Chapter 5 - Today was a fairytale

"Today was a fairytale, you've got a smile that takes me to another planet
Every move you make everything you say is right, today was a fairytale

Today was a fairytale, all that I can say, is now it's getting so much clearer
Nothing made sense until the time I saw your face, today was a fairytale

Time slows down whenever you're around. But can you feel this magic in the air?
It must have been the way you kissed me, fell in love when I saw you standing there
It must have been the way, today was a fairytale, it must have been the way, today was a fairytale"

Today was a Fairytale by Taylor Swift

Charlie leaned into Anders and relished the feel of his hand around her waist. She had wanted to be with him for so long, to know the feel of his lips on hers, to experience the thrill of his caress. Anders' hand tenderly stroked her side as they walked, sending a wave of desire coursing through her. Charlie imagined Anders pulling her into an alley, pushing her against the wall as he pressed into her and claimed her lips as his velvety tongue explored her mouth. Her knees went weak at the thought, and Anders gripped her waist even tighter.

He looked down at her and gave her a knowing smile. "Are you okay?"

"Aaah yes, I tripped over a cobblestone."

Anders continued to smile as he pulled the door to the Hanged Man open for her. "Okay, if you say so."

The whole gang was already there and as they made their way over to them, everyone except Isabela looked completely stunned as Charlie approached the table.

"Does Charlie have a twin that we didn't know about?" Merrill asked.

"Trust me Kitten, if Charlie had a twin I would know about it. I am all about doubling my pleasure," Isabela cooed.

"Let me present Charlie's cousin, Charlotte," Anders said. Then he went around the table and introduced all Charlie's companions.

Varric ordered another round for the table then turned to study Charlie. His eyes narrowed as if he were sizing her up. Finally he said, "The likeness is remarkable. Do you fight as well as your cousin?"

"Oh… well, probably not… I mean…"

"Charlotte can kick Charlie's arse," Isabela stated and Charlie's eyes went wide in disbelief.

Anders eyes narrowed at the pirate, "And how would you know that? You just met her and have never even seen her in a sparring ring."

"It's a feeling I get. I can just tell when I meet an exceptional fighter," Isabela replied.

"Charlie is remarkable fighter. I wouldn't even want to compare myself to him," Charlie said humbly.

"Well, I think the only way to find out is if we have you and your cousin spar against each other," Isabela challenged.

Charlie kicked Isabela underneath the table as hard as she could.

"Ouch!" the pirate cried out.

"What is it?" Merrill asked.

"Something just bit me," Isabela groaned as she gave Charlie a dirty look.

"I think a sparring match between the cousins is an excellent idea," Varric said as he continued to stare at Charlie.

"It would be most entertaining," Fenris stated.

Through gritted teeth, "Isabela, I do believe I need to use the privy. Would care to join me?"

"I'm fine, sweet thing," Isabela said until she looked up at Charlie and saw her glaring at her. "On second thought that isn't a bad idea."

They headed back towards the privies, Charlie started to head to the left when Isabela grabbed her arm and pulled her to the right. "Ladies are this way."

Once alone in the chamber, Charlie spun to face the pirate wench. "Have you gone bloody insane? What in Maker's balls possessed you to suggest that I spar with myself? How in Andraste's twat am I supposed to pull that off?"

"I'm sorry, Charlie, I had this hysterical vision of you fighting as Charlie, dressed in your Charlie garb against you dressed as Charlotte and the idea just leapt out of my mouth."

"Well an idea better leap out of your mouth to get me out of this. Varric is already suspicious. He's eyeing me like I'm a nug on a spit that just finished roasting."

"Well, you do look very tasty to me," Isabela cooed.

"Stop it! You have a boyfriend… remember."

Isabela rolled her eyes. "Some boyfriend… he never puts out. I'm hornier than a three headed bronto."

"Thanks to you, he has a lot on his mind at the moment. You know stress does cause a man to have limp dick. So you might want to lighten up some and in the meantime, let your fingers do the walkin' if you have such an uncontrollable itch," Charlie replied with a grin.

