Chapter 3 Tiny As It Should Be

A/N Due to good comments, I will continue this :3


This was the first ever quest Fenris had to do while following Hawke. He still wondered why he endebted himelf to a mere child. Even more so that he openly talked to said child. Now he has already met Hawke's little sister Bethany. The strange thing was, was that the twelve year old girl was much taller than her elder sister. The girl had the same curly hair as Hawke. Except Bethany's hair was a dark brown. Her eyes, bright golden brown. Unlike the glittering ice blue of Hawke's. Bethany looked more mature than Hawke, as well. He just couldn't figure out how they were sisters. He continued to stare at the Hawke siblings. Fenris shook his head. Was it even wise for the two young girls to even be doing this? It sadened Fenris to know such youth were forced to do jobs in order to live. Then again, such was the fate of many poor families. From what he heard. The Hawkes were originally the Amells. Their mother Leandra was a high standing noble woman. Who left the city to elope with an apostate mage. He sighed heavily. Maybe if Hawke's mother didn't fratinize with a mage. Then the possibilty of her living in an estate with a silver spoon in her mouth would have been better for her.

As he continued to look at the siblings. He noticed the way they were dressed. Hawke dressed in red while her younger sister dressed in blue. After all. Hawke was obsessed with little red dresses. What was bizzare however was why all those dresses she wished for, were low cut. The girl was nearly flat-chested, not that he was looking anyway. And he certainly wasn't staring at how short Hawke's skirt was. Which swished back and forth with every movement she made. What she wore was modest, even if she still shouldn't be wearing it. Besides, young ladies should not be wearing skirts with crotchless shorts underneath and a top that rested just below her collor bone. He wasn't a pervert just because he knew that her shorts were for show. It was because when he first fought beside her. She landed on her face upon the floor as her rear was in the air. He shook his head quickly getting rid of that image. At least Hawke's sister wore overly modest clothes. Even if she was a mage.

She was very young and could easily fall prey to a demon since she had never once been educated in the Circle. Fenris could easily turn the young mage in to the circle. But Aveline and Hawke would possibly get agressive with him. Mainly Hawke, though Aveline more so. Who was like an adopted older sister. She was in her early twenties. Varric would also be potentialy agressive with him. Fenris saw Varric's skills during a bar brawl at the Hanged Man. His accuraccy and precision with his crossbow was chilling. Varric looked to also be in his early twenties. Speaking of ages. Fenris learned very early in the few days he was forced to spend with them, their ages. Bethany was the youngest of the group at twelve, then Hawke. Next was Varric, who was twenty-three. Avelive was just two years older. Anders was around twenty-eight. Leaving Fenris, himself, to be the oldest at fifty-eight. He just didn't look it. After all. Elves are well known to live extremely long lives. Much longer than dwarves, humans, and qunari.
Though back to the point at hand. Fenris was the eldest in the group. So why was he following a child? The despairing drain of life has yet to taint her smile with the cruel reality of the world. She just looked too happy all the time. Though it brought up some philosphy he once heard a few nobles talking about. Sometimes those who smile the brightest are the most saddest. Though Fenris highly doubted Hawke has seen anything truely horrendous, despite the Blight. The only thing worth be truly sad about is the fact that she saw her own brother be torn apart.

He soon pushed such thoughts aside as the group waited at the gates of Kirkwall. It was getting late out. Fenris was retreived by Hawke earlier that evening. She said there was something they had to go do. Something important. He has been leaning against the wall staring at the Hawke siblings and getting lost in his own thoughts. He wonders why they are even waiting around. If it was of any true import then they should have already been off to complete the task at hand. He was beginning to get impatient. Till he heard someone walking towards them. It was Aveline.

"I see you decided to bring our new friend along. He will be great back up, should things go south." Aveline said looking at him. Fenris looked at the Hawke siblings again.

