darkened crowd, I see someone. Standing there on their lonesome. My feet kept me moving forward, towards her. Past each person. She turned and looked at me.
Her eyes alight like a cold flame, her skin trailing back from a warm tan to vivid violet scales. I see her now, and what I see is not a woman, but a demon. A demon with long white hair and a long tail. Large horns protruding from her brow… what sort was She? She simply tips her head towards me and offers a gentle smile. One that should have struck fear into my heart and yet… I did not feel the urge to flee.
"I will see you soon, I hope? Please come find me. I will be waiting."
"Who…?"
A sharp pain in my hand startles me back to reality and, glancing down, Odin has my hand in his mouth, growling in concern.
I look around quickly then back to my side where Isabela no longer stands. She had backed off towards the building and pressed herself against the wall.
"Ow… Odin…?" I kneel and gently pat his face. He lets my hand go and gently licks it. I'm gonna feel that in an hour… sheesh…
I wrap my arms around his neck and take a breath before I get back to my feet. I turn back towards Isabela and she still hasn't moved. She just seemed mildly horrified, as did the people now giving me a wide berth.
"Wh-what?" I blink. "What happened?"
Finally and warily, Isabela approaches. "Your… your eyes started glowing and you were speaking in some hellish language. You just stopped dead in your tracks and started doing that. What the fuck Hawke?"
Fear stung my heart and I take a step back from her, grabbing Odin's leash from the ground, I pull him back as well.
"I-I'm sorry. That has never happened before. I… I should be going. I'm sorry." I hurry away from her and the folk who were watching. A racking pain clung to my chest as I soon sprint down the street with Odin keeping pace. We push through people until turning off into an alleyway.
With my back pressed to the wall, I let out a long, ragged breath and slid down to rest on the back of my heels. There was a burning sensation in my hand and… I see blood. Thin trails of crimson fell from the tooth marks that pierced the flesh.
Had I really gone so far you needed to draw blood?
Odin was trained to bite me when I started exhibiting certain behaviours… and if he had failed the first time, I learned that he will bite even harder until I come to. Apparently that was the case this time. I still don't know what happened during that. All I can assume is that I fell in too deep a trance and Odin panicked.
"I'm really sorry, boy…" I pet the mabari's head sadly. "I can't imagine I'll be allowed to hang out with her after that. I don't think Aveline will let me stay with her anymore either… I…"
Bzz bzz bzzt
Hm?
Bzzzzzt bzzzzzzzt bzzzzzzt
My phone vibrated angrily in my pocket. I didn't want to answer it. I'm too scared of what I will hear on the other end.
Again it goes off. Longer.
I don't answer again.
A few more minutes pass before it goes off for the third time, and I finally give in and answer it.
"Oh thank the Maker you answered!" Isabela's worried voice comes from the other end. "Where did you go? Please come back. It was a gut reaction– I'm sorry I-"
I get to my feet and look out from the alley at street signs.
"I'm… near the corner of Main and 6th."
"Good Gods you're all the way down there? Stay there, I'm coming to get you."
"Okay." I resign myself to wait, wandering back out towards the corner and sit on one of the benches with my head in my hands. My leg bounces nervously as I just… wait there.
I lost track of the time. I don't look up until I hear footsteps running towards me. "Hawke!"
I look up as Isabela near slips on ice as she skids to a stop. I immediately get to my feet and catch her. She grabs on and falls more into me, her face buried into my chest. After collecting herself, she wraps her arms tight around me and squeezes.
"I'm so sorry for panicking and yelling at you. It… it was just so terrifying I didn't know how to react."
I just sigh and return her embrace. It isn't the first time someone had that reaction and I can't blame her for being so scared.
"I'm sorry for scaring you. It was not intentional." I rub my arm nervously.
"I can see that. We were talking then you suddenly went distant and your eyes started glowing. What happened?"
I rub the back of my head in thought.
"It's… hard to explain to someone not magically inclined. I would rather not speak of this in the public eye, if that's alright with you. Can't be too careful these days…" I look around nervously, now very conscious of the fact that people were staring. My heart starts to race and I tighten my arms around her just a bit more for assurance.
"We can head back to my place if you want?" Isabela pressed her ear against my chest. "I don't think wandering about after that will do your heart any good. Plus we have a party to get to tonight. Can't have you socially burned out now can we?" She looked up at me, chin against my chest and that warm smile on her lips. "C'mon. We'll watch a movie or play a game together. Something to decompress." Where the hell was she when I needed friends back in Tevinter?
I nod and wince again as a cold pain trails through my hand.
"We should get you bandaged up too… Damn, that's a nasty bite."