"My fingers are nearly broke from all the walking they have been doing," Isabela grunted as the two of them headed back to the table. She slouched down into her chair and pouted.

"What's the matter with you? Did Charlotte turn you down," Anders chuckled as Charlotte sat beside him.

"Something like that; not mention I'm bored," Isabela grumbled.

Charlie's leg brushed against Anders and the warmth of his body sent a chill thorough her. Anders smiled over at her and Charlie felt her face flush. What the hell was he doing to her? One minute he was sending chills through her than the next her body was burning up with a sudden need to press herself against him. She needed to get control of herself.

Anders rested a hand on the bare skin of her back. His soft fingers gently caressed her skin that sent a flame of desire coursing through her as he leaned toward her. "Are you okay? You can use my coat if you're cold."

The warmth of his breath on her neck combined with heat from his strokes on her back were causing her mind to spin out of control, but she couldn't stop herself from leaning against him. The need to feel him pressed against her was becoming an overwhelming hunger. Maker, if he kept touching her back like that she would be ripping her clothes and his off right here.

She turned, leaned into him so that she could whisper in his ear, "I'm fine. You seem to be doing an excellent job of warming me up." It took all of her will power not pull his supple earlobe in her mouth and suck. Would that make him moan she wondered? What would it take to make him cry out her name and beg her for more? She pictured her lips sliding down his throat across his muscular broad chest as she made her way down toward… the sound of Varric's voice snapped her out of the fantasy. Anders gave her another knowing smile as his fingers continue to brush soft strokes across her back awakening something in between her thighs; something that she had ignored for years, but was now raising its sleepy head.

"What do you suggest then, Rivaini?"

"Well, I know this very cool knife game."

"Is there a possibility that I will be healing hands that have lost a finger or two?" Anders asked as he removed his coat and slid it around her shoulders. She pulled the jacket around as she breathed in his scent. Anders discreetly slid his hand underneath the jacket and continued stroke her back as his fingers slipped lower and around her side toward the swell of her breasts. His fingers trailed around the curve of her breast as he tenderly caressed her. Her head was spinning with desire now, wanting to feel his hands all over her.

Isabela grinned at him, "Not if you win."

"I don't think I like games that could cause you to lose a finger. What fun is there in that?" Merrill asked.

"Well, we played this game at the Circle where we would shoot fireballs at each other, slowly increasing the strength of the spell. The winner was the last person still standing," Anders said nonchalantly as his hand still covered by his coat, cupped her breast and gently squeezed.

Charlie furrowed her brows as she stifled a moan, "Mmhmm, I-I would prefer a game that didn't involve the chance for dismemberment or a high threshold of pain. I know a fun game that you have to make assumptions about a person's past based on how well you judged their character."

"Sounds like a boring game," Fenris stated dryly.

"That's because you don't have character," Anders said.

"Kitten, do tell. This could be interesting."

Anders thumb subtly glided over top of her nipple just as she began to speak. "H-here's," she started to cough and she heard him laugh softly. He was having fun with this. If only this table had a table cloth she would give him a taste of his own medicine. She cleared her throat and started over as Anders' thumb continued stroke her now taut nub. The beast between her legs now had its head raised as it stretched, yawned and became fully awake with tingling desire and hunger. "Here's how it works, I make a statement about your past that I believe to be true. If I am correct you drink, if I am wrong I drink… and there is no lying," Charlie explained.

"As I said, boring," Fenris grumbled.

"This sounds like fun. I will start," Isabela cooed and Charlie shot her a warning glare.

"I can see a very drunk Charlotte real soon," Anders mused.

"Oh really, and why is that, exactly?" Charlie asked.

"Well because we all know each other, so we'll be able to beat each other. You on the other hand are still new around here, and don't know that much about us. How do you plan to win?"