"Is it truly wise to bring them along? Children should remain home." Fenris said as he uncrossed his arms and got off the wall he was leaning against.

"I'm a big girl! I can fight just like you." Hawke pouted with a huff. Bethany remained silent.

"You just haven't seen the full exstent of how those two fight." Aveline said to him while walking past, out the gate. "We need to hurry. It will be a few hours till we get there."

"I know what one of them will use..." He said with a low growl as he looked at Bethany.

With that being said. They left the city close to noon. Fenris felt more at ease knowing that a city guard was leading the way and not Hawke. After all. He still didn't believe that she diverted the attention of a large slave hunting group. Let alone kill them. Her fighting was nothing to even brag about. She fought poorly and didn't pay attention. But that was his opinion. As they made their way further out of the city. They started along a path of the Wounded Coast. Fenris frowned disapprovingly. He truly disliked the outdoors. Hawke seemed to notice his dislike and let go of her sister's hand. Dropping back to walk beside him. Fenris took note of what she did but ingored her for the most part. Hawke opened her mouth to speak only for Fenris to cut her off. "We should move on." He said glaring down at her. Well aware of her wishing to start a conversation. Hawke looked down and hurried forward again. Fenris took a slow breath and sighed. He didn't really wish to partake in idle chitchat. Bethany looked back at him for a moment before grabbing onto Hawke's hand again. After a few more minutes, they came to the base of Sundermount. Aveline paused as she looked around. "There might be some straglers before the main group, nothing we can't handle." Aveline said.

Further up the path, a few of the men were standing around. Seemed they were talking about something. They were overly occupied as they began to walk off. Aveline readied herself as she pulled her sword and sheild out. "That's part of the ambush." She said as Fenris readied himself as well. Fenris then heard Aveline speak again, "Alright Hawke. You know what to do." Hawke smiled brightly and let go of her sister's hand. Taking off straight at them. Fenris seemed shocked at how fast the girl darted forward. She ran up behind one of them and pulled out a dagger. Slamming it right into the base of the man's spine before tearing the blade up the man's back. The man's body jolted at the sudden pain before he collapsed. The other men turned around and rushed her. Before they could even get to her however. They stumbled. Their feet frozen to ground. The ice reaching deep into the sand. Aveline charged forward, bulldozing into a man. Using her sheild to proppel the man into the air. He landed hard onto a rock sticking out of the dirt and sand. He didn't rise again. During this Hawke pushed past Fenris when he went to swing at another man. She jumped upon his weapon and used it to launch herself at the man Fenris was aiming at. She latched onto the man and repeatedly stabbed the man in the neck before jumping off. Leaving Fenris stunned as to what had just happened. He slowly set down his sword and looked behind him. Hawke was dusting off her skirt as she walked over to Bethany and Aveline. She paused as she looked down at the man she stabbed first. Giving the man a swift kick. The metal spikes digging into his throat finally killing the man. Fenris took a deep breath and tried to figure out what had happened. Seeing the enemies aleady down and dead. Their blood staining the ground.

Aveline walked up beside him. "Might need to move faster next time." She said as he shook his head. Fenris was in sheer disbelief. There was no way the battle was over that quickly. He didn't even a have a chance to truly strike. He slowly put away his sword as he watched the women continue forward. Surely the enimes were taken down by Aveline and not Hawke. Something didn't add up. Hawke was reckless and clumsy back at the mansion. So why was she able to move with such ease now? He followed silently behind the women. Hawke at the forefront. Her skirt swishing to and fro. He remained silent as Aveline dropped beside him. Aveline looked up at him. "You seem shaken." She said gently like a mother would her child. Fenris snapped his attention to her.

"I am still processing what exactly happen a few moments ago." He said honestly.

"Oh, that." Aveline then sighed. "Believe me. I was stunned as you were when I first witnessed Hawke fight. She was a year younger though."

