So sorry for the update taking so long. It's been hard finding the inspiration to continue this, but I think I'm finally getting back on track.
(Nothing sexual yet I'm afraid, but rewards comes for those who wait!)
"Madame Lusine has really outdone herself tonight," Hawke whispered to herself as she entered the Blooming Rose, Fenris half a step behind her. Pausing, she half turned towards him and leaned close. "Are you really sure you want to do this? We can turn around right now if you'd rather..." She trailed off as she became aware of the warmth seemingly radiating off of him. She breathed deeply, noting that the smell of leather wasn't as sharp, though it smelled like his clothes had been laundred with...mint? The mix was intoxicating, she almost leaned in closer to sniff him. Fenris smiled slightly. "No, we're here. And I already told you, I'm honored that you asked me along. Come, let's not linger in the doorway."
Moving further into the Rose, Hawke once again became captivated by the decorations. The walls were lined with different masks, and the lighting was low and mellow. A small orchestra was playing on the landing of the second floor, and the main floor had been cleared of all furniture to make room for dancing. All in all, the effect was quite the nice mix of classical and intimate. And then there were the people moving about, some in classical ball gowns and simple masks, other in more elaborate costumes depicting everything from animals to monsters. The employees were easily distinguishable from the guest, all being clothed in silk sheer enough to see through in similar cuts, with either gold or silver half-masks covering the upper portion of their faces. Madame Lusine herself was behind the bar in a gold and silver gown, maskless.
"I'll go get us something to drink, is there anything particular you'd like Hawke?" Fenris murmured close to her ear. Inhaling deeply, Hawke looked up at him and smiled. "Champagne would be lovely I think." He nodded and walked off, heads turning after him as he passed. He did make a striking figure in those clothes, and the tight fit of the leather pants barely left anything to the imagination. Following him with her eyes until the throng of people blocked her view, Hawke sighed. She still didn't understand what had caused the sudden change of behaviour in him after she invited him to the masquerade. He almost seemed like a different person – calm, protective, caring, perhaps even interested in her in a way that wasn't his normal vigilance around mages. Normally, every job she brought him along for ended in an argument between the two, and though she couldn't deny that it made her heart race when they'd be up in each others faces screaming, this calm feeling of closeness she had experienced tonight made her feel even more giddy. Fanning herself with her hand, she took another deep breath and looked about the room while she waited for him to come back, searching for familiar faces.
"Ah, Lady Hawke, I see you got my invitation!" Hawke spun around, coming face to face with a smiling elf in a silver mask. Jethann. He bowed, bringing her hand to his lips, placing a small kiss upon it. "I must say, you look stunning. However, did you not bring a mask? This is, after all, a masquerade!" Blushing, Hawke took her hand back, trying not to stare downwards. The tight breeches he was wearing concealed close to nothing, being only slightly more opaque in the groin area. "I'm afraid I didn't have the time to have one made that suited the dress," she said with a wistful smile. "I did send Isabela out to look for one, but she said she couldn't find anything appropriate." Jethann nodded to himself, glancing over at Madame Lusine. Moving closer, circling an arm around her waist, he gave her a sly smile. "Don't worry about that sweetheart, I'll find one for you, I'm sure. Does your...partner...have one of his own, or shall I find one for him as well?" Her eyes widening, Hawke shook her head. She hadn't thought about that at all, his outfit had so radically taken all her interest. Him having a mask or not had not even crossed her mind. "Ah, well, I'm sure I can find one that will suit him." Jethann smirked and walked away, carefully letting his hand trail off her waist and down her thigh as he passed her and walked off. Looking back over his shoulder, he pointed at the spot she was standing. "Don't move sweetheart, I'll be back in but a few moments."