"I'm just glad he didn't take my whole hand off." Isabela gently pulls on my arms to guide me back towards where we parked.
"I'll drive." She says.
Getting out of the cold was nice, and her flat smelled like cinnamon and something else I couldn't quite place. Seems to have lingered from this morning. Odin flopped on the floor near the tv, curling up and immediately fell asleep.
I had to clean my newly wounded hand and wrap it up properly. Hydrogen peroxide stings like a bitch on an open wound. But it'll be better for it later on.
Isabela peeked into the bathroom with a tired smile. Dressed down in her comfy clothes, she had her hair tied back this time. She motions for me to follow her, so I do. Down the hallway we go, she takes my hand and guides me back to the couch then playfully pushes me down on it.
She crawls up next to me and flicks the tv on to some random nature documentary. Something about fish and sharks.
"I do believe you owe me an explanation, Hawke." She says, eyes locked on the tv, head against my arm.
I nod dumbly and gather my thoughts. Eyes also locked on the tv.
"Essentially what happened was something I call 'Fadestep' where sometimes the veil becomes thin and I slip into a place akin to limbo. Between worlds. I… I don't really know many mages who can do that. Even my–" I clear my throat. "Former colleagues of mine couldn't do it either. But I'll be okay." I hold my hand up. "Can't say the same for my nerves though. You said this Malcolm was a healer? I may need his aid."
"He is indeed. I'm sure he'll be willing to heal you up. He's a kind soul. Too good for this shithole of a city." She leans over to the table to pick up her phone. "Do you want to take a nap with me?" She set an alarm for 6pm. It's about 2.30 so a few hours would probably do me some good. Especially after that incident.
Without a word, she stands up and I shift to lay down properly with a pillow or two behind my head. I give her a once over and hold my arms out to her.
"C'mere." She obliges and allows me to pull her down on me. As she got comfortable, so did I.
The documentary was rather nice to have in the background. The narrator's smooth voice, far too pleasant to listen to. I dozed off after some time, as did she.
Garrett… Garrett, where are you? Mother and father need you… Garrett?
That voice… I've heard it before.
Stark white surrounds me once again. The dreamscape materialized around me in a new environment. I stood before a large building with high spires and a long stairway leading up between marble columns and a crimson door. I climb the stairs without hesitation. Something seemed to call me towards it. This palace of the unknown. As I crested the stairway, before the door stood a lone figure surrounded by a black fog of some sort. It had its back turned towards me until I took a single step towards it. It turned and slowly took the form of the raven haired woman from the photos Isabela had showed me.
Her piercing blue gaze locked onto my own.
"So this is where you've been hiding…" her voice came out in some demonic dualtone. I couldn't tell which was her true voice, and I stood stark still. Rooted in place as she approached me. Her right hand growing in shadow, turning into a deadly set of claws that she readied at me.
"Your master knows where you are." It said, smiling. "Do you truly believe you will ever be free of his influence? He knows you're here. The Master simply bides his time before he retrieves his pet." The world around me shattered and I was left in the small space as her claws tore through my flesh, breaking through to the other side through my back. Blood covered her, the darkness, and freely from my mouth. As I double over, her foot rests on my head.
"There is no escape."
Darkness.
I awoke with a start to Isabela petting my hair. Singing that same gentle melody she had when we slept together. I blink a few times and rest my hand on her arm. My eyes felt sore and my throat was dry.
"Isabela?" I managed to croak out.
"You were having a bad dream." She pressed a kiss to my temple. "You were crying and whimpering." She knelt next to me, rather than lay on me. "You poor dear. Are you going to be alright?"
I sit up and wipe at my eyes. She hands me a glass of water so I down it quickly. "Jesus fuck." I groaned, setting the glass back on the table and press the heel of my hands against my eyes then flop back down.
"It was horrible."
She runs her nails through my hair again.
It felt really nice.
"It sounded like it." Her voice held no malice. Only worry.
"I didn't wake you up, did I?" I tip my head towards her.
"No. I woke up a bit before it started. I didn't want to wake you in case you were the sort to lash out. The last thing I need is a black eye or a broken nose."
"That's… smart of you." I say quietly. "I punched Anders when he woke me up abruptly. It's just a defense mechanism. Hopefully I'll be able to get past that." Isabela nods in understanding then gets up and goes over to the tv.
"Do you want to have a smoke to relax? Or… anything else?" She turns towards me with the switch in her hand and sways her hips before dramatically plopping on the couch.
"A cigarette might do me good."
"You certainly do me good." She sighed dreamily and laughed. I rolled my eyes and sit up. The idea crossed my mind for a split second, but I push it away for now. I'm not entirely sure if I should push myself further today. Like she said; I shouldn't burn myself out before the gathering. Considering what had happened earlier, I'm not entirely confident with myself.