She said as she looked ahead. Her face going serious. "Hawke is far more dangerous than she lets on. Still scary how she earned the nickname, Red Iron Maiden. Besides having been part of the Red Iron. Though an iron maiden... Kind of makes since. Red for her dress, Iron for her daggers, and Maiden, beacuase she is a young maiden." Aveline said.

Fenris silently stared at the red headed woman. "But is it true?" Fenris asked.

Aveline turned to him and smiled slightly. "I hardly believed it myself. But when you fight along side a person, you learn things about them..." Her smile fades soon. "Again, sorry for nearly assaulting you when I first met you."

"It's quite alright. I was a stranger who was with her at night. You had every reason to protect her."

"True, Hawke kept saying good things about you, even some other things."

"I assume she told you I was a slave?"

"Yes, even so. I told her not every stranger is friendly."

"Sadly true. Had I wished, I could have harmed her greatly. Though I have no wish to bring such harm to a child."

"I am glad. Had you hurt her. I would have made you regret it..."

"Turst me. I know what it is like to suffer."

"So does she..."

"I know of her brother... It was a tragedy. Though one has to learn of such things eventually."

"Her father... Four years ago... Though I think she knows what death is. Considering she was the Red Iron's top assassin."

Fenris paused as he looked at Aveline quite seriously. About to object to such a thing. There was no way someone of her age would know such grissly tactics and skills. He still refused to believe what happened back at the alienage, and just recently. They continued on further with Aveline taking the lead. Hawke and Bethany chatted away. Mainly Hawke, was talking. Fenris just couldn't help thinking he was simply seeing things and that Aveline was joking. Yet, the woman seemed incapable of joking about things. They shortly came upon another group of them. There weren't many, Aveline advised Hawke to hang back with her sister. Fenris was grateful to be able to let off some of his building frustration and confusion. After all, despite his cold and brooding demeanor. He was very volatile when it came to keeping his aggression in check. He hoped that this new group of people would not mind him being a bit hostile.
Both Fenris and Aveline dealt with the small group easily. By the time the enemies were felled. Both Aveline and Fenris turned back to the siblings. Hawke was currently climbing a lone tree. Fenris paused for a moment before quickly looking down. Surely the gaurdswoman would say something about this, issue... Bethany stared up wide eyed at her sister. The wind causing the elder sister's skirt to flutter open. Aveline wandered over and tilted her head. "Hawke. Get down. We can all see up your skirt." The gaurdswoman said. Hawke looked down with bright eyes. "But... Shiny!" She pouted pointing to a bird's nest with a glint of silver shimmering in the fading sun. "Hawke. I will shake that tree till you fall down." Aveline warned. Hawke huffed cutely and dropped down, before dusting herself off. Fenris merely rolled his eyes at this antic. "We should move on..." He said growing impatient. Hawke stared with bright eyes at him before sticking out her tongue ever so slowly. He simply stared at her confused. Her smile widened as she made herself go cross eyed. This got Aveline and Bethany to laugh. Fenris gave an irrated huff before turning away and walking forward. Hawke's smile disappeared then. A small pout on her face.