"I'm an excellent judge of character," Charlotte said in her defense as Anders continued to slyly manipulate her breast until she knew she was soaked between her thighs, beast roaring for Anders attention. Maker's balls, what the hell was he doing to her? She was acting like a Blooming Rose whore, but she couldn't stop him even if she wanted to. Her body was now screaming for his touch, but only a teasing thumb and forefinger pinched at her nipple through the thin material of the dress. Her body jerked and she bit the inside of her lip to keep from moaning.

"Really? Then why don't you start?" Anders chuckled.

"O-okay. I'll start with you, my dear sweet m-mage," she paused as she tried to gather her thoughts. What she wanted to say was you're a fucking clit tease and if I don't feel your mouth on my wet center immediately I'm going to come undone. What she actually said was, "Anders, I've… I've come to discover that you are a very…" Anders pinched and gently pulled her nipple… Fuck! She closed her eyes and hit her hand against the table several times as she pretended to search for a word. "Y-you are a… giving… yes, very giving person… you will go out of your way… to make sure those around you are satisfied… Aaah, I mean happy… yes very… happy."

Isabela's eyes furrowed, but Anders smiled as he lifted his mug of ale and drank.

Anders chuckled. "You are very observant."

Charlie grabbed a napkin from the table and began to fan herself. "Thanks… It's warm in here. Is anyone else hot?"

Isabela raised an eyebrow, "Maybe you should remove Anders' coat. I'm sure that is the source for all of the heat."

"Yes… yes, very good point," Charlie said as she slowly started to remove the coat giving Anders enough time to tactfully remove his hand.

Anders pretended to help her remove the coat, he leaned in and whispered, "Such a shame, I was thoroughly enjoying myself and from the looks of it, so were you."

Before she could reply, Anders turned to Varric, "You always felt like the unseen, unwanted child since Bartrand was clearly the favorite."

Varric lifted his mug and drank as he muttered, "Would you like a jar of salt to pour into the wound while you're at it."

Charlie's skin was still burning for the touch of Anders hand and her body was crying out from the lack of satisfaction. She craved him, yearned for him… but she knew this couldn't go any further. Charlotte was only here for a visit, she didn't live here and she couldn't. Her appearance would only draw attention to her from the templars. Her current look resembled the mage that the Ferelden templars were after. Charlotte had to leave soon. She looked over at Anders; the hunger that she saw in his eyes had to mirror her own. Yes, the sooner Charlotte left, the better.

Varric turned to Isabela, "Underneath that tough exterior of yours, lies a heart of gold."

"Don't tell everyone that. I do have a reputation to uphold," Isabela chuckled as she sipped her ale. When she lowered her glass her gaze rested on Charlie and she grinned. "You once had scandalous affair with a woman?"

Charlie glared at her, "Drink."

"You prefer to dress in drag," Isabela stated.

"Drink."

"Do I need you to remind you of your own rule about lying?" She asked.

"Drink!"

Isabela gave her a nasty glare back. "You're an excellent rogue and an expert with dual weapons."

Charlie lifted her mug and took a gulp.

Anders arm slid around Charlotte's shoulder and her hunger for him cried out. His eyes narrowed on her, "Where did you learn dual weapons?"

"That isn't how the game works, you make a statement not ask a question," Charlie replied coolly as she eased away from him, trying to put some space between them, trying to give her body time to cool down. Then she turned her attention toward Fenris.

"Fenris, you are a very angry elf who spends most of your time plotting revenge on your former master," Charlie observed. Fenris nodded in approval as he lifted his ale.

"How did you know that?" Anders asked completely stunned as he slid closer to her, trying to close the gap between them.

"I told you, I'm a good judge of character," Charlie said calmly.

"That's very impressive considering you just met me." Fenris leaned across the table toward Charlotte as he eyed her suspiciously, "The family resemblance is so striking between you and Charlie that the two of you are often mistaken for brother and sister, not cousins."

Charlotte smiled then raised her mug and drank.