Granted, I could definitely feel certain parts of me getting a bit eager at the thought of her on top of me again. I stand to go grab my cigarettes from my coat pocket and return to her side to offer her one. She takes it and leans up to press a kiss to my cheek.
"You're a doll." She giggled lightly then went over and opened the window a bit. The cool evening air started coming in, pushing the curtains along with it.
"Y'know…" I say as she returns to the couch. "I wouldn't mind you taking another ride."
She leaned towards me and gently took my hand. I just smirk and snap my fingers to give a spark for her, then light up my own.
"Do you think something to distract you might keep you grounded?" She took another pull then turned away to blow it out. "Maybe play that game again or try a new one?"
"It might work." I shrug. Perhaps being the one to initiate the engagement would be better. "I'll just let you know if we need to stop."
Isabela gave an eager squeak and handed the switch over to me. I took it and scrolled through some of the games she had on the system.
"I also have a playstation if you want to try that."
"I didn't take you for much of a gamer." I poke her cheek playfully.
"There's a lot of things people don't know about me, Hawke." She rests her hand on my lap.
She listed off some of the games she had for the PlayStation and some of them caught my interest. There was one that involved a dragon, and a few others that were more fantasy oriented. Some slashers and roguelikes. Etcetera.
I opted to try out the PlayStation, and decided on the game pretty quickly. She obliges and sets it up for me. I never had one of these so it's a learning experience for me. Perhaps these colourful games would be good for me. Putting the Switch back, she returns and hands me the controller with some brief explanations before pushing me back against the couch.
"You can get handsy if you want, dove." I start the game and immediately feel my mind go into a better place. Fun music, colourful scenery, and cute characters.
While I remained more focused on the game, (both of us let our cigarettes rest in the ashtray on the table) she let her hands wander, so I shifted in place to make that easier for her to do as she pleased with it. Hearing the belt jingle and the zipper open was enough until her chilly hand slipped in my pants. You'd think she'd be able to keep her hands warmer. I give a weak noise and she just smirked.
So far so good… I give a warm sigh as her mouth fits around the head and she took it down without hesitation.
The character in the game was very cute. A little purple dragon that had to rescue his friends from being turned to crystal. He couldn't fly but the mechanics were easy to understand. I like the sounds some of the enemies made when the dragon rammed into them.
She squeezed my cock and made me look down at her. I take a moment to knit my fingers through her hair and push her head down to the hilt. Her throat tensed around it a few times before I let her back up. Her eyes half-mast and a seductive smile on those lips, then leans up and kisses me full on.
"Mind if I take a ride?" I smirked and set the controller aside so I could push her shirt up and off. Her tits were so nice… and the little bars through her nipples were a very nice touch. Both were given attention as she undressed and settled back in my lap.
I shift my pants down enough for her and once I pick the controller back up, I turn and lay down on the couch. She gave my cock another lick as she crawled over top. Settling against it and grinding hard against it. I run a hand over one of her breasts then down her side.
"You don't mind being in control?" I asked.
"If you don't mind just zoning out in game while I get you off." She gets onto her knees and readjust over the tip, pressing it between her legs again.
"It seems like it'll be fun." Resting a hand on her hip, I help guide her down until she settled firmly in my lap, taken down to the hilt. A warm moan left her lips as she started to roll her hips. Her hands on my chest.
After a few minutes, I resumed my attention back to the game. I made it to the next level that involved being somewhere in a maze at night. It was quite nice. Very pleasant music. I made an annoyed sound as one of the enemies had a metal shield that absorbs the fire breath. So I rammed him.
"Stupid frogs." I grumbled. Isabela's quiet moans were quite lovely to hear alongside this music, oddly enough. She picked up her pace and, in turn, my grip on the controller increased just that bit more. The soft sound of her body meeting mine kept my attention a bit divided, yet I felt calm. Her hands on my chest, she leaned forward and kissed the side of my head.
"I'm gonna go a bit harder now, okay?"
"Hm? Okay." She shifted on her knees a bit, and I turned to watch her. Her nails dug into my chest a bit as she lifted herself up, then quickly back down. Once, twice, then repeat. Harder.
Her head bowed forward, eyes closed, mouth agape with every heated breath she took. Every moan she made.
Fuck…
The couch squeaked beneath us. I let out a weak groan as well, biting my lip and forcing myself to focus on the game. Or something. I continue through the level a bit further until I get all the gems and dragons in it. After the 'level complete' title showed up on screen, the character is able to leave the level, and I immediately set the controller down on the table and grabbed her thighs. Readjusting beneath her, my hands slip up to her hips and I feel her form shiver.