Hawke stared after the tattoed elf with curious eyes. She was trying to make him laugh again. She liked hearing him laugh. It was warm like a cozy fire. She wished he would talk to her. But he just disregards her as being a small child. She pouted as she took her sister's hand and followed after the adults. During the walk. Hawke continued to look all about the tall elf. He was very pretty just like when she first met him. He was a bit harsh but she knew he must have a reason for being mean to everyone. She really wished to be his friend. She hoped she wasn't saying anything too stupid to him. She wanted to talk to him more. She wanted to sound smart to him. Why? She wasn't that good with wording things. She was smart in her own way. He will see. Her face began to flush as she smiled. Her eyes following the lines of shimmering blue along his dusky skin. So shiny! So pretty~ No, handsome, very much so! Hawke drew closer to the lanky elf. She held her sister's hand a bit tighter. Bethany looked at her curiously. Hawke reached up towards Fenris's belt. Her sister nearly gasped, squeaking a small timid "No!" Hawke looked to her sister and pouted. She latched her hand firmly into the branded elf's belt. This got him to jolt up right as if shocked. He slowly turned and glared harshly down at her. His mouth curled into a deep snarl. She simply stared up at him with an innocent curious gaze up to him. "Let. Go." He warned lightly. Hawke only tightened her grip. Which irked the elf even more. Her eyes went wide then. She gave off a gasp as she whisperly shouted, "Trap!" She let go of her sister's hand to latch onto Aveline and jerk back. It was enough to make the guard pause. It had also puzzled Fenris as well. Hawke lets go and hopes forward lightly. Bending over to lightly dig in the dirt. It was raised higher than the other parts of the path. Someone tried to make it blend. She pulled a small dagger to cut the wire. Standing up she wandered over to some brush. Moving the brush aside to show a barrel. Aveline hummed as Fenris looked on a bit impressed. "Good job Hawke." Aveline said with a smile. Hawke returned the smile just as brightly. Bethany hurried back over to hold her Hand.

"We're close to the Ambush. Be ready." Aveline said as she drew her weapons. Hawke did the same as she pranced in place. Her arms flailing about her as she rocked back and forth. A small keening noise coming from her. Bethany pulled back and hid behind a rock. Not wishing to go any furth. Aveline had noticed and nodded. They went forward as Hawke skipped over. Aveline let out a sharp shout that drew the enemies towards her. Fenris took a deep breath and targeted the enemies. Hawke stuck her tongue out as she pulled her daggers free. She was giggling. It was reminisent to back at the manor. Fenris knew he was just seeing things earlier. Fenris lunged quickly to slash at the enemies. Slicing one man in half. His entrails splashing onto the ground and painting the sand red. He followed the momentum through to the next man. Aveline bashed her sheild into other enemies. The force of it knocking the wind from them. Hawke easily went off and quickly ended them. Rushing up to them then bouncing away. She jumped forward to attack one man, only to be hit back. He slammed the pommel into her stomach and sent her flying back onto the dirt. She gave a series of coughs as she clutched her stomach. She began whining. Fenris noticed this from across the battlefield. He gave an agitated sigh as he moved to defend her. Knocking the man who attacked her back. he glared down at Hawke shaking his head. She merely whined. Aveline finished off the last remaining person and sighed softly. "Well equipped for bandits, but dead is dead and the road is clear. Captain Jeven needs to know of this. back to the barracks for your just reward." Aveline said. Fenris gave the guard a scrutinizing look. Seriously? Hawke was knocked down. Why should she get paid when she was nearly killed? Though he missed how Hawke huffed as she sat up. She didn't really need Fenris to save her. She, somewhat, feigned the hit. Having grabbed the pommel and jumping backwards. She was trying to lure the man into letting his guard down. Didn't work how she wanted but he did let his guard down. Though it was sweet to know Fenris guarded her. She then smiled as she got up. Her sister hurring over to her. She held her sister's hand as they walked back.

As they got back into the city the next day. They head straight for Hightown. Going to the Viscount's Keep. Fenris was sorely tempted to go back to the mansion. But he couldn't help but feel like he needed to see the current quest through to the end. So he walked with the girls to the captian's office. He stops a short distance away and sighs. Avline walks up to the door. "There's Jeven's office. Wait while I explain our initiative." Avleine says as she walks in. The door closing behind her. Hawke began to cuddle her sister and hum lightly. Though a sudden yelling made both girls jump and even got Fenris' attention. "I don't know how they do it where your from, Guardswoman, but I decide the patrols, not you and your whims! You may have been put up for lieutenant in your first year, but I'll have no show offs in my command! Have I made myself clear? Report to you post, before I have you and your Fereldan accomplice jailed!" Jeven shooted. Aveline rushed out of the office with her head down. She looked beyond upset. The door slamming shut behind her. Hawke slowly inched towards the red head. Looking up worriedly. Aveline remained silent. "Well, he sounded fun." Hawke said with a sardonic tone. Getting Aveline to look over to her.