"I agree, Charlotte and Charlie look more like siblings than Carver and Charlie. Maybe Carver was adopted," Merrill wondered.

Charlie laughed. "I think at times Charlie believes that very thing about Carver."

Charlie turned to Anders and smiled, "You have a wide variety of sexual conquests in your past, but you have never found a deep and soulful connection with anyone."

Anders mouth dropped open then closed, then opened again. "It that your imitation of a baby bird," Isabela chortled.

"By all that opening and closing, Blondie, I do believe the lovely lady guessed right. Drink!"

Anders narrowed his eyes at Charlie, "You weren't born in Oxbridge."

Charlotte hesitated as she looked at Anders; he smiled and said, "I do believe it was your rule that said no lying." Charlotte shook her head as she drank.

"You have the grace of a true aristocrat. You have nobility in your blood," Merrill declared.

The whole table turned, looked at Charlotte as she slowly lifted her glass then everyone spun back around and stared at Merrill in amazement.

"That is the most observant thing I think I have ever heard you say, Kitten. You're definitely making progress."

"Yes, well I do have my moments," Merrill said flippantly.

Anders was astonished by the revelation. "Why didn't I see that?" He muttered. Then he leaned, cupped her ear so no one could see and whispered, "I did see this however." He pulled her earlobe into his silky mouth and sucked. A tremor shot through her body forcing her to hiss. "That's what you were thinking about earlier, wasn't it?"

Charlie stared at him completely stunned. "Are you a mind reader?"

Anders laughed. "No, I'm just good at reading people."

Charlie pulled away from him, "Anders…"

But he cut her off as he looked at the pirate wench, he said, "Isabela, rumor has it that you once had a roll in the hay with both the Hero of Ferelden and the King of Ferelden," Anders said.

"Not true, I had a tumble below decks with them."

"At the same time, Rivaini? I need details."

"Oh, they were two young kids out to save the world and needed a way to relieve some of the tension and that is where I came in," Isabela purred.

"Isn't it true, Anders, that you are also well acquainted with the Hero and that she gave you Sir Pounce-A-Lot?" Varric asked.

"Define well acquainted."

"Careful my dear sexy mage, you might be dropping yourself in hot water with that answer," Isabela grinned.

"I was good friends with Elissa Cousland. I healed her tender body numerous times, but the one thing I was never able to mend was her broken heart," Anders said coyly.

"Why was the Warden-Commander broken hearted?" Merrill asked.

"Surely you have heard the bard's tales of the star crossed lovers," Anders asked. Merrill shook her head.

"Well, Daisy I will happily tell you the tale at a different time. No one wants to hear that sad story right now."

"Speaking of star crossed lovers. Where is that man of yours, Isabela?" Fenris asked.

"I don't know, but when he gets here, I'm going to have to give him a real tongue lashing for being late."

"He may like that," Varric chuckled.

A messenger rushed into the tavern and up to their table. "Aaah, I have a message for Captain Isabela."

"That's me." Isabela took the message, tipped they young lad and then read the note. "Charlie apologizes for being late, but he got tied up with handling some family business for his mother."

"If he is much later he's going to have a hell of a time catching up," Varric stated.

Isabela leaned over the table and took Charlotte's hand, "I would love your opinion on a dress I just bought."

"Isabela in a dress... is the world ending tomorrow?" Anders asked.

"Hey, I wear dresses when I want to look exceptionally good for my man."

"What's the occasion? The one month anniversary of the first blow job you gave him?" Fenris jeered and Charlotte began to choke on her drink.

"You're lucky Charlie didn't hear you say that, elf. He might have been inclined to remove some of your appendages. "

"Are you okay? You seem a bit flushed?" Anders asked.

"Not really the visual I needed to have of my cousin."

"Ah, don't mind the elf. He likes to make an ass of himself all the time," Anders chuckled.

"I'm sure my concern is apparent," Fenris said dryly.

"So will you join me my room?" Isabela asked Charlotte.

"Proceed with caution, men and women have gone to the pirate's room never to be seen again," Varric warned.