"Hawke… Hawke~!"
I pull her tight against my body and kiss her neck before slamming upwards into her. I wrap my arms around her and dig my heels into the couch. Her voice rings out in a lovely melody of my name and frantic gasps, her arms wrapped about my neck and her face pressed firmly into the crook of my neck.
Her whimpers. Her whines. The warm breaths against my skin. Her body was so warm… she tensed and trembled violently as her moans reached a higher pitch. Frantically whining against my neck with my name once more from her lips. Weakening as her trembling subsided.
"Almost… almost there…"
Harder… harder…
A few final thrusts sent me over the edge with her firmly held against me, my face buried into the side of her neck.. "Mmfff… fuck yesss…"
A unified groan settles between us with every slow motion against one another. Slowing to a stop, her face tucked into the crook of my neck, I feel her nails kneading into my shoulder.
The gentle music of the main zone of the game still plays quietly in the background as I trail my nails down her bare side. Slowly, back and forth. Humming the same song to her as she had done for me.
"I have a question…" she says gently after she caught her breath with her nails still carding through my hair. "And you don't have to answer if you don't want to." I continued to run my fingers along her skin, the small raised goosebumps made me smirk. It's nice to be able to get that sensation out of someone.
"What's that?" I closed my eyes, just enjoying the warm body in my arms.
"Hawke isn't your first name, is it?" Her voice held no malice, but a tired sort of curiosity. Still, my breath caught, and my heart started to race again. If I didn't answer, then that could confirm the truth… but if I didn't answer then I would lie.
"What brought this question on?" I say, giving her a gentle hug.
She sits up slowly then gets up and off. A finger raised as a 'wait a moment' as she hurried off towards the bathroom. I was about to get up when a wet rag was thrown in my face.
"Clean up. I'll be right back." Her footsteps hurried away and the door closed abruptly.
I clean up quickly and zip my pants back up. After a few minutes I hear the toilet flush and Isabela returns and takes the rag from me, again disappearing into the bathroom without closing the door. Probably threw it in the hamper.
Should I tell her the truth…? She might already know something that I don't… but I don't sense any of Dan's aura on her. There would be even the smallest trace of him if she worked for him… I can trust her. I put my trust in a fucking Guardian Captain, so I can probably put my faith in Isabela too…
When Isabela returned, I handed her her clothes and she redressed, then flopped on the couch next to me.
"Sorry for that sudden question, I-"
"No." I say simply. "Hawke is my surname."
"Is it?" She rested her hands on her legs, then looked away in thought. "Odd…"
I tilted my head. "Odd? Odd how?"
"The reason I asked is because you look almost identical to Marian's father. And I had suspicion that somehow you two are related." Her beautiful gaze met mine, but I quickly looked away.
"That would be impossible." I shrugged. "My family died in a house fire when I was a teenager…" I fidget with my ring and sigh. "At least… that was what I was told."
She raised her hand, and I just pulled her against my side for comfort.
"I don't know the truth. Every time I try to remember my parents, all I get are vague shapes or… nothing at all. It's like there were memories there at one point but… Now there are none."
She took my hand and gave it a squeeze, then I leaned back on the couch and stared up at the ceiling for a moment. Eventually I reach out towards the controller on the table.
"Do you think you could handle potentially seeing your family again?"
Stopping mid-grab, I stare at the tv in silence, then continue on to grab the controller to resume playing. She sighs.
This was helping me stay calm. A lot. My heart aches and I gripped the controller a bit tight, but it wasn't going out of control this time.
"I don't think I could." I said, not looking at her while the little dragon leaps over onto a cliff side and rams a farmer over the edge. "As far as I know, they've been dead for years… I…"
Her saddened eyes locked onto me, and I only barely turned to look at her again.
"I'm… scared. My reality is different to everyone else that I've met. My reality is… scary. I don't know how I would react if I discovered everything I had been told growing up was all just a huge ruse to keep me obedient. And I mean… If… If they were alive, my parents and the rest of my family, what would they think of me now? Dan was the only one I ever considered 'family' for the past twelve years… I don't even know if my real parents missed me. There are too many questions that would need answering that I don't think I can answer. I'm so scared that the answer I get just leads to my heart being shattered… and them just… abandoning me…"
"Being afraid is normal, love." She leans on me and rests her head on my shoulder. "Especially after what you've been through, and I get the feeling that there's far more to your story than you're willing to tell, but that's okay. Not everyone needs their story exposed to the world."
I pause the game again, set the controller next to me, and nod as she rests her hand on my thigh, palm up. I rest my hand on hers and she links our fingers together.
"Garrett…" I said quietly.
"Hm?"
"My name is Garrett. Garrett Hawke."