"I don't have to like him, but he could at least listen. Bandits are dead - that's all that should matter. It's not the first time he's made me wonder like this. Something is very wrong."

"Then we should see who you actually bothered."

"Then we should check the duty roster, and see who was suppose to take that route. What have I gotten myself in?" She said before slowly whispering to herself as she looks at the office again. "Threaten my friends... Not letting that one go captain."

Hawke scurried over to the duty roster with her sister. Looking at all the posted papers on the pillar. Aveline did the same. Soon a guardswoman hurried up to her.

"Aveline! I owe you for clearing out that ambush the other night. Saved me a mess of trouble."

"Brennan, that route was yours?"

"It was. Single patrol. I'd been dead for sure." Brennan said.

Hawke soon spoke up. "That is too much of a patrol if it's one person..."

"Shouldn't need to be. That route was clear for weeks. First noise out of it was your big fight. The captain reassinged me after he heard what you did, and I passed the satchel to Donnic, for his patrol tonight."

"Stachel?"

"Pay and order assignments. Captain has us run deliveries to the outposts during light duty. It's usually an updated copy of the roster. The satchel for that night was heavy, though. Anyway, Thanks again, Aveline. You're a good one." She says turning a walking off.

Aveline turns to hawke. "So the satchel gets heavy the same day we discover an ambush."

"Do you really want to go after this? It your captain, we're talking about..."

"If a guard has been put at risk, a good captain would want to know why. And if he's not a good captian. I want to know why."

"There must be some pefectly reasonable lie that says why this is happening."

"I'd be willing to hear it, but not while a guard may be walking into a trap. Brennan said Donnic... A good Man, Donnic... Donnic. I'v got his route." She said pulling his paper from the others. "A night walk in Lowtown. Let's go make sure his quiet patrol stays that way." She says.

It was already close to evening. The group didn't really get much sleep. They hurried their way to Lowtown. Hawke dropped her sister off before taking off after Aveline. A small yipping was heard from her pack now. Fenris was sorely wishing to go back to the mansion. But he needed to help however he could. After all, he was accustom to the lack of sleep. He made a mental note that Aveline and Hawke were the same. Though they surely didn't miss multiple nights of sleep like he did. "We can't waste time Hawke. Guardsman Donnic is here somewhere." Aveline said rushing Hawke. Who pouted and scurried after the guardswoman. As they went along the route Donnic was suppose to be on. Hawke paused and looked down an alleyway. She darted off getting both Aveline and Fenris to take off after her. "He's got friends!" Someone yelled.

Donnic was currently on the ground holding his head. Having been struck hard across the back of his head. His vision blurry. All he could hear was yelling all around him. There were quite a few people at the ambush. A single guard like Donnic, on his own couldn't handle such a thing. Hawke was the first to his defense. Jumping at the woman standing over him. Latching onto her back. Hawke drawning a dagger and swiftly slitting the woman's throat. Aveline rushed in with her sheild up. Charging into a man, kocking the wind out of him. Fenris came in too with his sword drawn. Dispatching the men. Hawke darted back and forth slashing at the assaliants. Confusing them as Aveline and Fenris used that distraction to take them out. They weren't much of a challenge when the fight was close to fair now. As the last one goes down. Aveline goes to help Donnic up. As Hawke sees the satchel and starts digging through it.

"who... Ave... Aveline? You're a beautiful sight."

"Guardsman." Aveline said giving a small smile.

Donnic blushed a bit "I mean, I was on patrol, and they came out of nowhere. I took a few down but there were too many at once. The captain said this route was suppose to be quiet."