"That's because they always stay and beg for more," Isabela winked at Charlie.

Charlie grinned back at her friend, "I'll take my chances. I think I can handle myself."

"Yes, I believe you are the best person to help me in getting in and out of a dress," Isabela purred.

"Watch yourself, wench, you already have laid claim to one member of the Hawke family, no need to be selfish," Anders stated.

"Don't worry so much, I promise not to try and explore her deep roads today. Does that make you feel better?"

"Not really!"

"I'll be back soon. Don't miss me too much," Charlie said and winked at Anders.

Isabela led Charlie up to her room. When they were out of earshot, Isabela hissed, "What the hell was going on between you and Anders?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Oh, don't play coy with me. I'm not as naïve as everyone else at that table. I know hot and bothered girl when I see one, what was Anders doing to you 'cause I want to take notes."

"None of your damn business."

Isabela laughed, "That good, huh? I'll get the mage to tell me."

When they entered the room Carver was already waiting for them.

"So glad you could put down the ale and join me up here," Carver growled.

"Worried about your reputation as a Chantry boy virgin?" Charlie retorted.

"Honey, being seen coming out of my room will only improve your reputation."

"Did you bring my armor and disguise?" Charlie asked.

"No, I'm hanging out in the wench's room cause I really do want to sleep with her," Carver said dryly as he handed her the backpack.

Isabela cocked an eyebrow, "Well that's what you said last night when I found you in my bed, sweet stuff."

Carver turned three shades of red. Charlie's mouth dropped open as she stared at Isabela. "What? You… and my brother!"

"Well, I have to know what it's like to sleep with a Hawke. What if someone presses me for details?"

Charlie shook her head, "Whatever… I really don't want to know. Now Carver, if you could get out so I could get changed."

"A thanks would be nice," Carver grumbled as he headed for the door.

"Thanks!" Charlie and Isabela said in unison. They looked at each other and Charlie gave Isabela a look of disgust. "I believe we are thanking him for completely different things."

Once Carver closed the door, Charlie quickly started to change. She had just slid on her shirt and was pulling up her trousers when a light knock came at the door and as the door began to open, Anders said, "What is taking so long?"

Isabela grabbed Charlie spun her around so that her back was facing the door, grabbed the wig, whipped it off, threw it in the corner and began to passionately kiss Charlie.

"Ooo, sorry… Charlie… when did you get here?"

Keeping her back to the door, Charlie coughed, lowered her voice and said, "Obviously just a few minutes ago if I still have my clothes on."

"Aaah… right… sorry. Where is Charlotte?"

"She had to rush back to the house. My mother needed her help to prepare for her visit to the Viscount. She told me to tell you she is sorry that she didn't have a chance to say good-bye. Now if you'll excuse me, Anders," Charlie said as Isabela ran her hand down and grabbed her bottom. Charlie let out a cry in shock.

"Right," Anders said as he closed the door behind them.

xxXxx

He couldn't believe that after the incredible day they had spent together that she would leave without saying good-bye. Anders sat back down at the table. Had his advances frightened her off? No, that couldn't be it. She was enjoying herself and she wanted him as badly as he wanted her. Justice had been screaming in his head to stop and how inappropriate his behavior had been, but Anders couldn't control himself around her. She caused his head to spin, his body to ache and his soul to soar. Maker, he had only known her for a few hours and she had completely turned his world upside down. He hadn't behaved so boldly with a woman since Amaranthine and it felt good to act like his old self.

As he drank some more ale, Justice was rambling on about distractions, tasteless and unacceptable actions and rude manners. Anders told him to shut the hell up. If he needed a sermon he would visit Sebastian.

"What's taking so long?" Varric asked.

"Isabela is shagging the hell out of Charlie," Anders said soberly. Carver started to choke on his ale.

"In front of Charlotte?" Varric asked.

"Huh?... Oh no, Charlotte's aunt needed her back at the house immediately to help with some preparations for her visit to the Viscount this week," Anders explained.

