Disclaimer: Dragon Age Origins/Awakening belongs to Bioware and EA Games

AN: This chapter originally did not have a prompt…and then I saw the word 'infatuation'…so, this came about. It's set when Alistair, Gwen, Morrigan and Gwen's mabari, Zephyr, first arrive in Lothering. I know that in the game, the dog is a male, but in this, Zephyr is female.

Setting: While in Lothering, Gwen meets a future Champion…

Mages and Templars and Wardens Oh My!

Chapter 6 – Pretty as a painting…

Gwendolynne Surana was not one happy elf. Morrigan refused to see if there was room at the inn and stayed in the camp they set up just on the outskirts of the town. The witch had decided that she would rather stay and sulk in the camp while the two Wardens tried to gather information and decide what to do next. It was bad enough when Loghain's men attacked Alistair and her, but then that crazy Chantry sister decided to attach herself to them. She claimed that the Maker sent her a vision.

The elf groaned as she sat down on a rock, log, or something in front of the inn. She rubbed her temples in order to stop the headache that was starting to pound her poor brain. Alistair had tried to get the mage in some sort of conversation but he kept on tripping over his own tongue. After getting frustrated too many times, the ex-Templar stormed off to the Chanter's Board to see if there was anything worth doing. They needed money and that was the quickest way to earn it.

Gwen heard a shuffling sound and felt something poke her leg. She looked down and noticed that a beautiful dark brown mabari was staring at her with soulful eyes. She smiled at the creature and scratched it behind the ears.

"Aren't you a lovely mabari, yes you are," she said in a childish voice. "I have a mabari too. Her name is Zephyr because she runs like the wind." She chuckled a little more when the dog laid his huge head on her lap.

"It looks like Piddles likes you," a male voice said, amusement evident in his voice. The Warden glanced up and saw a rather tall man wearing a leather outfit that looked more like one a rogue would wear. However, she felt the magic coming off of him strongly.

"Why would you name a noble beast 'Piddles'?" she asked, tilting her head to one side, the action causing the man to smile even more.

"When he imprinted on me as a pup, we took him inside the house. Mother wasn't exactly pleased when he piddled right in the middle of the kitchen floor. My sister said 'PIDDLES' and the dog wouldn't answer to any other name but that."

Another mabari came bounding over to the elf and bowled her over as it licked her mistress' face enthusiastically. Gwen laughed as she tried to push the dog away. "Zephyr! That's enough! I don't need to get my face washed again."

Zephyr gave her mistress a doggy grin before turning her attention to the other mabari. She sniffed at him and barked, her little rear end shaking with excitement. Piddles was doing the same and he looked up at his master.

"Go on Piddles, you don't get to play enough."

Both dogs barked and ran off, playing with each other. Gwen smiled softly as her dog went to play. "She doesn't get to play that much since…"

"You're a Grey Warden," the man stated calmly. He held up his hands when he noticed a faint glow around the elf's hands. "Hey, I'm on your side sweetness. I don't believe what those arsehole soldiers said about you. I was taught respect for the Wardens from my father."

Gwen shook her head and stood up, not very tall for an elf. She then glared at the man. "Don't call me sweetness," she practically growled out. She finally took a closer look at him. He had messy dark brown hair, a little soul patch under his bottom lip, and a five o'clock shadow on his chin and cheeks. His emerald eyes appeared to catch the light of the sun to make them look like gems.

The man laughed as he caught Gwen staring at him. "Yes, I know I'm a catch," he began arrogantly, "but I don't kiss on the first date."

"Jerk," the elf hissed and crossed her arms petulantly.

"How about I introduce myself?" he asked, not caring one bit if the elf was going to answer. He then leaned down and whispered in Gwen's ear, surprising her. "I'm Shannen Hawke and an apostate mage. I'm sure that you won't turn me in. An elf as gorgeous as yourself would have to know magic. You put a spell on me…"

"For MAKER'S SAKE!" Gwen shouted, pushing Shannen away. "You're just as bad as Anders!" She turn around and stomped her way back to the Inn.

Shannen watched the young mage, a grin shining on his face. "I just know I'll see you again someday," he said to no one in particular. "You are definitely pretty as a painting…"

AN: I do apologize for the lack up updates for more than a year. Real life caught up to me. Anyway, I finally introduced Shannen Hawke. He is quite the character and he has a thing for female elves…XD However, I don't think this chapter is as funny as I wanted it to be. Oh well. *shrugs*