Hawke pulled out a document form the bag. Fenris immediately reconigised the seal on it. "The seal of the Viscount... Office details, city accounts."

"Valuable to a bunch of theives." Hawke said sniffing through the satchel.

"A sacrificial delivery with one of our own. Captain Jeven will answer" Aveline said with a deep frown.

"Selling out his own? Forget captain, he should be in government!"

"Not now, Hawke. Jeven needs to see how justice works. This goes to the office of the Viscount. This will be known. The captian likes his theives so much. Let's see how they welcome him in prison." With that Aveline started to hurry off. Hawke gave a yawn but went over to Donnic and poked at him. "I'll make it back to the barracks. Thank you for the help." Donnic said walking back with a slight limp.

Hawke hurried after Aveline. Fenris followed suit. He saw how tired Hawke has gotten. So did Aveline. Who turned to look at her. "You need to get some rest. It is past your bed time." The woman said. Hawke whined "I'm not tired!" She said with a yawn. Aveline shook her head. "I'll take care of the rest. You need sleep." She said before turning to Fenris. "I can trust you to bring her home? It is a few blocks away." Aveline said. Hawke protesting in the background. Fenris gave a sigh and nodded. With that Aveline hurried off.

Fenris looked at Hawke then. She in turn looked back at him. She looked tired. She was trying to fight off sleep. A small tiny bark was heard and she perked up. Reaching into her pack and taking out the puppy known as Fuzz Muffin. "That's a great idea, Fuzzy! Let's go sleep at his house!" She said and then bounced up to Fenris. Who looked confused at this. Was she just talking to the wolf pup? And whose house was she going to? "I'll race you to your mansion!" She said before darting off towards Hightown. "Wait! Now just you hold on girl!" He said as he went off after her. Quickly grabbing her by the shoulder and stopping her. His markings burned at the contact but he ignored it. "I was just told to bring you home and that is where you are going." He said holding her firmly. Fuzz Muffin growled at him and started yipping. "Me and Fuzzy want to spend the night with you!" She said with a cute pout. "No." He said letting her go. Hawke just whimpered before yawning again. "But... it closer to Avey... Be there in... Morning to see what gonna... Happen..."s he said slowly trying to stay awake. "I said no. Remember I am still technically a stranger to you. You shouldn't spend the night with a stranger. Even more so because I am a man." He said crossing his arms. She looked at him curiously. "Why?" She asked. He gave a heavy sigh. "I will give you a reason why. I am capable of harming you. You do not even know me. Should I have ill intentions for you. There would be nothing for you to do should I wish to act on certain desires." He explained. It was just inappriate for her to stay as his place. She was a young child. And he was still a stranger to her. He needed to bring her home. He did not wish to be responsible for her. And should something happen to her. He would hate to be seen as the cause of it. "Turn around. Now. I'm taking you back to your mother." He said sternly. She pouted as did the pup. "Yes Sir..." She said lowly as she turned and began walking home. He was a bit stunned by this. She answered him with manners. It showed that she held respect for her elders. Though Fenris was sure she didn't know just how much older he was to her. He walked her home and bid her good night before heading off to his mansion.

The next morning he is rudely awoken by a certain someone frantically banging on his door. "FenFen! FenFen! Let me in-in!" It was none other than Hawke. but how did she get into the mansion when he locked the door? And also what time was it? He gave a groan as he sat up. It almost felt like she spent the night regardless. He got up and got dressed before opening his room door. Hawke fell forward and landed at his feet on her hands and knees. He gave a frown as he looked down at her. "Get off the floor..." She looked up at him and laughed before jumping to her feet. There was a rustling from her pack. Must of been her pet. He could see a black shiny wet nose poking from the flap. It twitched as it sniffed the air. Making a small yip. Hawke dusted herself off and looked up at him. "I want to see Avey! Come on FenFen!" She said excitedly as she pranced in place. Fenris gave a heavy sigh. Grabbing his sword and shortly following after her. He then notices Varric wave at him. The dwarf turned around and walked right by Hawke.