"Aaah, so does the little mage have his feelings hurt that the beautiful and charming lady didn't say good-bye," Fenris mocked.

"Shut up, Fenris," Anders growled.

Anders sipped his ale and mulled over the events of the afternoon. Charlotte seemed to have been enjoying herself just as much as he had, so even if her aunt needed her, why would she leave without saying good-bye. It just didn't make any sense. Anders recalled the feel of her body pressed against his, his hand shaking as he boldly caressed her breast… Maker, his mouth had watered at the thought of pulling that taut nipple into his mouth and then taking his time as he explored the rest of her body. He had never been so hard in his life, thank the Maker that the table hid his groin or else everyone would have been clued in to what was going on between him and Charlotte. As Anders drained his mug and poured another glass of ale, Charlie slid into the seat beside him.

"That's a great trick Isabela, you take a woman to your room and return with a man. What the hell takes place in that bedroom of yours?" Varric asked.

"Let's just hope she can't change anyone into an animal of some sort. That could be frightening for the other guests of the inn," Merrill stated.

"I have had a few pussy... cats in there from time to time. You're a cat person, Anders. I'm sure you can appreciate that." Isabela replied.

"I love cats, but not in that way," Anders retorted.

"Oooo, I love kitties too. There so soft and huggable… makes you to kiss them," Merrill said.

Isabela gave Anders a roguish grin, "So tell me, Anders, in what way do you love a kitty?"

"I love the fluffy variety… the kind that licks your face if they like you," Anders stated.

"You're avoiding the question, my dear sexy mage. I didn't ask you what type of pussy cat you love, I asked in what way you do you love a kitty cat," Isabela cooed.

"We aren't talking about cats anymore are we," Merrill asked.

"Actually, Daisy, we never were talking about those kinds of kitties," Varric explained.

Anders grinned right back at the pirate wench, "I am not a catch, scratch, thank you Sire Mage kind of guy." Anders leaned in toward Isabela, "I like to take my time… to learn all the right strokes, to acquaint myself completely with what makes the kitty purr. Which touch makes them mew, which caress makes them quiver and which way I rub has them crying for more."

"Oh my," both Isabela and Charlie sighed together.

Anders looked over at Charlie and saw the same desire he saw in Charlotte's eyes, flicker through his and he couldn't help but smile at the knowledge that he had that affect on the two Hawkes that mattered to him. Anders' eyes furrowed as he looked at the rogue's goatee, "Charlie, your goatee is crooked."

"Yes, I know. If that damn brother of mine would stop shaving his legs with my razor, the blade wouldn't be so dull."

"I think you're referring to your own leg hairs, Brother. Come on, show me yours and I'll show you mine."

Charlie glared at Carver, but before he could reply Isabela said, "Boys, this is no time for show and tell, but if you both want to join me in my room later I would be happy to render my judgment."

"I'm not going into your room, I might come back and discover that I'm a woman," Carver retorted.

"You aren't? All this time I thought you were a woman pretending to be a man," Fenris said dryly as Charlie started to choke.

Anders patted him on the back. "Are you okay Charlie?"

Charlie grinned at him as he continued to cough, "Y-yes... I just f-found what Fenris said extremely hilarious."

"Fucking irony... you have to love it," Carver muttered as he gulped down his ale. Realizing his comment had made more than a few eyebrows raise, he stood up a placed a hand on Charlie's shoulder. "Brother, I was told by our mother to bring you home earlier tonight, so let's get moving."

"Since when does Charlie need you to babysit him?" Anders asked.

"I don't need a babysitter so why don't you run along, baby brother, and let the adults enjoy themselves," Charlie snapped.

"Where are the adults? I don't see any."

"Careful who you're calling an adult; I have a reputation to uphold," Isabela chortled.

"Listen, Junior, why don't head home before things are said that both you and Hawke will regret. I will make sure that your brother heads home shortly," Varric said calmly.