Hawke seemed to be feeling better. A few hours of sleep fully recharged her back to her excitable self. He on the other hand had trouble sleeping. Then again. He has alway had problems. Being an insominac coupled with being a light sleeper. Sometimes he goes days without proper sleep. He inwardly cursed his master's name. Him an his master's apprentance. He shook his head as he followed Hawke into the keep. They made their way towards the guard captian office. Just in time to see Seneschal Bran and a few others guards walking into the office with Aveline. The trio hurried over into the room to stand by Aveline. Just as the guards grabbed Jeven. "How dare you! I am guard captian! I won't be treated like this!" The guards began to forcibly drag him out of the office. Him screaming the entire way. "Fereldan bitch! This was none of your affair! I'll see you hanged! Quartered! This will not stand!" Avelne just smiled as she crossed her arms. The Seneschal sighed before speaking.

"We found a number of debts to... suspect peoples. Such poor character." He said before looking at Aveline. "But you, Aveline Vallen, Have proven your loyalty and ability." He walked over to stand before her.

Aveline bowed her head before answering. "The guard deserves better than him, messere."

"Indeed. The viscount would have you put your care for the men into direct practice. You will assume the captain's job."

"What?" Aveline was shocked her mouth hanging open slightly at his words.

"In due time, of course. There will be training, approvals. Months, at least. But who better to rebuild respect then the woman who exposed this... embarrassment." He said as Aveline looked at Hawke and smiled brightly. "Resolve any outstanding business, Guardswoman. You will be very busy." With that being said, the Seneschal turned and left. Aveline turned her attention to the captian's desk, soon to be hers. Varric walked over to her as Aveline went to stand behind the desk. He was quickly writting down some things in his journal then tore out the pages. "Hey, Aveline. Think you can printup some copies and have the guard help me get this pettition to the viscount so I can get the Hanged Man into my name?" Aveline looked up at him and scowled. She was just told she would be guard captain. She wasn't even the captain yet and already Varric was wanting things from her. Well more like her position.

"Varric, No." She said firmly.

He just laughed. "You're the captain, or you will be. It'll be easy."

"I'm not pettitioning the viscount to help you steal ownership of the Hanged Man." She was barely smiling.

"Steal! Madam, you wound me." He said with a mock pout.

She stood up then and pointed to the door. "I'm about to."

Varric huffed with a shake of his head then smiled and shrugged before seeing himself out. Hawke scurried her way over to Aveline as Fenris just leaned against the door frame. Aveline smiled and sat down on the edge of her new desk.

"Big changes are coming, huh? Captain of the guard." She said before looking down. "Thank you, Wesley."

"You still keep him close."

"He's not with me, I know that. Wesley's at the Maker's side, or he's not. Either way. he knows no pain. What I keep is that moment. I won't let anyone down like that again."

"But.. I don't see how you let him down. The darkspawn..."

"I put him to the sword myself, Hawke..."

"Well... ugh... Hmm..." Hawke looked away.

"I know in my heart it was right. So did Wesley. But in my heart, that cut was cruel."

Hawke was at a loss for what to say. She hid her uneasment as well as she could. She said something completely different to change the suject. She tried to make a joke. "S-so! I am now best friends with the captain! Now I won't get in trouble!"

Aeline frowned. "you'll behave yourself, is what you'll do. I just sent Jeven to prision over corruption. I won't go the same road."

Hawke began to pout. "You never let me have any fun!"

"I think that's best for everyone."

Hawke pouted but hopped up to hug Aveline tightly. "Good to know I won't lose you, Avey! I need you."

"You've been grand through all of this. A true friend. Captain of the Guard. Thank you for helping me get here, Hawke. It's Where I should be." She said giving Hawke a hug in return.


A/N I enjoy writing this just as much as Hostile Territories.