"That's if either of you can remember where we live," Carver retorted as he threw on his travel cloak as he headed out the door.

"There's a boy that is in serious need of getting laid," Anders chuckled.

"Are you planning on lending a hand, or any other body-part? Although I don't think it will help; he has to be the most uptight boy I have ever met," Isabela snickered.

"Leave him be! There is a lot that he is dealing with," Charlie said defensively.

"Blood is definitely thicker than water," Varric said as he tipped his glass toward Charlie. Charlie raised his glass toward him. "However, I do sense a story there, my friend. Do tell!"

"Now is not the time…"

"Hawke said dismissively." He grinned.

"Varric, I hate when you do that…"

"Hawke retorted angrily."

"I'm about to run you through with my blade…"

"Hawke purred in the most loving way toward his dear friend."

"I would stop while you still have all of your manly bits," Isabela laughed.

"I have a question for you, Varric, if you had to choose between losing your chest hair and losing your manly bits, which would you hate losing the most?" Anders asked.

"Well, that is a tough question. Bianca is a big fan of the chest hair, but I'm a big fan the family jewels. So Hawke, if you ever feel the need to remove something from my body, then a clean shave it is."

"Just not with my razor," Charlie snickered.

"Remember, Hawke, we're friends. You like me... I keep all of your secrets," Varric leaned forward to whisper to Charlie although Anders was able to pick up what he said. "Even the ones you don't think I know."

Anders watched as Charlie's eyes went wide with shock and then furrowed as he frowned at Varric. What the hell did the dwarf mean by that?

Charlie leaned forward and whispered something that Anders couldn't make out, but the dwarf gave a curt nod of understanding.

Then Charlie smiled that radiant smile that always stopped Anders' heart and said, "I'll come by tomorrow and we can discuss that."

"That's a brilliant idea, Hawke, and I look forward to the discussion."

The mood lightened and the banter continued on for several more hours. Anders was enjoying the time with his friends, but the voice of the Spirit in his head grew louder and louder with each passing minute until the only way to appease it was to say good night and head home.

The following morning, the clinic was packed with patients and Anders worked nonstop as he treated each and every one of them with care and compassion. It had to have been close to noon when Anders finished with his last patient and a messenger rushed in and delivered a message to him.

Anders opened the sealed letter and looked at the signature. It was from Charlotte and he smiled. He admired the handwriting; it was so eloquent. Completely unlike Charlie's whose script was barely legible.

Dear Anders,

First I need to apologize for my abrupt departure last night. My aunt insisted that I return immediately and I feared that if I returned to the table, your lovely company would halt my exit. I hope that you can forgive me and please know that leaving your side was the last thing I wanted to do.

I also wanted to let you know what a wonderful time I had with you yesterday. You are as charming as Charlie described and even more handsome than what he depicted. I am glad that we had a chance to meet and spend the day together. My time here in Kirkwall is short and most of it will be spent helping my Aunt get ready for her visit with the Viscount. If I don't get a chance to see you before I have to head back to Ferelden, please know that the best day of my life was spent by your side. I will look back on yesterday with great fondness and dream about what could have been if we had met at a different place and time.

With all of my heart,

Charlotte

Anders grabbed his staff and headed for Hawke's house as Justice roared in his head about what a huge mistake this was. Once again, he ignored the spirit. He had just met her, but was drawn to her even more than he had been drawn to Charlie. It was unexplainable, but he couldn't let her go, he wouldn't her go. There was no way Anders was about to let that woman walk out of his life.

A/N- I wanted to thank everyone for your reviews and for adding this story to your alert and favs list. The response has been awesome and I appreciate your support. I always try to respond to review posts, but I have been out of town for a few days so if I missed someone, I apologize and please know that I am grateful for you taking the time to read and review.

*I also want to thank my fantabulous beta, Jinxy, for her rad, mad beta-ing skills, for her support and for being such great sounding board. I appreciate your help turning my ramblings into cohesive sentences. You rock!